Regional Chair update
A happy New Year to all Victorian members and very best wishes for 2008 from the Regional Council!
I feel pleased and privileged to become Chair of the Regional Council and would like to thank Malcolm Simister for all his efforts and enthusiasm in
2007.
My day (and often night) job is to be Director of Arts Victoria. We are a division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and have responsibility for all the arts and cultural initiatives supported by the government. There are some iconic Victorian institutions within the portfolio, including the National Gallery, Museum Victoria, the Arts Centre, the State Library, the Public Records Office, the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, and, one of our country's newest cultural institutions, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. If anyone wanted to have a read of the annual reports of these organisations, they would find some interesting reading about their programming, scholarship and collections, and also to coin a phrase ’an interesting set of numbers’.
The asset base is where the interest is because taking the buildings and collections together, we are the guardians of around $5 billion in value, some of it, of course, irreplaceable. There has been significant capital investment in many of the buildings in recent years and one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is that I get to see Victorians of all ages, and visitors often marvelling at their surroundings and the exhibition or
performance they are attending.
As I write this, we are in the lead up to Australia Day and earlier I attended the Official Victorian Australia Day lunch. This year's legends announced by Australia Post are all people who have contributed generously to many aspects of our community. There were three Victorians, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, and Victor and Loti Smorgon.
There are many members from the Institute who also contribute in their own way, some of them on the boards of our arts and community organisations. You should also be toasted (with a cold one) this Australia Day.
I am always happy to hear from members and can be contacted via email
Penny Hutchinson
Victorian Regional Chairman
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Regional Manager update
 A fresh new year and opportunity
A number of events during the Christmas break influenced my thinking about what would be the best New Year resolution.
In no particular order the assassination of the Pakistani Opposition Leader; the death of two young Victorians one by avalanche in Canada and the other by jumping off the Kerford Road Pier to cool off in the Summer heat; and the tragic house fires all had a common thread – here one minute and gone the next!
As you do on Summer holidays you catch up on reading, some of the entertaining nonsense that is put about and one of my weaknesses is reading star signs. ‘Don’t put off what you can do now and don’t waste time in 2008’ thundered the first notice. I can tell you it had my attention given that I was gently floating in the water on a waterbed and not doing much to aid the cause of those exhortations. But joining the two observations, I thought that it was most appropriate to focus on doing things in 2008 that I may not have done before and trying to make the most of every minute in doing something productive.
When we reflect on what and how we do things there really can be an enormous amount of waste. If meetings or presentations are slow, then use the time to think through other projects. If the reports you have to write are lengthy, make sure you edit them in a disciplined way. And email management can be the biggest thief of all - be very firm with the delete and reply buttons.
But more importantly take charge of your own time. If there is a special personal occasion in your life then attend it without hesitation; if you want to surprise someone then do it; if you want to do something different, or daring, or have a minor sea change then do it. You may not have the opportunity to consider the chance again.
So what are some of my guiding principles for 2008? Well family and people come first. If the choice were to spend two hours quality time with my family or writing a report, the quality time would win always.
The final principle is to de-clutter a lot of the things I do. Some are not necessary, others are too elaborate, many aspects don’t need a perfectionist touch so you can see there is plenty of space to move for me.
Now what about you? Have you made the commitment to ensure 2008 is your personal best ever?
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Andrew Arkell named President
Andrew Arkell has been appointed the President for the Institute in 2008.
The appointment follows a series of posts Andrew has held for the Institute, both on Queensland Regional Council and as a board member from 2004 to 2007. As President, Andrew will lead the board in setting and governing the strategic direction of the Institute.
Based in Queensland, Andrew is the Head of Corporate and Advisory Services at fund management firm Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and has more than 24 years business experience to draw on. His roles in Chartered Accounting firms, government and in commerce will help Andrew understand the diverse needs of more than 46,000 members.
Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said, ‘Accounting is a profession that continues to be diversified as more demands are placed on business. Chartered Accountants play an integral part in the Australian economy and I am looking forward to representing all sides of the membership in this important role.’
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Public Practice Panel - Review for 2008
In 2008 the Public Practice Panel in Victoria will be very exciting.
The Panel consists of a group of public practitioners from the small and medium practice sector of the Institute. Our objective is to receive input from members and to make recommendations to the National Public Practice Panel and State Council.
We receive input from members by way of personal contact and presentation to firms and discussion groups.
Our activities for 2008 include:- Continuing the development of the Client Information Bulletin. The feedback on the content, since it has been written by members of our panel, has been very positive. It seems that members now have a bulletin that is really generating client response and more work for members
- Working in a task force regarding The Future of Practice. This task force has been empowered by the National body to prepare a useful report attempting to foresee the issues that practitioners are likely to encounter and plan for in the future
- Be able to take on any brief that the National body might put to us on an ad hoc basis. There are many emerging issues that will require review and comment
- Input to the further development of the Institute’s website as a useful resource and tool for practitioners
- Continuing development of face-to-face meetings with firms in the country and suburbs
- Developing strategies and techniques to counter the skills shortage in our profession especially in the SMP sector.
- Representing practitioners in various roles in dealing with State government where there is an impact on our client bases.
The panel is small and active, however we are always on the lookout for new members. The time commitment is not onerous and extremely satisfying as well as being of value to our own profession and ultimately to our clients. Contact Michael Nazzari on 03 9641 7400 or John Pollock on 03 9886 4822 if you are interested in observing our work prior to committing time.
John Pollock
Chairman, Public Practice Panel
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Young Professionals Panel - Review for 2008
This year is already shaping up to be a busy one for the Young Professional Panel (YPP) and the young members of the Institute with many sporting, social and training events on offer.
For the sport lovers, the traditional and always passionate Football and Netball days will again be a highlight, the heart pounding Fun Run around the Tan will get the legs moving and the Indoor Soccer comp will again see firms go head to head for glory.
On the social side there’ll be something for everyone from a beer tasting night, the ever popular Suits in the City, the fun filled Spring Carnival event and new member graduation and cocktail parties. In addition, a special focus will be made in 2008 on providing a number of networking/social events for young professional females.
In respect of training the competitive consulting competition, Masters of their Game, will return for its third year bigger and better than ever. The YPP’s community, Financial Literacy training program, will continue with the view to expand. And the promotion of the Community Services Award will be increased in 2008.
The YPP is for the young members (35 years and under) and is always looking for members and candidates from all sectors to get involved. The panel currently has representation from various accounting firms, corporate entities and government, but as they say, the more the merrier. The time commitment is minimal, but you’ll have an important say in how the Institute supports and benefits its young members. Please contact the Institute’s Melbourne office on 03 9641 7400 if you would like to learn more.
I look forward to meeting many of you at the various member events planned for 2008 and on behalf of the YPP, I wish all members and candidates a happy and successful year.
Sean Lockwood
Chairman, Young Professionals Panel
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Key announcements from the Global Accounting Alliance
Summary of the key announcements from the Mexico City board meeting
The Global Accounting Alliance (GAA) board met in Mexico Cityat the end of last year. Key announcements were as follows: - The GAA has successfully increased member benefits and value added services through overseas support mechanisms. It has also promoted the international portability of qualifications while always ensuring public interest is retained
- The GAA’s focus for 2008 and beyond is on leadership on issues of convergence in particular in the capital markets; relationships with the global firms; relationships with regulators; and liability reform in respect of sharing information on what has been achieved in Australia
- The GAA will present a leadership paper in mid 2008 with views of key personnel within the major regulator bodies
- Excluding the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, in principle an agreement has been reached that local tax and company law will no longer be required for GAA members, unless they are a principal in a public practice firm or need to for registration purposes, in order to seek membership of each others' Institutes. Formal approval from boards and councils is being reached
- Each member’s Chartered Accountants education program will now be recognised equally
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales reported back on the European common content program being developed for accounting education.
In addition, the Institute has acquired more than 2000 registrations from GAA members in Australia who have signed up with us to receive Institute benefits.
Relevant links:
Chartered Accountants/gaa
globalaccountingalliance.com
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Member Benefits - Job Search can help your new year take flight
The Chartered Accountants Job Search recruitment website recently turned one year old, and to celebrate the Institute is giving away a Flight Centre gift voucher valued at $2000 RRP.
Job Search is a dedicated and specialised online recruitment service designed to help employers target their recruitment effort, and to assist Chartered Accountants and candidates with their next career step.
To enter and find out how Job Search can help your new year take flight, all you have to do before 14 March 2008 is:
Job seekers- register a job seeker account online
- post your résumé online
- tell us via email in 25 words or less why you think
Employers- register an employer account online
- post one job ad by 14 March 2008
- tell us via email in 25 words or less why you think
Job Search is the number one recruitment website for Chartered Accountants.
Full terms and conditions are available online.
Whether you're looking for new staff or a new start in 2008, Chartered Accountants Job Search can help. Visit charteredaccountants.com.au/job_search or call the Institute on 1300 137 322.
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Join one of the most elite clubs in the world
A keen swimmer from a young age, Chartered Accountant Craig Burton, continued his passion for swimming and found it a great way to keep fit while still being able to juggle the demands of managing a practice.
In 2006 after being inspired by Des Renford and Ian Heads’ book, Nothing Great is Easy, Craig decided to take the plunge and attempt the Channel swim from Dover, England to Calais, France as a soloist.
The Channel in the Strait of Dover is a unique and demanding swim, considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge. Craig swam the 34 kilometres in 11 hours and 50 minutes, with the last 10 kilometres described as the hardest. Craig became the 36th Australian to swim the Channel at the time.
‘It is a demanding swim, but extremely worthwhile. Swimming in freezing water wearing only a standard swimming costume and grease for insulation, in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, is a challenge,’ said Craig.
‘In my mind preparation is key to success. This discipline is something that I learnt while completing the Chartered Accountant Program and that I use everyday in my practice. I have been able to transfer this skill to the very practical challenge of swimming the Channel,’ he added.
Craig recalls swimming 132 laps at his local beach in 16 degree water from 6.00am until 4.00pm, in order to qualify to register for the Channel swim.
He is gearing up to do the Channel swim again but this time in a relay team - training to take place this year, with the view to compete in 2009.
‘I am calling out to any fellow accountants, candidates or members, who would like to be part of a once in a life time opportunity. This could be your chance to swim the Channel in a relay team,’ he added.
Any candidates or members interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact Craig.
Craig started his practice Burton Accountants, in 2007 and is based in Eastwood, New South Wales.
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Business writing – It’s easy
Lynne Hayward helps accountants write more clearly through the in-house training service offered by the Institute. There are several easy techniques Lynne says can improve the clarity and speed of your writing overnight:
- Use short sentences. Aim for an average of 15-20 words. But if you are communicating bad news soften the message in a longer sentence
- Use familiar conversational words to increase clarity and speed of comprehension.
Old fashioned phrases:
I refer to your letter
Please find attached
Please contact this office
Contemporary phrases:
Thank you for your letter
I have attached
Please contact me - Put the main message first in the document, paragraph and sentence. The main message sets the context and detail can then be absorbed more readily
- Use strong formatting. Headings and bullet points not only increase the appeal to read, but also sorts the information for the reader, making comprehension easier
- Consider the tone of the email or letter. Use cooperative words to maintain strong relationships with readers. You can convey cooperation by including one of the following:
Thank you for…
Pleased to…
Look forward to…
Happy to… To engage Lynne to help you and your team write more effectively, contact your Training & Development Business Manager, Barney Ellis, on 03 9641 7419 or email Barney Ellis.
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Chartered Accountants Business Leader Awards
The prestigious Chartered Accountants Business Leader Awards is on 14 March at Luna Park, Sydney and is one of the highlights of the corporate calendar.
Book your table now to secure your place at the number one networking event.
Ali Moore, presenter of ABC’s Lateline Business, will host the evening of fine dining and entertainment, which will be attended by more than 300 business and government leaders and media representatives.
This year’s Award is gearing up to be the most hotly contended yet, with more than 170 nominees vying for the title.
The nominees for 2008, said to represent the wealth of business talent in Australia, are judged on their ability to demonstrate visionary leadership, exhibit best practice, show innovation and take risks, foster positive employee relations and contribution to the community.
Last year Brian McNamee, Managing Director of CSL Limited was named the 2007 Business Leader and Philip Green, Managing Director, Babcock & Brown won outstanding Chartered Accountant in Business Award.
The Business Leader Awards, now it its ninth year, is proudly partnered by Perpetual and considered Australia’s highest accolade in business.
For your opportunity to attend this renowned gala event, please complete the booking form.
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Member events – Dates for your diary
Chartered Accountants Fun Run 2008
It’s that time of the year again for the Chartered Accountants Annual Fun Run!
Join us at the Tan for an evening of fitness and fun on 21 February, 2008!
After the indulgence of the festive season, it’s the perfect time to start getting back into shape by preparing for the Fun Run!
Run, walk or crawl around the Tan whilst being supported by your friends and colleagues. Relax afterwards with a cold beverage and BBQ dinner and enjoy the summer weather mingling with your fellow competitors.
More information.
Proudly sponsored by:
  
Chartered Accountants 68th Annual Golf Tournament
Invite clients and colleagues for an afternoon of golf at the renowned Metropolitan Golf Club, widely regarded as one of the finest championship courses in Australia. This year players will team up in fours and compete using the Ambrose format. The Institute’s Golf Day sells out every year - so be sure to get in quick!
This year all female competitors receive an indulgence pack upon entry – so come on ladies, be the first female team to win since 1933!
The Metropolitan enjoys a reputation as one of the most beautiful courses in the country. Pure couch grass fairways with fast bent-grass greens hand-mown to the edges of the 106 bunkers, add greatly to the challenge of the course. Almost every hole is flanked by huge stands of indigenous trees providing sanctuary to native birds.
More information.
Proudly sponsored by:
 
Corporate Executive Board Briefing Seminar with Roisin Ryan: Improving the accounting close process
Roisin Ryan is a Research Director for the Corporate Executive Board in Washington DC, USA. Her role entails providing support to the business and strategic needs of CFO’s and their finance teams globally. Her clients are among the world’s largest corporations, giving her a unique insight into best practice on a global scale.
Roisin will review and discuss the Corporate Executive Board’s up to date research into improving the accounting close process, with a focus on moving towards global best practice, in an interactive and informative session.
More information.
Background information on the Corporate Executive Board
The Corporate Executive Board Company is a leading provider of best practices research and analysis focusing on corporate strategy, operations and general management issues.
Based in Washington DC, the Corporate Executive Board provides its integrated set of services currently to more than 3,700 of the world's largest and most prestigious corporations, including over 80 per cent of the Fortune 500. These services are provided primarily on an annual subscription basis and include best practices research studies, executive education seminars, customised research briefs and web-based access to the program content databases and decision support tools.
More information.
Proudly Sponsored by:
Suits in the City
Suits in the City is a joint event hosted by the Institute, CPA Australia and the Melbourne Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Held at Fix, this unique, contemporary design is in the heart of the vibrant Waterfront City precinct. It is both stylish and sophisticated with a club atmosphere.
Held bi-annually, Suits in the City brings together professionals from a range of industries to network with fellow peers over drinks and canapés. Book now to avoid disappointment, as tickets will sell out!
More information.
Proudly sponsored by
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Women in Finance - Career planning and development
The Institute, in partnership with the Group of 100, brings you a new seminar, Women in Finance: Career Planning and Development. This collaboration has resulted in a high quality program designed to address issues relating to the career planning and development of professionals in Finance, with an emphasis on the perspective of women.
Women who are planning and developing a career in the Finance sector, should attend this prestigious half-day seminar to hear some of the industry's most experienced professionals discuss their perspectives on leadership, career management, corporate women and diversity.
Places are limited so please enrol now by faxing back the attached enrolment form to (03) 9670 3143 or to enrol over the phone by calling call (03) 96 41 7400. The Institute and the Group of 100 look forward to welcoming you there.
More information.
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Chartered Accountants Program news
Recent module results
On 4 December 2007 Regional Councillor, Mark Davies FCA, presented top Victorian Chartered Accountants Program candidates with Merit Certificates for their exceptional results in the 2007 Ethics & Business Application (1), 2007 Audit & Assurance and 2007 Management Accounting & Analysis modules.
Certificates of Merit are awarded to all candidates whose module result places them in the top 5 per cent of the national module results.
2007 Ethics & Business Application (1) module
To achieve a Merit Certificate for the 2007 Ethics & Business Application (1) module a candidate needs to attain a minimum score of 73.5 per cent.
Congratulations go to Michelle Sproats from Ernst & Young Services Pty Ltd who achieved Candidate of the Module by scoring the highest mark nationally.
The Institute would also like to congratulate Michelle on achieving Candidate of the Year 2007 in Victoria. The Candidate of the Year Award acknowledges candidates who have completed the Program within the last 12 months and achieved the highest average mark for the five Program modules in their region. Michelle was presented with a framed certificate, desk plaque and monetary prize by the 2007 Victorian Regional Chairman, Malcolm Simister FCA, at the New Member Ceremony on 15 November 2007.
Congratulations to all successful 2007 Ethics & Business Application (1) candidates on completing the first step towards entry into membership of the Institute. Best wishes to all.
2007 Audit & Assurance module
To achieve a Merit Certificate for the 2007 Audit & Assurance module a candidate needs to attain a minimum score of 75.5 per cent.
Congratulations go to Megan Fitzgerald from PricewaterhouseCoopers who achieved the top mark in Victoria and a Certificate of Merit.
2007 Management Accounting & Analysis module
To achieve a Merit Certificate for the 2007 Management Accounting & Analysis module a candidate needs to attain a minimum score of 79.5 per cent.
Congratulations go to Philip Wen from - KPMG who achieved the top mark in Victoria and a Certificate of Merit.
Click here to view the full list of Victorian candidates that received a certificate of merit for these modules.
Left to right: Philip Wen (KPMG), Michelle Sproats (Ernst & Young Services Pty Ltd) and Regional Councillor Mark Davies FCA (City of Darebin)
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Careers Marketing
Graduate Employment Evening
The Institute is currently preparing for the annual Employment Evening, which is being held on Tuesday 18 March at the NGV International. The Employment Evening is best described as an accounting focused careers fair and combines both an employer exhibition area and breakout sessions. This event is a simple, cost-effective opportunity for you as an employer to promote and enhance your organisations profile; hence improving the number and quality of employment applications.
Chartered Accountants hosts the Employment Evening to provide you the chance to meet with hundreds of enthusiastic final year accounting students from universities throughout Victoria. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Gemma Hudson. Please note that while the deadline for inclusion in the employment guide has now closed, employers are still able to register to attend the event in March.
Now Available - 2008 Code of Practice Brochure
The Institute’s 2008 National Recruitment Code of Practice Brochure is now available. The 2008 brochure provides the dates which employers agreed to abide to and shall be working towards in the 2008 recruitment periods. If you would like to request a copy of the 2008 Code of Practice brochure please email Gemma Hudson. Alternatively the brochure is available in PDF form and is available to download online under the employer section of the site.
The Institute has also developed the Chartered Accountants Recruitment Guide for 2008. This is a useful guide which enables employers to become familiar with the careers marketing events and programs which are held throughout the year to support your recruitment needs. If you have not received a copy and would like a brochure, please contact Gemma Hudson.
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Chartered Accountants Advisory Group
Are you facing unfamiliar or challenging professional circumstances, uncertain about a career decision or under pressure to act unethically?
A problem shared is a problem halved!
Talk to someone who knows. Contact the Chartered Accountants Advisory Group. This is a confidential and free service, staffed by highly experienced and specially trained senior chartered accountants from the local region. Once a call has been logged with the general manager, contact will be made with the member within 24 hours.
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. Younger members are also invited to use the service as we have a number of trained young professionals on the group register.
To be placed in contact with a Chartered Accountants Advisory Group counsellor for guidance, contact Michael Nazzari on 03 9641 7400 or email Michael Nazzari.
The Chartered Accountant advisory group counsellors will not address technical matters or personal issues.
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Information Technology & Telecommunications Discussion group
The Information Technology & Telecomunications (IT&T) Discussion Group for Victoria kicks off on Thursday, 21 February with key speaker Neil Smith from the Department of Infrastructure (ex GE), sharing an update on Spatial Solutions: a DOI perspective.
Discussions planned for 2008 includes:- 17 April 2008 GE Energy:Intelligent grid - Smart meters the future
- 19 June 2008 Prominans:Automated accounting - cutting the cost of manual
transactions
- 21 August 2008:IT Governance - latest research findings
- 16 October 2008 PWC:Generation Y - responding to their needs and leveraging their IT skills
- 20 November 2008: IT & T breakfast networking session
The meetings are held from 8.00am – 9.00am at the Institute’s office at Level 3, 600 Bourke Street Melbourne. You can claim this activity for Professional Development.
The IT&T Discussion Group is always looking for speakers and new ideas for discussions related to information technology and telecommunications. If you have any ideas or speakers in mind and would like to find out more please email Ernest Stabek, IT&T Discussion Group chairman.
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Chartered Accountants Local News – Vic
Contents - Regional Chair update
- Regional Manager update
- Andrew Arkell named President
- Public Practice Panel - Review for 2008
- Young Professionals Panel - Review for 2008
- Key announcements from the Global Accounting Alliance
- Member benefits - Job search can help your new year take flight
- Join one of the most elite clubs in the world
- Business writing - It’s easy
- Chartered Accountants Business Leaders Award
- Member events - Dates for your diary
- Women in Finance - Career planning and development
- Chartered Accountants Program news
- Careers Marketing
- Chartered Accountants Advisory Group
- Information Technology & Telecommunications Discussion group
- Pro bono opportunities
- Lost members
Editor: Clare O'Neill
Tel: 03 9641 7400
Email: clare.oneill@charteredaccountants.com.au
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Pro bono opportunities
Interested in volunteering your financial skills to the Not For Profit sector? Go to probonoaustralia to find out how to become involved and give back to the community.
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Lost members
The Institute is hoping to update and locate the contact details of the below members:
George Tennyson Webb AM FCA
James William Milroy Campbell CA
Geoffrey Lloyd Good FCA
Stewart Justin Relph CA
Sarab Dhillon CA
Stephen Michael Ayres CA
Heidi Ewenson CA
Kerry Kaplan CA
Should this be you or if you know the whereabouts of these members we would appreciate if you could advise us on 1300 137 322 or email support@charteredaccountants.com.au |
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