Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has expressed its support for the New Zealand government’s initiative to reform the secondary school education system.
The organisation’s endorsement follows the release of a report by the Education Review Office, which highlighted the need for a more robust curriculum along with increased structure and clarity in educational offerings.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
CA ANZ has been vocal about the necessity for curriculum reform, particularly in relation to the integration of accounting within the broader context of business studies and economics.
The organisation has raised concerns that the merging of these subjects into a single National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1 Commerce subject has resulted in a dilution of students’ exposure to essential accounting principles.
CA ANZ NZ country head Peter Vial emphasised the significant impact that the curriculum has on students’ career choices.
He stated that providing students with the opportunity to engage with accounting concepts and develop their confidence in the subject matter could increase the likelihood of them pursuing careers in accounting.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataDespite the NCEA Level 1 Commerce subject being introduced only a year ago, there have been numerous concerns voiced by teachers, parents, educators, and CA ANZ regarding its breadth.
The feedback indicates that the flexibility and variability in assessments may prevent all students from being adequately exposed to fundamental accounting concepts, which are crucial for their future educational pathways in accounting.
Vial said: “The reform proposals must include strengthening the accounting curriculum to nurture the next generation of Kiwi business leaders.
“Infometrics forecasts a shortage of 15,000 accountants in New Zealand in the next five years.
“Reinstating accounting as a standalone year 11 subject will greatly strengthen the pipeline of talent into a profession with huge career and earning opportunities, that is vital to New Zealand’s success.
“A professional accounting qualification can open the door to exceptional careers – whether that’s in business, events, the public sector, the music industry or sports management. We need savvy leaders, who know their numbers, to drive New Zealand’s future.”
