Media Release
9 May 2013

Grant Thornton New Zealand Enters Partnership with CPA Australia
CPA qualification key to helping Grant Thornton attract top accounting talent

Global accounting body CPA Australia continues to make waves in New Zealand with the announcement that Grant Thornton New Zealand has become the newest ‘employer of choice’ partner in CPA Australia’s Recognised Employer Program.

The Recognised Employer Program connects the country’s top accounting graduates with employers who, once they have hired the graduates, sponsor and support them on their career pathways to becoming a CPA – a globally-recognised accounting qualification aimed at developing tomorrow’s strategic business leaders.

CPA Australia country manager for New Zealand David Jenkins said: “We are delighted to welcome Grant Thornton to our Recognised Employer Program. They are one of the world’s larger professional services firms and were recently awarded the International Accounting Bulletin's 'Network of the Year' at an awards ceremony in London. They are a great fit for CPA Australia.
“Through partnering with us, Grant Thornton will now be able to offer a choice of professional designation to New Zealand’s best accounting talent, which will make them even more attractive as a potential employer.”

Mark Hucklesby, Grant Thornton New Zealand Partner and National Technical Director, Audit, said: “We believe that graduates joining Grant Thornton should be given the choice of which professional accounting body to join. CPA Australia’s offering in New Zealand is distinctive and very appealing to those seeking a qualification immediately recognisable on both sides of the Tasman, and further afield.”

Other significant employers who have chosen to join CPA Australia’s Recognised Employer Program in New Zealand include KPMG New Zealand, Cisco, DHL and AIA.

Last October the Financial Markets Authority announced it had accredited CPA Australia to license and regulate auditors of issuers in New Zealand. The move introduces competition to the local audit industry for the first time, strengthens the regulatory environment for auditors and is expected to result in higher industry standards.

ENDS