The growing emphasis on public accountability, transparency and good governance has placed increasing pressure on the accounting profession, with practitioners obliged to follow stringent rules and regulations.
The collapse of several finance companies causing financial hardships to thousands of ordinary New Zealanders in recent years, the pronounced need for directors to shoulder responsibility for the performance of their companies and the global efforts to tackle money laundering are all factors that have lifted the status and functional importance of accountants.
Whether they are certified (Chartered Accountants or Public Accountants) or not, accountants must comply with national and international accounting standards and ensure that the companies that employ them remain within the tenets of the law.
Unlike their predecessors, today’s accountants enjoy better opportunities for professional growth and more importantly, greater opportunities to engage in the governance of their companies.
Keynote Speakers
These aspects would form the backdrop of the Second Annual CPA Congress, scheduled to be held at Sky City Convention Centre on October 8 and 9, 2013.
CPA Australia is organising the two-day Conference, under the theme, ‘A World of Opportunity.’ It will provide a platform for experts to share their thoughts on a number of issues and enable attendees to acquire the skills needed to cope with the evolving trends in the market.
CPA Australia President and Board of Directors Chairman John Cahill said that the Congress has created a forum to help delegates discover business opportunities that can be capitalised on all economic and political situations.
“Albert Einstein was quoted as saying, ‘In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’ In today’s interconnected world, astute finance, accounting and business professionals should be armed with skills that allow them to take advantage of an opportunity and turn it into a business outcome. This year’s CPA Congress will bring together speakers who will inspire to discover hidden opportunities within organisations,” he said.
Among them are ‘Futuristic Speaker’ and Executive Director of the Colorado (US) based Da Vinci Institute Dr Thomas Frey, Financial Markets Authority (NZ) Chief Executive Sean Hughes, BNZ Managing Director & Chief Executive Andrew Thorburn and Pharmaceutical Scientist and Inventor Sir Ray Avery.
Courage to act
Chief Executive Alex Malley has often described great leaders as people, ‘who have the courage and vision to drive businesses to new, inspiring heights.’
“They are people actively seeking new opportunities during all economic cycles. This year’s theme will inspire the setting of a new ethos in business – one in which the collective organisation, not just its leaders, must develop the same courage and determination to propel an organisation to ever greater heights. CPA Congress is an annual event that brings like-minded professionals together to start these important conversations,” he said.
New Zealand Division President Mark Stinson said that the Congress would bring together experts from various sectors of the economy to help delegates gain strategic insights and tools to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
“Smart leaders and businesses embrace opportunities that may be overwhelming to others. The forthcoming Conference will enable accountants to be apprised of the latest developments in business and enhance their core technical skills,” he said.
New Zealand Country Manager David Jenkins said that those attending the Congress would gain insight into the latest trends and developments affecting finance, accounting and business professionals and have the opportunity of networking and exchange ideas with like-minded professionals.
CPA Australia offers several packages of delegate fees but Mr Jenkins said that the Organisation would offer special preferential rate for all our readers and entrants to the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards (INLIBA) 2013. Further details can be obtained from Melissa Clendon on (09) 9137453. Read related story on Page 1.
CPA Australia is the Sponsor of the ‘Best Accountant of the Year’ Category of INLIBA.
