Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to move up the corporate ladder in the accounting and finance world, a globally recognised accreditation such as the CPA Program and designation can help you reach your career goals faster.

Ms Nicole Tee CPA (Aust.), partner, Assurance (Technology, Media and Telecommunications) at Ernst & Young LLP believes that being part of an internationally recognised professional body is crucial for career success.

CPA Australia has a broad presence internationally and is one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies. It has more than 168,000 members across 100 countries and regions across the globe.

Ms Vanessa Lim CPA (Aust.), director, Technical Accounting at Standard Chartered Bank, says that the CPA Program has greatly benefited from the mutual recognition agreement with various accounting bodies around the globe. "CPA Australia is very well-recognised in different parts of the world. I think that is definitely one of the many benefits of taking up the programme because it's not just restricted to Australia but also widely accepted everywhere," she adds.

Both Ms Tee and Ms Lim are CPA Australia members practising in Singapore.

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For Ms Lim, taking up the CPA Program early in her career gave her an extra stepping stone, paving the way for quick advancement.

After completing her undergraduate degree in accounting at RMIT University, Melbourne, she had to choose between continuing her studies and jumping straight into work. Her decision to complete a master's degree alongside the CPA Program helped her jumpstart her career as a technical accountant at Deloitte, even though she did not have prior relevant work experience.

"I think I got the job because I had the required technical knowledge gained from the CPA Program," she notes.

It is up to the individual to decide when he or she starts the CPA Program, says Ms Lim.

"It really depends on each individual's personal goals and where they are in their career. I think I was lucky that the opportunity arose in the technical accounting team, which is where I wanted to be."

Ms Tee, who obtained her bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Technology Sydney, also completed the CPA Program as she was starting her career as an auditor.

According to her, starting the programme early meant more career benefits down the track.

Says Ms Tee: "When you start earlier, you reap more benefits as you get to know what's going on out there and learn what you can through networking, which is crucial for us in our profession."

CPA Australia's programme and designation can lay the foundation for young professionals to become future business leaders through access to resources and global networks that encourage ongoing development and learning.

Broader appeal for finance professionals

The accounting and finance profession is facing the currents of change. Ms Tee notes that leaders need to be able to predict the challenges and come up with ideas for change, as well as be able to follow the market trends.

She elaborates: "Accounting is a very dynamic profession, and being a part of CPA Australia helps accountants make sure that we're always aware of what is going on out there."

Both Ms Tee and Ms Lim believe that being a member of CPA Australia opens up learning opportunities to evolve and learn within the global community - not only for accountants, but also for finance professionals and business leaders.

Ms Lim says: "The skills from the programme cover a wide range of topics, not just pure accounting or reporting. It covers strategic management, global strategy and leadership, and I think it gives you business perspectives as well."

The background knowledge provided by the CPA Program allowed her to expand on her leadership skills and broaden her vision. "The curriculum of the programme is very relevant today, so I would recommend fellow accountants who may be interested in further developing their knowledge and leadership acumen to take part in the programme."

Access to global networks and peer learning

Both Ms Lim and Ms Tee find immense value in CPA Australia's events and networking opportunities.

Ms Lim recently participated in the CPA Virtual Congress 2021 that discussed new technologies for digital finance such as artificial intelligence.

"These events are not just for accountants; business executives would benefit from such events as well because it encourages the type of forward thinking that one needs to have when you're in a leadership role," she explains.

Ms Tee, who also attended the Virtual Congress and appreciated the expert speakers that presented on leadership and other topics, adds: "The event invites a lot of very well-known leaders and academics from different industries to share their insights, along with market and sector trends."