Update from the CPA Australia Board 14 September 2021

COVID-19 Media Commentary

CPA Australia is conscious of the impacts that COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns are having on business, particularly small businesses. As part of our commitment to provide community advocacy, we have taken a more prominent position in the media calling for additional government support for businesses affected by lockdowns.

In Australia, our five-point plan for post lockdown business support has received widespread media coverage across television, radio and print media with CEO Andrew Hunter being interviewed for major metro, regional and trade outlets, and publishing an opinion piece. We also conducted a survey among members on Australia’s economic and business sentiment against the National COVID-19 plan and shared the results and recommendations in a media release. CPA Australia will continue this advocacy while the National COVID-19 Response Plan agreed by National Cabinet is rolled out.

Business Technology Report

In line with our commitment to provide thought-leadership on issues relevant to the profession, CPA Australia has published our 2021 Business Technology report. The report is based on the results of a survey undertaken with 725 professionals from different industries and examines technology use and financial performance by businesses in Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore. The report shows that technology use is a major factor in business success and that businesses investing in technology can significantly improve their growth prospects.

Focus on Public Practice

The Board recognises that members working in public practice are facing significant challenges in the current business environment. To help members navigate these challenges, CPA Australia has published a special digital edition of INPRACTICE magazine by INTHEBLACK, covering the key issues affecting public practitioners. Publication coincided with the Public Practice Virtual Conference on 19 August that attracted more than 860 delegates who participated in a mix of live and on-demand sessions featuring a line-up of local and international speakers, including actor and comedian John Cleese who spoke entertainingly about creativity in business.

CPA Virtual Congress

Registrations are open for CPA Virtual Congress being held from Wednesday 20 October - Friday 22 October 2021. The theme for this year’s Congress is ‘Leadershift’ which reflects that leadership is for all roles and that a new approach will be required as we forge a path to recovery.

CPA Virtual Congress will be an interactive online experience with members able to network with their global peers using 1-on-1 video chatting and learn from thought leaders and industry experts. The program features more than 50 local and international speakers including Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo and Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman Siemens and Maersk. Registration and further details are available on the Virtual Congress webpage.

Centres of Excellence – Applications Now Open

The Centres of Excellence (CoEs) provide advice and expertise to inform CPA Australia’s policy responses to issues affecting the profession and the wider community. It is a great opportunity for members to showcase their technical expertise with like-minded peers and work alongside industry leading experts. The tenure commences in 2022 and we are seeking members with expertise in:

• Retirement Savings (1 place)
• Taxation (2 places)
• Ethics and Professional Standards (2 places)
• External Reporting (up to 3 spaces)
• Digital Transformation (1 place)

The nomination form and further details are available on the Centres of Excellence webpage. Nominations close on 8 October 2021.

MRA Renewal with ICA India

The Board is pleased to announce that CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently renewed their Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for another five years. The MRA enables CPA Australia and ICAI to collaborate on events and provides a mutual pathway for dual professional recognition in the respective accounting bodies.

Merran Kelsall FCPA
President and Chairman
On behalf of CPA Australia's Board of Directors