What is a CPA?

CPA Australia and the CPA Designation

A&C Accounting and Taxation Services is a CPA firm operating under the rigorous professional, ethical, and technical standards set by CPA Australia. A CPA (Certified Practising Accountant) is a qualified professional who has completed a university degree in accounting, undertaken a minimum of three years of supervised practical experience, and successfully passed the CPA Program’s professional examinations. CPAs are also required to complete ongoing professional development each year to maintain technical competence and remain current with legislative and regulatory changes. This level of training enables CPAs to provide a broad range of financial, advisory, and external reporting services, including assurance, tax compliance and advisory, mergers and acquisitions due diligence, and financial and estate planning.

Public Practice Program

For members wishing to operate in public practice, CPA Australia offers the Public Practice Program. This program develops essential non-technical capabilities such as strategic planning, risk management, marketing, and practice development.

The program consists of two components:

Practice Management distance learning module
Public Practice Program Residential

Both components must be completed to obtain a Public Practice Certificate. The program builds on the technical expertise gained through the CPA Program and practical experience, ensuring practitioners are equipped with the commercial, strategic, and professional skills required for public practice.