About CPA Australia

An international, interconnected member organisation

CPA Australia boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1886 and has an extensive global reach with more than 173,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, supported by 20 offices around the world.

The CPA designation is recognised and respected across the globe. It signifies financial, accounting and business advisory professionals of the highest training and expertise. 

Our members represent a broad spectrum of the accounting and finance profession across diverse business and industry sectors, including public practice, not-for-profit organisations, the public sector, academia, small business and large corporate entities.

CPA Australia’s core services to members include education, training, technical support and advocacy. Employees and members work together with local and international bodies to represent the views of the profession to governments, regulators, standard setters, industry, academia and the general public. 

What is a CPA?

A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) is a finance, accounting and business professional with a specific qualification. Being a CPA is a mark of high professional competence. It indicates a soundness in depth, breadth and quality of accountancy knowledge.

CPAs are highly respected by employers and members. It provides members with an internationally recognised qualification as well as the opportunity to complete specialist training and continuing professional development (CPD). To use the CPA designation, a member must:

• complete a degree or a postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia
• complete the CPA Program, including three years of professional experience in finance, accounting or business
• undertake CPD activities each year
• comply to a strict code of conduct set by CPA Australia.

To offer public accounting services, CPAs must also complete CPA Australia's Public Practice Program and hold a Public Practice Certificate in accordance with the CPA Australia's By-Laws.

Global affiliations

CPA Australia has forged strong affiliations with accounting and finance bodies worldwide. This includes mutual agreements with other professional accounting bodies across the globe as well as standard-setters, peak bodies and industry associations.  

We are proud to be a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the peak global organisation for the accountancy profession. This gives us a leading voice in the development and implementation of high-quality global standards and in meeting the challenges of the global accounting profession.