Hi all!
At the risk of sounding repetitive, I have come to the conclusion that there is not much merit in being MNIA and I need to fast track as much as possible to CA/CPA status.

I know that just to get on the CA program I first have to study Australia Tax & Co Law through Open Uni Australia, takes 13 weeks etc etc ....OK!

I need recommendations guys please.
CA or CPA after this?
Fors and againsts etc if possible.

Also, how long is it going to take me? Is it as intensive as ACCA do you know because it took me a few years to work through those exams and when it came to the last three I gave up work for four months to get through them.
(I was self taught study though).

Can you do them by self study ie. from home, text book/resource in hand, go along and sit an exam at the end? Or is classroom participation essential?
Would love to know what I am faced with as it seems to be the way to go!

Thanks!

CA
- Program involves collaborative study as well as an exam.
- You need three years experience working for an Australian CA (or other eligible CA).
- It's a more prestigious qualification

CPA
- CPA Program is mainly exam based
- as far as I know, if you are qualified ACCA, you don't need to do the mentored work experience
- if you don't have a university degree, there are extra hoops for CPA (although this may have changed recently).

I am currently undertaking CA so my advice may be biased.

I work as a contractor and have noticed while it does not matter in commerce whether you are CPA or CA(you will need to be working for both, I presume so for CPA), the CA is considered more rigorous. My boss is a CA and about 75% of the colleagues in finance dept where I work are CA's. That is not the case every where, but some employers prefer CA's over CPA's. I have not seen the reverse. Other things constant, a locally qualified accountant is preferred over an overseas one.

However, for some one with solid experience with a multinational company, these qualifications may mean very little.

How long will CA take?

18 Months granted you are a first time passer, which is possible if you are keen.

I am Associate member of The Association Chartered Certified Accountants-UK and currently working as Manager Finance in Pakistan. Now I am planning to move an application for assessment for immigration to Australia and associate membership with CPA. Before moving application, I would like to get the answer of the following question:

Finance Manager is given in SOL (Skilled Occupation List) and not given in MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List). It means I will lose marks available to the occupation in MODL. Question is that I am member of the world wide recognized professional body of Accountants, can I nominate my profession as accountant even currently I am working as Finance Manager?

Not all accountants have the word "accountant" in their job title. Many are called Finance Managers or similar. Below is the DIAC job description for accountant, if it sounds like something you do and as you have the accountancy qualification, then I would apply for accountant if I were you.

"Plans and provides systems and services relating to the financial dealings of enterprises and individuals, and advises on associated record-keeping and compliance requirements."