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Running a work-related issue past a colleague can sometimes be a quick and easy way to solve a problem, but when it comes to complex ethical issues or significant career choices, it’s important to ensure that the guidance you receive aligns with professional standards and values. 

Sometimes, instead of trying to work it out yourself or leaning on others, seeking guidance from experts in the field can provide specialised support and help you navigate the situation with greater confidence and integrity.

For CAs in need of direction, the CA Advisory Group (CAAG) offers a valuable resource for confidential, expert guidance, says Kristen Wydell FCA, general manager, professional standards, at CA ANZ.

“One of the strengths of the accounting profession, and something we instil in new members from day one, is the importance of consulting. You don’t have to have all the answers. You can call on a colleague, ask your boss or reach out to someone else for support. It’s all about knowing when and where to seek guidance,” she says.

This is where the CAAG can be an invaluable resource, she says. It is made up of senior CAs who bring a diverse range of experience from both public practice and business. Accessing the group is free and all discussions are strictly confidential and impartial.

“CAAG members operate with a strong sense of confidentiality,” says Gillian Hawkesby, New Zealand regulation leader. “They are able to draw on their own experience to help others work out the best response to a situation and unless it is a very serious matter, the conversation will remain confidential and won’t be taken any further.”

How the CA Advisory Group can help

The CAAG is divided into seven regional groups covering Australia and New Zealand, all of which have a chair, active members and regional office support. Each group offers counselling and support to CAs facing a variety of situations, including pressure to act unethically, knowledge of fraud or inappropriate conduct and practice management issues.

The group also assists with disputes between clients, succession planning and navigating the CA ANZ disciplinary process.

“Getting connected to a CAAG member is really simple,” says Wydell. “Members contact CA ANZ and are connected with their regional CAAG manager. Tell them a little of your concerns, just enough so they can match you with the best CAAG member and ensure that they are free from conflicts. The regional office will provide contact details to the CAAG member and they will often be in touch the same day.”

Additionally, the group provides guidance on career-related questions, decisions about joining or purchasing a practice, and resolving partnership problems, whether relationship or financial, says Wydell. 

“There is quite a bit of career advice provided through the group – and not just for people who are starting their careers,” she explains. “We have members at all stages of their working life looking for support.

“People will call in for career advice, such as, ‘I’m ready to be a partner at the firm but I am not sure how to start the conversation’. They may be hesitant to discuss this with their manager, as it could be seen as career-limiting but speaking with a CAAG member might show them some of the options available.”

Another area where guidance and support may help is when someone is navigating a potential conflict of interest. 

“These can be challenging to navigate and talking to a CAAG member might be helpful in working out the most appropriate way forward,” says Hawkesby.

“Sometimes, it’s just small, practical suggestions – drawn from experience – that can help guide you in the right direction. Often, it's about leveraging years of experience to offer guidance that could help resolve the issue,” she says.

While the range of issues CAAG members can help with is very broad, there are some constraints, for good reason. 

“They can’t give legal advice but may be able to refer people on if they need to. Similarly, if it is a technical issue or non-work related, it’s not something CAAG will be able to help with,” says Wydell. 

“Rather, it is more like a mentoring arrangement where you have access to some very experienced accountants who act with great integrity and can help guide you through an issue.”