related documents
Complaints
Members of ACCA are required to observe proper standards of professional conduct.
ACCA will take disciplinary action against its members, firms and registered students where there is evidence of a sufficiently serious failure to observe those standards. In addition, certain non-members (such as partners in mixed practices) expressly agree to be bound by and be subject to ACCA's disciplinary regime and consequently may also be disciplined.
Not all errors made by accountants automatically attract disciplinary action. If a member has given advice which in hindsight turns out to have been flawed, and as a result of which loss has been suffered, this is primarily a matter for the firm's professional indemnity insurers. However, disciplinary action may be appropriate if errors are of such frequency or magnitude as to signify a lack of professional competence. Whether you should make a claim against the firm's insurance policy is a matter for discussion with your legal representative.
Making a complaint against a member is not a substitute for seeking damages or other redress through the courts. Therefore, whilst ACCA members or firms may be ordered to pay compensation if a complaint against them is found proved, the maximum sum payable is £5,000. ACCA itself cannot provide compensation for any loss suffered, unless the claim falls within the scope of its Financial Services Compensation Scheme. This may apply where a firm which was authorised to conduct 'investment business' by ACCA, has gone out of business and may cover certain outstanding liabilities incurred in respect of investment business. Further details will be provided on request and can be obtained by referring to our page on Compensation Claims.
ACCA cannot intervene in fee-related disputes as it considers that the courts are the proper forum for such matters. ACCA cannot advise on what is a reasonable sum for work done. The professional conduct department can, however, advise on whether members have complied with ACCA's professional conduct regulations relating to fees.
ACCA's Disciplinary Committee hearings are generally conducted in public, meaning that anyone may attend, including you, the member and the press. Furthermore, once ACCA has received a complaint, it may decide to proceed with its investigation, despite a later request by you that it may be withdrawn.