Those who want to progress beyond technician status could opt to pursue chartered, certified or management accountancy courses.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | University 'not the only option'

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants said the accountancy profession, praised in the report for its encouragement of non-graduates, was willing to share best practice with other professions about how to offer "flexible routes" to getting qualifications.

BBC: UK Politics

Nationally, 59% of councils have accepted the government's offer of a grant in return for a freeze in council tax, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

BBC: Lincoln City Hall

Mr Glasenberg is a Chartered Accountant of South Africa and holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Witwatersrand.

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