United States and South Africa Accounting Bodies Renew Mutual Recognition Agreement

Accounting | April 23, 2026

United States and South Africa Accounting Bodies Renew Mutual Recognition Agreement

Professional accounting bodies in the United States and South Africa have signed a renewed Mutual Recognition Agreement, supporting cross-border practice between the two nations.

Isaac M. O'Bannon

Professional accounting bodies in the United States and South Africa have signed a renewed Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), supporting cross-border practice between the two nations.

The MRA was signed in late January by officials of the U.S. International Qualifications Appraisal Board (representing the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of CPAs) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). It builds on a previous MRA signed in 2019 and extends through June 30, 2031.

“Our relationship with SAICA is built on trust and shared expectations for the profession,” said NASBA President and CEO Daniel J. Dustin, CPA. “This renewal strengthens that foundation and reflects the consistency between our countries’ regulatory systems. It also makes it easier for qualified professionals to navigate opportunities between our countries while maintaining the standards each of our organizations expects.”

“By renewing this partnership with NASBA and the AICPA, we are ensuring our members remain at the forefront of the global accounting profession while continuing to maintain the integrity, quality, and brand of the profession in South Africa,” said SAICA CEO Patricia Stock.

The Mutual Recognition Agreement creates a streamlined path for qualified cross-border professionals to work across borders with fewer administrative hurdles. CPAs in the United States and chartered accountants in South Africa may obtain professional mobility in each other’s jurisdictions if they meet established eligibility requirements and remain in good standing.

“This renewal builds on our strong and trusted partnership with SAICA,” said Jim Knafo, the AICPA’s director of global alliances. “We’re reinforcing our commitment to supporting cross-border opportunities for accounting professionals in both the U.S. and South Africa.”

More information about international mutual recognition agreements can be found on NASBA’s resource page on the topic.

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Isaac M. O'Bannon

Isaac M. O'Bannon

Managing Editor

Isaac M. O'Bannon is the managing editor and digital content manager for CPA Practice Advisor (www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com), drawing on two decades of experience covering the areas of professional accounting, taxation, business productivity and consumer technologies. . Prior to CPA Practice Advisor, O'Bannon was a consultant at firms in San Francisco, Denver and Tulsa, serving clients that included Logitech, Polycom, Hilti, Microsoft, the Stanford Research Institute, the University of Oklahoma's College of Engineering and other technology leaders. He is a U.S. Navy groundforces veteran (never a SEAL). Email: isaac.obannon - @ - cpapracticeadvisor.com . Isaac OBannon 2019 Cropped Small Headshot