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The association surpassed 10,000 enrolments in a single term for the first time.
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CA program reaches landmark enrolment numbers
26 May 2023
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CA ANZ’s CA program has reached a record level of enrolments surpassing 10,000 applicants for the first time after an 11 per cent increase in entrants on its previous term.
Executive of education and marketing at CA ANZ Simon Hann said it was a pleasing increase in the number of applicants after trends saw many take a break from their studies.
“It marks a return to CA program study uptake, following 12 months which saw candidates taking breaks from their study,” said Mr Hann.
“This was for a variety of reasons as we emerged from Covid: travel, changing jobs or just taking a break to recharge.”
“We launched a significant CA program transformation 18 months ago following an extensive co-design process with our members and employers. A key design feature is increased flexibility and choice, including moving to shorter terms offered more often – allowing candidates to take a study break that suits their work and personal life.”
Mr Hann said the association had seen a trend in candidates taking longer to complete the CA program – 26 months compared to 20 months previously – which he said CA ANZ viewed as a positive for candidate wellbeing.
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He said the change to the program’s curriculum also provided a better product and tool for applicants.
“The previous curriculum was focused on traditional areas such as audit, tax, financial reporting and management accounting,” said Mr Hann.
“We’ve extended it to now also offer subjects including data analytics, sustainability, strategy, financial modelling, and risk and technology.”
“We’ve had great feedback and uptake from candidates about these future-focused subjects, and electives have been an important component in the positive response by both candidates and employers to the new CA program.”
CA ANZ also addressed the concerning decline of accounting students in Australia as university data revealed enrolments have almost halved since 2018 down from 57,410 to 29,264 in 2021.
“Given almost 65 per cent of candidates who come into the CA program hold an accounting degree, this significant gap is concerning for the profession’s sustainability, particularly given the considerable ongoing demand for talent,” said Mr Hann.
“So it’s pleasing CA program enrolments have increased despite the challenges and we believe it points to the quality of what CA ANZ offers.”
He said the organisation is looking to help address the drop in students studying accounting degrees in Australian universities through its high school toolkit that assists members with school career presentations.
Mr Hann said having the CA program eligible for FEE-HELP loans also made it accessible for more individuals and revealed over 500 candidates had already used the scheme despite it only recently becoming available.
“CA ANZ is working continuously to address the talent pipeline shortage and on ways to broaden access to a rewarding career as a chartered accountant,” he said.
“We’re working with our government, employer, and university stakeholders on a range of ideas and initiatives, including further ways to address the cost of studying finance, commerce, and accounting degrees.”
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