History
The Institute of Certified Accountants of Albania marks 25 years of activity. From a small group of visionary accountants who founded a professional association in 2000, IKM has developed into a modern and trusted institution for the accounting profession in Albania — today a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).
Founding — 18 May 2000
On 18 May 2000, the Tirana Court formally registered the Professional League of Certified Accountants (LPKM).
The journey had begun a few months earlier. On 29 December 1999 the meeting to create the Professional League was held, at which the names of participants from Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodër, Sarandë, Gjirokastër, Lezhë and other towns were collected. The founding act was signed by 63 founders.
At the same time, the statute and the governing structures were approved, defining the Institute’s mission: regulating and advancing the accounting profession, and setting the first national standards for its practice.
The journey — from 2006 to 2025
From LPKM to IKM
As part of internal reforms, LPKM was reorganised as the Institute of Certified Accountants of Albania, in accordance with Law No. 8788, dated 07.05.2001, “On Non-Profit Organisations”, as amended.
Regional cooperation
Membership of SEEPAD (South East European Partnership on Accountancy Development).
The new legal framework
Adoption of Law No. 10091, dated 05.03.2009, and creation of the Public Oversight Board (BMP). IKM began close cooperation with the BMP, aligning its quality control processes with the new oversight requirements.
The first national certification exam
For the first time, candidates throughout Albania underwent a standardised testing process to obtain the title of Certified Accountant. Since then, the exams have been held every year.
Early growth
Membership reached about 500 members, alongside an expanded Continuing Professional Development offering.
IFAC associate member
Admission as an associate member of the International Federation of Accountants, which gave the Institute the opportunity to build capacity under IFAC’s guidance.
Legal reform
Alignment with Law 47/2016 “On some amendments and additions to Law No. 10091, dated 05.03.2009, as amended” and with the BMP regulations.
Full member of IFAC
Following an assessment by the Compliance Advisory Panel and approval by the IFAC Board, the IFAC Council admitted IKM as a full member.
Digitalisation
Training and testing moved online.
Victory at the Constitutional Court
A discriminatory article in the Income Tax Law struck down, following the case brought by IKM.
A broader professional offering
The Forensic Accountant certification, the Study Tour and the IFRS Diploma.
Export of services
Launch of the outsourcing project.
Advocacy and defence of the profession
IKM’s commitment to advocacy became more visible in 2024, when the Institute won a case at the Constitutional Court of Albania in defence of the rights of its members.
The case concerned a discriminatory article in the Income Tax Law, which placed independent accounting professionals at a disadvantage. After lengthy efforts to change it through dialogue, which produced no result, IKM turned to the Constitutional Court. In its final decision, the Court ruled in favour of the Institute and struck down the provision.
The victory belonged not only to IKM members but to all independent professionals in Albania. It also marked the Institute’s evolution — from a mainly educational body to a professional organisation that also uses legal means to defend its members — and gave IKM greater weight in consultations on legislation affecting the profession.
Beyond this case, IKM regularly engages in advocacy: it comments on draft fiscal legislation, proposes tax relief for professional services and seeks a simpler compliance burden for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Institute has also highlighted the role of quality financial reporting in improving SMEs’ access to finance.
IKM today
IKM brings together Certified Accountants, Accounting Firms and candidates for the title of Certified Accountant who practise in the Republic of Albania, in accordance with Law No. 10091, dated 05.03.2009, as amended, Law 47/2016 and any other law regulating the profession.
In 2025 the Institute has about 675 members. Its reach is national, with branches and sections in the country’s main regions — among them Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Fier, Vlorë, Korçë, Shkodër, Berat, Lushnje, Pogradec and Sarandë. Regular branch meetings and internal elections ensure representation from the grassroots.
Governance has been strengthened through specialised committees. The Quality Management Committee oversees the quality of members’ work, while the investigation and disciplinary functions have been separated into two distinct committees, to ensure fairer and more transparent processes.
