The Institute of Accounting and Commerce (IAC) (formerly The Institute of Administration and Commerce) was established in 1927 as a provider of distance learning education and a professional management institute.

In 2009 the Institute changed to become a professional accounting membership body only and is registered in South Africa as a non-profit company (NPC) (Reg. No. 1981/011981/08).

In terms of section 60 of the close corporations act 69 of 1984, the IAC registers Accounting Officers, and since 2013 is also a Recognised Controlling Body with SARS for Tax Practitioners (in terms of section 240 of the tax administration act 28 of 2011).