About

Public Accountant

Public Accountant is the flagship journal of the Institute of Public Accountants. Written by industry experts, the magazine offers readers credible, practical and relevant advice, tips and expertise, providing the knowledge that accounting and finance professionals need to know regionally, nationally and globally.

It showcases innovation and drills down into fundamental accounting issues in the public, private and non-profit sectors. It aims to inspire, coach and inform, enrich and satisfy and demonstrates the possibilities for accountants and the scope for personal development within the field.

The print edition of Public Accountant is published bi-monthly, with the digital hub being updated more regularly with additional exciting content.

The Institute of Public Accountants

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), one of three professional accounting bodies recognised in Australian legislation, is a professional organisation for accountants recognised for their practical, hands-on skills and a broad understanding of the total business environment.

The IPA is a member of the International Federation of Accountants and the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants and is a strong contributor to the development of the accounting profession in Australia and the broader region, including representation on numerous Australian Government and bilateral committees and councils.

The IPA represents more than 36,000 members and students in over 80 countries. The organisation prides itself in being practical, relevant and responsive to its members. It is a progressive, responsive accounting body committed to integrity, professionalism and professional development.

What makes us unique: Making small business count

The IPA has a passion for small business. More than 75 per cent of our members are either servicing small business or are small businesses in their own right.

In late 2014, the IPA acquired the Institute of Financial Accountants in the UK and formed the IPA Group which is now the largest SME focused accountancy body in the world.

We constantly challenge ourselves to ensure we are delivering the best service possible to our members while maintaining our small business focus. As such, we have articulated our reason for being as:

To improve the quality of life of small business.

We recognise the vital contribution that small business makes to the economy globally. As trusted advisers, IPA members play a pivotal role in the lives of their small business clients and are in an ideal position to support the productivity, growth and prosperity of small business; thus making a genuine economic contribution.

For this reason we have established our vision as:

For every small business to have one of our members by their side

Advocating for the small business and SME sectors is at the core of what we do. In 2015, this advocacy work led to the landmark Australian Small Business White Paper, developed in conjunction with our dedicated IPA – Deakin University SME Research Centre This has been followed with the second edition released in 2018 to continue the evidence based work for better outcomes for small business and the economy.

Our commitment to members

IPA’s commitment to members includes the delivery of quality continual professional development and education pathways, ensuring they maintain currency of knowledge and relevance in an ever-changing and competitive market.

This is supported by a range of communications including technical newsletters and updates; major conferences and networking opportunities; and, an award winning online technical support platform.

Advocating on behalf of members is an ongoing activity for the IPA and we have a seat at more than 120 forums with key political, regulatory and industry stakeholders across Australia and overseas. This work is reinforced with a multitude of formal submissions to key influencers and an active media program.

The IPA also delivers many products and services to benefit members and their businesses through an array of strategic commercial partnerships.

More information go to: publicaccountants.org.au