The Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA) www.lia.org.ls was established by an Act of Parliament under the Accountants Act No.9 of 1977, which gives the Institute the mandate of regulating the accountancy practice and to provide for the education and training of accountants in Lesotho. The responsibility to regulate the accountancy practice involves awarding membership certificates to qualifying accountants; developing rules, regulations and ethical guidelines as well as accounting standards; and monitoring compliance with performance standards. LIA also provides for the education and training of the accountancy profession through: developing professional accounting syllabi; facilitating and monitoring training of students; facilitating and managing professional accounting examinations; and awarding professional accounting qualifications.

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LIA aims to provide a locally accepted and internationally recognised qualification, and supports its members by providing a range of technical services. Other objectives involve raising the image and profile of the profession by taking a leading role in matters of public interest, developing stronger links and strategic cooperation with leading accounting bodies regionally and internationally, as well as strategic alliances with employers and business organisations. The LIA pillars are Relevance, Respect and Recognition.