Belonging and inclusion

What is belonging?

Belonging means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their authentic voice. It’s about fostering genuine connections and support, so people feel they truly belong, not just in the workplace, but across the global accounting community. Belonging builds trust, relevance, and sustainability. Guided by the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), CPA Australia is committed to shaping a profession that reflects the communities we serve and contributes to a fairer, more inclusive society.

Belonging in the profession

At CPA Australia, we are committed to embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) within our organisation, across our membership and the accounting profession. This commitment is not just part of our purpose but it’s how we shape a future where accounting remains trusted, relevant, and sustainable. By championing DEIB, we aim to create a profession that reflects the communities we serve and strengthens the integrity and impact of our work worldwide.

Expanded market reach

A diverse workforce helps companies understand and connect with a broader customer base. This can lead to better products, services, and marketing strategies tailored to different demographics.

Innovation and creativity

Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. This leads to more innovative ideas and creative solutions, giving companies a competitive edge.

Attract and retain talent

When employees feel included and that they belong, they are more motivated, satisfied, and loyal. This reduces turnover and creates a positive workplace culture.

What our members say about belonging

As one of the world’s largest professional accounting organisations, with more than 175,000 members working in over 100 countries, we understand the value of creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered. Listen to what our members say about the true value of belonging.

Jessimah, Malaysia

The sense of belonging resonates with my professional journey, and my Malaysian heritage are strategic assets where my diverse perspectives are valued as insights that strengthen governance and fiscal strategy.

Wayne, Australia

Every individual, as a fundamental right, is entitled to a sense of respect and equality. This transcends both our personal and professional lives, and as an accounting professional the same is true.

Shakriah, Singapore

Accounting is the universal language of business giving me opportunities to understand different sectors and contribute meaningfully. It truly feels like a global community.

Roger, Australia

I value how our profession genuinely welcomes diverse perspectives and creates an environment where people from all walks of life are respected, included, and empowered to contribute authentically.

How CPA Australia supports belonging

We work together with our people and members to build a profession where everyone feels they truly belong. Our focus is on creating meaningful impact within our organisation, across our membership, and throughout the wider community. When our people and members thrive, the ripple effect strengthens the profession and contributes to a fairer, more inclusive society. That’s why belonging is at the heart of everything we do.

CPA Australia Belonging Commitment Statement

“Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is a cornerstone of CPA Australia’s values and purpose. The Belonging Commitment Statement aligns with our aim to build a more inclusive profession, one that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.”

— Council of Presidents

You Belong. We Achieve.

People are at the heart of what we do at CPA Australia. At CPA Australia, we are a global community of over 175,000 accounting and finance professionals, reflecting the diversity of the communities we are part of around the world.

We recognise that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are essential to the sustainability and success of our profession, as well as critical for building belonging, and a healthier, prosperous society. Belonging enables people to feel valued, respected, connected, included and safe.

CPA Australia supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and our Commitment Statement solidifies this support through a shared vision and understanding of belonging.

Guided by the Code of Ethics and DEIB principles, we are committed to fostering an inclusive profession where every individual feels empowered to contribute fully and reach their potential.

This commitment is a shared blueprint to strengthen our profession and create lasting positive change, and advancing more inclusive communities, where we all belong.

Our commitments

Underpinned by our Purpose and Values, and guided by our Code of Ethics (based on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to building a profession where everyone is safe, respected, included, and able to feel like they belong.

- Build awareness and education for members to raise diversity, equity and inclusion capability across the profession through events, activities and advocacy
- Value the diversity of individuals and recognising that this diversity and experience strengthens our profession, our workplaces and communities
- Respect the lived experience of all individuals in our profession and create space for people to be themselves
- Review the composition of our member representative groups and volunteer base to enable greater diversity and intersectionality of backgrounds, knowledge, experience and abilities
- Adopt accessibility principles to foster equitable member access to CPA Australia products and services, and fully participate in the CPA community
- Embed Belonging into Divisional Engagement Plans enabling each local Division to determine how best to implement this and focus on priorities annually
- Consider the establishment of a Member Belonging champion on each Divisional Council to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Establish a Member Belonging champion on each Divisional Council to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Advocate for workplaces and the profession to adopt belonging principles in strategies, decision making and communications
- Create and promote new pathways that enable greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the profession
- Deliver scholarships that foster diversity and inclusion in the profession
- Develop specific measurable goals to track and report on our progress to our commitment

Resources to help with belonging initiatives

As part of our ongoing commitment to championing the value of DEIB in the accounting profession, we’re here to support members by providing a variety of resources that will help you to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in your organisation.

Download

Belonging Strategy, 2025-2027

PDF · 1.5 MB

Respect in our workplace policy

PDF · 284 KB

Read about our commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment

Workplace health and safety policy

PDF · 188.1 KB

Read about our commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing

Volunteer code of conduct

PDF · 160.1 KB

Read about the expectations we have for all our volunteers

Social media policy

PDF · 155.4 KB

Read about our approach to acceptable social media use

Belonging policy

PDF · 1.4 MB

Read about our commitment to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging for all people

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What is belonging?

Dale Pinto, FCPA

President and Chair of the Board, CPA Australia

Belonging in the profession

Expanded market reach

Innovation and creativity

Attract and retain talent

What our members say about belonging

Jessimah, Malaysia

Wayne, Australia

Shakriah, Singapore

Roger, Australia

How CPA Australia supports belonging

CPA Australia Belonging Commitment Statement

Read the full Belonging Commitment Statement

Our commitments

CPA Australia is committed to

Indigenous initiatives

Sustainability (ESG)

Net Zero Emissions Pathway

Supplier guidance

Resources to help with belonging initiatives

The advantages of a multi-generational workforce

Expanding the pipeline of Indigenous accountants

Are workplace wellbeing programs missing the mark?

Beyond profits: The case for social impact reporting

Interested in getting involved or learning more?

Download

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