CPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies with a membership of more than 122,000 finance, accounting and business professionals across the globe.

Our international presence continues to grow in terms of representation on international bodies and influence in the profession globally.

In areas of financial reporting, taxation and corporate governance we are thought leaders in Australia and internationally.

Education, training, technical support and advocacy are our core services for members. Staff and members work together with local and international bodies to represent the views and concerns of the profession to federal, state and territory governments and to regulators, industry, academia and the general public.

Our mission, vision and strategic agenda

Building on our 2006-2008 corporate plan, the 2009-2011 corporate plan will focus on:

• operating as a globally branded organisation
• being the global professional accountancy designation for strategic business leaders
• engaging with employers
• meeting the knowledge needs of members
• branding CPA Australia as an even stronger competitor

For further information view the CPA Australia Corporate Plan 2009-2011.

Our members

All candidates who commence the professional level of CPA Program are eligible for Associate (ASA) non-voting status of CPA Australia.

To become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), members must complete CPA Program professional level, including the practical experience requirement, within a six-year period and hold a degree or postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia. 

All active members are required to fulfil continuing professional development (CPD) commitments of 120 CPD hours every three years.

The CPA designation is a mark of high professional competence.  It indicates a soundness in depth, breadth and quality of accountancy knowledge.

Fellow (FCPA) status is a recognition of the recipient's knowledge and experience and the contribution the member has made to the profession. To achieve Fellow status members need to be CPAs, have a minimum of fifteen years' accounting or finance experience, and to have held a responsible position in accounting or finance for at least five years. Their achievements need to be recognised by divisional council.

Fellows are required to undertake the same structured CPD requirements as CPAs.

Specialist designations are open to all CPAs who complete an accredited post-graduate course in one of the eight areas of specialisation, and who have had at least three years' experience in their chosen field or to CPAs who have had at least five years specialist experience at an expert level in the past 10 years. 

The eight areas of specialisation are:

• auditing
• external reporting
• insolvency and reconstruction
• management accounting
• taxation
• treasury
• information technology 
• financial planning

A specialist designation indicates that a member has achieved a level of competence higher than that of general practitioners.

The Public Practice Certificate is open to all CPAs who desire to be a principal in public practice. They must complete CPA Australia's Public Practice Program and meet a number of other requirements.