why don cpa grads who thinks that cpa is as good as other proffesional bodies take acca/icaew/cima/etc etc exams and findout themself which is harder. go see for urself.

then why every1 is arguing about which 1 is harder

Keelim, let me explain but please don't get offended. Only a complete fool will trade any prof qualification they have for CPA (Aus)....bcoz you think that it will increase your chances to work in Aust? I am a member of both CPA & ICAA and I have worked in 2 different Big 4 in Sydney for almost 6 years. For any accounting jobs in Aust regardless big or small companies or industries, only ICAA is preferred. For them it makes no difference whether a person has CPA or not because any Tom, d*** or Harry has one and it's completely valueless.

However I don't say that CPA is totally ignored. For those lower position like accounts clerk, account assistant or bookeeper, it's suitable for CPA grads. All these are within the context of the employment market in Aust.

In M'sia, it's a different scenario as long as it's recognised by MIA. So in Aust, CPA is something like LCCI in M'sia.

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Added on October 1, 2010, 8:36 pm
The low standard of the CPA in Aust has nothing to do with international students or immigrants. It's bcoz of the CPA exam that is not up the mark. As an Aust degree holder, students have 2 options - CPA (Aus) or ICAA. Unfortunately most M'sian or S'porean students take the easy way out by taking CPA instead of ICAA. It's ok if they choose to practice in M'sia or S'pore but if they choose to work in Aust, doing CPA is a complete waste of money & time. Sad to say many M'sian or S'porean students don't realise it until they try to seek employment in Aust.

In China, since they enjoy robust economic growth, any accountants regardless of which bodies they belong are highly respected & look up upon.

Beside Tony Fernandes, they're also other high profile personalities who're ACCA member. The CEO or Chairman of TNB, CEO of Telekom - can't remember their names. And many others.

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Added on October 1, 2010, 8:37 pm
Btw, who's TS?

  Wow... The debate still ongoing... hahaha... Yes, agree with CPA standard of exam is very lousy, but that is what the professional body should have tackle. If they are very d lousy, why not we all complain to MIA and ask MIA to drop them from being able to qualify as accountant in Malaysia? That would be a better solution am I right? 

What's the argument about ACCA then? ACCA really below par? 

I was just trying to say, CPA body have to tackle this issue quickly and no point in shooting each other professional body.