CPA Australia Strengthens Presence In NZ

CPA Australia Strengthens Presence In New Zealand

MELBOURNE, March 15 2005

CPA Australia is moving to forge stronger trans-Tasman links with New Zealand.

Greg Larsen, chief executive of CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, said ‘CPA Australia is wholly supportive of the trans-Tasman agreement between the Australian and New Zealand governments. We wish to demonstrate our commitment to the agreement, to our members in New Zealand and to the free exchange of professional accountants within New Zealand and Australia.

‘Accounting is now a global profession and CPA Australia has a significant international presence. We want to make sure that our 105,000 members, wherever they are, are provided with relevant and timely professional support.

‘Two decades of closer economic relations (CER) between Australia and New Zealand have resulted in an integrated trans-Tasman economy where professional services, including accounting, are provided freely and individuals travel without restraint between the two markets in search of employment.

‘We can contribute to CER through being able to offer increased business, professional and academic opportunities for our members in New Zealand and playing a practical advocacy role in Trans-Tasman circles.’

In the space of a few months, it has begun a program of university accreditation to establish relationships with academia and enable graduates to apply for membership; appointed a manager to oversee its operations; and will open a branch office in Auckland’s CBD in April.

President of the New Zealand branch of CPA Australia, Ms Lorraine Sheehan, welcomed the expansion of activity. ‘It demonstrates we mean business,’ she said. The University of Auckland is the first university to be accredited and four others are under consideration. This means more choice for our young people and a wider pool of skilled professionals for employers.’

CPA Australia has appointed Samantha Benecke, who is currently Queensland Divisional Director, to be Manager New Zealand. Ms Benecke will take up her appointment in April. With an academic background in Business Communications and Marketing, she had held various roles during her career with CPA Australia which spans over almost 6 years – including that of Member Services Manager; Communications and Recruitment Manager, and Marketing Officer.

ENDS

© Scoop Media