CPA Australia’s practical initiative to provide businesses with greater access to talent for key board and board committee positions continues to grow strongly. Launched to the business community earlier this year, the CPA Directors Register aims to help companies looking for independent directors provide a more diverse representation at the board table.
The register is a comprehensive list of members with appropriate levels of training and experience who are interested in the opportunity to hold key board positions. Currently the CPA Directors Register comprises more than 400 FCPAs, of whom 50 are employed in the public sector from all over Australia.
Broadening horizons
In today’s environment, where public confidence has been shaken by questionable boardroom decisions, CPAs are needed now more than ever. The CPA Directors Register provides a means through which qualified members of CPA Australia, can share their competence and integrity at the highest levels of Australian business.
“It is an excellent resource for public sector organisations interested in highly skilled finance, accounting and business professionals for board and audit committee positions and for FCPAs interested in board and audit committee positions within the public sector,” said CPA Australia’s National President, Dr Ken Levy, who worked in the public sector for a number of years.
“Members of the register are in a good position to seriously consider their next career move as a potential director or board committee member within public sector organisations. The register also provides an opportunity to broaden a candidate’s expertise into new industries or even take up positions in different sectors.”
Corporate governance
With increasing corporate government requirements, such as CLERP 9, or those set out by the ASX Corporate Governance Council, which prescribe that audit committees include members who are financially literate and at least one member with financial expertise, there is a need for a wider range of candidates who understand corporate governance standards. Professional accountants have a range of competencies and expertise in this area that will be in increasing demand.
Eligibility criteria
CPA Directors Register candidates must be a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA), must have 15 years’ experience in a finance, accounting or business field and must complete an approved directors course, such as that offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
To find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about the CPA Directors Register, go to www.cpaaustralia.com.au/links/findadirector or phone (02) 9375 6272.
