Key activities, including the IFA (UK) amalgamation, have meant considerable work to integrate systems and strategy going forward to grow the IPA Group. With the inclusion of the IFA into the IPA Group, revenue has grown to in excess of $16 million, representing a revenue growth of more than 33 per cent over the past five years. Between the IFA and IPA, there is almost two centuries of global experience that I am sure will hold the IPA Group in good stead going forward.
Outside of the inclusion of 10,000 members and students that stem from the IFA/IPA amalgamation, our international growth has been substantial. Overseas new membership admission in 2014-15 has increased by 39 per cent, representing approximately 47 per cent of total admissions for the IPA for the year. Net active overseas membership has increased by 12.5 per cent.
The IPA’s advocacy efforts continued strongly throughout the year with representation on major forums and many submissions issued to government and regulatory bodies. The IPA continued to make a valuable contribution to tax reform through numerous submissions and representations. In addition, the Australian Small Business White Paper was completed.
It is important to note that this work has been complemented with continuing efforts to build strong stakeholder relations and to forge new strategic alliances. In addition, our government relations activities have been ongoing as has the IPA’s representation on regulatory forums, the Australian Professional and Ethical Standards Board, the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants and of course, the International Federation of Accountants.
Our strategic alliances also include building relationships with ICT partners; a critical element of delivering tomorrow’s knowledge and services to benefit our members. As we well know the one thing in life that is certain, is change.
As president of the IPA board, I am excited about the above achievements and want to encourage the entire IPA team to keep up the good work.
Finally, and on behalf of the IPA board, I would like to congratulate IPA CEO Andrew Conway on receiving Deakin University’s Deakin Young Alumni Award for 2015 for his outstanding achievements in the profession.
