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Scotland's professional body for accountants is tipped to sweep up more training work south of the border following a decision by its English counterpart against bringing in specialist examinations, writes Bibi Berki.

Top accountancy firm KPMG has voiced its disppointment over a vote at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales last week. The vote to introduce specialisation in entrance examinations was lost by over 100 votes.

David Miller, partner responsible for training at KPMG, said his firm had been looking for "more flexibility and the recognition of the fact that not everybody who undertakes professional training these days does the same job".

He said his firm would be looking at working with other associations, particularly the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland. ICAS, highly regarded on both sides of the border, already trains some graduates in London.

ICAEW director of education and training, Phil Armitage, said although the vote on specialisation was lost, the body was going ahead with a revamped qualification next year.