The company believes Sarah Crawford, who has been involved in charity accounting for 10 years, is the first successful candidate for the diploma in Halifax and only the second in West Yorkshire.

The qualification has been specifically designed by the Institute for Chartered Accountants for professionals working in the charity and voluntary sector.

It recognises the specialised skills and experience required by the industry in dealing with charity and voluntary sector organisations.

To date only 175 applicants have successfully gained the qualification through a written exam on financial and governance issues, based on experience alone.

From July the qualification will only be achievable after a course lasting 12 months.

"I am really pleased to have got the qualification before the criteria changes in the summer," said Sarah.

Riley and Co has a dedicated charities department, which has been managed by Sarah since February 2007. It acts for more than 35 charities in the West Yorkshire and Lancashire area.