KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- 2019 marks the 10^th anniversary of the relationship between MICPA and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).  Back in 2009, CA ANZ was known as the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA).  A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ICAA and MICPA on February 24, 2009 to collaborate in providing a joint qualifying programme, i.e. the joint MICPA-ICAA Programme.

Through the joint Programme, MICPA conducted ICAA’s Chartered Accountant Program comprising 5 modules in Malaysia, but customised the Taxation module to cover the Malaysian taxation framework, thus making the Programme relevant to the local market.  Hence 4 modules would be identical to that offered in Australia and the rest of the world, whilst the Taxation module would be set and marked by MICPA.  

Graduates of the joint Programme are eligible for admission into memberships of both Institutes upon completion of the 5 modules and 3 years of supervised working experience, and will also be able to access the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA) – something very useful for global professionals.  Memberships with both bodies provide the use of the titles “Certified Public Accountant”, or CPA (M), and “Chartered Accountant”, or CA (ANZ). The Programme was officially launched in June 2009 with the first batch of students attempting their first modules in December 2009.   

In 2014, developments in ICAA saw its amalgamation with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) and the formation of a new body – CA ANZ, thus the name change of the Programme to the MICPA-CAANZ Programme.

Candidates eligible for the Programme are accounting degree holders from universities accredited by MICPA or CA ANZ, with most of them coming from universities in Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.  MICPA has opened up entry for accredited Diploma in Accounting holders who will be required to undergo MICPA’s Professional Stage Examination (PSE) (4 modules) before proceeding on to the MICPA-CAANZ Programme (5 modules).  In 2015, MICPA introduced a 1-year Conversion Programme (8 modules) to allow non-accounting degree holders to pursue the MICPA-CAANZ Programme.  The Conversion Programme is being conducted by Universiti Malaya with classes held on weekends.

In late 2019, some changes to the requirements of the MICPA-CAANZ Programme were made:

·  Candidates can complete up to 2 technical modules per term (previously only 1 module per term was allowed)
·  Candidates can complete the technical modules on a full-time basis, prior to commencing employment with an Approved Training Organisation (previously the Programme had to be completed concurrently whilst gaining work experience)
 
Outstanding candidates and graduates are recognised every year at the Excellence Awards event which is jointly hosted by MICPA and CA ANZ.  Since the joint Programme commenced in 2009, Malaysian candidates achieved an average pass rate of 72% to-date.  Each year has seen a steady increase in the reception towards the MICPA-CAANZ Programme and it continues to see growth – a globally-recognised qualification with a Malaysian flavour.

NOTE TO EDITOR:
 
About The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)
 
The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) was incorporated in 1958 and is the only Malaysian body which conducts a professional accountancy examination recognised under the Accountants Act 1967.  
 
MICPA has collaborated with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (then known as Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia) since 2009 to offer the MICPA-CAANZ Programme – a joint professional programme which awards its graduates with a dual membership and the use of two titles – Certified Public Accountant, Malaysia and Chartered Accountant, Australia & New Zealand.
 
MICPA is governed by a Council of 30 elected members and has over 3,200 members and close to 900 registered candidates.  For more information, visit www.micpa.com.my  

Source: Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Eileen Grace Lee
Senior Marketing Manager
Tel: +(603) 2698 9622
Fax: + (603) 2698 9403
Email: eileen.mktg@micpa.com.my

--BERNAMA