English Language International Accounting Certification in the CIS, Eastern and Central Europe

Abstract

Although each of the countries of the former Soviet Union (CIS), as well as the transition economies in Eastern and Central Europe all have their own national accounting and auditing certifications, their certifications lack credibility in international capital markets, not to mention at home. International investors do not place much confidence in their certifications because they are not familiar with them and because they have neither the time nor the inclination to become familiar with them. Their quality is also suspect, since many of them do not meet the standards of certifications in the more advanced market economies. The market is attempting to fill this vacuum by introducing accounting certifications that have already stood the test of time. The most popular international certification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Until a few years ago, this certification was the only truly international certification. However, in recent years a few other certifications have started to become internationally recognized. This paper discusses the reasons for the popularity of international certifications, the reasons why resistance to them has been encountered, and reports on the status of the various internationally recognized accounting certifications in the former Soviet Union (CIS), Eastern and Central Europe.

Keywords: accounting certification, CIS, Eastern Europe, Central Europe, ACCA, CMA, CFM, professional certification, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova

JEL Classification: I20, J44, M49, P20