CIPFA gives its members the chance to vote today, with CIMA voting on 17 December and the ICAEW on 20 December.

The three chief executives, Chris Tilley, Steve Freer and Eric Anstee, said in their statement: 'We believe that we have made good progress in our discussions. Not least, each institute has been able to begin the process of sharing thinking with members and using their feedback to help shape emerging proposals.

'We now need to give Institute Councils the opportunity to review our progress and to identify any further issues which require exploration.'

If successful, the merger would create an organisation of 200,000 members, with a significant student base. The new institute would unify the business, practice and public sectors, and represent a powerful voice for the accountancy profession.

A further public announcement is expected later in December, after the three Council meetings have taken place.