Advance to FCPA status

Content Summary

Being an FCPA means you’re recognised as an expert in your field. FCPAs are renowned worldwide as having gained unparalleled experience in the field of accounting and finance. FCPAs are also recognised and respected around the world as being leaders in their industries. The fellowship marks the strong, ongoing relationship with CPA Australia.

How do I become an FCPA?

In addition to meeting all the requirements for being a CPA, you must also have at least 15 years’ work experience in accounting, finance or business. This must include at least five years' experience working in either:

senior management, strategic leadership and/or subject matter expertise role/s relating to accounting, finance or business, or
as a principal or partner of a public practice providing Public Accounting Service.

Towards your 15 years’ experience, we may also consider your achievements related to notable contributions to CPA Australia, the profession, and/or the community, or if you have other relevant life experience. This can also include voluntary contributions.

If you fulfil the criteria, you may now be eligible to move to the highest rank of the accounting profession.

Gain the recognition and respect that comes with a lifetime of professional expertise.

Become an FCPA today

Apply Now

What supporting documentation to provide with FCPA application?

As part of your application, please provide the following supporting documentation:

For each role please include:
- company name
- period of employment
- job title
- duties performed
We would highly recommend to also include a link to your professional social media profile (such as LinkedIn) on your CV if you would like us to consider it as part of the assessment of your application.
Option 1: Five years of experience as a principal or a partner of a public practice entity providing Public Accounting Services

Please provide:

A character reference* from other partners or shareholders and/or clients of your practice. These will include:
- your full name
- your relationship with the reference
- your position title
- how long you have worked in your role
- your duties and responsibilities
Option 2: Five years of experience in senior management, strategic leadership and/or subject matter expertise role/s relating to accounting, finance or business.

Please provide:

A workplace testimonial* on organisational letterhead of your current role with:
- your full name
- your position title
- how long you have worked in your role
- your duties and responsibilities
*Please contact us if you are an independent contractor or consultant to discuss options for a reference check
This can be in the form of an organisational and/or community reference letter, including:
- your full name
- your position title
- how long you have worked in your role
- your duties and responsibilities
- involved activities for contributions
- how your contributions benefit the profession and/or community

NOTE: Please include high-quality, legible scans of your supporting documents in either of the following formats: JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, PDF, TIFF. The the information you supply as part of this application will be used to ensure your ongoing compliance with CPA Australia’s By-Laws and other membership requirements.

Any non-English documents will need to be officially translated. Please send us high-quality resolution quality scans of the original language document and the official translation.

Is there a processing fee for FCPA applications?

No, there is no application fee for applying to advance to FCPA status.

Will my membership fee increase if I am eligible for FCPA status?

No, FCPA members pay the same fees as CPA members. Please refer to our member service fees for more information about the current membership fees that are relevant to your location.

Processing times for FCPA applications

In general, FCPA applications are processed within 15 working days, considering the application is complete and all the required supporting documentation is provided.

Processing times may be delayed if your application is incomplete or if additional documents are required to support your application.

How will I know if my application is successful?

Once the assessment of your application is complete, we will contact you via email to let you know the outcome of your application.

Content Summary

How do I become an FCPA?

Become an FCPA today

What supporting documentation to provide with FCPA application?

1. Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume demonstrating 15 years of experience in accounting, finance or business.

2. Evidence of five years of experience in either of the two expertise area options below:

3. (If applicable) Evidence of your experience demonstrating significant contributions (including of a voluntary nature) to CPA Australia, the profession, and/or the community, or if you have other relevant life experience.

Is there a processing fee for FCPA applications?

Will my membership fee increase if I am eligible for FCPA status?

Processing times for FCPA applications

How will I know if my application is successful?

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