CPA Accredits Four NZ Universities

Australia's largest professional accounting body accredits four New Zealand universities' courses

CPA Australia has now accredited courses at four of New Zealand's main universities. More are to come in a move seen as important for the country's major new education export industry, earning more than $2 billion a year.

Malaysia, Singapore and the United States The CPA Australia accreditation is being seen as especially valuable to students from China, now studying in New Zealand. It provides them with an internationally recognised qualification in three years, compared with four. Because it is globally recognised, it also improves the career prospects of New Zealand graduates wanting to work overseas.

Graduates of accounting and commerce degrees at Auckland, Waikato, Massey and Otago universities now have their degrees recognised by CPA Australia.

CPA Australia's New Zealand national council president, Lorraine Sheehan, says more universities have asked for their degrees to be accredited and these are now under review.

"The universities tell us that, for international students here, this is of immense value, especially to those from Asia and the United States, where the CPA qualification is valued and can open the door for those wanting to go on to be business and professional leaders."

The accreditation development follows CPA Australia's move to more fully serve the New Zealand market. It opened a New Zealand office in Auckland just eight months ago.

Professor Jilnaught Wong, head of the country's largest accounting and finance department, at Auckland University's School of Business, says of the CPA Australia accreditation for his students: "The value is huge."

His department accounts for a third of the school's students. His international accounting and finance students come mostly from China.

"They see the CPA Australia qualification as highly recognised, and they're able to carry on learning through CPA Australia's flexible delivery CPA Program. With this qualification they are work ready when they get home to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Beijing."

The head of accounting at Waikato University's Management School, Professor Howard Davey, sees the CPA Australia qualification as giving his students "greater flexibility about where they're likely to go".

"CPA Australia has been very successful in establishing its qualifications and services in Asia and Australia. It's also another path for New Zealand graduates who want to work overseas," Davey says. "A bit of competition, I have to argue, is good."

CPA Australia has more than 105,000 members, including 20,000 CEOs, CFOs and General Managers, and has offices in 12 countries.

CPA Australia members can sit post-graduate exams in more than 240 locations worldwide and can continue their study on new job postings in any location. The CPA Program, which is geared to deliver high quality, well-rounded business professionals, is the largest flexible learning program in the southern hemisphere.

Three of the six courses on the CPA Program are elective, providing an opportunity to specialise, which is very attractive to students.

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