In a move designed to ease the current skills shortage in accounting, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, CPA Australia and the National Institute of Accountants has responded to a request from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to develop a Skilled migration internship program for accounting (SMIPA).  

DIAC has introduced this option for international accounting graduates wishing to apply for permanent residency, following research showing that a large number of these graduates lacked the level of proficiency in english language and business communication skills required by employers.

In response to DIAC’s request, the three professional accounting bodies have jointly designed the Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting (SMIPA).  DIAC has approved the accounting bodies’ proposal that the SMIPA would be best delivered by existing educational institutions and the professional bodies have agreed to take responsibility for approving suitable providers and overseeing the implementation of the SMIPA.

Accordingly, the three professional accounting bodies have invited expressions of interest from registered higher education providers and other training organisations wishing to become approved providers of the program.  Expressions of interest and requests for further information can be lodged at applications@smipa.org.au