CPA Australia and Australian Computer Society (ACS) have signed a memorandum of understanding having decided to collaborate to improve the career prospects of both IT and accounting and finance professionals.
The two leading professional associations intend to co-design, develop and deliver training programs and thought leadership to improve career development opportunities in the growing areas of IT financial procurement, AI and ethics and cryptography management. There will also be a specific focus on cybersecurity, with details of a new program to be announced in the near future.
CPA Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Freeland says the MOU is the next step in recognising the continuation of the mutually beneficial partnership the two organisations already enjoy.
“ACS and CPA Australia have strong ties and common interests,” he said. “Both are invested in future-proofing the global workforce through mutual activities in skilled migration, educational program accreditations and meaningful skill capability development programs for both our members and affiliate professionals to help bridge the gap between operational and economic management.”
“The intent is for the associations to strengthen these current synergies by working together on developing a longer-term vision, one that will benefit all IT, finance and accounting and adjacent career professionals,” Freeland added.
“With the fast-paced change in professional skills required by both current and emerging professionals, CPA Australia and ACS have recognised the importance of working together to develop pertinent specialism streams to support professionals and improve their skill capabilities across the intersection between the technical and financial literacy spheres.”
“Recognising that AI is a burgeoning area of technology that could affect every area of the workplace, CPA Australia and ACS will work together by using our extensive networks of subject matter experts to co-design and build training programs to help those working across the finance, accounting and IT sectors use AI effectively and ethically,” Freeland said.
In a ceremony held in Sydney to mark the signing of the memorandum, Freeland and Australian Computer Society CEO Josh Griggs discussed the MoU and collaborative opportunities between the associations.
“Technology has become a critical part of the accounting profession, particularly in areas like the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, development of IT skills, and cybersecurity,” said Griggs.
“Recognising the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s business landscape, ACS is pleased to extend our recently announced Cyberknowledge partnership to include CPA Australia members,” he said. “The Cyberknowledge platform will provide accounting professionals with essential capability to help small and medium businesses assess and improve their cyber resilience.”
“We are also pleased to be working with CPA Australia to incorporate the SFIA (Skills For The Information Age) framework into their continuous learning program. This will ensure accounting professionals have the technology skillsets demanded by the modern economy.”
“ACS looks forward to working with CPA to ensure Australian businesses have the tools and skills to ensure they are competitive and secure in an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world,” Griggs said.
