Introducing the CPA Australia and AFAANZ "Academia and Industry" Professional Development Series

CPA Australia and AFAANZ are proud to present Academia and Industry, a new professional development series designed to build bridges between academic and industry practice. The series aims to foster collaboration between accounting and finance academics and industry leaders, unlocking opportunities to advance the profession.

By strengthening these connections, the series seeks to equip academics with industry insights and help practitioners tap into academic knowledge, driving sustainability and innovation in the accounting profession.

Our next event will be on 25 February 2025 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm AEDT

Green, Clean, and Seen: Integrating Sustainability into Auditing and Education

This interactive session will dive into the latest sustainability standards. We’ll explore how these standards are being integrated into both auditing practices and accounting education, ensuring that future professionals are equipped to tackle the green wave with confidence.

To register for this event, please click HERE

Here's the first webinar "Advancing the Accounting Profession" for you to view:


Moderator: Rick Jones (Chair, Regional Head CPA Australia)

Session overview:

The accounting profession has long been synonymous with audit and tax. However, the role of accountants extends far beyond this traditional function. This panel, Advancing the Accounting Profession, will explore how non-audit sectors within large financial services firms are leading the charge in driving the evolution of the profession.

This session brings together a panel of experienced non-audit partners from leading firms in Australia and New Zealand. They will share insights into how accountants are increasingly contributing to new and emerging areas. Panellists will discuss the growing demand for accountants to adapt to new challenges and deliver value beyond compliance and financial reporting, positioning themselves as key players in navigating business complexities.

Key discussion points will include:

  • The expanding role of accountants;
  • How technology is reshaping the profession;
  • The importance of broader skill sets; and
  • How firms are fostering innovation and developing talent.

This session will provide the AFAANZ community with perspectives on how we can better prepare the next generation of professionals to meet the evolving demands of the accounting world.