IPA TO LEAD THE CONVERSATION ABOUT TRANSFORMING EDUCATION WITH APPOINTMENT OF PHILOMENA LEUNG

21 September 2021

The Institute of Public Accountants has appointed Professor Philomena Leung to the position of Director of Education to build its presence in university and TAFE networks, and drive the transformation of its professional development program.

“Philomena brings a wealth of experience, connections and sincere passion for accounting education transformation at an ideal time for the IPA, our members and profession as we look to develop sustainable accounting education to support the reimagining of our role and enhancing the value created by public accountants,” IPA chief executive Andrew Conway says. “Put simply, we are ready to lead the conversation on transforming education to meet the changing needs of business and our community,” he says.

Professor Leung will be responsible for managing the IPA Program and assessment, as well as exploring ways to innovate and invigorate it.

“The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is about improving lives. Our practitioners benefit from skill-related technical education and training. However, the changing accounting environment requires broader education pathways to prepare for our new normal – a phase of dramatic change in which accountants and auditors will have to be involved in the environmental, social and governance aspects of a company's affairs because of the risks and stakeholder demands. I feel a sense of urgency in enabling change,” Professor Leung says.

A veteran of 44 years in accounting education spanning Hong Kong and Australia, Professor Leung joins IPA from Macquarie University where she was Head of School of Accounting and most recently Associate Dean, International. Professor Leung is also a former Chair of the Academic Board at Deakin University, making her well-placed to take the reins of IPA’s MBA program provided in partnership with Deakin.

A pioneer of ethics in accounting education in Australia, Professor Leung will apply her experience to IPA’s ethics programs and mentoring initiatives.