Frank_66

Hi everyone

I am currently studying for CTA, and am considering emigrating to Oz once I am qualified. I was just wandering if anyone knew whether the profession of 'Tax Adviser' is considered part of the profession 'Accountant' for immigration purposes? I have spent some time searching but have not found it mentioned anywhere!

Thanks in advance

Frank

louie

I don't think so. To be honest, why would it? Being a CTA isn't directly useful in Oz.

MInd you, I'm a CTA too (as well as FCA which is what got me in) and I can tell you it makes the conversion exams for the ICAA really quite straightforward, not that that is much help to you.

I suspect you'll need to rethink and train as an ACA, ACCA or ACMA (or whatever it is they call themselves these days) if you want to get to Oz on a permanent visa.

louie

Actually, looks like you might be OK. This is the ASCO definition of accountant:

2211-11 Accountant

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

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

assists in the formulation of budgetary and accounting policies
prepares financial statements for presentation to boards of directors, management, shareholders, and statutory bodies
conducts financial investigations, undertakes audits, prepares reports, and advises on such matters as the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers, capital financing, suspected fraud, insolvency and taxation
examines operating costs and the income and expenditure of institutions
provides assurance about the accuracy of information contained in financial reports and their compliance with statutory requirements
provides financial and taxation advice on business structures, plans and operations
liaises with bankers and brokers to establish funds management arrangements
may advise on the selection and application of computer-based accounting systems
may appraise cash flow and financial risk of capital investment projects

Specialisations:
Financial Analyst
Insolvency Practitioner
Taxation Agent

And this is the DIAC page about getting your skills recognised - http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/occupati...nt-2211-11.htm

You'd still have to get your skills assessment from the ICAA, CPA or NIA - do you have a degree?

Frank_66

Thanks Louie, that's good to know

Yes I do have a degree so should be ok I think.

JAJ

Is the degree in accounting?

Frank_66

No, I have a physics degree - is that not accepted?

JAJ

I don't see how it would be accepted by ICAA, CPAA or NIA as the syllabus content would not meet their requirements.

But it would be good enough for a 50 point skill assessment with Vetassess. Or perhaps even an engineering assessment if it's accredited by the Engineering Council U.K. for CEng status (the Institute of Physics is part of EC-UK).

The CIOT used to have a special arrangement allowing qualified CTAs to do extra study to become a Scottish CA (living anywhere in the U.K. was ok) and you should ask around to see if that option is still available. It's not on the ICAS website any longer.

Frank_66

Ok, I will look into the extra-study option then; don't think I would actually have enough points with 50 for my profession without getting a couple of extra years of work experience.

Thanks.

JAJ

If your physics degree is EC-UK accredited, then it may be acceptable for an engineering assessment under the Washington Accord (60 points).

If you do decide to do Scottish CA, it's quite straightforward to become an Australian CA as well, once you migrate.

Frank_66

That's interesting... and if my nominated profession was something to do with engineering there wouldn't be an obligation to work in that area once I was in Australia?

louie

No. But I believe you would need to show recent skilled experience as an accountant (under your "taxation agent" specialism).

Isn't JAJ brilliant - there's nothing worth knowing that he doesn't know!!

Frank_66

Ok no problem to show that - will definately look into that then.

Yes, definately seems to know his stuff! Cheers JAJ

JAJ

First step is to look at http://www.engc.org.uk to see if your degree is accredited. It's a long shot, with a physics degree, but I recall at least one case where this option worked.

I usually suggest professional assistance where work experience and nominated occupation are not the same but you'd need an agent who knows about this, not all have experience with this.

Frank_66

Doesn't look that promising - my degree isn't accredited by EC-UK. There is a possibility to get accredited by first becoming chartered with the institute of physics although that does not look straightforward.

Would you be able to suggest a few good agents that might be able to help JAJ?

JAJ

Try Alan Collett (Go Matilda) .. search forum for contact details. If your degree isn't accredited by EC-UK then that pretty much rules out the "simple" option of a Washington Accord assessment as an engineer.

I don't think the accountant skill assessing bodies accept professional study except membership of specified accounting bodies. But you could explore this further with Alan.

Your degree would be worth 50 points from Vetassess. If that's not enough then you would be recommended to go on and get an accountant qualification to go with your CTA (also good from a career point of view). Scottish CA is probably the best, after that probably CIMA because it is better recognised in Australia now compared to ACCA. But recognition can change over time.