Thursday 18 September, 2008:  
 
 
 
On Thursday, 11 September the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute) hosted an inaugural Corporate Cocktail Evening at Southern Cross University, Lismore campus to raise awareness of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia’s Chartered Accountants Program and to provide a forum whereby undergraduate accounting students could interact with local Chartered Accountants. 
 
The Chartered Accountants Program offers postgraduate training with mentored work experience, enabling graduates to develop superior technical skills and real business ability.  
 
Ms Lisette Cochineas, New South Wales General Manager for the Institute said, “The evening was a resounding success, attended by more than 70 guests including students, academics and local Chartered Accountants.  
 
“We hope that these types of events will help to alleviate the skills shortage of Chartered Accountants in regional NSW by increasing awareness about the opportunities and benefits of this career path,” Ms Cochineas continued. 
 
Attendees included students from first, second and third year business/accounting subjects at the Southern Cross University Lismore campus and accounting students from Lismore TAFE. The evening was also well supported by academic staff. 
 
A panel of Chartered Accountants working for six regional accounting firms including, Blackburn Prior, Rochdale Accounting and Financial Services, Stephenson Marks Chartered Accountants, Thomas Noble & Russell Chartered Accountants, Wappetts Chartered Accountants, and WHK Camerons spoke about their career experiences and the increased opportunities that are offered through the Chartered Accountants Program.  
 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia will continue to reinforce its commitment to regional members through a series of similar events in regional NSW.