Become An ANAN-Certified Professional Accountant (2024 Guide)

Hello there! Let’s explore how to become an ANAN-certified professional accountant.

In Nigeria, one way to become a certified professional accountant is to register with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN.

Many people, especially those working in the civil service, prefer the ANAN pathway to becoming certified accountants. One reason is that ANAN has a certified training school.

The school, known as The Nigerian College of Accountancy, is a graduate-level school where registered students are taught the whole regiment of what it takes to become an international and reputable accountant.

Admitted students must pass the professional exams after nine months of intensive college study before they are inducted as ANAN members.

Brief history of ANAN

ANAN is a professional accounting body established by the Act of Parliament No. 76 of 1993. It aims to promote the highest standards of competence, ethics, and integrity among accountants in Nigeria. ANAN certification is recognized nationally and internationally, making it a valuable credential for those seeking to advance their careers in accounting.

The Nigerian College of Accountancy is the training arm of ANAN.

Though the college started operations in 1984 in Plateau, it actually became a nationally recognized accounting professional institution/body in 1993.

That was the year the ANAN Act was signed into law by the Federal Government.

Until quite recently, the college operated from its temporary site in Jos. But it has now moved most of its operations to its permanent site in Bassa Local Government Area, about an hour’s drive from Jos.

The permanent site is a huge modern complex with all the necessary facilities for students. There are lecture halls, sporting facilities, hostel accommodations, administrative offices, business centers, a post office, and shopping malls, among other things.

At full capacity, 4000 aspiring certified accountants should be able to comfortably study there.

Benefits of ANAN Certification

1. Professional Recognition: ANAN certification is widely recognized and respected in the accounting profession.
2. Career Advancement: Certified accountants often have better job prospects and higher earning potential.
3. Continuous Learning: ANAN provides ongoing professional development opportunities to keep members updated with the latest industry practices.
4. Networking Opportunities: Membership in ANAN offers access to a network of professionals and industry events.

Prerequisites for ANN Certification

To enroll in the ANAN program, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a B.Sc. in Accounting from an accredited Nigerian university or an approved university abroad is acceptable. Alternatively, an HND in Accounting from an approved polytechnic is also acceptable.
• Allied Courses: Graduates with degrees in related fields such as Economics, Business Administration, Management, and Banking and Finance can apply but must complete a conversion program before starting the professional exams.

How to become an ANAN-certified accountant

These are the stages involved:

• Register as a student at the college and pass the professional exams (minimum of 9 months)
• Two years mandatory accountant in training ( AIT program)
• Induction as an ANAN member

So, the minimum number of years it takes to become a qualified accountant in Nigeria certified by ANAN is three.

However, after being inducted, members must attend mandatory training annually.

Known as Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD), the training is meant to update members with new innovations and practices in the Accounting profession.

Registration Process:

Here is a summary of the registration process:

1. Application Form: Obtain the application form from the Nigerian College of Accountancy (NCA) in Kwall, near Jos, or from the ANAN National Secretariat in Lagos.
2. Submit Documents: Submit the completed application form along with your educational certificates and other required documents.
3. Pay Fees: Pay the admission form fee (₦10,000) and other applicable fees.
4. Receive Confirmation: Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation of your registration.

Eligibility:

1. Candidates must have a first degree, B.Sc, in accounting from an accredited Nigerian University or any approved University abroad.
2. HND graduates from any approved Polytechnic in Nigeria are also eligible to apply
3. B.Sc/HND graduates from allied courses can apply. However, they would be admitted into the conversion program before starting the professional exams.
4. Allied courses include Economics, Business Administration, Management, and Banking and finance.

Application Procedure:

All applicants who meet the entry requirements should get the application form from the College of Accountancy, Kwall in Bassa LGA, near Jos.

Intending candidates can also direct their inquiries to the National Secretariat of ANAN at 250 Harbert Macauley Street, Yaba, Lagos. The ANAN Liason office in Abuja is also available to attend to candidates

There are also study centers/campuses in some cities where one can obtain the application form. The cities are Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri, Awka, and Uyo.

However, the best place for those not close to any ANAN office is to apply online.

The application fee, which is subject to change, is currently N10,000. It is to be paid in cash or bank draft made payable to Nigeria College of Accountancy, Jos.

After paying and obtaining the application form, fill it out and return it to the Nigerian College of Accountancy, Jos. The application form should be sent together with a self-addressed envelope with a stamp affixed to it.

All other requirements for submission would be listed on the application form.

Fees

After your application has been accepted, you will receive instructions on how to register as a student, including the schedule of school fees.

Fees are paid in full by bank draft or online before the start of the academic session.

Training and Examination

The ANAN certification process involves the following stages:

1. Professional Exams: Enroll in the Nigerian College of Accountancy (NCA) for a nine-month intensive full-time professional education, training, and examination program. The curriculum covers various accounting topics, including financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, and auditing.
2. Accountant-in-Training (AIT) Program: After passing the professional exams, you must complete a two-year mandatory AIT program. This involves practical training under the supervision of a practicing member of ANAN or an approved professional in government, industry, commerce, or academia.
3. Induction: Upon successful completion of the AIT program, you will be inducted as a member of ANAN. This induction marks your official recognition as a Certified National Accountant (CNA)

Conversion program

This program is specifically for students who are not graduates of accounting but have degrees or higher diplomas in allied courses. This is to prepare such students for the professional exams.

Students admitted under the conversion scheme would be full-time students, and it is for a minimum of nine months.

At the end of the nine months, conversion students are expected to write and pass eight courses. Any failed course will be subject to resit exams.

Academic structure of the college

Full-time students admitted to the college are expected to attend lectures from Monday to Friday at the college campus.

Lectures are between 8 am and 5 pm every day

Matured Students Programs

Gainfully employed people can use this pathway to become ANAN members. The program is flexible and considers the student’s working schedule.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar of the college is nine months, from September to May/June of the following year.

Accountant in Training (AIT) Program

The Accountant in Training program is the next stage to becoming a certified accountant with ANAN.

It is a mandatory two-year program in which students are expected to get practical experience in an accounting firm or institution. It is similar to an internship, except that one can choose to work in the public or private sector.

Those opting to do their AIT program in the private sector are advised to do it in the offices of an ANAN-certified accountant.

However, students may apply for an exemption from the AIT Program if they have about 3 years of post-NYSC experience in an accounting firm. However, they must have held a senior accounting position for that number of years to qualify for the exemption.

Professional Membership

After the mandatory two-year AIT program, students can now apply to become full professional members of ANAN.

As a qualified professional member, you are now entitled to use the CNA ( Certified National Accountant) initials after your name. Also, with your professional license, you can also establish your own accounting firm and bid for auditing jobs in the biggest firms and government agencies.

Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD)

This is a compulsory program designed by ANAN to ensure members are up to speed on best accounting practices.

It is a 5-day annual event, and ANAN members are required to register and pay the stipulated fee. However, ANAN members are only required to attend the program in a zone close to them.

There are six zones around the country.

Once you become an ANAN member, you will receive all the information required for the MCPD program.

You can download the prospectus and examination syllabus of the Nigerian College of Accountancy here.

Career Opportunities

With an ANAN certification, you can pursue various career paths, including:

• Financial Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Auditor
• Tax Consultant
• Financial Analyst

Conclusion

Becoming an ANAN-certified professional accountant is a rewarding journey that offers numerous career opportunities. By following this guide and dedicating yourself to your studies and practical experience, you can achieve your goal of becoming a recognized professional accountant in Nigeria.

Start your journey today and take the first step towards a successful career in accounting.

For questions and enquiries, please do well to connect with us via the comment section below.

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