INSTITUTE
Institute News
Institute News
CPA Ireland Skillnet launches Sustainability Hub
In recent years, climate and weather catastrophes, environmental disasters, legislation and regulation, consumer demand, the investor perspective and the views of all stakeholders in the business ecosystem have dramatically shifted sustainability from a theme to an action item at the heart of every business.
Global standards on sustainability reporting are in development by the International Sustainability Standards Board, and the European Commission is also setting disclosure standards, initially for large companies, that will take those global standards as a baseline and take account of any variations required in the EU. Mandatory reporting is on the immediate horizon and sustainability reporting will be core to what CPAs do in the immediate future.
Sustainability reporting will not be confined to large companies, and we are already seeing SMEs being asked to verify their sustainability credentials within the supply chain of larger companies and when tendering for public contracts.
To support CPAs in providing that transparency and trust, both knowledge and credentials are, we believe, essential. CPAs already possess the core technical skills to lead in the domain of sustainability reporting and CPA Ireland is delivering the knowledge advantage through the development and launch of this Sustainability Hub. This initiative follows on from and builds upon CPA Ireland’s leadership positions in Digitalisation and in Wellbeing, and the Sustainability Hub will provide knowledge across all aspects of sustainability that are relevant to CPAs and to the businesses you advise.
To access the Sustainability Hub, please click here.
Pictured: Trish O’Neill, Director Member Services and Eamonn Siggins, Chief Executive, CPA Ireland
Under the agreement, members in good standing of either body will be considered for membership by the other body. Members wishing to practice public accounting will be required to meet the specific regulatory and legal requirements in each jurisdiction.
CPA is one of the best-known international accounting designations and Irish professional qualifications are held in high regard worldwide.
Membership Changes:
CPA Ireland and CIIA Partnership
Members of CPA Ireland now have the option to join the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors by passing the online CIA challenge exam and satisfying the qualifications for good standing.
The CIA challenge exam is a fast-track route for qualified accountants to complete the highly respected Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification. This route is available only to members of qualified accounting bodies and covers all areas of the CIA certification. Candidates doing the CIA challenge exam are required to sit one exam to earn the CIA designation.
The masterclass for the CIA challenge exam takes place in October and January with exam sittings in either November or February.
Click here to find out more about the CIA Challenge Exam.
We have also concluded an access agreement to the highest level of CIA membership (Chartered Internal Auditor status), the gold standard in internal auditing.
For the Chartered exam there is an enrolment option this September with exams in January, and March with exams in July.
Click here to find out more about the Chartered Internal Auditor Status.
Deirdre McDonnell and Gillian Peters
Both Deirdre and Gillian can reflect on their achievements with pride.
Deirdre led the development of our new Syllabus of Education which really positions CPAs to face the future of accounting and to add value in every sector. Deirdre was also central to the discussions which brought the MRA with the American Institute of CPAs and NASBA to a successful conclusion. Deirdre leaves us having positioned the CPA Ireland qualification and assessments at the equivalent level to global peer bodies.
Gillian has transformed the CPA Ireland brand and has brought out the purpose and values of CPA Ireland into a brand that has instilled pride in members and students alike. Gillian has built key relationships with academics and employers alike ensuring that CPA students and CPAs are valued in every sector.
Gillian has also delivered on those needs and wants of graduates and prospective students with the launch of initiatives such as Fast Track and our Career Placement Service.
President, Council and all the staff at CPA Ireland would like to wish Deirdre and Gillian all the best for the future.
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Reminders are issued periodically during the year. Sometimes your circumstances have altered, and we haven’t been notified. If you have queries on account balances, please do contact us to resolve. Contact details for all departments are available at www.cpaireland.ie
Budget 2023 – CPA Ireland Response
Commenting on the announcement of Budget 2023 Áine Collins welcomed the creation of the Business Energy Support Scheme: “Just as every household in Ireland is experiencing soaring energy costs this is a growing concern for many SMEs. The new BESS scheme will be an extremely welcome support and assist businesses with the short-terms pressures. However, it is key that this scheme is easy to access and does not rely on arduous red tape which time poor SMEs will struggle to complete.
“The extension of the standard rate cut off point to €40,000 is an extremely meaningful update in our tax code. It will be a major benefit to middle income earners and help deliver a more progressive tax system. Many businesses and their employees will also benefit from the extension in the threshold of the Small Benefit Exemption to €1,000. This provides an option for employees to be rewarded in creative ways without being subject to taxes.”
Concluding Áine Collins said “SMEs are the backbone of Ireland’s economy. Today’s budget provides them with vital support in the face of high inflation. But this must be viewed only as a first step, and we must ensure they remain protected from the future pressures that will emerge in the months ahead.