The IPA and the AAT have shared office accommodation in Melbourne since 2009.
IPA chief executive officer Andrew Conway said the agreement would leverage on the value of the AAT to strengthen their shared voice on behalf of small businesses.
“When the IPA formed the IPA Group at the end of 2014, making it the largest SME-focused accounting organisation in the world, it was always our intention to expand to drive positive outcomes for the small business sector,” said Mr Conway.
“This new agreement with the AAT will enhance the IPA and AAT’s capacity to work more closely together to provide end-to-end service for the sector.
“We continue our advocacy effort on behalf of small business in Australia and other jurisdictions including Asia and the UK.”
Mr Conway said the new agreement will see the two bodies share resources in terms of member education, technical advice, and ongoing advocacy.
“We will be working with AAT to extend new member benefits which will include: further education pathways; access to continuous professional development; discussion groups and networking opportunities; technical advice; and, ongoing advocacy that works in the best interests of members and small business,” said Mr Conway.
The IPA’s recent changes to its professional program to a fully-fledged Master of Business Administration will be extended to accounting technicians and professional bookkeepers through the new agreement.
“This program will mean that members can broaden their education and skill base, enabling them to diversify and grow their businesses,” added Mr Conway.
