CPD case study

Meet Simone

Simone Schirling qualified as an ICAEW member in the early 1980s. She has had a varied career with finance roles within industry and practice.

Three years ago, Simone decided to step down from her role as audit manager to become an holistic therapist. She has not worked in a  paid finance or accountancy role since that time. However, during the past 12 months Simone took on a voluntary role with a local drama group.

The drama group is registered as a community society. The society’s treasurer prepares accounts annually and obtains an independent accountant’s report to confirm the accuracy of the financial statements. Simone will prepare the accountant’s report this year following retirement of the current incumbent.

Simone's CPD requirements

Simone uses ICAEW's CPD self-assessment tool to identify whether she is exempt from the CPD Regulations. Simone’s work as a holistic therapist is not accountancy and finance related, however, as she is engaged in an accountancy and finance related role during the year in a voluntary capacity she is affected by the regulations.

As Simone’s only accountancy or finance work is on a voluntary basis, and she is not in a senior finance/executive role at a charity or a trustee of a charity, she is not required to undertake a minimum number of hours of CPD. The regulations state that she must reflect on her professional development needs to fulfil her voluntary role and to undertake training as necessary.

Reflecting on her professional development needs, Simone identified the need to maintain her knowledge of ethics (including independence, competence and due care).  

Simone's CPD activities

Simone completes the first module of ICAEW's ethics CPD course.