Latest news with #AustralianComputerSociety
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CPA Australia and ACS collaborate to boost career prospects
CPA Australia and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance career prospects for IT and accounting professionals. The collaboration aims to co-design, develop, and deliver training programmes and thought leadership in areas such as IT financial procurement, AI and ethics, cryptography management, and cybersecurity. CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland AM described the MoU as a natural progression in formalising the longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship between the two organisations. Freeland said: 'ACS and CPA Australia have strong ties and common interests. Both are invested in future proofing the global workforce through mutual activities in skilled migration, educational program accreditations and meaningful skill capability development programs for both our members and affiliate professionals to help bridge the gap between operational and economic management.' The associations aim to strengthen synergies by developing a long-term vision to benefit IT, finance, accounting, and adjacent career professionals. The collaboration acknowledges the fast-paced changes in professional skills required by both current and emerging professionals. CPA Australia and ACS aim to develop specialism streams to support professionals in enhancing their skills across the technical and financial literacy spheres. 'Recognising that AI is a burgeoning area of technology that could affect every area of the workplace, CPA Australia and ACS will work together by using our extensive networks of subject matter experts to co-design and build training programs to help those working across the finance, accounting and IT sectors use AI effectively and ethically,' Freeland added. ACS CEO Josh Griggs said: 'Technology has become a critical part of the accounting profession, particularly in areas like the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, development of IT skills, and cybersecurity. 'Recognising the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's business landscape, ACS is pleased to extend our recently announced Cyberknowledge partnership to include CPA Australia members.' The Cyberknowledge platform will provide accounting professionals with essential capabilities to help SMBs assess and improve their cyber resilience. In April 2025, CPA Australia called for "significant" enhancements to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) audit oversight. The initiative aims to rebuild public confidence, ease compliance pressures, and reinforce the long-term resilience of Australia's auditing sector. Without these improvements, the number of auditors in the country is expected to decline. "CPA Australia and ACS collaborate to boost career prospects" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Herald Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Opinion: Australia's economic growth needs digital skills reform
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australian Computer Society (ACS) releases nine-point national plan to reform digital skills and boost research commercialisation Calls for a National Innovation Strategy, Digital Skills Passport, and co-investment models to drive growth Leaders warn Australia risks falling behind without urgent reform in skills development and commercialisation pathways Special Report: With the federal election taking place this Saturday, the Australian Computer Society has released a call to action for the incoming government: make digital skills and innovation the backbone of Australia's economic future or risk falling behind globally. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has set out a nine-point blueprint focused on two pillars, Skills and Commercialisation, designed to spark a more resilient, productive, and globally competitive economy. Despite the rapid pace of technological change, Australia's education and skills systems remain largely geared toward an industrial era economy. A recent paper (a global survey conducted by ManPowerGroup across 42 countries interviewing more than 40,400 employers) found that 76 per cent of Australian employers are struggling to fill roles due to persistent skills mismatches. The ACS is urging the next government to: Fast track the development of a National Skills Taxonomy Invest in a National Digital Skills Passport to formally recognise lifelong and informal learning Expand professional skills frameworks like SFIA to enable rapid upskilling in critical areas like cybersecurity Harmonise pathways between the VET and higher education sectors to create stackable, job ready qualifications Melinda Cilento, CEO of CEDA, sounded a stark warning: 'We should be really worried about the increasing number of boys who are not finishing school in this country, and about an education system they do not find relevant, engaging, or empowering.' Cherie Diaz, Executive Director of Education Innovation at Western Sydney University, added: 'We need to build a common language between educators, technology providers, and employers. Strategic partnerships are key.' Innovation: From world class research to world class outcomes While Australia punches above its weight in research, producing over three per cent of the world's research output, it remains a laggard when it comes to commercialisation, often losing groundbreaking ideas to overseas markets. Key ACS recommendations for the next government include: Prioritising reform through the upcoming National R&D Review Developing a long term National Innovation Strategy to survive beyond political cycles Expanding sustainable co-investment models to better share public and private sector risk Leveraging government procurement to actively stimulate domestic innovation Phil Morle from Main Sequence Ventures captured the dilemma: 'Time and again, companies move offshore because they can't raise the bigger rounds needed for global scaling here.' Meanwhile, Jane O'Dwyer, CEO of Cooperative Research Australia, noted that regulatory burdens have increasingly stifled collaborative success: 'We've over regulated innovation and it's hurting our ability to create another Cochlear.' Why this matters Josh Griggs, ACS Chief Executive Officer, stated the time for piecemeal reform is over, saying: 'Australia has the ingenuity, the research capability, and the talent to thrive in today's digital economy. What we need now is a unified, national approach to developing skills and translating innovation into impact. These are not side issues – they are central to our future prosperity. 'We're calling for government and leaders to connect the dots: from digital skills, lifelong learning, and alternative pathways to venture capital and commercialisation. We need to build an economy that's not only productive and resilient, but also globally competitive. The talent is here. The ambition is here. Now we need the support and systems that match that vision and strategy.' ACS President Helen McHugh, MACS (Snr) CP, added 'Australia is at a crossroads. We have world-class researchers, bold entrepreneurs, and a highly educated workforce – but they're being held back by outdated systems and fragmented policy.' 'The next government must embrace a bold, forward-thinking agenda that invests in people and ideas. That means recognising all forms of learning, supporting pathways between education and work, and creating the conditions for innovation to thrive here – not just overseas.' The views, information, or opinions expressed in the interviews in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of Stockhead. This article was developed in collaboration with The Australian Computer Society, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. Stockhead does not provide, endorse or otherwise assume responsibility for any financial advice contained in this article. Originally published as Election 2025: ACS urges next government to unlock Australia's digital future
