Do you want to become a difference maker, who’s capable of thinking strategically, understanding the big questions and their answers, and leading companies and organisations to success?

Becoming a Chartered Accountant could be your ticket to an exciting career that helps you pursue your passions and make epic things happen. It teaches you how to become an essential part of any business or organisation, from a start-up, to an NGO, or even at the head of a multinational company!

But before we get there, we need to understand what an accountant is, how to get started, and how you can begin your journey to getting your CA designation. Let’s take a look!

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What is an accountant and what do they do?

On its surface, accounting is about using strategic and analytical skills to support individuals, businesses and organisations to achieve their goals. 

It’s not just boring business stuff, behind every epic thing is an accountant. Blockbuster movies, big festivals, the latest iphone release – they all have one thing in common – an accountant who understands how the organisation operates, and how all of its resources work together to get things done in order to make recommendations, suggest improvements and influence decision making.

 They do all of this by recording, arranging, presenting and advising on loads of different types of information to get insights that nobody else can see.

That’s what makes accounting so useful in just about any kind of business or industry that you can think of!

What does it mean to be a Chartered Accountant?

Chartered Accountants are problem solvers, detectives and strategists - all rolled into one. If you decide to pursue accounting, becoming a Chartered Accountant will help you to take your career and skills to the next level.

Having this title means that employers all over the world will know that you have the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to take on some of the more challenging and exciting roles out there. Many CEOs (Chief Executive Officers), CFOs (Chief Accounting Officers) and heads of all kinds of departments are also Chartered Accountants.

The reason they’re so sought after is because Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.

If you want to know more about who some real life Chartered Accountants are and the amazing things they are doing to change our world, watch our webinar with Robyn Denholm FCA, the Chair of Tesla here! 

How do you become a Chartered Accountant?

First of all, you’ll need to become an accountant. Most accountants in Australia have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in areas such as Commerce, Accounting and Finance, or a Commerce / Law double degree.

If you’re not sure if your dream degree is covered, you can download a full list of CA accredited courses to take a look.

There are also alternative pathways to becoming a Chartered Accountant. It’s worth checking out the flexible entry options to see if you are able to complete some of the CA Program subjects while in your final year of university.

Then, you’ll complete a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting with Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) CA Program which includes three years’ mentored practical experience with an approved employer.

Once you’ve completed the program and your mentored experience, you can then apply for full Chartered Accountants membership!

Getting all of those requirements to become a Chartered Accountant may sound a little daunting, but Chartered Accountants ANZ are there to guide you through the process.

Who are Chartered Accountants ANZ?

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) are the membership body that represent more than 136,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live.

CA ANZ runs the program which gives CAs their designation as well as providing ongoing support to members through ongoing training, networking, access to digital tools and resources. Check out more about them here!