Professional Documents
Culture Documents
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Copyright Regulations 1969 WARNING This material has been reproduced and communicated to you by or on behalf of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia pursuant to Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act). The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further reproduction or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice. Every reasonable effort has been made to contact relevant copyright holders of published material. Where this has not proved possible, copyright holders are invited to contact the publisher. Copyright owners are entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. A reproduction of material that is protected by copyright may be a copyright infringement. Certain dealings with copyright will not constitute an infringement, including: > a reproduction that is a fair dealing under the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act), including a fair dealing for the purposes of research or study; or > a reproduction that is authorised by the copyright owner. It is a fair dealing to make a reproduction for the purposes of research or study, of one or more articles on the same subject in a periodical publication, or, in the case of any other work, of a reasonable portion of a work. In the case of a published work in hard copy form that is not less than 10 pages and is not an artistic work, 10% of the number of pages, or one chapter, is a reasonable portion. In the case of a published work in electronic form only, a reasonable portion is not more than, in the aggregate, 10% of the number of words in the work. More extensive reproduction may constitute fair dealing. To determine whether it does, it is necessary to have regard to the criteria set out in subsection 40(2) of the Act. A court may impose penalties and award damages in relation to offences and infringements relating to copyright material. Higher penalties may apply, and higher damages may be awarded, for offences and infringements involving the conversion of material into digital or electronic form.
Contents
1 Background
1.1 Shortage of accounting professionals in Australia 1.2 How is the Institute responding? 1.3 Who will benet?
3
3 4 4
5
5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7
9
9
11
11 11 12 12 20
21
21 21
23
1 Background
1.1 Shortage of accounting professionals in Australia
It is generally acknowledged that Australia is suffering a critical shortage of accounting professionals. A number of factors have contributed to this shortage including: > an ageing workforce > flat enrolment numbers in accounting degree courses > increased demand for accounting services due to changes in the legislative and regulatory environment and to growth in the Australian economy. Ways of addressing this shortage have challenged, and continue to challenge, accounting firms, organisations, educational institutions and professional bodies. A variety of strategies have been proposed, including the development of pathways into the profession for people who hold undergraduate degrees in non-accounting disciplines. The information in this guide deals with this strategy.
5. Commercial and corporations law 6. Australian taxation law. For more information on these core knowledge areas, refer to Section 4.4. The exam can also be used as a diagnostic tool. The Institute will provide results that allow applicants to identify gaps in their knowledge. The gaps can then be addressed by following the pathways set out in Section 4.5. The Institute does not provide training to fill identified knowledge gaps. This is the responsibility of applicants and their employers.
10
11
4.3 What to do
Under each of the core knowledge areas, you will find the following: > Summary This provides a brief overview of what you should be able to do to be deemed competent in this area. > Key assessment topics These provide further, more detailed guidance and criteria to help you assess your knowledge of the core knowledge area. These are the same criteria against which the exam questions are set and assessment will be made. Follow these steps to complete the self-assessment: 1. Read the summary to gain an overall appreciation of each of the core knowledge areas, in turn. 2. Move on to the key assessment topics and read each criterion carefully. 3. As objectively as possible, assess your knowledge against each criterion. Use the following key to note your self-assessment decision: = Yes. Im sure I can do this. = No. I know I cant do this. ? = Im not sure if I can do this. 4. Use the notes column to record any thoughts or ideas that might be useful later. For example, how you might address any gaps you identify, or how you might determine if you really can do something or not. 5. When you have worked through all the core knowledge areas, go to Section 4.5 decision-making.
12
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. dene the current characteristics of accounting, and explain its role in society and the economic sphere b. describe the process and framework for developing and implementing accounting standards in Australia c. identify and explain the current legal, ethical, societal and professional requirements and expectations of nancial reporting standards d. apply the above to issues as they are identied, both in accounting and in wider contexts.
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. demonstrate an understanding of the nature of an accounting entity, the accounting equation, and the double entry system b. demonstrate a basic understanding of the Statements of Accounting Concepts and, in particular, the denition and recognition criteria for the various elements of nancial statements c. record various types of business transactions, demonstrating an understanding of their effect in terms of the accounting equation and the accounting system d. demonstrate an understanding of the accounting processes relating to company formation, dividends, and issues of shareholder capital.
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. prepare nancial reports for entities (incl. limited liability companies) in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice, including current nancial reporting standards and other external reporting requirements b. demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental accounting principles and practices in accounting for basic business combinations, including consolidated nancial statements.
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify international accountancy standard-setting bodies and describe their activities in relation to Australian standard setting b. critically assess contemporary national and international issues related to the treatment that key nancial reporting standards mandate c. describe and explain the evolution of accounting thought and of theories of accounting d. describe and explain alternative contexts of accounting e. describe and explain current research issues in nancial accounting f. have awareness of newly developing areas of interest (such as social and environmental accounting and reporting)
13
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. calculate a range of commonly used ratios and percentages from nancial statements b. critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of ratio analysis, cross-sectional and time-series analysis, and other tools of nancial analysis c. draw inferences about nancial performance and position based on the ratios and percentages, using cross-sectional and timeseries comparisons d. analyse and interpret nancial accounting information from complex entities and critically appraise nancial reports in relation to the use made of them by various users
Management accounting
Summary
You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of developments in management accounting, including: > budgeting > product and service costing > control and performance evaluation > strategic management accounting by applying relevant numerical and analytical skills, and demonstrating current theoretical knowledge in the application of these skills.
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. explain the role of management accounting b. describe and critically evaluate the major developments in management accounting practice and research
2. Budgeting
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. critically evaluate the nature and purpose of budgeting, including organisational behaviour aspects b. describe the various types of budgets (e.g. operational, capital and cash) c. develop budgets and calculate, analyse and explain variances d. evaluate competing capital expenditure proposals and make recommendations
14
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. explain the principles and methods of a cost accounting system b. explain the nature and characteristics of various cost classications, such as direct, indirect, xed and variable costs c. discuss cost behaviour issues d. calculate costs according to various methods (e.g. full absorption costing, marginal costing, or activity-based costing) and explain their differences and effects e. critique the nature and purpose of alternative costing techniques for products and services f. apply break-even analysis g. demonstrate the relevant numerical and analytical skills for various costing techniques
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. describe various nancial and non-nancial measures in assessing an entitys performance b. discuss issues in management control and performance c. demonstrate relevant numerical skills, the use of nancial, non-nancial and qualitative measures, and analytical skills in interpreting the effects on the business unit
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. critically evaluate the issues in strategic management accounting, including cost control b. demonstrate the relevant numerical and analytical skills in evaluating the effects of strategic management on the business unit
Finance
Summary
You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: > > > the business finance and treasury function (in terms of fundamental capital, investment, funding, and risk decision concepts) the analysis and management of an entitys financial position recent developments in the Australian and international financial/treasury scene.
15
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify the basic nancial decisions of: > how investment decisions are made > how the entity is nanced > how the performance of the entity is evaluated > how decisions about distributions (particularly dividends) are made b. explain the principles of valuation and apply these principles to the items listed above
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. calculate percentages, ratios, interest rates, present and future values, and annuities b. apply nancial formulas to data c. develop projections and analyse time series d. apply a range of project appraisal techniques (e.g. payback, net present value, and internal rate of return) and explain their strengths and weaknesses
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. explain the meaning of cost of capital and analyse the issues associated with its calculation b. outline the main sources of debt and equity nance and identify the advantages and risks associated with each c. analyse the issues associated with the calculation of relevant cash ows in various decision contexts, particularly with regard to capital expenditure decisions d. analyse the primary considerations in determining optimal capital structures and optimal dividend decisions
4. Risk management
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. explain and apply the concepts of nancial return and risk and the relationships between those concepts b. identify the types of risk to which an entity might be exposed c. explain how those risks can be identied d. identify the types of risk that an entity should try to manage e. identify and explain risk management products (e.g. options, futures, forwards and swaps)
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. analyse and evaluate the effects and outcomes on the activities of an entity of: > developments in the Australian and international nancial markets > changes in regulatory structures and regulations > increased accountability of the treasury function and increased levels of sophistication in the technology used in treasury work
16
Auditing
Summary
You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: > > > the nature and purpose of auditing the accountability requirements of external auditors under statutory and professional
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify and explain the framework and boundaries of auditing b. identify and explain the reasons for auditing and the various types of audits c. identify and explain the objectives of an audit, the role of an auditor, and key components of the audit process d. describe and explain the auditors professional, ethical and legal responsibilities e. identify and explain the application of professional judgment in auditing
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. demonstrate an awareness of generally accepted audit practice with reference to current audit standards and guidelines b. plan audits to meet objectives c. apply auditing procedures and processes including: > describing the concept of audit risk and materiality and key factors inuencing risk identication and assessment > reviewing internal control systems and explaining the techniques by which a review can be accomplished > explaining the specic techniques for tests of controls and substantive testing for gathering sufcient and appropriate audit evidence > being aware of the importance of analytical review and assessment of going concern in the overall audit process d. describe audit reporting requirements including explaining the statutory requirements for audit reporting and distinguishing the types of audit reports
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. ensure the integrity of data within computerised dataprocessing systems b. apply appropriate auditing principles and techniques within the range of existing technological systems
17
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify problems and issues within the auditing function (e.g.audit independence, fraud detection, and the expectation gap) b. analyse problems and issues c. propose solutions d. critically evaluate the proposed outcomes
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify and describe basic legal concepts and the structure of the Australian legal system b. explain how laws are enacted by the State and federal Parliaments and how the common law has developed through the hierarchy of the courts and have the ability to read and understand statutes c. identify and explain the law of torts and how it differs from criminal law d. identify and explain the laws of property, including intellectual property, and their practical applications (e.g. franchises and licences) e. identify and analyse relevant issues
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify and explain the principles of the law of contract, the law of principal and agent, and the law relating to the sale of goods and services b. describe the main aspects of consumer protection law, including trade practices law c. analyse relevant cases d. apply these principles and current legislation to relevant issues
18
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. explain the essential nature of, and differences between, proprietorships, partnerships and corporations b. identify and explain the current law (including statute, regulation and common law) relating to corporate entities c. identify and explain the current law and legal issues relating to equity and debt capital d. identify and explain the statutory and administrative requirements relating to record keeping, accounting, auditing, and reporting and disclosure, including the obligations of public issuers and the duties of directors e. explain the reasons and procedures for the administration and/or winding up of companies f. apply current law to relevant issues
Taxation law
Summary
You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of taxation compliance within statutory and professional requirements, and apply this understanding to current issues.
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. identify the various types of taxation and tax bases applicable in Australia b. describe the general principles of direct and indirect taxation c. distinguish assessable from non-assessable income and deductible from non-deductible expenditure with an awareness of timing issues d. determine taxation obligations relating to individuals, partnerships, trusts and companies, including company taxation liabilities with reference to dividend payments and imputation credits e. describe the administration of taxation in Australia
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. explain the nature and incidence of fringe benets tax b. explain the nature and incidence of capital gains tax c. explain the nature and incidence of goods and services tax
Criteria
Notes
You should be able to: a. analyse situations, identify whether they are cases of avoidance or evasion, and substantiate your decision with reference to current law and practice b. demonstrate an awareness of tax as an instrument of scal policy c. demonstrate an awareness of the potential tax implications for an Australian entity operating or trading internationally
19
4.5 Decision-making
Review and reflect on your self-assessment. Following are some questions you might consider and actions you might take:
Question Possible action
Decide how you can conrm whether you know enough about the topic to attempt the exam. To do this you might: > review available texts > review relevant regulations or legislation > discuss the topic with a manager, supervisor or colleague at work.
Decide how you can acquire sufcient knowledge of the topic(s) to attempt the exam. This is best done in consultation with your employer. It might involve: > identifying and undertaking a relevant course of study > identifying and reading relevant texts, regulations or legislation > receiving on-the-job training and mentoring.
Reect on your entire self-assessment paying particular attention to the topics you are unsure of or do not know well. Carefully consider how you might ll any knowledge gaps you have identied. We recommend that you consider your level of knowledge in all the topic areas and only attempt the exam if you consider that you currently have a satisfactory level of knowledge, or can acquire that knowledge before the exam.
20
21
2. You develop a training plan with your employer using your gap report. When you are ready to resit the entrance exam, access and complete the enrolment form from <charteredaccountants.com.au> Education Chartered Accountants Program Requirements A graduate with a non-accounting degree Entrance exam application form. You will need to wait a minimum of six months before reattempting the exam. The number of attempts for each exam paper is limited to two (this includes your first attempt). You will only need to resit the paper(s) that you have not passed.
22
I got my non-accounting degree years ago and now want to move into the accounting profession. Will my degree still be recognised?
Yes, if it is an Australian or comparable overseas degree. No time limit applies with regard to when the qualification was awarded.
23
I only failed part of the exam. Do I need to resit the whole exam, or only the part I failed?
Refer to Section 5.2.
Can I appeal an exam result? If so, on what grounds and how do I do it?
No appeals process is available for the entrance exam.
24