Why you should use a chartered accountant

Tax Compliance & Accounting

April 5, 2018

Why you should use a chartered accountant

In Australia anyone can adopt the title of ‘accountant’, so how can you confidently choose a good one?

It’s simple. Choose a chartered accountant.

Chartered accountants have to complete extra qualifications and meet industry-set standards, meaning you’re in safe hands when it comes to seeking financial advice.

Still not convinced? Here are a few good reasons why you should use a chartered accountant:

They are regulated

To become a chartered accountant, accountants must meet the standards set by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Widely considered to be the region’s leading professional accounting body, CAANZ sets a high threshold for membership. It is also part of the Global Accounting Alliance, the coalition of the world’s premier accounting bodies.

When you work with a chartered accountant, you’ll get access to a professional who is bound by a strict code of standards and ethics.

Professional bodies such as CAANZ also monitor chartered accountants for compliance and quality reviews of their performance, so you can be sure to expect a certain standard from them.

They are highly-qualified

In addition to completing years of degree-level study in a relevant discipline, chartered accountants must also undertake a significant amount of practical work experience.

But the learning doesn’t stop there.

In order to maintain membership with a professional body such as CAANZ, chartered accountants must take part in ongoing professional development and, just as importantly, commit to and maintain high ethical and professional standards.

Chartered accountants are more than just ‘bean counters’ – look at the leading tax and audit specialists in large companies and major accounting firms and it’s likely you’ll find a chartered accountant.

With a focus on technical expertise in their training, chartered accountants are recognised as being better qualified to deal with more complex accounting issues.

These technical skills also ensure that chartered accountants are well placed to provide businesses with strategic and general business advice, and to be alert to any signs that a business may be heading into difficult times.

Put simply, choosing a chartered accountant relieves you of the chore of assessing an accountant’s qualifications and experience. CAANZ has already done the hard work for you.

They offer advice you can trust

Choosing to engage with a chartered accountant gives you the reassurance that the advice you are receiving is current and accurate.

As chartered accountants have to comply with professional development and industry-set standards, you can trust that they are imparting knowledge that is credible and up to date.

And when it comes to managing your finances, you want to be confident that your money is being handled in the best way possible. Chartered accountants can ensure this is done to the highest standards.