Program outline

• Digital learning outline

  Digital learning – Public Practitioner Essentials

  Topic 1: Being a Public Practitioner

  This topic provides an overview of what it means to be a public practitioner, including your responsibilities and obligations as a holder of a Certificate of Public Practice.

  After completing this topic, you will be able to:

  • Recognise at least four types of public practice and why a chartered accountant requires a certificate to operate in public practice.
  • Explain the obligations and responsibilities of a professional in public practice, including their responsibilities as managers.
  • Identify the entities that govern and guide public practice at a national and international level.

  Topic 2: Acting Ethically in Public Practice

  In this topic, you will review the fundamental principles and threats described in the Code of Ethics. You will also practice applying your knowledge of the Code to real-life ethical situations and will consider how you can lead your practice and create a culture that values ethical behaviour.

  After completing this topic, you will be able to:

  Identify the fundamental principles that are core to the Code of Ethics.

  • Apply the fundamental principles in practice.
  • Determine the existence of threats that impact the fundamental principles in practice.
  • Determine the necessary safeguards needed to manage threats.

  Topic 3: Managing Risks in Public Practice

  This module explains the inter-dependent nature of maintaining professional standards, complying with rules and regulations, measuring and maintaining quality, and maximising risk management approaches.

  Participants will discover how risk management enhances operational effectiveness and efficiency and minimises financial loss. You will learn the importance of embedding a culture focused on being proactive and minimising risk.

  After completing this topic, you will be able to:

  • Identify common areas of risk in public practice.
  • Use the risk management framework and risk ranking table to assess risks.
  • Recognise how to proactively manage the risks associated with client engagement letters, fee set up and the ownership of books and records.
  • Describe the professional obligations for receiving and disbursing client monies.
  • Recognise the benefits and requirements of Professional Indemnity insurance and its role within a proactive risk management strategy.
  • Describe the elements of a system of quality control, their importance and how to develop and implement them.
  • Appreciate the various service areas and the associated standards and requirements for Chartered Accountants.

  Topic 4: Monitoring Quality in Public Practice

  This topic highlights the importance of quality and practice reviews and their impact on a practice. Participants will see how a quality review framework assists to identify required improvements in a practice. Identify the professional behaviours required in public practice and the review and disciplinary sanctions applied when behaviours are inappropriate.

  After completing this topic, you will be able to:

  • Recognise the benefits of monitoring the quality of work performed by public practitioners and how this relates to the success of a practice.
  • Describe the process followed by Chartered Accountants ANZ during a Quality and Practice Review process.
  • Identify common professional conduct issues and how they materialise.
  • Describe Chartered Accountants ANZ’s conduct investigation and disciplinary processes and when these may occur.
• Workshop outline

  Interactive workshop – Public Practitioner Workshop

  Part 1: Business Success and Practice Management

  In the first half of the workshop, you will focus on defining your vision for business success and acquiring practical tools to create your business strategy. Sessions include:

  1. A prosperous practice
  2. Future focused
  3. Business models
  4. Optimising public practice

  After completing this part, you will be able to:

  • Explain your view of prosperity and the factors and skills that contribute to a prosperous practice.
  • Describe the skills needed to adapt to the dynamic world of the accounting profession.
  • Explain the components of a business model.
  • Describe the operational factors you need to manage to run a successful business.

  Part 2: Skills for Success

  In part 2 of the workshop, you will focus on the leadership and people skills you need to apply when working with your colleagues, team members and clients. These skills will help you build a team and business culture that aligns with your vision and values. Sessions include:

  1. Leading my practice
  2. Fundamental skills
  3. Maximising client relationships
  4. Optimising team performance

  After completing this part, you will be able to:

  • Describe the difference between leaders and managers, and how leadership impacts practice prosperity.
  • Demonstrate consultative communication techniques and describe how to adapt your communication style to the needs of different types of people.
  • Describe your vision for creating customer loyalty and explain how you can develop your skills as a trusted advisor.
  • Describe the approaches and techniques you plan to use to manage your team’s performance.