Print version Recommend this page Press release
46/ 2007
Bonn, 22.11.2007
Financial accountant - More than just checking numbers!
The world of annual financial statements and balance sheets has changed not only due to the advent of modern computer technologies. Business is increasingly global in its scope, balance sheets must comply with international business and tax law - and last but not least, financial accountants - being specialists in cost accounting - are increasingly being integrated into management functions in their companies due to the growing importance of their work. In light of this, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has revised the regulations governing the advanced vocational training for the occupation Certified Financial Accountant. These national regulations had been in place since the year 1990. The revised version went into effect in November. More than 8,000 persons currently take the state examination for this occupation every year.
What is new?
- The subject "Drawing up financial statements in accordance with international standards" was added to the revised regulations. It augments the national aspects of this occupation and is divided into two parts: fundamentals and a main section. The fundamentals section became binding with immediate effect. The main section will be binding starting in 2011.
- The new regulations divide the examination into three sequential parts. The requirements for admission to the examination were brought into line with today's standards. They were modified to allow university graduates to also sit the exam. This approach was taken with the aim of increasing the number of persons who pass the exam.
- "Organizational and management functions" was added as an optional competence. This area basically includes organizational and human resources development, moderating, communication and conflict management. This was done to meet the growing demand for financial accountants with wide-ranging occupational competence.
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training develops advanced training regulations upon instruction from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and in collaboration with experts from day-to-day practice in actual enterprises. These experts are designated by the umbrella organizations for the respective employer and employee organizations.
The refining and progressive development of the advanced training regulations is one of the main tasks of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training - alongside the revision and updating of the some 350 occupations that require completion of formal vocational training in Germany's 'dual' vocational training system which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience. For example, BIBB has developed or updated more than 50 advanced training regulations in recent years.
Points of contact at BIBB for further information:
- Herbert Tutschner, Tel.: +49 (0) 228 / 107-2621, E-mail: tutschner@bibb.de
- Dr Ulrich Blötz, Tel.: +49 (0) 228 / 107-2619, E-mail: bloetz@bibb.de
