Veranda Learning, NSDC, and IAB Join Forces to Launch Certified International Accounting Professional Program

CHENNAI, 29TH NOVEMBER 2024: Veranda Learning Solutions Limited, a listed enterprise offering end-to-end education solutions, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB), UK, to roll out the Certified International Accounting Professional (CIAP) program in India. Much like how IT redefined career paths in the 2000s, the CIAP program is set to become the must-have credential for commerce students in the decade ahead.

This six-month program will equip students with globally recognized accounting and bookkeeping skills, aligning them with the surging demand in the Outsourced Accounting Services (OAS) sector. With the Finance and Accounting Business Process Outsourcing (F&A BPO) market projected to hit $134.65 billion by 2032, the CIAP program promises to be the gateway to lucrative and future-ready careers.

Why CIAP program Is a Career Game Changer

Positioned as the program every commerce student must pursue, CIAP is an initiative that will redefine careers in the OAS sector. Its curriculum, developed in collaboration with the IAB, leverages over 100 years of expertise in professional accounting certifications. Complementing this is Veranda Learning’s unmatched experience in training commerce students through its premier brands—JK Shah Classes, Logic School of Management, and Tapasya College of Commerce and Management. With over seven decades of collective expertise and training nearly 1 lakh students in the commerce segment annually, Veranda will ensure the program is backed by its legacy of educational excellence. Veranda Learning serves as the implementation partner, delivering state-of-the-art training infrastructure and comprehensive student support.

The CIAP program provides practical, job-ready skills aligned with global standards, giving students a competitive edge in an industry poised for explosive growth. NSDC supports this initiative by connecting students with financial partners, offering accessible loans to make the program attainable for all.

India: A Global Outsourcing Powerhouse

India’s growing dominance in global outsourcing is evident from the recently released “India GCC Landscape Report – The 5 Year Journey” by Nasscom and Zinnov. With over 1,700 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and 2,975 centres generating $64.6 billion in revenue in FY2024, the sector employs 1.9 million professionals. Expanding into Tier-2 cities like Pune and Coimbatore, GCCs are creating new opportunities beyond metropolitan hubs. The CIAP program addresses the skills gap in the finance and accounting sector, preparing students to excel in this thriving global market.

Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and Managing Director, NSDC International, remarked, “The CIAP program represents a significant step in addressing the skills gap in India’s accounting and finance sector. By collaborating with Veranda Learning and the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers, we are not only equipping students with globally recognized qualifications but also empowering them to seize lucrative career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. Our commitment at NSDC is to ensure that this program is accessible to all aspiring professionals, fostering a diverse talent pool ready to meet the demands of the global market. Together, we are shaping a future where skilled individuals drive innovation and economic growth in India.”

Ms. Sarah Palmer, CEO, IAB, said, “We are delighted to partner with Veranda Learning and NSDC to introduce the CIAP program in India. This initiative highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality, internationally recognized qualifications that cater to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the finance and accounting sectors globally.”

Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director and Chairman, Veranda Learning Solutions, added, “This collaboration unites Veranda’s educational expertise, NSDC’s nationwide bandwidth, and IAB’s international proficiency to deliver transformative learning. By 2025, it’s anticipated that 320 new GCCs would have opened in India, as many businesses open their first global centres outside of their home countries. Currently, India is expected to add 115 new GCCs every year, a huge rise from the current rate of 70 per year. This program, in a nutshell, provides students with the skills, opportunities, and global exposure needed to thrive in high-growth sectors.”