<P> The ICAEW has two offices in the United Kingdom; the main one is in Moorgate, London and the other in Central Milton Keynes, in the newly - built Hub: MK complex . It also has offices in Belgium (Europe Region), China (Greater China Region), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (Middle East, Africa and South East Asia Region). </P> <P> Until the mid-nineteenth century the role of accountants in England and Wales was restricted to that of bookkeepers in that accountants merely maintained records of what other business people had purchased and sold . However, with the growth of the limited liability company and large scale manufacturing and logistic in Victorian Britain a demand was created for more technically proficient accountants to deal with the increasing complexity of accounting transactions dealing with depreciation of assets, inventory valuation and the Companies legislation being introduced . </P> <P> To improve their status and combat criticism of low standards, accountants in the cities of Britain formed professional bodies . The ICAEW was formed from the five of these associations that existed in England prior to its establishment by Royal Charter in May 1880 . </P> <Ol> <Li> The Incorporated Society of Liverpool Accountants, formed in January 1870; </Li> <Li> The Institute of Accountants in London was formed in November 1870, comprising 37 members under the leadership of William Quilter . In 1871, standards for membership were established with new members having to show knowledge and aptitude through successfully passing an oral examination . Initially the London Institute restricted its membership to that city, but as other institutes were established elsewhere (for example, in Manchester and Sheffield) it was decided to remove this restriction and as such in 1872 it simply became known as the Institute of Accountants to reflect its new national coverage; </Li> <Li> The Manchester Institute of Accountants, formed in February 1871; </Li> <Li> The Society of Accountants in England (1872); </Li> <Li> The Sheffield Institute of Accountants (1877). </Li> </Ol>

Institute of chartered accountants of england and wales syllabus