At CA ANZ, preparing the profession for the future is an ‘always on’ commitment and a cornerstone of our new strategy to 2030. The pace of change in business, technology and sustainability means we must continually anticipate what’s next and equip you to thrive.

At my CEO Connect meetings across Australia, New Zealand and around the world, we receive invaluable member feedback. Among your priorities is having the skills to navigate both sustainable and technological transformation. That’s why both are central to our new strategy and, just six months into it, there’s already progress.

Our inaugural CA ANZ Sustainability Conference last November brought together thought leaders and technical experts to explore how you can lead in creating sustainable businesses and economies. We’ve launched our Certificate in Climate-related Disclosures, the Sustainability Reporting Community of Practice, and created a range of micro courses and other learning materials to support your professional development and connection to peers. I encourage you to visit the Sustainability Resource Centre on our website to help power your learning.

On the AI adoption front, it’s clear that AI isn’t a threat but a huge opportunity for the profession. Accounting has always evolved with technology. From the abacus, to calculators, to Excel, accountants have adapted and thrived. AI will be transformative, yes, but it’s simply the next step. CA ANZ is backing you with tailored professional development and learnings, including the flagship Certificate in AI Fluency, and a growing range of popular microcourses and other resources. The Artificial Intelligence Resource Centre on our website is a great place to start.

Ethics is the cornerstone of the profession and it matters deeply to our members. Last year, more than 16,000 registrants – more than 10% of our membership – attended our Global Ethics Day event, setting a new record for a single CA ANZ event.

As Damian Ogden, our group executive of advocacy, public and government affairs highlights in his column, addressing the accountancy skills shortage is also critical.

Ensuring we’re inspiring more future chartered accountants to join our ranks, and equipping them for roles that didn’t exist a decade ago, has made our new pathways to the CA Program and deep engagement with the university and further education sector even more important.

Our new CA Fundamentals pathway for high school graduates is an exciting initiative that’s helping employers, including those in regional areas, find talent in unexpected places. Broadening entry points into our profession is an important way to make the chartered accountant designation more accessible to a diverse and inclusive talent pool.

Looking ahead, we’re also continuing to improve your CA ANZ digital experience. A refreshed website with improved functionality is on the way. The upgrade will make it easier for members to access resources, connect with peers and stay informed about the issues that matter most.

The future of the profession is not something we can leave to chance. It requires foresight, collaboration and action. We’re committed to leading that journey – ‘always on’ and focused on equipping our members for what’s next.

Now is the time to get involved and explore all your membership benefits at caanz.com/discover. You’ll find comprehensive resources and practical tools, as well as learning and networking opportunities to help you stay ahead at every stage of your career.

I hope to see you at CEO Connect events this year as, together, we shape a profession that’s ready for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.

Take away

To find out the 2026 CEO Connect dates, intermittently check: store.charteredaccountantsanz.com.