CPA Australia is widely respected as a professional accounting designation, particularly in Australia, but it’s reputation and awareness is steadily growing in New Zealand. CPA Australia demonstrates a strong foundation in accounting, finance and ethics, and we view it as a mark of someone who is committed to professional development and high standards. We value CPA Australia members for their technical skills and strategic thinking, and it’s definitely a credential we consider favourably when hiring or promoting finance professionals.

Yes, we consider CPA Australia to be highly relevant to the skills and knowledge required at Fulton Hogan. The designation covers core areas like financial reporting, management accounting, audit, and ethics – all of which are essential in our finance and accounting roles. Additionally, the CPA Program emphasises strategic thinking and real-world application, which aligns well with our need for professionals who can contribute to both compliance and business decision-making.

What’s initially important to us is having diversity of thought, so we do hire graduates and employees from a variety of tertiary backgrounds, but yes, employees with a designation can provide our business with a competitive edge, particularly in areas where technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning are critical. The CPA designation reflects a high level of professionalism, ethical standards, and up-to-date knowledge of accounting and finance, which helps us maintain strong governance and make informed business decisions. Additionally, CPA Australia members are trained to think beyond the numbers – they bring analytical and strategic skills that contribute to improving performance and identifying growth opportunities. While it’s not the only factor in our success, it definitely strengthens the capability of our finance team.

Having a CPA designation demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development, technical competence, and ethical standards, which are qualities we highly value in senior positions. While it’s not the sole factor in promotion decisions, it can be a differentiator, especially when combined with strong performance, leadership skills, and business insight. Ultimately, we look at the whole picture – experience, attitude and impact – but CPA Australia membership can definitely open doors.

Yes, we’ve noticed some positive shifts among staff as they progress through or complete the CPA Australia designation. In terms of performance, candidates often develop a deeper understanding of financial concepts and show more confidence in handling complex tasks. Their ability to contribute strategically tends to improve as they advance in the program.

While we don’t have a formal structure specifically tied to the practical implementation of learning, we do maintain ongoing performance reviews and succession planning processes. In these discussions, an employee’s professional development – including CPA studies – naturally becomes part of the conversation. We often find that their study commitments, progress, and future goals come up during these reviews, especially when discussing workload, support needs, or career aspirations.

We remain impartial, and essentially either present a wide variety of designations if asked, or support the one they’ve chosen. Although, I think having an accounting designation is highly recommended. It provides a solid foundation in essential technical skills like financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and ethics, which are critical in this profession. The program also encourages professional development and a commitment to ethical standards, which helps our new professionals build credibility early in their careers.

CPA Australia has a growing recognition in the region which, combined with their growth in the Asia-Pacific, can open doors to diverse career opportunities. However, I’d also advise aspiring professionals to complement their studies with practical experience, networking, and soft skills development, as these are equally important for long-term success.

The CPA Australia support and account management has always been positive. We also enjoy the various events and learning experiences that CPA Australia offers. I attended the online CPA Congress last year and found it very beneficial. I have colleagues that went to the last face-to-face CPA Congress in New Zealand a few years ago who said it was a fantastic learning experience. It’s great that CPA Australia is still investing energy and prominence in the region.

I think CPA Australia is a globally recognised brand and designation. They are well regarded locally in Singapore, as well as in many regions throughout Southeast Asia. This is important for us, as we have many partners across the region, and the CPA Australia designation provides strong professional credibility and recognition. It reinforces our commitment to maintaining high standards of ethics, competence, and global best practices in accounting and finance.

While CPA Australia does a very good job of their technical training, their greatest strength is the broad appeal of their learning. They create very strong advisors who understand business beyond the numbers. They are equipped to think strategically, communicate effectively, and provide insights that drive real organisational value. Their training encourages adaptability and innovation, preparing members to thrive in diverse industries. Ultimately, CPA Australia produces professionals who are not just accountants, but trusted partners in business success.

We also do a lot of ongoing professional development with CPA Australia, which really helps our people stay current, expand their skills, and continue to grow as finance professionals.

We have around 150 accounting staff, with 10-15 that have the CPA Australia designation or are on their way towards it.

We find that our CPA Australia members consistently demonstrate strong technical knowledge and professional competence. Their expertise extends beyond traditional accounting and finance – many have developed an advanced understanding of sustainability, which is increasingly important in today’s business environment. They are not only capable of managing complex accounting tasks, but also excel at interpreting financial information in a broader business context.

This combination of technical skill and strategic insight makes them valuable contributors to our organisation. They are able to bridge the gap between finance and operations, providing meaningful input into business decisions. We also see that CPA Australia members bring a global perspective, reflecting the designation’s international recognition and high professional standards. Overall, their training and mindset align well with our focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and ethical leadership.

We provide comprehensive mentoring and support for our staff as they prepare for their CPA Australia studies and exams. This includes guidance from senior team members who have already completed the program and can share practical advice and study strategies. We also encourage regular check-ins to track progress, address challenges, and help staff balance their work and study commitments. In addition, we offer access to study resources and foster a culture where continuous learning is valued and supported. Through this mentoring approach, we aim to not only help our employees succeed in their exams, but also to build their confidence and professional capability for the long term.

We regularly invite CPA Australia to run custom “Become a CPA” sessions, which includes information on the designation and how it can impact their careers. The sessions are supportive and informative, and save our staff a lot of time in researching their options.

We also maintain regular contact with CPA Australia through both email correspondence and our dedicated account management representative. This ongoing communication allows us to stay informed about new initiatives, professional development opportunities, and updates to membership or education programs. It also gives us a direct channel to provide feedback, discuss partnership opportunities, and seek guidance on matters related to our staff’s CPA journey. This close relationship ensures that we remain aligned with CPA Australia’s standards, and can continue to support our employees in achieving and maintaining their professional designation effectively.

I regularly encourage my finance staff to pursue the CPA Australia designation because I believe the program helps develop broader skills, leadership capabilities, and cross-functional understanding. It goes beyond technical accounting knowledge to build strategic thinking and business insight, which are essential in today’s dynamic environment. CPA Australia is one of the key professional pathways we highlight to support our employees’ career growth while adding value to the organisation. The program also helps them stay current with emerging areas such as ESG, technology and AI – all of which are transforming the finance profession. By undertaking the CPA journey, our team members are better equipped to adapt, lead change, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable business outcomes.

CPA Australia is very present and vocal in Singapore, and show excellent support for the profession. I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Dale Pinto (President and Chair of the CPA Australia Board) at a recent event held at our resort in Singapore. He was warm, approachable, and genuinely interested in hearing member feedback. It’s clear that leaders like him play a defining role in shaping the reputation of an organisation – after all, a company’s reputation is only as strong as the leadership behind it.

I believe CPA Australia has a very credible brand reputation, both locally and globally. If someone is a member of CPA Australia, you know you’ll be well backed. It has a great reputation in the public sector, compared to some other designations in the accounting space.

The CPA program is also very well structured. It has a great diversity of units that provides a broad spectrum of knowledge that is highly practical in nature, and have real-world application.

Mentoring at Main Roads has been a strong and valuable part of our culture. With a significant number of CPA Australia members across the organisation, we’re fortunate to have experienced professionals who have completed a rigorous designation and continue to meet ongoing professional development requirements. This positions them exceptionally well to guide and support our younger staff – not only through the CPA journey, but also in shaping their broader career paths. There’s a genuine sense of connection, collaboration, and shared growth throughout the organisation.

The CPA Program is also highly relevant to the work we do at Main Roads, as it aligns closely with the practical demands and expectations of our roles. The standards and frameworks promoted by CPA Australia mirror those adopted across the public sector, ensuring consistency with federal accounting practices and compliance requirements.

Much of the program’s syllabus – such as financial reporting, strategic management, governance, audit, and ethics – directly reflects the core responsibilities we face in our day-to-day work. This alignment makes the learning immediately applicable, and adds real value to our professional practice, enabling staff to not only meet but exceed the technical and ethical standards required in a government agency like Main Roads.

I began the CPA Program when I first started working at Main Roads. For any staff interested in developing their technical skills, broadening their knowledge, or advancing their careers, I’m always happy to recommend a professional designation. While I remain impartial in my recommendations, my positive experiences and strong foundation with CPA Australia put me in a good position to speak to its strengths.

I regularly invite CPA Australia to present their designation program to our graduates and early-career professionals, typically on an annual basis. These sessions are always well-received, with attendees finding them informative, engaging, and highly relevant to their career aspirations. The presentations help demystify the CPA Program, providing valuable insights into the structure, requirements and benefits of the designation. For many of our younger staff, it’s an eye-opener that highlights how CPA Australia can support their professional development and long-term career growth, particularly within the public sector.

The opportunity to engage directly with representatives from CPA Australia also allows them to ask questions, explore study pathways, and better understand how the qualification aligns with the work we do at Main Roads. It’s a great way to encourage forward planning and lifelong learning from the very start of their careers.

I’ve definitely observed behavioral and aptitudinal shifts in the young professionals that have a CPA designation. From a career standpoint, you find they are more ambitious, more confident, and more hungry to perform.

More importantly, they have a superior level of independent thinking, a broader lateral vision, and an ability to communicate and connect with others to solve problems and execute solutions.

In the public realm, being able to interpret data and legislation is highly critical, and I think the CPA Program course structure allows them to understand and interpret legislation and policy, and apply a level of commercial and critical thinking to flesh out options.

In many cases, staff members pursuing their CPA designation are supported by a manager, team lead, or fellow CPA who acts as a sponsor throughout the process. As part of this support, individuals are expected to report back to their team or unit on what they’ve learned, and are given time to reflect on how that learning can be practically applied in their day-to-day work.

Every employee also participates in a 12-month performance review cycle, during which they are required to demonstrate their on-the-job experience and align their development with the organisation’s core competency framework. The insights and skills gained through CPA studies must be actively integrated into their role.

To support our people on this journey, we provide paid study time, cover exam and membership fees, and encourage an open commitment: we invest in our employees, and we look for the same level of commitment in return.

We also encourage all CPAs and staff to stay engaged with internal opportunities. Rotating into complementary roles helps maintain passion, broaden skill sets, and ensures their learning remains relevant in a dynamic workplace.

We have a very solid working relationship with CPA Australia. Account management has always been supportive, and we often send our staff to CPA Week or CPA Congress to present or simply to learn. They are always robust development opportunities.

We also have CPA Australia into Main Roads to run career sessions and provide guidance on their pathway. Additionally, we run custom in-house PD sessions where CPA Australia course designers and facilitators work with our internal HR and learning team to create programs that are personalised to the requirements of our organisation, and the learning pathways of the staff attending. Our staff find those sessions to be valuable, and directly applicable to their roles, enhancing both their professional development and their ability to contribute more effectively to organisational goals.

Working in the public space, I also see the great work CPA Australia does to advocate for not just members, but the profession at large. They do a lot with the Australian Accounting Standards Board by contributing to consultations, providing expert insights, and helping shape standards that reflect the evolving needs of the profession and the public interest.

I also see the work they do with the Australia Council for Economic Development, and lobbying they do with various government departments and organisations around budget and tax reform, and other topics. I also notice CPA Australia at both CPA and industry events, so they are highly visible and representative of the wider industry. I know they are building an app which will add a lot of value, and also CPA Australia’s INTHEBLACK content has been quite handy as a safety share back to my team, one measure amongst many that I use to support the psychological safety of my team.

They back their members, they back our industry, and they back our profession – that’s all you could ask for in a peak membership body.

When I was early on in my career, I had a number of options for my designation pathway: MICPA, ACCA and CPA and others, and even back then it was very clear to me that I needed a designation that not only was strong technically but had broader skills into strategy and management, as technical accounting skills will only get you so far. And I believe it’s those broader skills that have allowed me to add genuine value within Intel.

While I am a CPA myself, and in my position I always give my staff an unbiased and agnostic view in regards to their designation choices and professional development, I can and do articulate the great experience that I’ve had becoming a CPA. I feel like CPA Australia is the market leader and innovator, and I’ve noticed more-and-more that other organisations tend to be following CPA Australia’s lead and approach in market.

I’m a CPA and a CA. I ask my staff what their career objectives are. If they want to grow their career and develop their strategic thinking, then I would recommend CPA.

I notice CPAs have more confidence. Their approach to problem solving and critical thinking is stronger. Even with limited experience they will come in with a problem statement and recommend solutions, but staff without that designation either take longer to get to that point, or aren’t as confident to make those calls.

I would recommend that graduates delay their starting employment and study their designation. This designation is an investment in yourself and your career path. While people without it may be a couple of years ahead in working experience, the credibility, confidence, autonomy, and adaptable skills you bring will not only help you scale but will be more important as you progress deeper into your career journey.

While we don’t have hard data on the career progress, my observation is that CPAs compared to just Bachelor graduates do have accelerated progress, especially in that 5-10 year horizon. They tend to have progressed further commercially and are more likely to hold mid-to-senior leadership roles, likely due to the credibility, technical grounding, and strategic exposure that the CPA Australia designation provides.

At Intel we have job rotations to support knowledge pollination. This ensures that not only employees stay passionate and engaged, but we are implementing the skills they have evolved through study and experience. We have an internal job market, and we recommend that people consider reviewing their internal pathways every 18-24 months.

I’ve experienced recent examples where an employee was doing a tax subject, was really enjoying it, a tax role came up internally, and they pivoted. While these internal pathways aren’t mandatory, there is an expectation they at least review their options so we’re using the best of their skills and study.

We also have regular performance development sessions where we analyse what skills our staff have versus skills they need to develop, and help them map to roles that fit their preferred career path.

Intel was one of the first companies to become a Recognised Employer Program Partner. We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship, some excellent collaborations, and we’ve always felt well supported by the organisation and the people we’ve worked with.

Our Account Managers have been responsive and supportive. They visit more regularly these days, which is fantastic, and support our staff on their CPD journeys.

CPA Australia’s mentoring program is also very good. It gives mentors a chance to pass on their experience and insights, and give young graduates and professionals a chance to scale their knowledge.

I’ve been really re-engaging with CPA Australia’s INTHEBLACK content over the last 6-8 months. I’ve seen some real improvements in their content, and they’ve been bringing in a lot of real-life business leaders – a CFO of a dairy farm, and lots more international.

CPA Australia is also very good at keeping members and employers abreast of key policy news, what’s evolving, and updates on next tech – AI, analytics and ESG. The profession is evolving rapidly, and I feel that CPA Australia is keeping pace with those changes. There’s great networking within the CPA community, especially within the Penang network, and I’m keen to continue nurturing those connections. Without those CPA contacts, I might not be as up-to-date on accounting developments or exposed to the diverse perspectives on how to navigate them.

I attended a CPA Australia session very recently on secure AI which presented many risks and opportunities, and it’s good that CPA Australia is leading in this space.

I truly appreciate your team. They feel like family to us. The CPA Australia Chinese team has been incredibly supportive and proactive. They create an environment that is not only favourable for our staff, but also deeply enriching for their professional growth.

They organise a wide range of seminars, webinars, and learning activities that our employees can easily engage with. These events help our team stay informed, develop relevant skills, and remain connected with the broader CPA community. The strong sense of belonging and interaction they foster makes a real difference.

What I value most is that they genuinely understand what our organisation and our people need. They listen, respond, and continuously refine their offerings to make sure the support they provide is meaningful and aligned with our goals. Their ability to keep members connected and up-to-date reflects a real partnership rather than just a service.

CPA Australia graduates bring a strong foundation that enables them to perform at a higher level in a global environment. The qualification equips them with the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and international perspective needed to operate confidently across different markets and cultural contexts.

In addition, the program significantly enhances their communication abilities – particularly when engaging with external stakeholders such as clients, partners, auditors and regulators. They learn to present financial information clearly, explain complex concepts with confidence, and provide insights that support effective decision-making.

As a result, CPA Australia graduates carry themselves with a high degree of professionalism and assurance. Their confidence is well-earned, grounded in rigorous training, global standards, and the continuous learning built into the designation. This makes them valuable assets not only within our organisation but also in the broader marketplace.

After completing the CPA Australia program, graduates communicate differently – they express their ideas with greater clarity, maturity and confidence. While ACCA tends to focus more on undergraduate students and early foundational learning, CPA Australia places stronger emphasis on professional development and real-world application. This focus is something I value deeply, because our workforce consists of professionals who need to be fully prepared for the complex responsibilities of their roles.

CPA Australia trains its members not just in technical accounting skills but also in leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication. This results in individuals who are ready to step into higher responsibilities and contribute meaningfully from day one.

Another aspect I truly appreciate is the sense of community within CPA Australia. Members are closely connected, supportive of one another, and actively engaged in sharing knowledge and experiences. This collaborative environment further strengthens their growth and ensures they continue to develop long after earning the designation.

CPA Australia is excellent at keeping its members up-to-date with the latest developments, including emerging technologies such as AI and digital transformation. This constant exposure to new trends ensures graduates remain relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

The program also significantly enhances their skill sets – both technical and strategic – which positions them strongly for promotion. By strengthening their analytical abilities, communication skills, and global mindset, CPA Australia equips graduates to take on more advanced responsibilities with confidence.

These graduates tend to be more open-minded and adaptable, with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in front of stakeholders at all levels. This combination of competence and confidence naturally creates more opportunities for them to progress within the organisation. As they continue to grow, their broader perspectives and updated capabilities make them valuable candidates for leadership roles.

CPA Australia not only provides exceptionally strong technical competence to its graduates, but also places a major focus on developing the softer skills that are essential for modern professionals. Through its structured learning framework, graduates receive ongoing training in areas such as team management, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. This balanced approach creates more well-rounded employees who can contribute effectively both individually and within teams.

In addition to the core program, CPA Australia offers a wide range of seminars and webinars throughout the year. These sessions ensure members are continuously learning, staying current with industry trends, and developing skills that support long-term career growth.

Every year, we collaborate closely with the CPA Australia team to organise professional events for our staff. These events are co-managed and include coordinating speakers, planning content, and engaging participants. This partnership not only enhances the learning experience for our employees but also strengthens our connection with the broader CPA Australia community. The support and professionalism of the CPA Australia team make these initiatives smooth, meaningful and impactful.

I have an Associate Director in my team who earned the CPA Australia designation two years ago. Since then, she has made a remarkable impact on our operations, particularly in integrating IT systems into our accounting workflows. Her broad knowledge, both technical and strategic, allows her to bridge the gap between finance and technology, making processes more efficient and effective.

One of her major achievements has been leading the implementation of a global ERP system. She successfully managed the localisation of the software to ensure compliance with local regulations while maintaining alignment with global standards.

Her work has improved accuracy, streamlined reporting, and enhanced overall operational efficiency. Her combination of professional qualification, technical expertise, and practical experience demonstrates the value that CPA Australia graduates bring – not only in accounting knowledge but also in applying innovative solutions that benefit the entire organisation.

Professionalism: CPA Australia is widely respected for its rigorous standards and commitment to excellence. Its graduates demonstrate strong technical competence, ethical integrity, and a high level of professionalism, which ensures they are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions in any organisation.

International perspective: The designation is globally recognised, providing members with the knowledge and credibility to work confidently across international markets. CPA Australia equips its members with a deep understanding of global accounting standards, emerging trends, and cross-border business practices, making them highly adaptable and future-ready.

Community: The CPA Australia community is truly exceptional. Members are connected, supportive and engaged, creating a collaborative environment that fosters learning, networking, and professional growth. Through seminars, webinars, and various events, members have opportunities to share knowledge, gain insights, and build lasting professional relationships. Together, these strengths make CPA Australia not just a professional qualification, but a platform that develops well-rounded, globally-minded, and highly capable finance professionals.