Dear Member,
As we come to the close of the year I would like to thank you for your continuing support of CPA Ireland, it has been my pleasure to serve as your President since April 2023. I have particularly enjoyed meeting fellow members at conferences and networking that took place throughout the year.
After two years of uncertainty and worry 2023 saw us return not just to normal life but one enhanced by a better work/life balance through the adoption of Hybrid Working.
Throughout 2023 we have delivered both in person and virtual events and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and guests who have continued to support us. It was uplifting to celebrate the success and dedication of our new members and student prize winners at our 2023 Conferring earlier this month. I look forward to more opportunities for meeting members in 2024.
2023 in Review
2023 saw some really exciting innovation from the team at CPA Ireland and I would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief overview of some of the initiatives & supports CPA Ireland brought to our members during the year.
Summary:
- CPA Ireland continued to progress its strategic pillars and focused heavily on customer centricity and product development. We have prepared our members and students for this new world of study and work. Our members and students have demonstrated incredible adaptability, agility and resilience.
- CPA Metaverse, School of Innovation. In conjunction with our VR developers, Sia Partners, CPA Ireland Skillnet has created a highly engaging and fun way to help learners better understand the benefits, pitfalls and organisational applicability of digitalisation in a hazard-free learning environment.
- CPA Ireland Sustainability Micro Credentials. In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. The Micro Credentials are a flexible way to acquire specialised knowledge and skills in the field of sustainability. We thank Skillnet Ireland for their support on this programme
- CPA Ireland is accepting expressions of interest from members who wish to explore the pathway to becoming a Sustainability Assurance Service Provider (SASP). Individuals who are approved as statutory auditors by CPA Ireland before 1 January 2026 can avail of transitional provisions for authorisation as a SASP subject to undertaking appropriate CPD to acquire the necessary knowledge of sustainability reporting and the assurance of sustainability reporting.
- The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland) and the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) entered into a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) in November 2015. This agreement was extended until 31 December 2024 at the IFAC Council meeting in Vienna. In November 2023, the MRA was signed for CPA Ireland by Mark Gargan, President and Eamonn Siggins, Chief Executive, and for SAIPA by Radha Gouri Govender, Chairperson, SAIPA and Shahied Daniels, Chief Executive, SAIPA.
- In December 2023, CPA Ireland signed a renewal of its MRA with ICMA Pakistan. This virtual signing ceremony provided for President, CPA Ireland, Mark Gargan, and President, ICMA Pakistan, Shehzad Ahmed Malik to sign the agreement.
- Throughout 2023 CPA Ireland ran numerous networking events around Ireland, The Summer Socials in May & June, the Business Breakfast in Cork as well as two Women in Business events, one in Cork and one in Dublin. The positive atmosphere, the enjoyable networking and the exceptional speakers all contributed to these wonderful events. We would like to thank everyone who attended for contributing so positively and we hope that you had a very enjoyable time.
- A comprehensive CPD programme designed to bring relevant knowledge and skills to members in every sector. A wealth of topics was covered including Tax, Law, Financial Reporting, Audit, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, Resilience, Adaptability and many more.
- CPA Ireland has expanded its resource of sample financial statements by adding the following samples to assist members and firms navigate disclosure and reporting requirements: Micro Company applying FRS 105, Small Company applying FRS 102 Section 1A, Medium/Large FRS 102 audited, FRS102 1A audited abridged, FRS102 1A unaudited. The samples are a useful tool to support the ongoing training of staff and the production of high-quality financial statements.
- Throughout 2023, CPA Ireland, acting both independently and in collaboration through CCABI, represented the views of CPAs and the businesses you serve. Examples include changes to the administration of TBESS following engagement with Minister Simon Coveney, Pre-Budget 2024 recommendations regarding landlord taxes and mortgage interest relief, adjustments to the taxation of GMS income for medical practitioners, and, amendments to the R&D tax credit regime.
CPA Metaverse, School of Innovation
CPA Ireland is the first Professional Accountancy Body in the world to leverage virtual reality (VR) technology to create a gamified, experiential training programme.
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Sustainability Micro Credentials
In September, CPA launched 4 Sustainability Micro Credentials covering Sustainability Standards. Sustainability Assurance, the ESG Challenges organisations are facing & the Strategy needed to meet those challenges.
READ MORE
Switch Your Perspective
At CPA Ireland we want to change the perception of an accountant & raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available both nationally & internationally. Our message promotes a visionary career where you can go anywhere as a CPA Accountant.
READ MORE
Looking to 2024
In 2024 we will continue to expand our supports and services to members, both virtually and in person. CPA Ireland will continue to provide supports & services for our members & students.
Summary:
- Further innovation in the development and delivery of pre and post qualification education which will empower CPAs to offer new services and/or to specialise in areas that will increase their value proposition.
- We will continue to help CPAs and their clients to thrive in a digital environment.
- A continued and increased focus on the importance of climate action and sustainability reporting in the SME sector.
- Continuing advocacy based on the unique perspective from a CPA community which advises over 100,000 businesses in Ireland.
- Supporting CPAs by providing platforms for increased engagement among members.
- Engaging with and listening to our members in a customer centric manner.
I hope that you will appreciate the value of your CPA qualification and renew your membership in January 2024.
Throughout 2024 we will be building on the developments of 2023. We will continue to expand and improve our services to members through learning, communication, brand awareness and digital creativity. In approving CPA Ireland’s operating budget for 2024, Council found it necessary to increase membership subscriptions by 4%. The Council is committed to the delivery of exceptional service and value to CPAs everywhere. Full details will be provided when Annual Subscription invoices are issued to members in January 2024.
My colleagues on Council and I, and the CPA Ireland Executive, will continue to serve the best interests of the Institute and its members in 2024 and beyond. We can only do this with the continued support of you, our members.
Wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful Christmas season.
Mark Gargan, CPA
President, CPA Ireland