CPA Australia offers accredited programs and qualifications recognised globally and will give you the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive business world. As a CPA member, you’ll have access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and career development tools to help you stay ahead of the curve. So don’t settle for mediocrity – join the ranks of elite CPAs and realise your full potential. Explore CPA Program and qualifications today!

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CPA Australia

Ways to secure your future by being a CPA

Your Comprehensive Guide to CPA Australia: Programs, Qualifications, and Membership Requirements

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CPA Australia

CPA Australia offers accredited programs and qualifications recognised globally and will give you the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive business world. As a CPA member, you’ll have access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and career development tools to help you stay ahead of the curve. So don’t settle for mediocrity – join the ranks of elite CPAs and realise your full potential. Explore CPA Program and qualifications today!

What is CPA - a certificate, licence or degree?

A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) is an accounting finance and business professional with a specific qualification.

An internationally recognised qualification, it opens doors to complete specialist training and continuing professional development.

The CPA Program ensures you will be well-equipped to tackle any challenging accounting, finance or business situations in today’s volatile global marketplace. Be it an accountant in prominent accounting firms or an accountant for small businesses, everyone requires credentials for professional growth.

CPA Australia: Important Details

CPA Australia is the accounting regulatory body in Australia. It provides education, training, and support to its members. With tie-ups with leading accounting bodies globally, it develops professionals with future capabilities.

The CPA Program is a semester-based, distance-learning system. The CPA Australia login allows you access to a range of learning resources, including printed and online materials, to assist your studies.

Being a CPA Australia member, one gets a window into the global opportunities for accounting professionals. Also, its member recognition agreement with other accountancy organisations boosts one’s chances of a highly lucrative international career.

CPA Australia Important Details

Career Benefits of becoming a CPA

A CPA is an elite accounting and finance professional with an edge over others in upward mobility. The reasons you should apply for the CPA Program include the following:

CPA program
CPA program

Access to More Opportunities

There is an exponential increase in demand for highly trained and competent CPA accountants in public accounting, government organisations, and industry, among others, with the business environment becoming more complex and competitive. Also, CPA credentials help you move to higher managerial positions in accounting firms and elsewhere.

Excellent Salary and Lucrative Perks

Though salaries vary depending on education and experience, a CPA member can expect to earn more than their non-CPA contemporaries. It brings more power to the negotiation table, giving you an upper hand in determining your perks before joining a position.

accounting firms

Job Stability

In an unpredictable job market, CPA certification is the cushion that protects CPA accountants from losing employment. The training builds critical thinking, analytical abilities and creativity, assuring your employers of your worth. Even in economic turmoil, it offers job security.

accountant for small business

Professional Independence

CPA accountants have a great degree of professional autonomy. CPA members can be consultants for accounting firms or be a founder of their firms. You can easily leverage your reputation as a CPA. You get equipped in handling leadership roles essential for budding entrepreneurs.

Eligibility for CPA Program

Eligibility for CPA Program - Competencies required to begin the CPA Program

To apply for CPA Australia certification, you must meet specific CPA requirements:

  • an undergraduate degree equivalent to Australian Bachelor’s degree

    OR

  • at least 8 standard units(1 -year full time) Australian postgraduate degree level. 
  • if you have not completed your degree program, you can complete the Foundation exams before you begin your CPA program.

  • if you have completed a program with another accounting body, refer to the CPA Australia membership pathway arrangements to know if the institution recognises your designation in part or in full.

CPA Australia has affiliations with leading global professional giants, so a CPA licence is respected worldwide. If you have undertaken a program with an institution recognised by CPA Australia,  you may be eligible to apply for an equivalent CPA Australia membership or exemptions from the course  program.

CPA Exam Structure

It is crucial to be thorough with the CPA exam structure to be a CPA member. CPA skill assessment plays a decisive role in any accountant’s job profile. 

  • The CPA Australia exam is held twice a year. The crucial dates can be found here.
  • The CPA Australia Program exams are divided into two semesters with a maximum of 3 CPA papers per semester. 
  • Candidates must appear for and pass six papers, comprising 4 main subjects and 2 Elective papers.
  • The CPA Australia Program scoring scale ranges from 100 to 900. 
  • 100 denotes that  no questions were  answered correctly,
  • 540 illustrates a passing scaled score, and
  • 900 represents that all questions answered correctly.
  • Candidates must score a scaled score of 540 to pass the CPA Australia Program.
CPA Exam Structure

Compulsory and elective subjects in CPA Australia program

The CPA Program has 4 compulsory subjects and 2 electives. Each subject is delivered in a semester with an exam at the end.

CPA Australia program

The 4 compulsory subjects:

Ethics and Governance

Deals with developing a knowledge base and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve ethical and professional issues.

Strategic Management Accounting

This subject builds on an accountant's contribution to the institution's management team, strategy development and other factors to make the institution's position stronger in the market.

Financial Reporting

The subject encompasses technical accounting, financial reporting and other valuable skills in the global market.

Global Strategy and Leadership

It builds on the skills and knowledge the candidates have gained from studying the other three subjects. It trains the candidates to be future financial experts in an ever-changing market.

Electives: 

  • Advanced Audit and Assurance: it deals with audit and assurance processes, procedures and methodologies.

  • Contemporary Business Issues: it trains candidates for the problems and issues for the profession in the contemporary business environments.

  • Financial Risk Assessment: it builds on skills to assess s financial risks thoroughly and manage them.

  • Digital Finance: makes the candidates well-versed in the world of digital finance.

  • Australian Taxation: provides learners with a fundamental awareness of Australian income tax and legislation.

  • Australian Taxation Advanced: it builds on the knowledge of the Australian taxation subject and covers advanced tax issues. 

  • Hong Kong Taxation: members from Hong Kong may study the taxation system in Hong Kong.

  • Malaysian Taxation: members from Malaysia may study the taxation system in Malaysia.

  • New Zealand Taxation: New Zealand members may study the country’s local tax system.

  • Singapore Taxation: provides specialised training in the Singapore taxation system.

  • Fiji Taxation: members from Fiji may study the local taxation system through this subject.
Compulsory and elective subjects in CPA
What does a CPA do

What does a CPA do? Types of CPAs

CPAs juggle a lot of responsibilities. They can be global conglomerates CFO or accountants for small business establishments. A CPA is a trusted financial advisor assisting individuals, organisations, and businesses to establish and reach their goals. A CPAs toolbox includes different types of CPAs specialising in distinct industries’ services. The list consists of everything from tax preparation, creating financial statements, conducting financial planning, carrying out forensic accounting, and internal auditing to dealing with income tax. A CAP can work in the mentioned fields:

  • Personal Financial Planning
  • Information Management and Technology Assurance
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Valuation
  • Taxes
  • Audit and other Attestation Services
  • Government
  • Nonprofit
  • Environmental Accounting
  • International Accounting
  • Business Environment & Concepts (BEC)
  • Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
  • Regulation (REG)

How can you become a CPA in Australia? Available pathways

CPA Australia offers flexible pathways to becoming a CPA. These include:

Education-based Pathway: if you have already completed an accounting-related degree, you may enter the CPA program directly.

Experience-based Pathway: it recognises the expertise of professionals from non-accounting backgrounds
To be eligible for the Experience-Based Pathway, you must:

  • have a degree level qualification or equivalent, recognised by CPA Australia.
  • have a minimum of five years of work experience in a relevant accounting, finance, or business role(s) that demonstrate you have achieved core competencies.
  • currently working in accounting, finance, or a relevant business area.
  • successfully meet CPA Australia’s admission requirements.

Membership Pathways: CPA Australia has arrangements with accounting bodies worldwide. Under such a collaboration, it recognises the programs of these organisations in whole or in part.

Available pathways

CPA vs CA: Which is the right path?

The question does not have a clear winner. Which of these is a better career option depends on your career goals and where you wish to work. The parameters that can be used for CPA vs CA are:

International Recognition: CPA and CA are both recognised and accepted worldwide. With international agreements both credentials give you pathways to global accounting roles. Due to the diverse nature of the profession, you may have to study some additional subjects to get recognition overseas.

Syllabus: CPAs and CAs are highly qualified accountants operating within a strict code of conduct. CAs focus intensely on the technical aspects of accounting and complex taxation matters, while CPAs concentrate on accounting and business management as a whole. 

Exam Pattern: CPA certification is provided after you successfully pass 4 main papers and 2 electives. The questions are multiple-choice and subjective. To be a CA, one must pass nine exams (seven core and two electives). You can check subject related details on CA and CPA websites.

Course Duration: Candidates can complete CPA in a minimum period of 12 months with intense preparation and planning. In contrast, completing the CA course may take 3-4 years. 

Career Scope: A CPA certification expands the job arena, and the candidate can apply to accounting firms and business organisations anywhere. A CA can find lucrative opportunities at home and overseas. Chartered Accountants Worldwide is a global organisation that brings CAs and CA students together in more than 190 countries.

Work Experience: For CPA Australia, you need to gain 36 months of full-time, or the equivalent of part-time work experience. One has to gain 3 years of experience to qualify for a CA certification.

Course Cost: The fees for both programs vary depending on the professional bodies you are enrolled with globally. For reference the important fee figures for both courses in Australia are given below.

For reference, the CPA Australia Course Program important fees figures are given below:* 

Subject Enrollment (early bird)

$1260

Subject Enrollment

$1420

Standard Exam Deferral 

$360

Late Exam Deferral

$485

Study Guide Replacement

$100

*CPA program Australia (2023) in AUD

*CPA membership and other fees depend on where you live – refer to CPA Australia web page for current costs.

For reference, the principle Australia CA fees* are given for Term1 to Term 4: 

Description

Term 1

Term   2

Term       3-4

Course Tuition Fees 

Domestic Candidates

$7089

$7089

$7607

Overseas Candidates Studying in Australia

$7089

$13,874

$13,874

Overseas Candidates Studying Outside Australia

$7089

$7089

$7607

Overseas Onsite Exam Fee (per Subject) 

$405

$405

$405

* Timetables, fees and enrolment – refer to CA ANZ website for current costs.

CPA vs Accountants

CPA vs Accountants: How to choose?

Many might interchange these terms, but CPA and accountants are two distinct job profiles.

  • An accountant is a professional with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. A CPA professional has earned the certification through a combination of education, training and experience.
  • A CPA licence is gained through a professional regulatory body, and CPA members have to continue their education to maintain their certifications.
  • CPAs have to uphold and maintain stringent standards and a code of ethics. All CPAs can be accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs.
  • Due to higher education and CPA credential attainment, CPAs have higher earning possibilities than unlicensed accountants. 
  • CPAs are uniquely qualified to serve multiple clients across industries in public accounting firms. Accountants conventionally work in the private accounting field. It means they work for a single company or organisation in its internal finance department.

CPA vs CFA: what's the difference

There are innumerable discussions if CPA and CFA are the same certifications. The answer is a clear no. 

  • The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is primarily associated with accounting jobs. The CFA Program caters to the advancement of investment careers and provides deep investment analysis, portfolio management, and professional ethics knowledge. In contrast, the CPA curriculum concentrates on accounting, taxes, and audits. As a result, the CFA Program requires fewer educational prerequisites than the CPA curriculum.
  • A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a person who has completed the requirements of the program set out by the CFA Institute. It includes having a bachelor’s degree, gaining the necessary experience (currently three years) in the investment industry, and completing three different intensive examinations. 
  • A CFA analyses the growth and profitability of companies, their financial stability, and the amount of debt they carry.CFAs perform personal financial planning and wealth management. A CFA will likely receive and analyse reports from a CPA or other accountant. 
  • CPAs are involved with producing accurate reports reflecting the business dealings of the companies or individuals. They conduct  tax reporting and filing. As a result, a CPA can help their clients to choose the best course of action in terms of minimising taxes and maximising profitability.
CPA vs CFA

Must have skills for CPAs

Becoming a CPA is a significant milestone in your professional life. A CPA credential opens up an impressive range of roles. Here is a list of skills every employer looks for in a CPA.

  • Updated knowledge and expertise
    Having a finger on the revised tax laws and their intricacies and mandates is necessary for CPA accountants to serve clients. Therefore, continuing professional education courses must be taken by every CPA to fulfil their roles productively.
     
  • Strategic and Critical Thinking
    A CPA must have a vision and a program for the industry’s environment. A CPA must foresee potential opportunities for business growth and search for innovative solutions to problems ailing the organisation.

  • Communication and Collaboration skills
    Communicating finance information and its implications is desirable for CPAs, especially those considering senior managerial positions. Also, a CPA has to collaborate with IT, human resources, marketing and other departments to understand relevant business situations.

  • Technical skills
    With specific IT prowess a prerequisite for every profession, CPAs should also be technically adept and update themselves with new tech in the accounting field. Popular accounting, payroll or spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Excel, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics and Oracle, are among the applications a CPA should handle. In addition, working with cloud computing and data analytics keeps one marketable. 
Career opportunities for a CPA

Career opportunities for a CPA

The world becomes your playing field, and you can avail yourself of many employment possibilities with a CPA Program.

Some of the prestigious roles that you can apply for include: 

  • Risk and Compliance Professional.
  • Senior Financial Analyst.
  • Accounting Software Developer.
  • Corporate Controller.
  • Personal Financial Advisor.
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Information technology Accountant.
  • Corporate Entertainment Accountant
  • Environmental Accountant
  • Budget Analyst
  • Finance Director.
  • Academia
  • Entrepreneur

History of the CPA Profession in Australia

CPA Australia has long been setting benchmarks in the field of training accounts professionals for challenging and constructive roles in the field of finance. 

The prestigious institution was founded in 1886 under the name of  Incorporated Institute of Accountants, Victoria (IIAV – now known as CPA Australia). However, as the institution grew internationally, a need was felt for stricter regulations, and in 1965 a graduate entry policy was introduced.

From then on, CPA Australia opened up offices in different parts of the world, carried out a career development program, and provided resources and tools to its members, which exceed over 163,750 members across 125 countries, today.

CPA US is the accounting regulatory body in the US. The CPA requirements are set by each state board of accountancy. They include: completing a accountancy program  at a college or university and passing the Uniform CPA Exam. The Uniform CPA Examination ® (CPA Exam), comprises of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The candidates  must obtain a specific amount of professional work experience in public accounting. The duration of work experience varies from state to state. 

CPA Australia has a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB) representing AICPA and NASBA. A pathway is provided for CPAs in Australia to have auditing rights in the US and CPAs in the USA to have the same in Australia.

History of the CPA Profession in Australia

Impact of technology on the CPA profession

There isn’t a field untouched by technology, and accounting happens to be immensely affected by it. Digitisation and automation have altered the landscape of the CPA profession.

  • Cloud computing: allows CPAs to create digital ecosystems and utilise digital tools efficiently from anywhere, anytime. 

  • Social Media Platforms: they have become the new way of engaging clients. They are used for advertising and retaining clients.

  • CPA Software: CPA-specific accounting programs are designed for multiple companies’ payroll, expense and reporting. Valuable tools like auditing, tax preparation and time-based billing are also a part of it.

  • Mobile Accounting: with ‘accounting on the go’ becoming the motto of every CPA., mobile apps help accounting firms manage their business while on the move. Firms can send invoices, add or create  receipts and manage expense claims from smartphones or tablets.

Conclusion

Becoming a qualified accountant can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. With CPA Australia’s rigorous program and qualification requirements, you can take your career to the next level and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment. In addition, as a CPA, you can enjoy many opportunities, including higher salaries, better job security, and the ability to take on more challenging and rewarding roles. 

If you are looking for support for your specific learning needs with trained professionals in accountancy and finance, register for free at Edulyte. We create a flexible and personalised learning environment for our learners through live video classes. So why wait? Take the first step today and join the ranks of highly respected CPAs worldwide!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum educational requirement to start the CPA Program?

If you are considering the CPA program, you will have to fulfil the following conditions before applying for it:

  • a graduation degree or its equivalent.
  • a specific duration of working experience under a CPA. The duration depends on the country/state you intend to pursue the CPA program.

Are all accountants CPAs?

It is a misconception that all accountants are CPAs. An accountant is a professional with a bachelor's degree in accounting. 

A CPA professional has earned the certification through a combination of education, training and experience.

What does CPA Australia stand for?

Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) is a title used by members of the CPA Australia, a professional accounting body in Australia. It has been set up to facilitate core services to its members: education, training, technical support and advocacy.

A CPA member is registered with the CPA regulatory institution. For example, if you wish to look for CPA in Australia, you can  click here to find a CPA area/region-wise. 

You can find out if your tax practitioner is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board in Australia. 

What is the website for CPA Australia login?

You can log in at CPA Australia using this link. 

What is the CPA Program in Australia?

The CPA Program in Australia has three key components:

  • CPA Program Subjects
  • Experience Requirement
  • Academic Degree

You have a semester-based, distance-learning program to get you the CPA certification.

What are the enrollment dates for CPA Australia?

To get the latest updates regarding enrollment dates, you may click here.

How many subjects can I enrol in at the same time?

We suggest enrolling in one subject per semester, though you can enrol in a maximum of three subjects per semester.

How many hours do I need to dedicate to each CPA program subject?

The CPA Program is intensive; we recommend you devote 10 to 15 hours of weekly study.

How much time can I take to become an Associate member?

There is a maximum period of 6 years post registration in which you must attempt and clear your exams with the required score to become an Associate with CPA Australia.

I completed an accounting program with another accounting body. Do I still have to complete the CPA Program?

CPA Australia has membership pathways and arrangements with accounting organisations globally. You can check the website to know whether your accounting program is recognised partially or in whole by the CPA Program.

What is the foundation exam?

Foundation exams cover any knowledge gaps in your academics and do not cover the core knowledge areas required to start the CPA Program.

What is the experience requirement for the CPA Australia program?

You are required to complete 36 months of relevant experience. In addition, your experience has to be approved by a CPA

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