What is public practice?

Public practice refers to members who offer accounting services to businesses and the public (see detailed definition below). For regulatory purposes CPA Australia has created its own By-Laws for members in public practice. The main rules of conduct are listed below.

To be a principal in public practice you must: 

  • hold a public practice certificate and satisfy all the requirements in CPA Australia's By-Laws 9.1 to 9.8
  • have access to the Members' Handbook
  • follow the CPA Australia Constitution and Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Statements
  • not act as a tax agent, financial planner, company auditor, superannuation fund auditor without the right registration or licence
  • take part in the CPA Australia Quality Review Program
  • hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance
  • meet professional standards legislation limited liability scheme requirements (as per individual state requirements)
  • complete 120 hours of continuing professional development each triennium (minimum 20 hours per year)
  • follow the CPA Australia branding guidelines

Definition of public accounting services

Public accounting services include, but are not limited to, accounting; bookkeeping; auditing and assurance services; taxation; insolvency and corporate reconstruction; financial planning; and financial reporting. 

Public accounting services do not include information technology, management consultancy and company secretarial services, unless such services are provided in conjunction with the activities listed above.