Why join a professional accounting organisation?

While it’s not compulsory to join such an association or earn an accounting designation, it can certainly add value to your career.

Networking opportunities, access to ongoing learning, and professional credibility are just some of the many benefits that members of professional accounting organisations enjoy.

There are three professional accounting organisations in Australia: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). 

Of these, CPA Australia has the largest member base and global presence, with more than 170,000 members working in 118 countries, supported by 19 offices globally.

Every accounting organisation sets its own membership fees. At CPA Australia, the amount you pay depends on your level of membership.

For, example, whether you’re an Associate member, Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA) or are retired. 

If you’re undertaking the CPA Program, there are additional fees linked to enrolment.  

Learn more about the fees which apply to CPA Australia members

If you’re planning to join an accounting organisation, the first step involves submitting an online application to ascertain your eligibility. 

At CPA Australia, you can apply for membership whether you’ve completed a degree or are planning to study a qualification simultaneously with the CPA Program. 

If you have already completed a designation outside of Australia, CPA Australia has a number of different membership pathway arrangements with global accounting bodies, which may be recognised in full or part.

If your application is approved, you’ll become an Associate member and can enrol in the CPA Program. In some cases, you may be eligible for full CPA membership without undertaking additional study.

If, however, further study is required you may need to sit some foundation exams prior to starting the CPA Program.

The CPA Program is comprised of four compulsory and two elective subjects, as well as a 36-month work experience component – all of which must be completed within a six-year period.

While it’s recommended that participants enrol in one subject per semester, you can enrol in a maximum of three at a time. 

Although it pays to keep in mind that each subject will require 10 to 15 hours of study per week – plus there’s an exam for each subject at the end of the semester. 

You can fulfil the course requirements in any order (except for one subject, Global Strategy and Leadership, which has pre-requisites). 

In this and many other ways, the CPA Program offers a flexible learning approach to ensure participants can manage the workload alongside their other commitments.

The globally recognised CPA designation demonstrates that you’ve completed the CPA Program – a prestigious course comprised of four compulsory subjects, two electives and a work experience component, all of which must be undertaken within a six-year period. 

Upon completion of the CPA Program, your CPA designation will verify your accounting expertise, in turn opening new industry pathways and setting you up for a successful career.