What successful accounting professionals want you to know

To mark International Accountants Day on 10 November, we celebrate those whose expertise, insight and commitment make a difference every day. Their work goes far beyond the numbers, helping people, organisations and communities to grow and thrive.

We asked some of CPA Australia members to share the advice they believe can make the biggest difference to others. The wisdom they share speaks to a common truth: building a rewarding career in the accounting and finance profession takes curiosity, continuous learning and a clear sense of direction. 

“Stay curious, keep learning and seek out perspectives that challenge your own, because that is where insight begins. Listen to people who see the world differently, to test your views and assumptions.”

“Go out into the field and listen and see what is happening with projects. That way, you gain a much better understanding of your work and any challenges.”

“You cannot progress without self-improvement and the key to that is education. Select what suits your needs from a wide range of professional development courses.”

“Know what you really want from your career. You only live once, and while money matters, what makes you happy every day matters more.”

“Technical accounting matters, but governance works best when accountants help Indigenous organisations build and maintain accountability systems that reflect their unique identities and purposes.”

“Understand what you truly want in your career and in life. Focus on where you want to be in the next five years. Once you have that picture in mind, you can start identifying the skills, certifications, experiences and connections you need to get there.”

“In a job interview, it is not about them interviewing you. You need to interview them to understand what kind of culture you are walking into, because early in your career, that culture is going to shape you.”

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