16 May 2007 
 
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) today announced that a $1 million development funding proposal by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, CPA Australia and the National Institute of Accountants (NIA) will be put to the vote at an extraordinary general meeting held on 6 June 2007. 
 
Glenn Mann, President of AAT, said acceptance of the proposal would enable a re-constituted AAT to become the body of choice for para-professionals. 
 
“The support of the three professional accounting bodies, and the strength and recognition they bring, make this an exciting opportunity for para-professionals to have a consolidated voice for the first time,” he said.”  
 
AAT is a professional body that represents para-professionals in accounting. Its 1550 members include bookkeepers employed in small to medium size businesses, self employed bookkeepers preparing BAS data and accounting support staff, some of whom are undertaking training.  
 
Australian Tax Office (ATO) Commissioner, Michael D’Ascenzo expressed his support for the proposal: “The professional bodies working together will enhance the potential for bookkeepers and BAS preparers [para-professionals] who provide valuable support to business across the nation.” 
 
There are a number of reasons why the three bodies have chosen to support AAT. 
 
“At present the majority of para-professionals are not part of a professional organisation and there is no one body to represent this industry to shape standards, lobby government, develop education and create a recognised accreditation,” said Graham Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. 
 
“The standards set for AAT membership offer credibility and a credential that can be recognised not only by para-professionals and clients but also accountants who employ or engage them for their services,” said Geoff Rankin, Chief Executive Officer of CPA Australia.  
 
AAT is well-positioned to advise the profession on the compliance requirements of the draft Tax Agent Services legislation recently released for public comment. 
 
The legislation proposes regulation of BAS preparers for the benefit of accountants, their clients and the ATO. AAT will continue to work closely with Treasury and as a result will offer advice and assist members who will have to comply with the new legislation.  
 
There are 150,000 Australians who undertake bookkeeping work and 10,000 self-employed bookkeepers providing services to small business clients on a fee for service basis. Data from an ATO survey indicates that the number of bookkeepers is growing at a rate of 12 per cent per annum. 
 
“Qualified accountants are under mounting pressure due to increasing regulation and the scope of services they provide to their clients, causing many of the more routine functions to be delegated to an emerging group of para-professionals. Para-professionals are a vital link in the accounting services supply chain to clients,” said Roger Cotton, Chief Executive Officer of the NIA. 
 
The AAT was established in the UK in 1981 by four UK chartered accounting bodies. Since then it has attracted and represented more than 100,000 members worldwide, raising the skill levels and qualification in the sector and providing an attractive career path for members wanting to increase their qualifications in the industry.  
 
The involvement of the accounting bodies in the AAT membership will seek to achieve the success of the AAT UK that members and the overall profession have enjoyed, by utilising a similar organisational structure and creating a formal interface with the accounting professional level.  
 
AAT began operating in Australia in 2002 with the support of the NIA. Members of AAT in Australia are required to have a minimum of a certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting).  
 
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