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LETTER OF THE MONTH

Training: an investment, not a burden

Michael Pinn's letter in September INTHEBLACK suggests that accounting graduates should accept low training wages as an investment in their future. While it is true that graduates need experience, why should they make all the sacrifices? Graduates have already invested thousands in university fees. Industries that have a claimed skills shortage should view training as an investment in the future earning capacity of their businesses, not a burden. Once graduates have gained experience they become valuable employees who have the potential to make good profits for the business. Surely this is worth some short-term investment in training.

If businesses are unwilling to invest in training the skills shortage will ultimately limit their potential to grow and earn higher profits. Low training wages are not an effective solution. Many trades are also experiencing a skills shortage despite (or because of) very low apprentice wages. Training provided to graduates is not only for their benefit, so why should graduates bear all the costs for the long-term gain of both the graduate and the employer. It's time businesses took some of the pain.

Sandra Wilson

Via email

What about the stay-home mums?

I am a stay-home mum with two toddlers and no income. Scraping up the funds (not to mention the time!) to study a CPA module was a challenge. I was delighted to score equal top mark in my state for my segment. But I was devastated to be excluded from an award (cash, that is), due to completing the module for CPD purposes.

A few years ago, I completed the CPA program with HDs in every subject. As I just missed being in the top five candidates, I missed out on an award then, too.

I suggest a review of the award structure, with the aim of motivating and rewarding all members, not just associates, to achieving their best.

Elisa Williamson CPA

Melbourne

Regional CPAs left out

I find it disappointing that even with all today's modern technology, CPA Program members still have to travel to the city centres. I've come to this conclusion after receiving yet another email about CPA Program workshops.

All workshops are held only in the capitals. To attend one such event in Brisbane for 106 Financial Risk Management it would cost me over $210 in flights from Mackay alone, let alone accommodation and the two days of work I need to have off. What's worse is that some such courses span over weeks, making it impossible to attend multiple workshops.

CPA Australia's solution to this: hold four weeks' worth of learning in one day to make it viable to attend. Tell me this, though. If someone is already having trouble with the content and needs a bit of help, how is going over three to five modules in three hours going to be any better for them?

The other solution offered is holding sessions after work hours. This makes it even harder for people in regional areas, who are forced to stay overnight.

Why hasn't modern communications technology that would facilitate learning been more fully embraced?

Daniel Kinnane ASA

Via email

CPA Australia responds:

CPA Australia endeavours to cater to all our members, including those in regional areas. PDFs of all CPA Program workshops were made available to candidates via My Online Learning as of 3 September 2007. We are progressively converting our face-to-face workshops online. Assistance to candidates is provided via the CPA Program forums (online bulletin board) where candidate questions are answered by technical experts. Frequently asked questions also appear for each module in each segment to assist candidates with their revision.

INTHEBLACK is making progress

I look forward to receiving INTHEBLACK. I have been reading CPA Australia bulletins since almost forever but in the old days they were very dull.

That was another era. Many accountants received their qualifications by sitting for the Society's exams and studying and attending lectures at night. My first studies were in 1953, with the Metropolitan Accountancy College. I completed further studies in cost accountancy, company secretary duties and management. I assume all of the above would be included in a commerce degree today.

How times have changed. What is more important is the extent to which accountants today have won respect, not only for their qualifications but for the ethical process in the profession. No longer are they like the old bookkeepers who sat on a stool at the back of a room, wearing an eyeshade. Nor did we in the 1950s, but we have progressed since then.

Keith Daniels FCPA

Via email

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Next month, the writer of the letter of the month receives a bottle of Chandon Vintage Brut

Care to comment on any business or accounting issue, or want to let us know what you think of INTHEBLACK? Send your feedback to: INTHEBLACK.inbasket@itechne.com

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