IPA’s global microcredential program future proofs accounting education

The GCPA professional certification for accountants was developed as part of IPA’s education transformation initiative and is aligned to the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) standards in technical competencies. However, the program pushes the boundaries of transdisciplinary and professional competencies due to its flexibility to suit different career phases. "This is actually two and a half years of research and analyses," says Professor Philomena Leung, Group Executive Education at IPA. 

Professor Philomena Leung, Group Executive Education, IPA 

The GCPA program represents a shift from the standard model of accounting education, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-world contexts. The program is delivered in flexible time blocks via stackable microcredential courses as the core attainment of a professional certification.  

"We are going to be aiming for competency-based, meaning we don't actually look at whether you have an accounting degree, having gone through exams with distinction," Leung says. "Those may not be a good predictor of what you can do."  Competencies in a microcredential must be assessed so that the learner can demonstrate the work. 

Practical skills and knowledge that translate directly to the workplace include areas such as sustainability, data analytics, and cybersecurity alongside core accounting competencies. "These is what we call transdisciplinary knowledge," Leung says. "Traditionally they don't belong in accounting education. However, our future accountants need that." 

The GCPA will be open to those without the need for previous accounting qualifications. "You can be somebody who has basic knowledge of matriculation," Leung says. This opens new pathways into accounting for career-changers or those unable to commit to a full degree program. 

Flexible learning modules allows participants to study at their own pace 

The flexible, online delivery model allows participants to progress at their own pace. "You can do it within three years," Leung says, though participants can accelerate their learning through a sophisticated system of recognition of prior learning (RPL) methodology using machine learning.  The microcredential structure allows for universities to potentially embed elements into existing degrees. 

IPA piloted the GCPA in Fiji earlier this year, with a streamlined version of two microcredentials - problem solving and managing teams - that focused on the theme of sustainability. Participants were professionals from IPA Fiji, partners FICA and Business Assistance Fiji and the Solomon Islands.  

The rollout at the end of September of the GCPA will be available to people worldwide. The GCPA addresses market needs and a sustainable future for accounting professionals, while providing accounting and related skills for different career paths. The microcredentials are designed with AQF 7-9 level of competencies across traditional accounting competencies, transdisciplinary competencies and professional skills competencies. 

IPA’s microcredential program aims to cultivate a more diverse pool of professionals 

The program deviates from traditional pathways to open accounting education to a wider pool of students.  "Every business needs an accountant while everyone working in a business environment should have relevant accounting skills,” Leung says.  

By providing a more accessible, practical route into accounting, IPA hopes to cultivate a more diverse pool of future professionals, Leung says. This aligns with evolving business needs, where financial literacy is increasingly vital across roles. 

The GCPA's launch comes as many industries grapple with how to better align education and training with rapidly changing workplace requirements. Its success could have implications beyond accounting, demonstrating how professional bodies can take a more active role in shaping educational pathways. 

As businesses navigate complex challenges around sustainability, technology and globalisation, they need accountants with broader skill sets and more diverse perspectives.  

"It can have a really, really profound impact on the profession," Leung says. "You're offering diverse pathways to meet changing needs in the market." 

Note: The Global Certificate of Public Accounting is a separate program to IPA's existing Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting, which is run in conjunction with Deakin University.

Stay tuned for the launch of the Global Certificate of Public Accounting program at the end of September.