Representing more than 144,000 finance, accounting and business professionals in 127 countries, CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest accounting bodies. In 2009, CPA Australia established a reciprocal agreement with the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants and the relationship between the two like-minded organisations continues to flourish.
CPAs are recognised as strategic business leaders and its fast-growing New Zealand membership includes senior finance professionals from some of the country’s largest public and private sector organisations. Core membership services include education, training, technical support and advocacy.
In recent years, the not-for-profit organisation, which first established a presence in New Zealand in 2005, has invested significantly in growing its business in New Zealand.
Employer Programme
CPA Australia has continued on its recent growth track in New Zealand with the announcement in May this year that Grant Thornton has become the newest ‘employer of choice’ partner in CPA’s Recognised Employer Program (REP).
The REP connects the country’s top accounting graduates with leading New Zealand organisations who, once they have hired the graduates, sponsor and support them on their career pathways to becoming a CPA, which is a globally-recognised accounting qualification aimed at developing tomorrow’s strategic business leaders.
Grant Thornton joins other leading REP partners including KPMG, Cisco, DHL, BNZ and AIA (see Indian Newslink, June 1, 2013)
Audit standards
In October 2012, CPA Australia was accredited by the Financial Markets Authority in respect of the licensing and regulation of auditors of issuers in New Zealand. For the first time, New Zealand auditors have a choice on the professional qualification they wish to hold.
It is an important development for CPA Australia and its members in New Zealand. CPA Australia continues to be a strong supporter of harmonising Trans-Tasman accounting and auditing standards to make doing business between New Zealand and Australia easier.
New markets
Since introducing its Public Practice Certificate to New Zealand in 2012, CPA Australia has focused on assisting its public practitioners develop and better manage their practices. To support this approach, CPA Australia provides a comprehensive suite of tools, templates and resources.
Its armoury includes ‘The Firm of the Future’ Report, which looks at the challenges ahead for accounting practices, and the ‘’Client Relationship Guide for Public Practitioners in New Zealand.’
More recently it launched an ‘Employer’s Manual’ for CPA Australia members practicing in New Zealand. Created specifically for small- to medium-sized accounting firms, it includes template employment agreements, terms and conditions, procedures and management forms.
CPA Congress
CPA Congress is a major conference hosted by CPA Australia around the world each year. In 2012, the Congress was held in New Zealand for the first time.
The Congress aims to inspire and educate members and non-members with a line-up of local, high-profile business leaders.
Speakers at the inaugural New Zealand event included Finance Minister Bill English Commerce Minister Craig Foss, former Prime Minister and leading businesswoman Jenny Shipley and Xero founder Rod Drury.
The second CPA Congress, which will be held in Auckland on October 9, 2013, is shaping up to be the must-attend event for finance professionals.
You can register your interest at www.cpaevents.co.nz.
David Jenkins is Country Manager of CPA Australia in New Zealand. CPA Australia is the sponsor of the ‘Best Accountant of the Year’ category of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2013.
