Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has launched the CA Foundations program, aiming to broaden access to the Chartered Accountant designation for a diverse range of aspiring professionals.

This initiative comes as part of an effort to mitigate the talent shortage within the accountancy profession.

Simon Hann, Group Executive Education and Marketing at CA ANZ, stated that the new programme is a manifestation of CA ANZ’s dedication to developing progressive routes to the CA Program, aligning with the demands of both the accountancy profession and the wider community.

Simon Hann said: “We know the profession is changing, and so are the people entering it. CA Foundations is about opening the door wider – making sure that anyone with the drive and capability to become a Chartered Accountant has a clear and supported path to reach the starting line of the CA Program.”

“This is about recognising relevant work experience and prior education, creating opportunities for a diverse range of individuals to become a Chartered Accountant at a time when the profession faces a talent crisis.”

“Enrolments in accounting degrees have nearly halved since 2018, while demand for accountants is surging – with 58,000 new roles expected by 2033. As accountants take on broader roles in sustainability and digital transformation, building a diverse, future-ready pipeline is urgent.”

The CA Foundations is a skills-based programme tailored to each individual’s educational background and work experience.

The programme’s design focuses on imparting critical knowledge across core accounting disciplines.

It offers non-degree pathways that are streamlined to prepare candidates for success in the CA Program and their future accounting careers.

Depending on their qualifications and experience, participants may not need to complete all six subjects of the CA Foundations, but for novices, the comprehensive curriculum is intended to expedite job readiness.

Hann added: “Aspiring future CAs, employers, and members have told us that the programme should be more flexible to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, which is why we’ve created a highly supported study programme that, for the first time, people can start anytime and undertake their exams on-demand.”

“It’s also important to note that our world-class CA Program remains unchanged. It continues to set a high benchmark for aspiring Chartered Accountants, requiring rigorous academic achievement and three years of mentored practical experience.”

“While CA ANZ is introducing more flexible and accessible pathways to reach the CA Program’s starting line, every aspirant – regardless of their pathway journey – must meet the same exacting standards to earn the CA designation.”

To assist individuals in navigating their way to the CA Program, CA ANZ has introduced a new online tool that provides a personalised learning journey based on their prior study and work experience.

The development of CA Foundations stems from consultation with educators, employers, and students, and draws upon international expertise.

In April 2025, CA ANZ announced the introduction of a new Certificate in AI Fluency, designed to equip accountants with the skills needed to leverage Generative AI in finance.