Summary
Are you an Associate member looking to take the next step in your professional journey? Whether you're planning your next career move or looking to stand out in a competitive market, this event is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to find your edge.
Brought to you by the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Committee, this interactive evening will provide practical career insights to support your development as both an emerging professional and future CPA.
Hear from specialist recruiter from Hays, who will share insights into the current accounting employment landscape, emerging industry trends, and practical interview preparation tips to help you stand out in today's market.
The evening will also feature a panel discussion on succeeding in the CPA Program and building a successful career, followed by a speed mentoring networking session where you'll have the opportunity to connect directly with experienced CPAs who have successfully navigated their own CPA journey.
As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to join CPA Congress' Welcome Reception prior to the event. Experience the energy and excitement of Congress, connect with delegates from across Australia, and get a taste of what makes Congress the profession's flagship gathering.
Connect, learn, and find your edge by registering today.
Program:
4:30 – 5:30 PM: Congress Welcome Reception (optional)
5:45 – 6:00 PM: Registration
6:00 – 6:30 PM: Presentation by Hays and Q&A
6:30 – 7:15 PM: Panel discussion and Q&A
7:15 – 8:00 PM: Speed mentoring session and networking
8:00 PM: Event close
Please note that registration for this event includes access to this session and CPA Congress Welcome Reception only. It does not include admission to the full CPA Congress program.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify current trends in the accounting employment landscape and what employers are looking for in today's competitive market
- Describe practical strategies for interview preparation that help emerging accounting professionals stand out during the recruitment process
- Outline the key steps to successfully navigate the CPA Program and build a rewarding professional career
Speakers
Take a look at our speakers scheduled for this event.
Stuart Martin
Accounting & Finance Lead, Hays
Stuart Martin is the Australia & New Zealand Accounting & Finance Lead at Hays and a Business Director based in Hobart. With more than 12 years' experience in recruitment, Stuart specialises in senior finance appointments and works with organisations across the public, private and not for profit sectors. He leads strategic initiatives across the Hays Accounting & Finance business, helping shape national discussions around talent attraction, workforce planning, leadership, remuneration and the future of the finance profession.
Through his work with CFOs, finance leaders and executive teams across Australia and New Zealand, Stuart provides regular insight into recruitment trends, skills shortages, emerging workforce challenges and the impact of technology and AI on the finance function. He is passionate about connecting businesses with exceptional talent and helping finance professionals navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing labour market.
Fred Lu FCPA
Fred Lu FCPA is an accomplished finance executive and community leader with extensive experience in enterprise financial planning, governance and business transformation. Alongside his Financial Analysis Manager role in Monash University, he also serves a leadership role in CPA Australia Emerging Leaders Network Committee and participates in CPA Australia Mentoring Program.
As Co-Founder and Deputy Chair of the Australia New Zealand Chinese Accountants Association (ANZCAA), Fred has helped grow a professional network of more than 4,500 members, creating opportunities for learning, mentoring and collaboration across Australia and New Zealand.
Fred is passionate about developing future leaders, fostering inclusive professional networks and using finance as a catalyst for stronger organisations and communities.
Kirsty Wakefield FCPA
Kirsty is an FCPA and has been a CPA for 14 years, bringing a unique and dynamic approach to the profession. For the past nine years, she has held strategic executive leadership roles within the Victorian Government, working across every Victorian Department in high- profile, non-accounting functions that drive meaningful outcomes for communities.
Alongside her public sector career, she holds Non-Executive Director (NED) board and Audit & Risk and Governance committee appointments, contributing her expertise to governance and strategy. Kirsty also has experience in the multinational manufacturing sector and 8 years in public practice, specializing in business solutions and financial planning advisory.
Her commitment to the profession extends to her active involvement with CPA Australia, where she serves as Deputy President of the Victorian Divisional Council, Chair of the Ballarat Branch, Deputy Chair of the Belonging Network and Committee Member of the Public Sector NFP Committee. She is also a dedicated Mentor and Ambassador, fostering the next generation of accounting professionals, participates on the Accountant Accreditation advisory committee and has been marking CPA exams for the last 3 years.
Beyond her career and professional contributions, Kirsty is deeply committed to community service. As a volunteer with the Salvation Army Emergency Services, she provides critical support to communities in times of need.
Andrew Burke FCPA
Strategic commercial finance leader with experience across blue-chip organisations in multiple industries. His M&A experience includes in-house buy side and sell side activity, due diligence, corporate development and post-acquisition integration. Currently Commercial Finance Manager at Hardings Hardware, Andrew chairs CPA Australia's Victorian Corporate Committee and brings a wealth of industry insight to our membership community.
Vishwa Mehta CPA
Vishwa Mehta CPA is a finance professional with a diverse career spanning public practice, commercial finance, ASX-listed organisations and the public sector.
Along the way, Vishwa has been recognised with several awards and accolades, including being named Victoria University’s Postgraduate Student of the Year. Her impact extends beyond finance: she founded and curated TEDxVictoriaUniversity and continues to contribute to initiatives that create opportunities for students and emerging professionals.
Vishwa’s own journey from Associate member to CPA was far from linear, with setbacks and failures along the way. She believes those experiences taught her as much as her successes and is passionate about sharing her journey to encourage others navigating their own path."
Fees
Below is all of the pricing information for the event.
AUD pricing is inclusive of GST.
Member fee: $10.00 AUD
Please note that this is a member-only event.
Venue / Location