IPA NATIONAL CONGRESS SETS PATHWAY FOR THE FUTURE

28 November 2019

Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) chief executive officer, Andrew Conway, set the scene at today’s opening of the IPA’s annual national congress in Adelaide today.

In his opening address to hundreds of accountant delegates, Prof Conway made it clear where the IPA sits on many issues but also that of the profession.

“Today, we are focussed on four key factors to drive the profession forward through the decades to come,” said Prof Conway.

“Firstly, voice and a very public voice at that: We openly set discourse across many policy areas; not just for our members’ interests but that for the public interest and very much for the Australian economy.

“Together, the three professional accounting bodies, must have a single message to deliver these outcomes. Australian citizens are facing an advice gap we have not seen before and we must arrest this situation.

“Secondly, we must influence. Government is listening to our collective voices and we need to maintain the momentum to effect change. We must continue to communicate to all stakeholders which importantly includes the 310,000+ accountants and students who are members of the three bodies.

“Thirdly, we must demonstrate leadership within the profession. There is no better time to be an accountant, considering the changing landscape and the challenge that presents. We must provide guidance to accountants through the web of challenges ahead; technology, cyber security, regulatory reform, mental health and many more.

“We look forward to the decade ahead and the evolution of accountants and the profession,” said Prof Conway.