Members have told us they want access to more affordable CPD. In April we introduced 28.5 hours of complimentary CPD for members on top of existing complimentary CPD options. All complimentary CPD options have been collated on a dedicated page, which includes a variety of learning experiences that enables members to fulfil all CPD requirements.

For 2019, we are introducing a new streamlined pricing structure for CPD products. This will see reductions in price for members across a wide range of learning resources. More details will be announced shortly.

In April 2020 CPA Australia released a CPD package providing members with access to online courses with 1 CPD hour and selected live webinars at no cost, plus a range of selected courses worth more than 1 CPD hour that are reduced by 50 per cent.

In August 2020 CPA Australia introduced the first of our micro-credential courses. These short-form courses focus on areas of growing importance to the profession and enable members to develop new areas of knowledge.

They are offered to fully qualified members as CPD.

The full suite of six digital finance micro-credentials course is now available.

• The Digital Finance Ecosystem
• Data Interpretation and Visualisation.
• Future of Money
• Data Analytics
• Technology and its use in Finance
• Risk Management, Governance and Regulation

A digital tool to assist public practitioners prepare a compliance manual (risk management framework (RMF)) for their business was launched 29 March 2019. The tool guides CPAs working in public practice through the process to ensure compliance with APES 325 Risk Management for Firms.

A digital solution for the quality review program, Phase 1 launched 18 March 2019. Public practitioners selected for review in second half of 2019 can complete their Member Profile Statement online, replacing paper process, saving time and reducing costs. Phase 2, which incorporates additional functionality will be introduced for first round of reviews in 2020.

Developed online tool to assist public practitioners develop a custom quality control manual for their practice to comply with APES320 – Quality Control for Firms.

The three major Australian professional accounting bodies in Australia – CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) – have come together to review the frameworks that regulate how financial and tax advice is provided in Australia and advocate for change.

CPA Australia, CA ANZ and IPA have released a video in which the CEOs of the three bodies call for more efficient regulatory frameworks for advisory services and pledge to work together in advocating for change. Members are invited to share their experiences to help inform and support for the roadmap to regulatory reform by emailing [email protected]

View the Regulatory Burden page on our website.  Read the Media Release. This follows publication of CPA Australia’s Regulatory Burden Report that was based on member research about the regulatory complexity for public practitioners providing independent advice to consumers.

CPA Australia’s My Firm My Future Report 2019 released in November 2019 offers in-depth analysis of the changing public accounting landscape. Drawing on insights from over 500 public practitioners and 1,000 consumers and SMEs, it it explores the factors reshaping the accounting profession and presents four key themes that will help members build a sustainable firm for the future: Leverage Technology, Incorporate Advisory, Look to Specialise, and Do Better Business.

My Firm. My Future also incorporates is a new e-learning series of practical resources designed to help public practitioners build a sustainable business.
Module 1 - Engaging Clients -– covers the tools and strategies to turn clients into advocates.
Module 2 - Segmenting Your Client Base – looks at how to establish a successful client relationship management process and create a growth strategy.

New look INPRACTICE

INPRACTICE, CPA Australia’s monthly resource for public practitioners, has a new look, new content and a new home. There is more technical content and practical insights and it can be accessed via the public practice portal toolkit on the CPA Australia website.

In January 2020 CPA Australia launched a new Public Practice Program that provides a more flexible, personalised and practical pathway to help members set their public practice business up for success. The new program consists of an e-Learning program and workshop.

CPA Australia’s Value of Advice Report released on 25 November 2020 advocates for regulatory reform by measuring the value of advice to consumers, small business and the community. The research finds that if more people use professional advice, we will be better off as individuals, businesses and as a society.

A pilot CPA Australia mentoring program has been developed, consisting of two programs: one for members in early-career and one for members in mid-career stage. The program launched in March 2019 with 60 pairs of mentor/mentees and will be supported by an online platform, with a blend of face-to-face opportunities in selected locations. Learnings from the pilot will inform a wider roll-out of the program.

The mentoring program has been expanded in 2020 to take in 414 pairs of members across Australia and New Zealand in two streams: early career and mid-career.