Networking on a global scale provides opportunity
Recently CPA Australia was in Beijing meeting with China's vice minister for finance Wang Jun and the Australian treasurer Wayne Swan.
The upside for CPA Australia of course is that we are building relationships with key government officials both in Australia and overseas while at the same time opening international doors to our members.
CPA Australia is already a significant global player and we're here to stay. Our global relationships, so crucial to providing our members with international mobility, credibility and the representation they require, continue to flourish.
Last year we signed mutual recognition agreements with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy in the UK and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. More recently we've achieved similar agreements with Canada's two leading accounting bodies, Certified General Accountants Canada (CGA-Canada) and Certified Management Accountants Canada (CMA Canada).
The agreements identify areas for joint initiatives, including research and advocacy, and boost each organisation's presence on the international accounting stage. These agreements are not always easy to reach. They require extensive planning and negotiation and a lot of goodwill from all.
We continue to strengthen our networks with international bodies such as the International Federation of Accountants to ensure our members are well represented on the world stage. We are committed to sitting at the right tables to develop our profession, to help our members do business and to enhance our members' international portability.
Opportunity for our members exists in Europe, too. Recently I visited the European office in the UK where CPA Australia's members are keenly sought for their knowledge and expertise. Members and staff are working together to build significant relationships that will further provide members with a range of opportunities spanning employment, networking and professional development.
The European branch is situated in Australia House on The Strand and all members travelling to the UK or planning to live in Europe are encouraged to visit the office. I guess we could call that global hospitality.
Finally, on a different but very important matter, I would like to thank all CPA Australia members and staff worldwide who participated in and contributed to MND (motor neurone disease) Global Day. Not only does it reinforce the generosity of our profession but reflects profoundly on CPA Australia's global capacities.
The substantial effort by divisions in hosting events is to be commended, as is the participation in and support of these events by board members and divisional councillors. My sincere thanks to all.
Alex Malley FCPA is president of CPA Australia.
Reference: August 2008, volume 78:07, p.8
