CPA Australia and University of Melbourne mark 85 years of Annual Research Lecture

The role of accountants and reporting requirements in the not-for-profit sector was the topic of discussion at the 85th CPA Australia – University of Melbourne Annual Research Lecture last week.
Continuing the long-standing tradition between CPA Australia and the University of Melbourne, this year’s Annual Research Lecture was presented by Mel Yates FCPA, Director in the federal government and Deputy President of CPA Australia’s Victorian Divisional Council. 

Titled ‘Charity reporting: Exploring the balance between trust and confidence and unnecessary burden’, the lecture discussed what has been achieved in more than a decade since the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) was established, plus the role accountants have played to date and the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for the sector.

The lecture included reflections on the ACNC Charity Register containing hundreds of thousands of annual lodgements from registered charities and tens of thousands of financial reports, and the impact this has had on trust and confidence in charities, in the context of continuing regulatory reforms and societal expectations. 

Attendees were given a valuable insight into the charity sector, the benefits of charity reporting, the associated costs, plus the implications for accounting and governance research in practice. 

The CPA Australia – University of Melbourne Annual Research Lecture is widely acknowledged – amongst the university’s many disciplines and extensive public programs – as its longest-running continuous annual research lecture series. 

In its 85th year, the Annual Research Lecture has seen some of the greatest and most respected minds in accounting, business and finance present to University of Melbourne students and esteemed guests over the years.

Dale Pinto FCPA, CPA Australia President & Chair and John Curtin Distinguished Professor, said the Annual Research Lecture boasts a rich history of tackling the significant issues and trends within the accounting profession.

“We take great pride in our partnership with the University of Melbourne,” stated Professor Pinto. “Over the years, attendees have experienced countless memorable lectures that have informed and inspired their professional journeys and beyond. 

“This year’s lecture by Mel Yates, focusing on the charity sector and the critical role of accountants, continued this esteemed tradition. A heartfelt thank you to Mel for such an engaging session, and to all who attended.”

Brad Potter Ph. D, FCA, FCPA, Head of the Department of Accounting at the University of Melbourne, said: “A great address on such a socially and economically important sector. Mel’s insights gave us many opportunities for future research on financial sustainability and what good governance looks like in the charity sector.

"As the longest running lecture series at the University and one of the longest in the world, this lecture is an important part of the landscape in accounting in Australia. We were thrilled that Mel was able to deliver this year’s address.”

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