KPMG in The Bahamas has become the most recent addition to the [ACCA](http://www.accaglobal.com) (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Approved Employer Programme, and one of the first companies in The Bahamas to attain approval for the Professional Development stream. By joining this elite group, KPMG in The Bahamas has proven that its learning and development systems meet global best practice, and that it supports and provides for the continuing professional development needs of its staff. The Bahamas office will now gain access to specialised services and knowledge through ACCA’s various products, specifically customised for approved employers.

Tracy Knowles, Senior Partner, says *“This is a major accomplishment for the Firm, one which we are extremely proud of. At KPMG in The Bahamas, our aim is to sustain our competitive advantage by recruiting and retaining the best talent locally and overseas and remaining an Employer of Choice. The Firm thrives on providing continuous learning and development opportunities to our staff, while simultaneously implementing best practice initiatives in our strategic and operational management of the Firm.”*

Paula Marcelle-Irish, Manager-ACCA Northern Caribbean, adds “*It was a pleasure to have collaborated with KPMG in The Bahamas on the Approved Employer process. From the beginning, a detailed assessment of KPMG’s learning and development systems indicated that they were well structured to successfully provide for the professional development needs of its staff. It is also of major significance that they are the first firm in The Bahamas to receive this recognition and we warmly congratulate them on such an achievement.”*

The ACCA approved Employer programme can be used to compare and certify the training policies and procedures of organisations, against ACCA’s global best practice standards, providing independent assurance for their learning systems. ACCA’s Approved Employer programme continues to grow and now has more than 8000 Approved Employers worldwide.

ACCA is the global body for professional accountants, and aims to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world, who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.