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If
your question is not answered here, please contact:
Richard Purcell, CA • AAA
(Americas, Asia and Australia) Administrator
Purcell@integra-international.net
• 1-604-817-1500
• 1-877-588-5899 (North America Toll Free)
or
Susanne
Martius
• EMEIA (Europe, Middle East,
India and Africa) Administrator
Martius@integra-international.net
• +49
308 938 89-0
How large is Integra?
Integra International ® continues to grow. Click here
to see details of our membership numbers Integra
International - Membership Info.
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How old is the association and how did it develop?
Integra began as two completely autonomous groups unbeknownst
to each other – one in Europe and the other in North
America. The motivation for its inception was the need for
local accounting firms to provide an alternative to the
big 4 as their clients grew in the expanding international
world of commerce. In addition, independent practitioners
needed a forum to discuss their operations in a noncompetitive
arena. However, most existing associations already had member
firms in the major business centers, thus colleagues started
contacting friends who contacted other friends until a nucleus
was formed and an organizational meeting was held.
The
European and North American groups heard of one another
at similar stages of development. They decided to explore
cooperation and eventually formal links. Both associations
agreed in 1996 to adopt the same name and the Atlantic Ocean
was spanned. The group has continued to expand with members
in South America, Asia, India, Africa and Australia/New
Zealand, as the need for a more global business vision and
environment continues to grow.
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What does it cost to join?
A one time membership fee applies as follows;
• AAA section: USD $1,000.
• EMEIA section: EURO €1,500.
• In countries with developing economies or economic
turmoil, a reduction in the entrance fee is available.
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What are the annual dues?
• AAA section: USD $4,000 (billed in advance each January
and June; prorated upon initial membership).
• EMEIA section: EURO €2,000 (billed in advance
each January).
• In countries with developing economies or economic
turmoil, a reduction in the dues is available.
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What are the requirements to be a member?
• Each firm must have at least 6 professionals (North
America only) wherever possible. Some market areas have
either only smaller firms or the big 4, in which case exceptions
are made. Member firms generally do not exceed 150 employees,
most are about 30 employees.
• Each firm must agree to actively participate in the
association by attending at least one conference each year
and by responding promptly to any requests from other members.
• Each firm must pay the annual dues on time.
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Does Integra conduct peer reviews?
Many of our members are registered as qualified peer reviewers
in the USA. It is permissible to have one Integra member
review another but it is not mandatory.
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How does Integra ensure only quality firms are allowed
to join?
Upon receipt of an application form, the executive committee
assigns an existing member the responsibility of performing
a due diligence review which includes a visit to the applicant's
office, interviews with the partners, and a review of a
sample of working paper files. Upon completion of the due
diligence, the responsible member reports his findings and
makes his recommendation to the executive committee.
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Does Integra provide any training?
Formal professional development remains the responsibility
of each firm. All members are encouraged to meet the standards
of their respective governing body. At each conference a
significant portion of time qualifies for professional development
and certificates for continuing professional education are
issued.
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Does Integra provide any marketing material?
Each firm is supplied with a supply of our Members' Handbook
and International Directory which has been designed and
written so that it can be used whenever Integra's international
connections may have an influence on the client proposal
being presented. An initial supply of 15 books is supplied
upon admittance to membership.
Also
available at no cost is a power point presentation that
highlights the advantages of joining Integra. It is meant
to be used whenever a member is assigned a due diligence
review of a prospect new member or at trade shows and conferences.
Integra
has its own web site www.integra-international.net
and each member's individual web site is linked to it. The
opposite is also true – each member's web site is linked
to the Integra International web site that immediately demonstrates
the international capacity of each firm. The web site is
maintained at no additional cost to each firm.
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Does Integra have referral fees?
All referrals of business between members are done directly
between firms, with the firms agreeing to specific arrangements.
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How does each member know the services that the other
members provide?
A database of all members is maintained and posted on our
internal Intranet. In addition, each firms' capabilities
is discussed at our semiannual
conferences.
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What is the Intranet?
It is our "World wide communications and productivity tool"
available at no cost to all members. It is used for polls,
discussions, e-mail, web links, tasks, appointments etc.
It provides instant communication amongst members. Guests
can visit our intrAnet to view certain non-confidential
features by clicking on www.integra-international.webexone.com.
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Does Integra provide technical assistance in terms of
Auditing & Accounting Standards?
Technical assistance is available at any time from other
members. The expertise of each member is listed in our database.
In addition, ample time is available at each conference
for firms with special interests to meet and discuss technical
issues.
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Does Integra have its own code which must be followed
by the members?
No, each member firm remains independent and conducts it's
professional affairs as it always has provided professional
standards for it's jurisdiction are maintained.
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