You can be an accountant if you are bankrupt - will people stop saying you can't. None of the bodies have an automtic bar to being a bankrupt accountant.
Its because of misconceptions and prejudices such as this that people don't disclose it unless they have to.
ACCA:
graduate.accaglobal.com/content/dam/ACCA_Global/Technical/fin/financial-difficulties-2013.pdf
If a member notifies ACCA that (s)he has been declared bankrupt, it will then be necessary to show the
Committee that (s)he remains eligible for continued membership.
In making the decision whether to allow the individual to remain a member, or be readmitted to membership, the
Committee will consider the following;
• Does the member’s record at ACCA show any current or historical complaints or disciplinary findings?
• Is the individual eligible in accordance with relevant regulations, satisfying the relevant factors regarding
character and suitability?
• Do the circumstances that led to the bankruptcy appear to be an isolated incident, not deliberate or
reckless?
• Is there evidence that the individual understands and appreciates the causes of the bankruptcy?
• Is there written confirmation from the trustee in bankruptcy or official receiver to show that the individual
has co-operated with the bankruptcy process?
If the Committee has positive responses to these considerations, or even to most of them, the member will
almost certainly be able to retain his/her membership.
Therefore, an ACCA member will not necessarily be excluded
CIMA:
www.cimaglobal.com/Members/Your-Membership-Information/Members-handbook/Conduct-and-oversight/
Bankruptcy does not automatically affect your membership or student registration. A member or student who is declared bankrupt is required however to notify the Institute, and should continue to act professionally within the Laws of the Institute, including the Code of Ethics. Declarations will be assessed on a case by case basis and CIMA will request further information from you once we have received your initial declaration.
ICEAW: Who seem to be the strictest
www.icaew.com/membership/support-throughout-your-career/support-members-scheme/information-sheets/chartered-accountants-in-financial-difficulty
In addition you would automatically lose your membership of ICAEW. For this reason you should always stress to any insolvency practitioner the additional adverse consequences of bankruptcy to you as a chartered accountant.
If bankruptcy cannot be avoided you can normally expect to be made bankrupt for one year. Any debts still unpaid by the end of that period would be written off (subject to your assets being realised) and you would be discharged from bankruptcy. After that time you could re-apply for membership of ICAEW although members should be aware that this is not always granted and strict criteria apply.
Although there is no prohibition on you being employed in an accountancy role during your bankruptcy you may find that some employers are reluctant to take you on. In particular accountants in practice may be concerned that this could have an adverse effect on their status. In such circumstances it may be worth suggesting that the practising accountant seeks advice from their own professional body.
CIPFA:
www.cipfa.org/~/media/files/membership/conduct%20and%20ethics/updated%20guides%20as%20at%2030%20april%202015/guidance-re-bankruptcy-and-ivas-april-2015.pdf?la=en
CIPFA is aware that the financial and other circumstances experienced by
members and the actions of each member in the face of those circumstances will
be different. It, therefore, ensures that each case is assessed individually before
any determination is reached on its impact on a member’s suitability for
membership. Thus the existence of a bankruptcy or arrangement or composition
with creditors generally should not, in itself, be considered a bar to membership
of CIPFA.