CPA Australia and Australian Computer Society join forces
Memorandum of Understanding to enhance career prospects for IT and accounting professionals
7 May 2025
CPA Australia and Australian Computer Society (ACS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of their intent to work collaboratively to enhance the career prospects of both IT and accounting and finance professionals.
The two leading professional associations intend to co-design, develop and deliver training programs and thought leadership to improve career development opportunities in the growing areas of IT financial procurement, AI and ethics and cryptography management. There will also be a specific focus on cybersecurity with details of a new program to be announced in the near future.
CPA Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Freeland AM says the MoU is the next step in recognising the continuation of the mutually beneficial partnership the two organisations already enjoy.
“ACS and CPA Australia have strong ties and common interests. Both are invested in future proofing the global workforce through mutual activities in skilled migration, educational program accreditations and meaningful skill capability development programs for both our members and affiliate professionals to help bridge the gap between operational and economic management,” said Mr Freeland.
“The intent is for the associations to strengthen these current synergies by working together on developing a longer-term vision, one that will benefit all IT, finance and accounting and adjacent career professionals.
“With the fast-paced change in professional skills required by both current and emerging professionals, CPA Australia and ACS have recognised the importance of working together to develop pertinent specialism streams to support professionals enhance their skill capabilities across the intersection between the technical and financial literacy spheres.
“Recognising that AI is a burgeoning area of technology that could affect every area of the workplace, CPA Australia and ACS will work together by using our extensive networks of subject matter experts to co-design and build training programs to help those working across the finance, accounting and IT sectors use AI effectively and ethically.”
In a ceremony held in Sydney to mark the signing of the memorandum, Mr Freeland and Australian Computer Society Chief Executive Officer Josh Griggs discussed the MoU and collaborative opportunities between the associations.
Josh Griggs, ACS Chief Executive Officer, added: “technology has become a critical part of the accounting profession, particularly in areas like the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, development of IT skills, and cybersecurity.
“Recognising the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's business landscape, ACS is pleased to extend our recently announced Cyberknowledge partnership to include CPA Australia members. The Cyberknowledge platform will provide accounting professionals with essential capability to help SMB’s assess & improve their cyber resilience.”
“We are also pleased to be working with CPA Australia to incorporate the SFIA (Skills For The Information Age) framework into their continuous learning program. This will ensure accounting professionals have the technology skillsets demanded by the modern economy.
“ACS looks forward to working with CPA to ensure Australian businesses have the tools and skills to ensure they are competitive and secure in an increasingly globalised and technology driven world.”
ENDS
Media contact
Simon Downes, CPA Australia External Affairs Lead, [email protected] or 0401 461 503
Troy Steer, ACS Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, [email protected] or 0417 173 740
About CPA Australia
CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
About Australian Computer Society
ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 47,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation.
Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.
ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.
Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.