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Economy

New Director of Education vows to take Institute to the next level

Written by Gary Howes
Monday, 21 July 2008
Heather Venis has been appointed the Director of Education for the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA). She brings over 20 years experience in education and training and a development background in building innovative qualifications and training products in business and management, audit and accountancy. "I am looking forward to working in an organisation that’s approachable and keen to support its students," said Heather Venis. "The Institute aims to be complimentary to Chartered Accountancy qualifications, but has its own niche in providing a variety of quality qualifications at a range of levels for the SME market. I will be working with my team to ensure that the commitment of exceptional value to SMEs continues." Heather has an impressive background – she led qualification developments for management, audit and accountancy bodies for Institute of Internal Auditors & ACCA. She was recently on IFAC task force to develop guidance on IES 5 (International Education Standard on Practical Experience), and she helped achieve qualification accreditations with QCA and HETAC (latter is Irish Body) ‘This is great step for the Institute’, said David Woodgate, Chief Executive of the Institute of Financial Accountants. ‘Heather will be a fantastic asset, her experience, background and wealth of knowledge will support and build on the IFA’s standing within the profession. One of her main tasks is to focus on the use of online and new technologies for learning & development to support our students’, he added. ‘The Institute is increasingly on the accountancy professions consciousness as offering something different, that will continue as my emphasis will be on a flexible, practical and cost-effective qualification and training developments that deliver quality and value for students, and provide what employers are looking for, said Heather.