Q. Is CPA Australia or the CPA Ireland making the MRA publicly available?
A. Public comment may be made in relation to this MRA but the document is not available as is deemed as confidential.
Q. What is the term of this MRA?
A. The initial term is for five years, commencing 1 January 2010. It will be re-visited for possible renewal near the end of term. Members acquiring membership under this MRA will be able to maintain their membership should the MRA not be renewed.
Q. Do Irish CPAs need to pass any exams or take any courses before they can become eligible for CPA Australia membership?
A. Yes. Irish CPAs must complete the Ethics and Governance segment of the CPA Program.
Q. Will my CPA designation be recognised in other countries?
A. The CPA (Aust) designation is recognised.
Q. How do I arrange to take the Ethics and Governance segment and how much does it cost?
A. The application form has an enrolment form for this segment, or you can use a CPA Program enrolment form.
Q. If I apply for membership with CPA Australia under this MRA must I keep my CPA Ireland membership?
A. Yes. Members of both bodies are required to keep their original designation if they are accepted as a member of the other body.
Q. Why become members of both organisations?
A. Dual members will benefit from the international exposure and worldwide resources of two leading designations. By leveraging on the expertise of two distinguished accounting bodies, dual members will be able to avail themselves of the best of both worlds.
Q. If I am already an CPA (Aust.) do I have to do anything?
A. No. Individuals who are currently members of both CPA Australia and CPA Ireland only need to ensure each designation's requirements are maintained to remain a member of both.
Q. Are student members of CPA Ireland eligible for CPA Australia membership?
A. No. You must complete both the CPA Ireland Examinations and Training Program to be eligible to apply.
Q. Am I eligible to join CPA Australia through the MRA if I gained membership of CPA Ireland through my membership with another body?
A. No.
Q. I do not have a degree but have more than 10 years of experience. What is senior level experience?
A. Senior level experience means that you have held a senior position in an organisation for at least five years, including supervision of staff and the authority to sign-off financial statements. The following position titles are an indication of senior level experience:
- CEO
- president
- vice-president
- CFO
- financial controller
- general manager
- manager
- partner - public practice
- sole practitioner - public practice
- partner in non-accounting practice (eg law firm)
- self employed / owner of business
- academic / teacher
Q. If I am a CPA Ireland member wanting to apply for CPA Australia, what documents will I need to submit?
A. You will need to provide the following:
- a completed application form
- 100 points of identification (see application form)
- membership status letter which can be obtained from CPA Ireland
- certified true copies of university academic awards and transcripts
- if applying for membership with 10 years experience, five years at senior level – provide a workplace testimonial (see application form) from employer/s to confirm position and period of employment. Evidence of five years at a senior level needs included with this documentation
- admission and membership fee (see application form)
- change of name documentation (if applicable)
Q. How long will it take for my application for CPA Australia membership (based on my CPA qualifications) to be processed?
A. Approximately three to four weeks.
Q. How long will CPA Ireland members have to complete the additional education requirements?
A. Two years.
Q. What subject matter will the CPA Ireland members need to cover?
A. To attain the CPA (Aust.) designation CPA Ireland members will need to complete the Ethic and Governance segment of the CPA Program.
Q. What sort of practical experience do members of each body have to have in order to be eligible for membership?
A. While some differences are expected between the bodies' requirements, practical experience should be in the spirit of the International Federation of Accountant's International Education on practical experience. For further information visit the IFAC website.
Q. Does CPA Australia recognise completion of CPA Ireland training program as 'relevant work experience'?
A. Yes, CPA Ireland training program complies with the International Education Standard on practical experience.
Q. Do members of each body have to complete extra CPD?
A. No, just the CPD hours stipulated by each body, which is in accordance with IFAC. For further information visit the IFAC website.
Q. If I complete my CPA Ireland CPD requirements, will this count towards my CPA Australia CPD requirements?
A. Yes. Completion of CPA Ireland's CPD requirements will satisfy the CPD requirements set by CPA Australia. However, you will be required to report annually to both CPA Ireland and CPA Australia.
Q. Does the MRA confer the right to practice public accounting in Ireland?
A. No, members wishing to register in public practice must meet the association's entry to public practice requirements.