IFAC membership is a globally recognized hallmark of a high-quality professional accountancy organization (PAO). IFAC membership makes it clear to public and private sector organizations locally, regionally, and internationally that your PAO has credibility, capacity and relevance.
Because our requirements include adopting international standards adoption and supporting implementation, IFAC membership also demonstrates a PAO’s expertise in and commitment to international standards, best practices, and serving the public interest.
Our members are our most important stakeholders and constituents. They guide our strategic direction, steer our agenda, and contribute thought leadership and resources to support the entire global profession.
Our membership comprises 180 member organizations in more than 135 jurisdictions—representing more than 3 million professional accountants worldwide.
Value of Membership
Our member organizations help shape the voice of the global profession and set its focus and direction. They also join the global conversation on crucial issues, contributing necessary local and regional perspectives to global debates and the international standard-setting processes.
As part of the IFAC network, our member organizations gain access to expertise, resources, and support that helps them strengthen the services provided to their membership.
Our membership requirements include supporting international standards’ adoption and implementation, as well as quality assurance and investigation and discipline systems. Our Statements of Membership Obligations serve as a global framework for credible and high-quality professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) focused on serving the public interest. IFAC welcomes professional accountancy organizations that are committed to our mission.
IFAC members are required to:
- Support our mission;
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to our Statements of Membership Obligations;
- Be financially and operationally viable, and have an appropriate governance structure;
- Make financial contributions to IFAC; and
- Meet the other criteria described in the IFAC Constitution and the IFAC Bylaws.
PAOs are usually admitted as an IFAC associate and progress to member status.
IFAC's Statements of Membership Obligations are now available in a digital platform. The platform provides a unique, central access point to the SMOs, and the many SMO-related resources that have been developed in multiple languages over 20 years.
Becoming a Member
IFAC membership is only open to professional accountancy organizations. IFAC guides candidates through the admission process with the advice and oversight of the IFAC Board and its Membership Committee. The process includes:
- An initial expression of interest by the PAO and establishing an ongoing dialogue with IFAC (contact membership@ifac.org);
- Developing an understanding of IFAC admission criteria and member requirements;
- Completing an initial Action Plan with guidance from IFAC;
- Seeking sponsorship from an existing IFAC member in good standing;
- Submitting application materials, sponsor’s report, and an application fee;
- IFAC’s assessment; and
- Consideration of the application by the IFAC Board and its Membership Committee followed by a vote by the IFAC Council.
For detailed information on the admission process, please see the IFAC Membership Admission Criteria and Process.
Member Compliance Program
IFAC member organizations participate in our Member Compliance Program. The Program helps member organizations understand and follow clear guidelines and benchmarks to ensure high-quality performance and champion international standards’ adoption and implementation. It also supports continual improvements in development areas.
The Compliance Program operates in accordance with agreed upon due process and working procedures. It is overseen by IFAC Board.
The Compliance Program’s two principal outputs are member-produced status updates and IFAC-produced assessments that highlight adoption and implementation advancements, challenges, and opportunities for further collaboration and partnerships. These updates and assessments power IFAC’s ability to report on the global status of international standards.
Learn about international standards’ adoption status and how IFAC member organizations support adoption and implementation by visiting our global impact map.
Affiliates
IFAC also has Affiliates, organizations that do not meet Associate admission criteria but are involved in the development of the accountancy profession.
IFAC Network Partners
The breadth of IFAC’s work would not be possible without the valuable support of its global network. Alongside member organizations, the Forum of Firms, and development partners, IFAC Network Partners are key to successfully achieving IFAC’s strategy.
IFAC Network Partners include, but are not limited to, groupings of professional accountancy organizations united around commonalities, such as culture, language, proximity, trade, etc. Each grouping has a unique history, undertakes specific activities to serve its members, and plays a valuable role supporting the development of the accountancy profession, facilitating the adoption and implementation of international standards, and providing leadership on matters affecting the profession.
The criteria under which an IFAC Network Partner may be recognized by IFAC and the obligations for that organization are set forth in the Policy Statement—IFAC Network Partners.
Professional Accountancy Organizations
* Regional organizations
Other IFAC Network Partners
MOSAIC
MOSAIC (Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Accountancy and Improve Collaboration) is a historic agreement that sets out the basis for improving cooperation and collaboration between IFAC, international donors, and the international development community. With 13 signatories, it provides the foundation for an aligned approach to increase the capacity of professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) and improve the quality of public and private sector accountancy and financial management. Ultimately, this will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of donor assistance, contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction.
MOSAIC Signatories
