Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory for maintaining professional competence, upholding public trust, and driving career progression in an ever-evolving business landscape. 

For members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, and the Institute of Public Accountants  (IPA), meeting annual and triennial CPD requirements is mandatory. 

In recent years, the delivery of Continuing Professional Development has undergone a significant transformation, with online CPD emerging as a dominant and highly flexible learning modality, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility for busy Australian accountants. 

This article explores the rise of online CPD, outlines the requirements for major professional bodies, and provides practical guidance on leveraging digital platforms for professional growth.  

Understanding CPD Requirements for Australian Accountants

Australian accounting bodies mandate CPD to ensure members maintain and enhance the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to perform their roles competently and professionally. While specific requirements vary slightly, the core principles remain consistent across CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and IPA.

To take a deep dive into the requirements for Australian CPAs, explore the CPD Requirements for Australian CPAs: Everything You Need to Know article

The Surge of Online CPD: Flexibility Meets Compliance

The landscape of professional development has dramatically shifted towards digital platforms. Online CPD has a wide range of learning activities delivered via the internet, including live and on-demand webinars, interactive e-learning courses, virtual workshops, online conferences, podcasts, and access to digital technical resources.

This growth is driven by advancements in technology, evolving work practices favouring remote and hybrid models, and the increasing demand from professionals for learning solutions that fit around complex schedules. For Australian accountants, online CPD offers significant advantages:

• Unmatched Flexibility
• Enhanced Accessibility
• Wider Variety of Content
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Improved Engagement & Retention

The online space provides access to a vast array of courses covering technical topics, specialised industries, and international perspectives that might not be available locally. Professional bodies like CPA Australia and CA ANZ offer extensive online course catalogues, often partnering with expert providers. Providers like AU & NZ CPD by LearnFormula also offer specialised content and bundles tailored for local requirements.

Meeting Core Competency Requirements via Online CPD

Online learning provides ample opportunities to fulfil the competency requirements mandated by CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and IPA. These include not only technical knowledge but also ethics and professional skills. As the role of accountants continues to evolve, online CPD offers a flexible, self-paced way to stay current and compliant.

A key strength of online CPD is its personalised, modular format. Accountants can focus on topics that align with their goals while integrating learning smoothly into their work routines.

Technical Skills

Staying current with rapidly changing technical standards, regulations, and technologies is critical. Online CPD offers numerous avenues:

• Legislative & Standards Updates: Webinars and online briefings covering changes in tax law (GST, income tax), Corporations Act, Superannuation (SIS Act), and accounting standards (IFRS/AASB).

• Specialised Technical Areas: In-depth online courses on topics like business valuation, forensic accounting,self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditing, financial planning, and industry-specific accounting rules.

• Technology & Data: Training modules on accounting software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks), data analytics tools, Excel skills for accountants, cybersecurity awareness, and the impact of AI and automation on the profession.

• Emerging Areas: Courses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, sustainability accounting, and integrated reporting.

Ethics

Meeting the mandatory ethics requirements is straightforward with online options. Look for:

• Dedicated Ethics Modules: Specific online courses and webinars designed to meet the ethics CPD hours required by CA ANZ and CPA Australia, often covering the APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

• Scenario-Based Learning: Interactive online workshops presenting ethical dilemmas relevant to public practice, corporate accounting, or advisory roles, facilitating discussion and application of ethical principles.

• Regulatory Compliance Updates: Webinars focusing on compliance requirements (e.g., TPB, ASIC) often incorporate ethical considerations related to professional conduct and responsibilities. Remember, ethics training doesn't necessarily need "Ethics" in the title but must relate to the fundamental principles like integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professional competence and due care, and professional behaviour, as relevant to your role.

Professional and Management Skills

As accountants increasingly take on advisory and leadership roles, developing non-technical skills is vital. Online CPD can help build:

• Leadership & Management: Online courses on team leadership, strategic thinking, change management, and project management tailored for finance professionals.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Virtual workshops focused on presentation skills, report writing, negotiation techniques, client relationship management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Business Acumen: Modules covering business strategy, risk management, performance management, and operational efficiency.

• Practice Management (for Public Practitioners): Webinars and courses on practice technology, workflow optimisation, marketing, pricing strategies, and staff management.

Recommended Online CPD Packages

To simplify CPD planning, consider these curated online packages from AU & NZ CPD by LearnFormula, built to align with Australian accounting standards:

Annual CPD Compliance for Accountants

A comprehensive bundle for fulfilling annual CPD obligations. Includes a well-rounded mix of technical, ethical, and professional development content, tailored for members of CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and IPA.

2025 CFO & Controller Partnership Package

Perfect for financial leaders and aspiring executives. Focuses on leadership, financial strategy, data-driven decision-making, and future-ready skillsets for CFOs and financial controllers.

60-Hour Triennium Ethics & Compliance Package

Ideal for those managing triennial CPD cycles. Provides 60 hours of content, heavily focused on ethics, compliance, and technical excellence to meet all long-term CPD obligations.

Conclusion

The rise of online CPD presents a significant opportunity for Australian accountants to meet their professional development obligations in a way that is flexible, accessible, and highly effective. 

By strategically planning activities across technical, ethical, and professional skill domains, leveraging the convenience of digital platforms, and diligently tracking progress, members of CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and IPA can ensure ongoing compliance and competence. Embracing online CPD is a vital investment in staying relevant, enhancing professional capabilities, and navigating the complexities of the modern business world with confidence and expertise.

Explore expert-designed CPD bundles for Australian accountants at AU & NZ CPD by LearnFormula, access on-demand learning tailored to your role and requirements—covering annual or triennial CPD goals with ease, wherever you are.