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Hello All 
 
 
"It’s Time" ………… for Kevin, Fluoride and Christmas 
 
Well it’s time for a new change in the Federal Government and no matter who you support I feel pretty proud Queensland has finally been recognized as the power house economy that it is, and that we have a Prime Minister and Treasurer who hail from Queensland. It will be good for Queensland to see the power coming north, recognizing our burgeoning economy and our place in the nation. To be having federal government decisions being made on the back decks of the Prime Minister’s and Treasurer’s homes in Brisbane certainly sends a message which I think is kind of neat for the power boffins along Toorak Road and in the north and east of Sydney to ponder on for 2008. They must be asking themselves, how did this happen? 
 
Secondly let me thank all those members for their various emails around daylight savings, it is an emotive issue as respondents were evenly matched on each side of the debate with those not in favour certainly a bit crankier judging by the tone of their emails. I suspect we will have to wait 40 years to get it in when climate changers will demand it. That’s how long it took fluoride to be added. It is good to see Governments making decisions again and it was great to see fluoride being added to the drinking water (if we have any left) without the need of a referendum or survey. So well done to the dental lobby groups for their efforts over the last 40 years.  
 
It is also time for Christmas, a time of thanking and giving, with a little receiving. With no physical Christmas card program this year we have donated $300 to our charity partners, Camp Quality, RSPCA, Alzheimer’s, Inspire Foundation, Cancer Council in our own Everybody Counts Charity Program. 
 
I know we are all looking forward to a break so please have a very Merry Christmas from all of us here in Queensland Branch and very safe travels to you and your families over the holiday period. 
 
See you in 2008. 
 
Simon Grant FCA 
General Manager – Queensland 
simon.grant@charteredaccountants.com.au 
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Member Services Activities for 2007 
 
 
We have had an active year in the member services area, with events across the gamut of themes, ranging from Diva Fashion extravaganzas to Queensland Building Services Authority updates, Netball and Touch Football Tournaments, Audit and Tax Forums, and back to Movie premieres - all of which have been well-received by you. Thank you for the positive feedback. 
 
This year we have cemented our Members Networking/Discussion Groups on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, and we have plans in place for 2008 for regular Brisbane Knowledge Sharing Breakfasts, which we hope will appeal to smaller practices.  
Forensic Accounting and Business Valuations Special Interest Groups will have a number of topical sessions to attend in 2008.  
 
We have also been busy delivering presentations to member firms and groups on the Chartered Accountants Program and the newly revised Practical Experience requirements for candidates. 
 
We hope that our members have found value and enjoyment from all of our events this year, and we welcome any feedback as to how the Institute can improve and innovate for 2008. 
 
In order to enable access to the Institute’s Training & Development products for all Queensland members, we have stepped up activity in our Client Training Solutions area. The Institute now has, more presenters who can deliver both technical updates and soft skills management training right across the State. We have also been of assistance to many firms in developing their Training Needs Analysis, working in conjunction with human resources and management to implement robust training programs that are uniquely tailored for each client Firm.  
 
Should you have any queries about member services activities for 2008 in your region, or would like to know more about accessing tailored training solutions for your practice or organisation, please contact either Penny Ellenger on 07 3233 6509 email:penny.ellenger@charteredaccountants.com.au 
or Elizabeth Wilmot on 07 3233 6506 email: elizabeth.wilmot@charteredaccountants.com.au 
 
We look forward to seeing more of you in 2008! 
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Chartered Accountants Program: Candidate of the Year awarded 
 
Everyone knows what a huge effort the Chartered Accountants Program is and we know from an Institute survey that one of the hardest elements is the juggle of work, study and life for candidates. Which is why it gives the Institute great pleasure to announce those candidates that have achieved the highest candidate accolade, Candidate of the Year by achieving the highest combined score of all their modules within their region. 
 
Congratulations to Queensland Candidate of the Year Rhiain Garrihy, Johnstone Rorke. 
 
The Institute introduced Candidate of the Year when the new Program was developed in 2000. The award is presented to the candidate in each region who has attained the highest average mark of all candidates and completed the Chartered Accountants Program in the past 12 months from 1 October to 30 September. 
 
The award is recognition of an outstanding achievement given the high calibre of candidates who completed the Chartered Accountants Program this year.  
 
The winners from around the country will be presented with a certificate, plaque and $1000 cheque at the new member ceremony in February 2008. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Job Search turns one - celebrate with free movies tickets* 
 
With Chartered Accountants Job Search having just turned one year old, the Institute would like to celebrate by finding out what you think of the site.  
 
For your chance to have a say and win a double pass to the movies* be one of the first 25 to complete and return the feedback form. 
 
Chartered Accountants Job Search is a dedicated and specialised online recruitment service. It has recently been enhanced to make it even easier for you to look for a new start, or to target your recruitment process.  
 
Employers 
Only Chartered Accountants and candidates can apply through the service, which means no time is wasted reviewing applications from unqualified job seekers. Job Search enables you to post job ads, manage and respond to applications, view résumés, and set up screening questionnaires. 
 
Employers can also build awareness of a firm/organisation on the website by creating company profiles, displaying banner ads and utilising premium listings. Discounted rates for Chartered Accountants using the service apply on all products and services on the website. 
 
Jobseekers 
As a jobseeker, you’ll have access to a powerful search engine to view the best jobs available in the market. Role types and industry search functionality are geared toward members, with the system being directly linked with the Institute’s database, allowing quick and seamless registration and log in. From the one website you can search jobs, set-up job alerts, build an online resume and track your applications. You can also access recruitment tips and research industry trends. 
 
For more information about Chartered Accountants Job Search visit charteredaccountants.com.au/jobs. 
 
* Terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid for the first 25 members and/or candidates who complete all the fields in the attached feedback form and return it via email or fax. The free double pass to the movies is valid at Greater Union cinemas which are located in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, VIC, NT and the ACT. 
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Knowledge at your finger tips with EBSCO's online business resources 
 
The Knowledge Centre is pleased to offer members and candidates free access to a wide variety of online business resources through two databases provided by EBSCO Information Services. 
 
Business Source Corporate contains full text articles for over 10,000 global periodicals and other sources ranging from general business journals to specific accounting research publications.  
 
The Australia/NZ Reference Centre is the largest collection of full text Australasian magazines, newspapers and newswires, and includes:
  • Full text articles from over 900 leading Australian and New Zealand newspapers, magazines and regional sources covering news, current affairs and general reference 
  • In excess of 80,000 full text biographies of internationally renowned individuals  
  • An image library of almost 300,000 photos, maps and flags.
EBSCO enables you to access all of these resources through a variety of convenient options, which includes receiving articles and contents page alerts via email. Members and candidates will receive training on how to maximize the value of this comprehensive resource over the coming months. In the meantime, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with EBSCO's databases. Note that you will be prompted to log onto the members only area of the Institute's site, so have your membership number handy. 
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Financial planning papers released 
 
Both Key observations: A forum on the financial planning industry and Reinventing financial planning are the latest instalment in the Institute’s leadership initiatives, which aim to look ahead, question and positively influence the growth of the accounting profession.  
 
The white paper Key observations: A forum on the financial planning industry was produced as a result of a financial planning forum facilitated by the Institute in July this year, to discuss the Institute commissioned leadership paper Reinventing financial planning written by Chartered Accountant Robert M C Brown. 
 
The forum, which was designed to encourage open communication and debate in the industry, brought together: industry associations; consumer advocates; regulators; product manufacturers; ‘dealer’ groups; and practitioners. 
 
The key issues debated at the forum and raised in the white paper included:
  • The issue of professionalism and the financial planning industry 
  • The importance of financial planning education and qualification standards  
  • The further development of a pro bono culture among the planning sector 
  • The enhancement of consumer financial literacy within an evolving industry 
  • The ongoing real and perceived issue of remuneration and conflicts of interest.
The various views discussed at the forum are presented in the white paper. It is important to note that while there were areas of disagreement, there was unanimous agreement that the industry needs to work together to address the key issues raised in the white paper.  
 
By publishing both papers, the Institute acknowledges that many of its members are involved in the financial planning industry and recognises that it is a growing area for many of its members.  
 
Relevant links: 
The Institute: Key observations: A forum on the financial planning industry white paper 
The Institute: Reinventing financial planning 
The Institute: Reinventing financial planning press release 
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Employee Loyalty Report reveals what employees want 
 
The new global and regulatory environment in which the profession operates, an ageing work force and the booming resources industry has led to the increased demand for technically and analytically capable accountants. However with flat enrolment numbers in accounting degrees the demand for accountants now outweighs the supply.  
 
The Institute commissioned Retention Partners to undertake research, with the aim of better understanding factors affecting recruitment, performance, retention and attrition rates among young members.  
 
The main findings of the research revealed that young Chartered Accountants:
  • Are attracted to the reputation of an organisation, career opportunities and remuneration  
  • Want to constantly learn and be given challenging opportunities  
  • Are looking to gain experience and to turn that experience into grounds for a promotion  
  • Perceive high remuneration, senior roles and work/life balance working hand-in-hand  
  • Believe that it is the employer’s responsibility to establish employees’ career paths.
The research also showed that News South Wales respondents value work/life balance and intend to leave their current role or employer faster than respondents from other states. 
 
The report reviews the expectations among Chartered Accountants under the age of 35 and goes further to explore the practical and realistic solutions that can be implemented within organisations to assist with the skills shortage.  
 
To read more about the results of the employee loyalty research, visit the leadership page on the Institute's website. 
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News from the Customer Service Delivery Team 
 
Public Practice Program 
 
Maximise your potential and future success while you comply with the Institute’s regulations to become a public practitioner. 
 
Designed to guide your career path decisions and equip you with a range of tools, frameworks and business resources for optimal success in public practice as a partner or a sole practitioner. 
Registration 
 
Events details 
Start Date: Monday 4 February 2008 
Workshop Dates: Monday 31 March & Tuesday 1 April 2008 
Workshop Time:  
Day 1: 8.30am to 7.00pm 
Day 2: 8.30am to 5.30pm 
Workshop Venue: The Institute of Chartered Accountants Training Rooms, Level 32, Central Plaza 1, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane 
Qualifying hours Up to 76 hours 
Cost $1,150 (GST Exempt) 
Enquiries: 07 3233 6500 or Further Details 
 
New Employees Workshop 2008 - 18 - 22 February 2008 
 
Essential insights and practical skills for your newest staff members  
 
New employees bring fresh ideas, but not much practical experience. So, give them the real-life skills they need to deliver with the New Employees Workshop.  
 
This five-day course provides new employees and trainees with invaluable, real-life experience in key areas such as business performance, GST, taxation, superannuation, auditing and business etiquette.  
 
While they may know theory, the workshop gives them a real and deeper understanding of the practices, procedures and issues faced by today’s accounting firm.  
 
Who should attend? 
University graduates or school leavers employed in public practice with up to six months experience in the workplace.  
 
Places are strictly limited so to ensure a thorough, practical and hands-on experience Register now 
 
Viva la Diva 
 
 
 
 
Well, Viva la Diva went off with a bang the night of Monday 26 November. It was a sell out event and a very big thank you must go to all of the Diva members and guests who attended.  
 
It looks like we have raised approximately $4000 for the charity partners in our Everybody Counts Program. Due to the generosity of our sponsors, we were also able to offer our guests some fabulous prizes and gift bags. Thanks also to our major sponsor, Michael Page who is very keen to sponsor the event next time.  
 
Our Diva's were treated to some very glam fashions from Living Silk modelled by our own Institute staff and friends. Some valuable hair, makeup and styling tips from Bossy Hair, Issada Cosmetics and Eskae Van Eck were also provided. John Boyle from John Boyle Entertainment kept the humour pumping - what a funny guy!  
 
Hairstyles by:  
 
 
 
 
Fashions by: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Makeup by: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I hope everyone enjoyed the evening - the feedback has been wonderful and I know all here at the Institute had a blast. I have included a couple of pictures to prove it. 
 
We look forward to seeing our Diva's again next time. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Till then 
 
Jan 
 
Sponsored by: 
 
 
 
 
 
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Chartered Accountants Local News – Queensland 
Contents
     
  1. It's Time 
  2. Member Services Update 
  3. Candidate of the Year Award 
  4. Job Search 
  5. EBSCO's online business resources 
  6. Financial Planning Papers 
  7. Customer Services Delivery News 
  8. Employee Loyalty Report 
  9. Chartered Accountants Advisory Group 
  10. Christmas Closure 
  11. Library 
  12. New Members 
  13. Lost Members
 
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Editor: Wendy Perriman 
Ph: 07 3233 6515 
Email 
Charterd Accountants Advisory Group 
Are you facing unfamiliar or challenging professional circumstances, uncertain about a career decision or under pressure to act unethically?  
 
Talk to someone who knows. Contact the Chartered Accountants advisory group in Queensland. This is a confidential and free service, staffed by highly experienced and specially trained senior Chartered Accountants from the local region.  
 
If you have a professional or ethical issue you are unsure how to address, please do not hesitate to call and discuss it with one of the group members.  
 
To be placed in contact with a Chartered Accountants advisory group counsellor for guidance, contact Robina Lawson on 07 3233 6516 or email: robina.lawson@charteredaccountants.com.au  
 
(The Chartered Accountant advisory group counsellors will not address technical matters or personal issues.) 
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Christmas Wishes & Closure 
 
 
Simon Grant, Qld Council and staff wish you and your family a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  
 
Our office will be closed from 3.00pm Monday 24 December 2007 and re-open on Wednesday 2 January 2008.  
 
The Queensland team will be donating the money usually spent by the Institute on Christmas cards to our nominated charities. 
 
Thank you to all members for helping to make 2007 another successful year for the Institute and we look forward to great achievements in 2008.  
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Library 
 
The Library catalogue is available via the library web page, as well as the November articles of interest list. If you require any articles, books or research please contact the library via email Library or Tel: 1800 809 828. 
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Members admitted in October & November 
 
October 
Clinton Amos 
Benjamin Andrews 
Matthew Ashby 
Jacqueline Bannear 
Brent Charlton 
Andrew Christy 
Sarah Clarke 
Warrick Comerford 
Peter Corrish 
James Couper 
Simon Cox 
Andrew Craig 
Juan Bernardo Danga 
Christopher Day 
Vikrant Dhawan 
Leah Frost 
Nathan Harvey 
Emma Hawes 
Anthony Hunt 
Steven Janczuk 
Sean Millar 
Caroline Nelson 
Michael Neville 
Christopher Nicoll 
Elizabeth Novotny 
Brett O'Gorman 
Lisa Orthmann 
Brendan Owens 
Seuvlee Pear 
Linda Pearce 
Cheryl Poulton 
Robert Simpson 
Andrew Singh 
Makoto Terashi 
Jade Thorne 
Fiona Turnbull 
Mark Turner 
Daniel van Aswegen 
Yvette Vosper 
Jacqueline Wong 
Carmen Yung 
 
November 
 
Allison Armstrong 
Robert Box 
Nicola Brandi 
Katherine Brown 
Richard Burton 
Claire Butler 
James Byron 
Vanessa de Waal 
Sunidhi Dewan 
Grant Kai-Fong 
Naeem Khatree 
Michelle Krosch 
Eva Lyons 
Armand Mahne 
Stella Menniti 
Felicia Miles 
Philip Newell 
Claire Oxley 
Belinda Philips 
Matthew Preston 
Kelly Simpson 
Karen Simpson 
Ronald Smith 
Douglas van Niekerk 
Matthew Wallbridge 
Kylie Waye 
Andrew Yelash 
 
Congratulations to all these new members. 
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Have you seen these members? 
 
In our efforts to ensure we maintain up to date records for all our members, the Institute is seeking your assistance in contacting the following 'lost' Queensland members or members whose last address was overseas. If you have knowledge of any of these members, can you please contact the Chartered Accountants Service Centre by phone on 1300 137 322 or email: service@charteredaccountants.com.au. 
 
Mr Sydney Gould FCA 
Mr Peter Manttan FCA 
Mrs Rose Ellwood CA 
Mr Peter Bradfield CA 
Mr Aaron Thorn CA 
Mrs Claudette Finch CA 
Mr Gerard Ruddy CA 
Ms Belinda McCoy CA 
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