+1 Murusundram.

Technically speaking, comparing CPA (Aust) to ACCA, ICAA or ICAEW, the syllabus/topics covered under CPA (Aust) is so much lesser compared to the rest of the professional papers. I have seen a lot of CPA (Aust) who can't understand the concept of deferred tax, or can't even do up simple consolidation entries. Even people who are taking CPA (Aust) exam admit that they are taking it as it is the easiest paper, and none of them did even mention about CPA (Aust) being more superior than ACCA, or comparable with ICAA or ICAEW.

seantang, I would suggest that you take a look at the syllabus covered by CPA (Aust) and compare against ACCA, ICAA, ICAEW and you'll be able to see clearly what is the difference. Or, just speak to an ACCA grad and compare what he/she knows, against your knowledge, if you happen to be a CPA (Aust), and you'll be amazed by the gap between CPA (Aust) and the rest of the papers.

In terms of your statement that "Companies like American MNCs are pragmatic. They will favour whoever gets the job done", I do not foresee how CPA (Aust) can get the job done better than ACCA, ICAA or ICAEW grad, with their very limited knowledge on accounting.

There's no point arguing that CPA (Aust) is more superior merely because it requires a degree/any other reason. What we are looking here is the quality, and so the question that you should be looking at is-Do CPA (Aust) graduates have the same level of knowledge compared ACCA, ICAA or ICAEW. I believe this will be the most appropriate yardstick to gauge which professional qualification is better. Its not rocket science, just a simple question.

Well, I do agree that perhaps certain MNC may have preference over certain qualification, and you may be right to point out that US MNC have preference over CPA (Aust), but there are also many UK MNC out there which prefer ACCA,ICAA or ICAEW. But we aren't here to share which prof qualification is more preferred by employers. What we are talking about here is the quality.

I strongly agree with Murusundram that all CPAs must stand up & voice our concern & demand that the CPA Program must be set at a high standard as comparable to ICAA. I believe that is the right thing to do to keep up with the pace of other prof bodies, rather than limiting the exposure through simple syllabus to make life easy.

Gd job Murusundram for pointing all the facts out (though it's a little bit harsh), but you have my support.

Regards
Member of ACCA and ICAEW

This post has been edited by wilsonseeee: May 9 2010, 02:51 PM

I disagree with you on your statement. You DO NOT need to take both papers to qualify to make the statement. It is a well known fact that CPA (Aust) is easier compared to the rest of the prof papers, so if you are trying to twist and turn the fact around, you'll just end up to be the laughing stock. If you are suggesting CPA (Aust) is as tough as ACCA/ICAEW/ICAA, please do up some research before making further comments. Try to look at the syllabus, exam questions etc and tell me which one demands higher level of knowledge.



Non evidence? The evidence is out there. Stop being a laughing stock and tell people that there's no evidence that CPA (Aust) is easier/is as difficult as the others. If you do not have any idea about the structure of the papers, do yourself a favour and spend some time to do up some research. Then we talk.



I believe Selacao has already clarified this matter on my behalf.

It's good to see that there's a general increase of concern over the syllabus of CPA (Aust). For those who claimed that there's no evidence that CPA is easier than the rest/ CPA (Aust) is as difficult as the others, sorry to say this, you are just showing how contended are you with the limited knowledge you gained while being ignorant over the development of the rest of the prof qualifications. Well, whether to stay behind and continue with this sort of standard, or to raise your concern in order to keep up with the pace and development of other prof bodies, its up to you.

This post has been edited by wilsonseeee: May 9 2010, 11:33 PM