From the Chair, ACT Regional Council
This year we will be commemorating the Institute’s 80th anniversary and it is within this spirit your council and staff of the ACT Office continue to be very active promoting the Institute in the region.
Food for thought dinner
Teachers, principals and year twelve coordinators were invited to attend the Food for Thought dinner at the National Museum in March. Guests from schools and colleagues in the ACT region heard Rhys Kyburz CA and Patrick Salter CA speak about their respective roles and the tremendous opportunities that are available to students interested in perusing careers as Chartered Accountants.
If any members wish to participate in promoting Chartered Accountancy as a career to students please contact the Relationship Manager Melinda Inacio or one of the Councillors.
Young members professional networking evening
It was also a pleasure attending the inaugural Young Members Professional networking evening held at the National Art Gallery and meeting a number of members from a variety of backgrounds. The Deputy Chief Executive for the Institute Elaine McFadzean, the ACT General Manager Renee Le Grande, SMP Manager Pamela Lee and Councillors Kelly Fenner, Josephine Stevens and Lisa Stone also attended. Members from the Engineers Australia, Law Society of the ACT and Financial Services Institute of Australasia also attended.
The key speaker Katrina Blowers, an accomplished and high profile journalist spoke about the constant struggle many of us are familiar with - balancing home with career, in particular her decision to have time out and travel. Elaine McFadzean also spoke about life as a Chartered Accountant and the opportunities that are now available through Global Accounting Alliance if you want to travel the world to broaden your experience.
It was fun evening for all. If you missed the network evening the Young Members Committee are planning to hold more events for you to have an opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends.
International Womens’ Day
The month of March also commemorated International Women’s Day and was good to see the Institute featured in the Canberra Times with Chartered Accountant, Kathryn Hatch discussing her career and the changes that have occurred in recent years to balance work and family responsibilities for members.
Business Forum
As you are probably aware the 2008 Chartered Accountants Business Forum is being run over two days at the National Convention Centre from Tuesday, 3 June. This year the program highlights include updates from regulators, taxation and accounting for both the private and public sector. As well there are a number of non-technical sessions available which has proven to be very popular with members in the past.
I encourage all members to register now to attend this key event on the Institute's calendar. Further details of the full program and registration is available via the Institute's website.
Finally as always, if you have an issue you wish Council to address please do not hesitate to contact me or another of your colleagues on Council.
Steven McDonnell FCA
Chair, ACT Regional Council
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From the General Manager ACT
We have a number of exciting events coming up in April and May. Please keep your diaries free, and register as soon as you can, as spaces can sometimes be limited.
Public Sector Forum
Please register for the Public Sector Forum if you haven’t done so already.
This special event will look at common types of fraud in the workplace; explore how they were perpetrated and how they were discovered. Guest speakers include: Andrew Ross FCA and Michael Watson FCA. For event details and how to register see information below:
Date Friday, 11 April 2008
Time 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue Canberra Business Event Centre
Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Acton ACT 2600
Cost There is no charge for this event however registration is essential
To register contact Lucinda Griffiths
Email registration.act@charteredaccountants.com.au
Phone 02 6282 9612
Federal Budget Breakfast
The 2008 Federal Budget Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, 14 May at The Great Hall, Parliament House. Speakers include the Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, the Hon Peter Dutton MP and Robert Gottliebsen.
Stay tuned as more details are to follow.
Member stakeout
You will notice a new section in our local news called member stakeout. Each month we will ask you to nominate a member (or yourself) to take part in answering six insightful questions. This month the spotlight is on David Black FCA, Partner at Deloitte.
This is a fun and informal way to catch up with friends and get to know your fellow colleagues and members.
If you would like take part in this section, or want further information please contact the Editor
Renee LeGrande
General Manager, ACT
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
National Surveyor's House
27-29 Napier Close
Deakin ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6285 2198
Fax: 02 6282 9800
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Business Forum 2008 is almost here – register now
The Institute’s annual premiere event, Chartered Accountants Business Forum is set to tour around the country and will be hosted at the National Convention Centre, Canberra from Tuesday, 3 – Wednesday, 4 June.
This is an opportunity for members to join the business industry as they gather to hear the latest updates, review current issues and plan for the future.
With a powerful, practical and flexible schedule delegates can also create tailored packages by selecting from over 40 sessions, earning more than 15 qualifying hours.
Sessions available range from business management, financial planning and leadership to accounting, SMEs and professional development programs just to name a few.
A special feature this year will be the option of scheduling a free one-on-one session with the Institute’s local business manager at Business Forum. This consultation will provide delegates with the opportunity to develop a customised training plan for their team covering personal development, technical or general business skills.
Register or find out more information about the Business Forum 2008.
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Leighton Holdings’ Wal King named 2008 Business Leader Awards winner
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia together with Perpetual, named Wal King, Chief Executive Officer of Leighton Holdings Limited, the winner of the 2008 Chartered Accountants Business Leader Award.
Mr King received Australia’s highest accolade in business at the ninth Business Leader Awards held at Luna Park in Sydney on Friday, 14 March 2008 hosted by Ali Moore and attended by many of Australia’s senior business executives.
This year’s Business Leader Awards was the most hotly contested yet, with more than 170 nominees vying for the title. The nominees represented the wealth of business talent in Australia and were 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.
Mr King has headed Leighton, Australia’s largest project development and contracting group, for more than 21 years. In that time he has overseen a transformation in Leighton, from a mid-tier contractor, with a market capitalisation of $100 million, to one of the leading contractors in the Asia/Pacific region.
Receiving the award, Mr King said he was honoured to be chosen as the 2008 business leader, particularly from such an impressive field of nominees.
"It is a great pleasure to receive this award which reflects the successes we have achieved as a team at the Leighton over many years. But we aren’t going to rest on our laurels”, said Mr King. “Ultimately in business, you grow or you die. So we are continuing to pursue a number of strategic initiatives that will allow the Leighton to keep growing and for shareholders to be rewarded.”
The Outstanding Chartered Accountant in Business Award winner was awarded to Michael Ullmer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National Australia Bank.
Other winners on the night included Andrew Mohl, former Chief Executive Officer, AMP who won in the Banking and Finance sector and Owen Hegarty, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oxiana, won the Mining and Resources sector.
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Key announcements from the Global Accounting Alliance
Summary of the key announcements from the New York Board meeting in February.
IFAC attendance
International Federation of Accountants President Fermin Del Valle, Deputy President Bob Bunting, and Chief Executive Officer Ian Ball attended part of the GAA meeting to discuss items of mutual interest such as the importance of their standard setting function and their activities over the coming year. The IFAC leadership team has a standing invitation to join the GAA Board at future meetings.
Accounting for sustainability
The GAA and its constituent member institutes are now formally members of the Prince of Wales Accounting for Sustainability forum from which a report of the same name has been produced. The Accounting for Sustainability forum is made up of businesses, investors, public sector organisations, accounting firms, and other relevant stakeholders.
It is envisaged that the forum will meet annually with the next meeting in December 2008 being a conference-type event with a keynote speech from the Prince.
The forum is coordinated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and includes all members of the GAA together with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.
Mutual recognition
The Institute has completed work to confirm our mutual recognition of seven institutes’ (all except AICPA) qualifying programs reciprocity with the Chartered Accountants Program.
Background
The Global Accounting Alliance has been formed by the world’s premier accounting bodies to promote quality professional services, support the global membership, share information and collaborate on international accounting issues. The GAA represents 700,000 members worldwide making the qualification one of the most widely accepted accounting designations. The Institute is the only Australian accounting body within the alliance that includes professional accounting organisations from America, Canada, Hong Kong, England & Wales, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and South Africa.
Relevant links:
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Key announcements from the International Innovation Network
The three-year focus agreed at the IIN Board meeting in Amsterdam.
The International Innovation Network (IIN) held its bi-annual conference in Amsterdam in February to establish the vision, mission and key objectives for the next three years.
IIN Chairman, Jan Pasmooij, from Royal NIVRA highlighted that the network has proved to be a valuable vehicle to facilitate networking and information sharing between its members.
'The IIN has evolved from a focus in its early days on products and services to an international network providing members with outstanding opportunities for knowledge exchange, sharing strategies and building relationships,' said the Chairman.
Stimulated by learnings from participation with the IIN, the Institute carried out an internal restructure and created a Membership Marketing division earlier this year with a focus on providing value to members at every stage of their careers. This was based on the effective member support model used by fellow IIN member American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The conference covered key industry issues for accounting bodies such as:
- How to meet the needs of female members
- Best practice in delivering online Training and
Development, and the
- Research results from the IIN public practice and business surveys.
It was resolved that the main purpose of the IIN is to continue to focus on information sharing, research and networking between the 16 member institutes in areas of relevance to members. The key areas of relevance cited were attracting students to the profession, providing valuable products and services to members, and branding.
Background
The IIN comprises 16 national accounting institutes from the Asia Pacific region, Europe and the Americas. It was formed in 2002 with the aim of fostering innovation and enhancing quality in the products and services offered to and by its members. The Institute is the only Australian member of the IIN.
Relevant links:
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Young Professional Networking Evening
Members from Engineers Australia, Law Society of the ACT and Financial Services Institute of Australasia came to the Institute of Chartered Accountants young members professional networking evening. The Deputy Chief Executive of the Institute, Elaine McFadzean, also attended the event.
Throughout the night Elaine gave a presentation about life as a Chartered Accountant and the many opportunities that are now available through the Global Accounting Alliance.
The key speaker Katrina Blowers, an accomplished radio presenter, magazine and newspaper journalist and television reporter spoke about the struggle with balancing home, work and her decision to have time out and travel.
Similar events will be held in the not to distant future to assist young Chartered Accountants to establish themselves in the accounting profession by enhancing professional skills, mentoring and developing professional networks, not just in the profession, but in the wider business community.
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Employment Evening
Third and final year students attended the Institute's Employment Evening on Wednesday, 26 March. The evening provided students with the opportunity to meet employers, make an impression and find the quality work experience they need to get ahead.
Employers from Government, Big 4, commerce and public practice were there to talk to students about their organisations and the work experience positions available.
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News from the Knowledge Centre
LexisNexis update
Many LexisNexis products are now available to members and candidates via the website as part of the free trial programs, which is updated monthly. The Knowledge Centre is keen to receive feedback on these products. Access the Access the LexisNexis free trial program.
The latest edition of the Retirement and Estate Planning Bulletin is now available. This bulletin provides expert analysis of retirement and estate planning issues in areas including superannuation, wills and probate, testamentary trusts and business succession. Access the LexisNexis Riterement and Estate Planning Bulletin.
Book sale
The Knowledge Centre had a large delivery of new books in February, which meant it was time to remove previous editions. These items are in great condition, have fantastic content, and are now available for purchase by members. To find out which books are available for sale this month visit our website.
New books in the Knowledge Centre
The latest book titles added to the Knowledge Centre's collection are listed below. Brief reviews of these items can be found in the Knowledge Centre area on the Institute's website. New books include:
- Anti-Money Laundering Handbook
- Killer CVs and hidden approaches: give yourself an unfair advantage in the job market
- Linkage Inc's best practices for succession planning: case studies, research, models, tools
Access the book summaries.
Australian Articles - April 2008
Follow the link below to access articles from around Australia on a wide range of general interest, accounting and business topics. The Institute's copyright licence precludes us from supplying these articles electronically, however print copies can be ordered from the Knowledge Centre. Summaries on these articles can be found in the Knowledge Centre area of the Institute's website. Selected articles include:
- Inside their heads (self-managed superannuation funds)
- Integrating superannuation strategies and estate planning
- Foreign tax credits and overseas investment: more reform necessary?
- Harmonised breach reporting for superannuation trustees
- Deadlines then fines (carbon management)
- Product design emerges as key (superannuation fund product offerings)
- Avoiding thumbs down (executive remuneration packages and shareholder opinion)
- What women want (women in executive positions)
Access the article summaries.
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Wanted - Focus Session Leaders for 2008
Members have the opportunity to apply to become a Focus Session Leader this month for modules offered in the Chartered Accountants Program in 2008.
A Focus Session Leader helps candidates engage with the practical application of the technical material within a module. They guide candidates in the application of the theory to work based situations, and help them identify any gaps in their knowledge.
The highlights of the role are:- The opportunity to contribute knowledge and experience to the training of future Chartered Accountants
- The experience of facilitating and leading a group-learning situation
- Being remunerated, while ‘giving back’ to the profession
- Earning qualifying hours.
All Focus Session Leaders must be a Chartered Accountant, or a person with comparable and recognised overseas qualification, with a minimum of two years work experience in a relevant technical area.
The five modules of the Program are: Taxation, Audit & Assurance, Management Accounting & Analysis, Financial Accounting & Reporting, and Ethics & Business Application. Ethics & Business Application – this module requires a broad understanding across all the technical areas.
For more information:
Members interested in becoming a Focus Session Leader for the Chartered Accountants Program please email: registration.act@charteredaccountants.com.au
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Conference rooms at the Institute
Did you know that the Institute's offices in Deakin have two function rooms that are available to hire for meetings and conferences?
If you would like information regarding availability and charges please contact Debbie on 6282 9600 or send an email to deborah.harper@charteredaccountants.com.au
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ACT April Issue 3
In this Issue
From the Chair, ACT council
More >
From the General Manager ACT
More >
Business Forum 2008 is almost here – register now
More >
Leighton Holdings’ Wal King named 2008 Business Leader Awards winner
More >
Corporate: Key announcements from the Global Accounting Alliance
More >
Corporate: Key announcements from the International Innovation Network
More >
Young Professional Networking Evening
More >
Employment Evening
More >
News from the knowledge centre
More >
Wanted - Focus Session Leaders for 2008
More >
Conference Rooms at the Institute
More >
Editor
Melinda Inacio 02 6282 0590
Email: Melinda Inacio
ACT State website
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Diary Dates
2 April - National Board Meeting
3 April - Tertiary to Work
11 April - Public Sector Forum
25 April - Anzac Day
6 May - National Board Meeting
14 May - Budget Breakfast
29 May - Chandon Supper Club
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Member stakeout
Describe your job position?
As well as being an audit partner I am also the Deloitte Canberra office ‘people partner’.
It is my role to lead audit engagements, develop Deloitte’s audit business, mentor the audit teams, manage client relationships and market Deloitte to future employees.
Prior to coming to Canberra I worked in Deloitte’s Sydney office for 10 years and before that the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne office in the North East of England. Being in the Canberra office has provided me with a great opportunity to work with a
extremely wide variety of clients ranging from large complex government departments to small emerging companies and not-for-profit organisations.
What do you like about your job?
I think it has to be the variety of the role. Each day brings new challenges. There is never a dull or quiet moment. On any day I could be reviewing accounts for a public company, interviewing potential recruits, talking to a prospective client, running a training session or participating in a global conference call with our technical team.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Quite a lot. I follow the Formula One season and I try to get to at least two Grand Prix a year. I am also a gadget nut – anything new in computers, hifi, video games etc… I have to have it!
As a child you wanted to become?
A Grand Prix Formula One driver. I then saw the chartered accounting qualification as an excellent foundation for which ever career path I wanted to take (except maybe Grand Prix driving….). I’ve been with Deloitte since joining the UK firm as a graduate in 1992.
Favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere where there is snow and a ski slope. People think I’m nuts but my wife and I went to Alaska skiing last Christmas. We try to ski Australia / New Zealand every winter and the Northern Hemisphere once every couple of years.
Favourite movie?
Any James Bond movie – he has lots of gadgets!
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The official e-newsletter of the ACT region of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.
National Surveyors House
27 Napier Close
DEAKIN ACT 2600
GPO Box 396
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Ph: 02 6282 9600
Email:
service@charteredaccountants.com.au
ABN 50 084 642 571 |
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