Relevance to Members and Stakeholders
How we delivered in 2008

Establishing Mutually Beneficial Partnerships with Industry and Stakeholders

Engagement with both state and federal governments continues to be an ongoing focus for the Institute.

In partnership with the Department of Finance and Administration, we developed an interactive budget and financial essentials course to give members working in government agencies a deeper insight into the government's financial framework so they can better understand their obligations and responsibilities under legislation.

Academic partnerships

The Institute has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the university sector for some years. Over time the relationship has been strengthened by our continued support as Platinum sponsors of the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). This support not only provides essential funds for the accounting and finance academics' annual conference but in particular awards PhD scholarships to candidates whom the Institute has a role in selecting. The success of this scheme is demonstrated by the high number of scholarships that lead to PhD completion and, as importantly, give impetus to successful academic careers. Other contributions made during the year include direct funding of research and a significant involvement of Institute staff and members to projects aimed at improving the relevance of undergraduate accounting degrees.

Throughout the year the Institute continued with the university accreditation process. As part of this, we visited a number of universities, where interaction from vice chancellor level to front line accounting lecturers and students enables the alignment and articulation of learning objectives between undergraduate courses and the Chartered Accountants Program.

Business Leader Awards

In March, the Institute announced Leighton CEO Wal King as the 2008 Chartered Accountants Business Leader Award winner.

Now in its ninth year, the award attracted nominees representing a wealth of business talent in Australia who were judged on their ability to demonstrate visionary leadership, exhibit best practice, show innovation, take risks, foster positive employee relations and contribute to the community.

Michael Ullmer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National Australia Bank and winner of the Outstanding Chartered Accountant in Business award said: 'Receiving the award was very much a surprise and a great honour. I think it is a really good initiative for the Institute to be seen to be reaching out to business, both in the context of recognising Chartered Accountants in business and as a good opportunity to host CFOs from key clients, who were pleased to participate in the event'.

Other winners on the night included Andrew Mohl, former Chief Executive Officer, AMP who won in the Banking and Finance sector and Owen Hegarty, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oxiana, who won the Mining and Resources sector.

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