Yang Zhao
Member’s name: Yang Zhao
Date of Hearing: 12 March 2024
Division: New South Wales
Tribunal: Disciplinary
On 12 March 2024 the Disciplinary Tribunal found Ms Yang Zhao breached CPA Australia’s 11 May 2022 Constitution (“the Constitution”) in that she had breached:
- Article 36(a) having committed, participated in, or been involved with an Adverse Event as defined in Article 76 of the Constitution at subparagraph (e), in that she has failed to observe a proper standard of professional care, skill or competence by (a) failing to maintain records of instructions in relation to the lodgement of a document with ASIC, and (b) failing to take proper steps to ascertain that the information in the document lodged with ASIC was true and complete.
- 36(a) in having committed, participated in or been involved with an Adverse Event as defined in Article 76 of the Constitution at subparagraph (c), in that she has breached By-Law 9.1(a), by providing Public Accounting Services within the Commonwealth of Australia without holding a current Public Practice Certificate.
Ms Yang Zhao attended the Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing and admitted the Complaints.
Penalty and Costs:
The Disciplinary Tribunal found the Complaints sustained and imposed the following penalties:
Complaint 1:
- A severe reprimand
- A Fine of $2,000
- The member must successfully complete the on-line course, “Responsible ASIC Registered Agent”, or its equivalent, to the satisfaction of the General Manager Professional Conduct (GMPC) by 30 April 2024 or such date as allowed by the GMPC. Failure to complete the course in the required timeframe to result in forfeiture of membership. If membership is forfeited, the member must complete this course prior to seeking readmission.
Complaint 2:
- The Member must obtain a CPA Australia Public Practice Certificate (PPC) by 30 April 2024 or such later date as allowed by the General Manager Professional Conduct (GMPC).
- The Member is to successfully complete a compliant CPA Australia Best Practice Program assessment, or its equivalent, within 12 months of obtaining a PPC or such later date as allowed by the GMPC.
Failure to meet either of these conditions in the required timeframe to result in forfeiture of membership. If membership is forfeited, then the Member is required to meet both requirements outlined above as a condition of readmission.
The Member was ordered to pay a contribution to CPA Australia’s costs in the amount of $2,320.00.