First attempt at localising imperial accountancy: the case of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) (1950s-1970s)

Within the context of capitalism and cultural imperialism, this paper will critically examine the post-independence aspirations of the Jamaican government and accountants, in establishing an independent professional body, devoid of any foreign influence, particularly from the former colonial power. This was attempted by forming the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ), which was expected to be capable of examining and credentialing future Jamaican accountants. These efforts, however, were not without conflicts among local capitalist elites and global capitalist elites, with each group representing various sets of interests. The paper examines, on the basis of available evidence, the nature of these conflicts, and the extent to which the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Jamaica (ICAJ) was able to achieve independence from former colonial accounting bodies such as the UK-based Association of Certified and Corporate Accountants (ACCA).