Tuesday 1, April 2008 
 
 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute) is set to meet with local politicians, academics, and business leaders on Monday 7 April at the Chifley Albury Hotel, in Albury Wodonga to discuss the issues affecting the accounting profession at a regional level. 
 
As more than 200 Chartered Accountants currently work in the Albury Wodonga area, the visit will address the labour shortage, together with new legislation and regulations that target our profession. 
 
The Institute recognises that the challenges regional Chartered Accountants face are often magnified, compared to their city based counterparts. 
 
With the skills shortage showing no sign of disappearing, regional areas like Albury Wodonga suffer from the ‘double whammy’. This is a result of young accountants leaving the community to go to the city, or leaving to go overseas. 
 
In order to engage young people in Albury Wodonga, the Institute has launched the Chartered Accountants Student Challenge to introduce students to Chartered Accounting.  
 
The first challenge in March asked students to solve a real business problem for Oxfam Australia. The second challenge for another not-for-profit organisation begins on Monday, 14 April and students are encouraged to sign onto figureditoutyet.com.au in teams of up to four. This is an opportunity for students to present their winning solution to the organisation, share in a $65,000 prize pool and give their CV a massive boost. 
 
Albury Wodonga interview and photo opportunity 
 
Local politicians, business leaders, Chartered Accountants and the Institute will come together to discuss issues affecting the Albury Wodonga business community. 
 
Date: Monday, 7 April 2008 
Time: 12.30pm 
Location: The Chifley Albury Hotel – Corner Dean & Elizabeth Street, Albury 
Interviews: Interviews available with the New South Wales General Manger and Victorian General Manager for the Institute.