Structuring your CPA Program in response to your commitments, career objectives and prior learning will set you up for success.

At Study Shortcut, we agree with CPA Australia’s recommendation of completing Ethics and Governance as your first subject. E&G is a great introduction to the program and is of moderate level difficulty to help you gauge the effort required for the course.

Following Ethics and Governance, we recommend completing Strategic Management Accounting and Financial Reporting. These subjects, along with E&G, provide a strong base for the remaining subjects that you choose (two electives and Global Strategy and Leadership).

It is important not to underestimate Financial Reporting – it is the hardest subject in the CPA Program and requires you to complete at a time when your other commitments are manageable. Study Shortcut recommends completing Financial Reporting in Semester 1, which is a longer semester and one that does not overlap with end of financial year work commitments.

Electives – which should I choose?

Many candidates are required to complete Advanced Audit & Assurance and Australian Taxation if they don’t have previous learning in their undergraduate degree in these areas.

If you have flexibility in the electives you choose, you can consider which subjects are most appropriate for your career objectives.

Contemporary Business Issues is suited to candidates working in corporates or in consulting roles.

Financial Risk Management would be perfect for candidates in the banking industry or corporate treasury roles.

Advanced Taxation is for taxation professionals or those in public practice.

Please reach out to the Study Shortcut team if you’d like to discuss your specific career objectives.