How CPA Australia adds unparalleled value to your career

Business

Accountants look to the world-renowned CPA designation to give them a competitive advantage, enabling them to stay ahead of trends and lead genuine change.

Promoted by CPA Australia • 24 November 2022 • 2 minute read

Accountancy is evolving. The skill sets required of the nation’s accounting and finance professionals are expanding and expectations are constantly shifting.

This means that having a designation with a professional accounting body has never been more important. It can support your pursuit of top jobs, increase the recognition of your skills and help you access an expert network for advice and support.

The CPA Program produces CPAs: certified practising accountants. This is a globally recognised designation that equips accountants to step up their careers or explore new possibilities.

With the CPA Program, CPA Australia offers you recognition and access to CPA online learning resources to help master ongoing changes in accountancy.

Opening the door

Your most important attribute as a professional is your skill set. Life-long learning and professional development is critical to ensure your skills are future-proofed for success.

The CPA designation gives you instant credibility and bolsters your CV. It is highly respected among accounting organisations and top businesses, who see CPA Australia membership as a sign of professionalism, integrity and expertise.

It’s also becoming an unofficial requirement. More than 87 per cent of senior accounting roles advertised online require applicants to be a CPA or explicitly mention the designation, latest SEEK data shows.

CPAs are trusted advisers. Accountants are heavily relied upon by businesses, governments and individuals during uncertain economic times, like now. CPA Australia was the fourth most trusted membership association in the country in 2022, according to the Governance Institute of Australia, and the top accounting association.

While most choose to study the CPA Program after they’ve finished university, it’s designed to be suitable for people at any stage of their careers.

The journey to CFO

Obtaining an instantly recognisable designation gives you a clear competitive advantage and an edge on your personal brand. Becoming a CPA is a signal to other professionals that you have chosen to commit to learning about leadership, strategy and business goals.

The CPA Program creates leaders. In Australia, more than 25,000 of CPA Australia’s members work in senior leadership positions. These professionals work in private enterprises, ASX-listed public entities, not-for-profits and all levels of government.

For those who aspire to have a senior role, such as CFO, becoming a CPA is a step in the right direction. Many CFOs hold a designation due to both the technical accounting skills required and their commitment to learning.

Global opportunities

Accounting careers can take you across the world in a diverse range of roles and having a designation can help you achieve success.

Not only does CPA Australia hold strong relationships with high profile companies, including over 400 recognised employer partners around the world, but it also has affiliations with lead accounting bodies internationally.

Mutual Recognition Agreements enable members to gain credentials overseas and for members of other bodies to gain CPA membership in Australia. This can fast-track your international career.

Support network

When you obtain a designation, you unlock access to thousands of members willing to support you in achieving your goals and developing your skills. CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, with more than 170,000 members working in across 100 countries and regions.

Those who choose to become a CPA also benefit from events, forums and webinars keeping them up to date on the latest developments in the accounting landscape. This includes access to a nationally leading policy team who provide input to leading institutions like the ATO and interpret changes for members.

Through initiatives such as the CPA Australia Mentoring Program, or CPA Member Connect, members can tap into this huge knowledge base at every stage of their career. Whether you want advice on technical tax issues or personal career progression, this professional community is just a click away.

Become a CPA and impact tomorrow. CPA Program enrolments close 27 January. Start your application today, click here.