While people become CPAs for different reasons, they can all benefit from the opportunities that it opens up. “The CPA Program is designed to create business professionals and leaders,” Rennie says. “We make sure that it positions CPAs to work wherever they desire.”
Many members become CPAs because they want to make a positive impact.
“A lot of members have a very strong ethos of working in for-purpose industries or working for not-for-profits,” Rennie says. And with countries around the world increasingly making it mandatory for businesses to report on sustainability and climate change, CPAs are in prime position to make a meaningful contribution on those fronts even if they’re not working in the not-for-profit space.
CPA Australia offers a standalone micro-credential on sustainability reporting. Organisations are increasingly being required to report on their approach to sustainability. The key for organisations is how to integrate a focus on sustainability as part of their strategy, business model and risk profile. . “Knowing how to create value through sustainability is an essential 21st-century skill for accounting professionals,” Rennie says.
CPAs often find themselves in influential positions, Rennie says, where they really can make a difference. “CPAs are trusted advisers to business and the government. They are at the forefront of advising governments and businesses on managing climate change and sustainability.”
Loyal network
The CPA Program is flexible and can be studied in different ways and at difference paces: from part-time distance learning to combined post-graduate degrees, you can choose your own journey.
“It is challenging,” Rennie says. “It’s not to be taken lightly. And it does require ongoing maintenance. However, it demonstrates that you are committed to lifelong learning. It’s a sign that you are a very high performer.”
One of the benefits of the CPA Program is the strong and loyal CPA network; members support each other, and overwhelmingly opt to retain their CPA Australia membership for many years – sometimes even beyond retirement.
“There’s a really strong sense of professional community among members,” Rennie says. “We have a social network called CPA Member Connect, and there are over 20,000 CPAs on there. I see members on there all the time asking questions, and a barrage of other members coming up with answers to help people not just with technical issues, but also about career progression issues, and leadership and strategy questions.”
The CPA Australia Mentoring Program also provides a way for members to support each other. “Our mentoring program is just growing and growing,” Rennie says. “A lot of members say, I’ve got so much value out of this program, I want to give back.”
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