Executive Leadership Pathway

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What is the Executive Leadership Pathway?

The Executive Leadership Pathway (ELP) helps business leaders to further advance their careers by connecting them to exciting global opportunities supported by the respected CPA designation.

This membership pathway recognises the experience and capabilities of established C-suite and executive managers currently working in the accounting and finance profession by enabling them to progress to becoming a CPA.

This new pathway is seeking to attract high-calibre executive management professionals from adjacent disciplines and roles. The eligibility criteria for the Executive Leadership Pathway includes:

C-suite/executive leaders with a minimum of 10 years of leadership and work experience in accounting or finance.
Minimum of three (3) years in a C-suite/executive management role in accounting or finance. Please note: can be inclusive of the 10 years requirement.
A reference/testimonial from a current CPA or International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) member as part of the application process.
The general admission criteria of fit and proper, Public Practice certificate (where required), and supporting documentation.
A degree-level qualification or equivalent as recognised by CPA Australia (or will have completed one prior to advancing to CPA status).
Successfully meet CPA Australia’s admission requirements.
Successfully completing the CPA Program subject of Ethics and Governance in order to advance to CPA status.

How the Executive Leadership Pathway could help you

Lead change

Gain exposure to new ideas and frameworks through tailored training that will inspire the level of innovation and adaptability that’s essential for driving your organisation towards new opportunities. The Executive Leadership Pathway can advance your career by connecting you to exciting global opportunities thanks to the recognised strength of the CPA designation. Becoming a CPA can help to refine your strategic planning and critical thinking skills, as well as broadening your understanding of global markets, cultural nuances, and international business practices.

Impact with integrity

Enhance your credibility and reputation with stakeholders, investors and employees by joining a respected organisation and earning a professional designation that’s recognised worldwide. Joining CPA Australia also gives you access to an influential network of peers, alumni, and industry leaders, providing valuable professional connections that can support business initiatives and growth. With over 173,000 members engaging in events across over 25 countries, you’re sure to expand your global network.

Advance your career

Use your extensive experience to accelerate your path to a CPA designation and advance your career. By recognising the skills you’ve attained during your time as a senior business professional, we can help you to gain a competitive edge when applying for executive promotions and board positions. The Executive Leadership Pathway also gives business professionals from accounting and non-accounting backgrounds the opportunity to become a CPA.

Exclusive offers for Executive Leadership Pathway members

Executive Leadership Pathway members will enjoy a variety of offers exclusive to the pathway, from a dedicated contact and resource from when you join and throughout your learning, to first access to CPA Australia thought-leadership and guidance material, as well as bespoke events throughout the year. Executive Leadership Pathway members will be on the fast track to FCPA, the most highly regarded designation within CPA Australia.

How to apply for the Executive Leadership Pathway

Prepare your supporting documentation, such as proof of identity, degree completion certificate (if applicable), academic transcript(s), curriculum vitae (CV/resume), and a workplace testimonial that confirms the details of your position and duration of employment to validate your eligibility. A detailed list of supporting documents can be found in the Executive Leadership Pathway application form on page 3.
Start your CPA membership application here. First, create an account, where you will receive your unique CPA Australia ID. Use this ID in the Executive Leadership Pathway application form (specified in Step 3). Then, once you progress to the Supporting Documents page in the form upload your supporting documents, including evidence of your work experience. After all supporting documents have been uploaded, pay the application fee, and submit your online application.

Click here for more information on the steps to applying for membership.

Application guide

Refer to our application guide for detailed information on specific requirements.

Download guide (PDF, 10.6 MB)

Frequently asked questions

Compulsory Documents	Further Information
Executive Leadership Pathway Application Form – signed and dated	Prior to completing the application form, an applicant will need to obtain their CPA Customer ID by lodging an application in our Online Application Tool (OAT).
Proof of Identity / Identification (ID)	e.g. passport, drivers licence, National Identity Card.
Detailed curriculum vitae	Curriculum vitae (CV) / resume should show career progression, including years working in accounting and finance and C-suite/executive leadership role/s in accounting or finance held, tasks performed, and responsibilities for each role.
CPA/IFAC member testimonial	CPA/IFAC member testimonial must be signed by a current and active CPA/IFAC member in good standing with the contact details of the nominated referee. The testimonial must include: your full name position title details of relationship with CPA/IFAC member any other information that demonstrates the individual’s capabilities within the accounting and finance profession the signature of the CPA/IFAC member name of the CPA/IFAC member’s professional body Member ID of the CPA/IFAC member.
Evidence of degree completion	In most cases, academic award certificates need to be provided as evidence of degree completion. For Australian and New Zealand qualifications, as evidence of degree completion, we can accept an official transcript that has a “degree conferred” or “degree awarded” or “eligible to graduate” statement instead of obtaining the letter of completion or academic award certificate. For overseas qualifications, a degree certificate may be required to help us determine whether an overseas qualification is comparable to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree level, and if the subjects they studied are eligible for exemptions from foundation exams. The discretion for approval of overseas awards without a degree certificate sits with the Membership Team Leaders.

We suggest that you provide as much information as possible in your curriculum vitae (CV) / resume to support your membership application. This may include, but is not limited to:
- a summary of your level of skills, experience and expertise
- your career progression and detailed descriptions of the responsibilities you held (including achievements in each role)
- any other training or achievements you feel are relevant and should be considered in your application.

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Executive Leadership Pathway

Quick links

What is the Executive Leadership Pathway?

Benefits of this pathway

FAQs

How to apply for this pathway

What is the Executive Leadership Pathway?

How the Executive Leadership Pathway could help you

Lead change

Impact with integrity

Advance your career

Exclusive offers for Executive Leadership Pathway members

How to apply for the Executive Leadership Pathway

Step 1: Prepare supporting documents

Step 2: Start an online application

Step 3: Complete the Executive Leadership Pathway application form

Step 4: Email your Executive Leadership Pathway application form

Step 5: Assessment

Step 6: Outcome

Step 7: Start the CPA Program

Application guide

Frequently asked questions

What types of roles are eligible under the new pathway?

What supporting documents are required?

What information do I need to include in my curriculum vitae (CV) / resume?

What are my options if I am ineligible for the Executive Leadership Pathway?

I applied via the Experience-Based Pathway and provided a workplace testimonial/reference letter. To convert to the Executive Leadership Pathway do I need to also provide a testimonial/reference letter from a CPA/IFAC member?

Is there anything I need to do as an employer?

How do I support candidates that are looking at this pathway?

Ready to apply?

Request a call back to discuss the Executive Leadership Pathway