About CPA Australia

An international, interconnected member organisation

From its founding in 1886 as the Incorporated Institute of Accountants in Victoria, CPA Australia has grown from just 45 members to a global community of more than 175,000 professionals across 150 countries and regions, supported by 20 offices around the world.
 
Key milestones include the admission of Mary Addison Hamilton in 1915 as one of the first female members, the 1936 launch of The Australian Accountant journal, the evolution into CPA Australia in 1952, and the expansion across Asia-Pacific in the mid-20th century.
 
Now, as we celebrate 140 years, CPA Australia stands at the forefront of shaping the profession’s future by embracing digital transformation, AI-driven insights, and global collaboration to ensure accounting and finance professionals remain trusted advisors in an era defined by innovation and change.

What is a CPA?

A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) is a finance, accounting and business professional with a specific qualification. Being a CPA is a mark of high professional competence. It indicates a soundness in depth, breadth and quality of accountancy knowledge.

CPAs are highly respected by employers and members. It provides members with an internationally recognised qualification as well as the opportunity to complete specialist training and continuing professional development (CPD). To use the CPA designation, a member must:

• complete a degree or a postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia
• complete the CPA Program, including three years of professional experience in finance, accounting or business
• undertake CPD activities each year
• comply to a strict code of conduct set by CPA Australia.

To offer public accounting services, CPAs must also complete CPA Australia's Public Practice Program and hold a Public Practice Certificate in accordance with the CPA Australia's By-Laws.

Global affiliations

CPA Australia has forged strong affiliations with accounting and finance bodies worldwide. This includes mutual agreements with other professional accounting bodies across the globe as well as standard-setters, peak bodies and industry associations.  

We are proud to be a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the peak global organisation for the accountancy profession. This gives us a leading voice in the development and implementation of high-quality global standards and in meeting the challenges of the global accounting profession.