Peak Accounting Bodies
Australia has three peak accounting bodies - The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Certified Practicing Accountants Australia and The National Institute of Accountants. Peak bodies are the key organisations in an industry. These bodies are consulted by government and industry and represent the interests of the sector to the outside world. Typically peak bodies are also the bodies that provide membership and the authourity for its members to practice.
The three Peak Accounting bodies service three slightly different markets.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia has approximately 50,000 members and state their aim to "lead the profession by delivering visionary leadership projects, setting the benchmark for the highest ethical, professional and educational standards and enhancing and promoting the Chartered Accountant brand. We also represent the interests of members to government, industry, academia and the general public by actively engaging our membership and local and international bodies on public policy, government legislation and regulatory issues." (Institute of Chartered Accountants website as at September 26th 2007
Each of the other peak bodies have similar goals.
Certified Practicing Accountants Australia
Has 100,000 members, one quarter of which work overseas.
NIA - National Institute of Accountants has 14000 members working in industry, government, commerce, academia and private practices.
All professional bodies aim not only to represent the interests of their members but also ensure that members are sufficiently skilled and behave appropriately. This is done by setting and enforcing ethical standards and providing ongoing professional education and accreditation.