Frequently asked questions

Q. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

A. CPA Australia will accept anonymous complaints. However, unless there is sufficient supporting information, CPA Australia may not be able to investigate the case.

Q. Can I lodge a complaint if I have commenced legal action against a member of CPA Australia?

A. Yes, however CPA Australia will not be able to complete the investigation process if the matter is before a court of law.

It would be better to wait for the legal action to finish, and then attach the court's transcript of decision to the other evidence submitted with your complaint.

Q. Can I withdraw my complaint?

A. Yes, the withdrawal of a complaint can occur at any time once the written complaint has been lodged. The withdrawal must be in writing and addressed to the manager professional conduct in the country where the complaint was lodged. CPA Australia may continue investigating the complaint independently.

Q. Can I get compensation from CPA Australia?

A. No, CPA Australia is not empowered to make payments to complainants alleging financial loss as a result of the actions of its members. Members in public practice are, however, required to carry their own professional indemnity insurance.

CPA Australia cannot compel members to compensate for any loss and this course may be pursued through normal legal action.

Q. Can a CPA Australia member use a debt collector or sue me for outstanding fees which I dispute?

A. Yes, fees are a commercial matter and can therefore be recovered by legal means.

Q. Are CPA Australia members entitled to charge for a first visit?

A. Yes, unless otherwise stated or agreed, all time spent by a CPA Australia member and/or their staff attending to your matters is chargeable. This can include time taken to answer telephone enquiries.

Q. Can a CPA Australia member send me a bill if I no longer employ their services?

A. Yes, but only for work performed before you stopped employing their services and for which you have not already been charged.

Q. Can a CPA Australia member deduct their fees out of my tax return?

A. Yes, but only if you have authorised them to do so in writing and only if the CPA Australia member operates a trust account.

Q. What can I do if the fees I'm charged are higher this year for the same work?

A. See fee disputes. Please also refer to your letter of engagement as fees can increase each year due to increases in the Consumer Price Index, professional indemnity insurance and other operating costs.

Q. Does CPA Australia have a schedule of fees for professional services?

A. No, see fee disputes.

Q. Can a CPA Australia member keep my documents until I pay their fees?

A.  This depends on each individual situation. When a CPA Australia member keeps your records until payment is received they are exercising a lien.

A lien is a form of security and is a common law right which permits A to retain B's property until B satisfies an outstanding claim to A.

An accountant's right to exercise a lien over a client's documents is not always straightforward, particularly when trying to establish ownership of the documents. Further information on the ownership of documents can be found in the Accountants' guide to liens.