Regional Chair update
 2008 here already – looking forward to Beijing
A warm welcome to all members and Chartered Accountants Program candidates to the first edition of Tasmanian Chartered Accountants Local News for 2008. This newsletter explains the Regional Council’s plans for the year (excluding matters to be referred to us by the National Board). During 2008 Regional Council will:- Arrange for State Treasury /State Revenue Office to provide an annual update of legislation changes relevant for respective members
- Propose via the Institute’s head office, the Professional Standards Council and local advocacy, changes to the Tasmanian Professional Standards Act to facilitate implementation of the Institute Capping System in Tasmania
- Follow up work undertaken in South Australia, where its Regional Council is pilot testing a Chartered Accountants Achiever type program for international students. In addition, we will develop a funding proposal for Transitional Language Skills Education, for consideration by government
- Continue discussions with other accounting bodies on avenues for working together in appropriate circumstances such as advocacy
- Continue pursuit of avenues for working more closely with the University of Tasmania, in all regional areas, on matters which will enhance cooperation for our mutual benefit
- Continue regular formal and informal contacts with members, including those in the corporate sectors, aimed at ensuring the Institute is responsive to the needs of Members and that expectations are managed
- Progress our initiatives on seeking to enhance governance in the not-for profit sector by their utilisation of tools developed by the Institute relevant to governance. This may include progressing the establishment of a register of interested persons who may want leadership positions in the NFP sector
- Repeat our involvement in the Tasmanian Business Leaders Awards, local government budgeting and preparation of articles in Tasmanian Business Report
- Progress discussions with members in the Corporate sector as an adjunct to the national Corporate Committee (previously CABS). This may result in the introduction of a quarterly luncheon series for these members
- Continue advocacy with various parties on a range of issues including the development of a paper on stamp duty relief on business reconstructions
- Continue holding relevant cluster day Training and Development in Launceston and Hobart
Tasmanian Regional Council will meet six times in 2008 including two meetings in Launceston. I welcome contact from members with issues for Council’s consideration. You should feel free to contact me at any time on (03) 6226 0110 or 0418 501 862, or email Mike Blake
Mike Blake
Tasmanian Regional Chair
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?
Michael J. Nazzari CAE
General Manager – Victoria & Tasmania
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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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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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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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Client information bulletin - A must have for all smaller firms
The client information bulletin is a powerful marketing tool for your firm. The bulletin is issued quarterly in March, June, September and December for you to forward to your client base. The Institute recognises that small practices do not have the time to do their own research, and so has created the client information bulletin to help you portray your firm as proactive and inclusive in the eyes of your clients.
The bulletin is delivered by email in Microsoft Word, so you can simply update it with your logo and contact details before sending it on. This will provide clients with practical articles on HR, financial and operational issues relevant to their day-to-day activities, while at the same time showcasing the professional services your firm offers.
The client information bulletin costs only $190.00 incl GST and is great value when you consider how much other services of this nature cost. You may also purchase individual copies for $60.00. This is a member only service. To subscribe to the client information bulletin you must be an accredited Chartered Accounting firm.
View a sample bulletin and subscribe online.
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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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ArtSupport Australia - Free seminar
Seminar- Philanthropy through private prescribed funds
Artsupport Australia invites you to a free seminar to introduce Private Prescribed Funds (PPFs) as a simple way for individuals, families and corporations to create a foundation to formalise their charitable giving.
Over the past six years, more than 600 PPFs have been established across the country. This practical seminar will provide an overview of how to establish a PPF, their tax benefits and ways which they help the community.
Date: Thursday, 21 February 2008
Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm followed by drinks and canapés
Registration from 6.15pm
Venue: The Jones and Co. Room
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, 25 Hunter Street, Hobart
RSVP: call Ivana Jiraseek (Artsupport Australia) on 02 9215 9315 or email Ivana Jiraseek
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Careers Marketing
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.
Calling for Chartered Accountant speakers for 2008
The Chartered Accountants Speaker Program is designed to expose the university and high school students in Tasmania to the opportunities that a career as a Chartered Accountant can provide. Using speakers from the industry, the Program serves as a cross-promotional tool for the Institute and firms alike, whilst championing the Chartered Accounting profession as a fulfilling and challenging long-term career to students across Tasmania.
The 2008 Chartered Accountants Speaker Program has been designed to provide significant benefits to firms. These benefits include:- Promotion of the firm as an employer of choice
- Access to potential employees
- Recognised presentation and public speaking training
- Improved confidence and presentation experience
- Networking opportunities with fellow Chartered Accountants
- Opportunity for firms and speakers alike to give back to the profession
- Access to the Institute for current candidates.
If you would like to find out more about becoming involved in the Chartered Accountants Speaker Program go to charteredaccountants.com.au, alternatively contact your local Careers Marketing Representative – Gemma Hudson on 1800 014 555 or email Gemma Hudson
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Member events - Dates for your diary
Tassie Lawn Bowls
Why not take advantage of the last of daylight savings time, with an evening of bowls and a BBQ on the 14 March 2008. If you didn’t win last year, now’s the opportunity to show your skills and be victorious! There are limited places available so register now via our website to avoid disappointment.
More information
For further information on upcoming Member Events please contact the Events Delivery Team on 1800 014 555
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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 1800 014 555 or email Barney Ellis.
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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 1800 014 555 or email Michael Nazzari.
The Chartered Accountant advisory group counsellors will not address technical matters or personal issues.
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Pro bono opportunities
The Australia Business Arts Foundation
The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) promotes private sector support for the arts through three programs: partnering, volunteering and giving. Their volunteering program connects business people with the arts.
adviceBank and boardBank are AbaF's volunteering programs.
boardBank provides a vital service to both business and the arts, by connecting experienced business people with arts organisations seeking to fill specific board vacancies. Arts organisations benefit by drawing on the expertise of business volunteers in good governance and risk management; whilst business volunteers benefit by gaining board level experience and contributing to the cultural life of Australia.
Currently there are a number of Tasmanian arts organisations seeking business professionals with a financial portfolio.
For further information please contact:
Marianne Taylor
Coordinator - Tasmania
Australia Business Arts Foundation
C/- Arts Tasmania, Level 8, 22 Elizabeth St, Hobart, TAS 7000
Tel: (03) 6233 5553
Fax: (03) 6233 8424
Email: Marianne Taylor
Web: abaf.org.au
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Chartered Accountants Local News – Tas
Contents - Regional Chair update
- Regional Manager update
- Andrew Arkell named President
- Member Benefits - Job Search can help your new year take flight
- Key announcements from the Global Accounting Alliance
- Client information bulletin - A must have for all smaller firms
- Chartered Accountants Business Leader Awards
- ArtSupport Australia - Free seminar
- Careers Marketing
- Member events - Dates for your diary
- Business writing– It’s easy
- Chartered Accountants Advisory Group
- Pro bono opportunities
- Lost members
Editor: Clare O'Neill
Tel: 03 9641 7400
Email: clare.oneill@charteredaccountants.com.au
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Lost members
The Institute is hoping to update and locate the contact details of the below member:
Stephen John Richards FCA
Should this be you or if you know the whereabouts of this member we would appreciate if you could advise us on 1300 137 322 or email support@charteredaccountants.com.au
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