Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Australia and University of Melbourne have celebrated the 85th Annual Research Lecture.
The lecture addressed the evolving charity reporting requirements within the not-for-profit sector.
CPA Australia’s Victorian Divisional Council deputy president and federal government director Mel Yates, delivered this year’s lecture, titled ‘Charity reporting: Exploring the balance between trust and confidence and unnecessary burden.’
The lecture highlighted the progress made since the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) more than a decade ago.
Yates discussed the role accountants have played and the future opportunities and challenges for the sector.
The attendees gained insights into the charity sector, including the benefits and costs of charity reporting and its implications for accounting and governance research.
The lecture also touched upon the impact of regulatory reforms and societal expectations on the trust and confidence in charities.
CPA Australia president and chair Dale Pinto said: “We take great pride in our partnership with the University of Melbourne. Over the years, attendees have experienced countless memorable lectures that have informed and inspired their professional journeys and beyond.
“This year’s lecture by Mel Yates, focusing on the charity sector and the critical role of accountants, continued this esteemed tradition. A heartfelt thank you to Mel for such an engaging session, and to all who attended.”
University of Melbourne Department of Accounting head Brad Potter said: “A great address on such a socially and economically important sector. Mel’s insights gave us many opportunities for future research on financial sustainability and what good governance looks like in the charity sector.”
In 2023, CPA Australia put forth recommendations for the 2023-24 budget aimed at paving the way for a better future.
