In 2005 the Institute conducted an intensive 12-month review of the Program led by members, on the relevance and quality of the Program.  
 
As a result of what this told us, we made the following changes to the Program:

• Developed four new technical modules; Taxation; Audit and Assurance; Financial Accounting and Reporting and Management Accounting and Analysis  
• Introduced a new Ethics and Business Application capstone module  
• Strengthened the technical and business competencies of graduates, ensuring they are ‘work ready’  
• Delivered the Program in a three-term timetable that maximises flexibility  
• Widened the funnel by opening the Program to graduates with non-accounting degrees 
• Launched a new Practical Experience Program aligned to international standards.

According to the latest Institute survey, which canvassed the views of 590 employers of candidates, the revised Chartered Accountants Program is clearly meeting member needs, with 87 per cent of those surveyed claiming to be satisfied with the Program. This is an increase of eight per cent from 2007.  
 
Satisfaction was found to be highest among employers in commerce with 90 per cent of those surveyed satisfied.  
 
The survey also found that:

• 94 per cent of employers would advocate the Program  
• 80 per cent of employers believe the Program is good value for money

Employers believe that technical competencies and practical experience are extremely important. This is reflected in the 73 per cent who feel the Practical Experience Program is helpful to both their candidates and themselves.

Later this year the Institute will release the new Employer’s Guide, which is aimed at providing employers with additional resources to support their candidates in the Program.