NEW ACCOUNTANTS' ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 12

NEW ACCOUNTANTS' ASSOCIATION.

REASON FOR FORMATION. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN. The purpose of the formation of the Certified Accountants' Association of New Zealand was explained by the chairman of the Canterbury branch, Mr T. N. Gibbs, in a statement read at the branch's first monthly luncheon yesterday. "We represent a part of the accountancy profession which, until recently, has been content to remain unorganised," Mr Gibbs said. "This does not mean that we are an unimportant part of the profession; you can readily judge as to that for yourself from the calibre and standing of those members present. One thing you will note;—that they are either heads of their own businesses or senior executive officers of the firms they serve. "They have won, and now hold, their position by their own professional ability and merit Performance is surely the best of qualifications, and on such ground we are able to demonstrate that all our members are duly and fully qualified accountants. "Part of the profession is embraced within the provisions of a special act of Parliament, and we willingly con-j cede that membership of the body sol established is a hall mark. But we vigorously resist any suggestion that the term 'qualified accountant' is the] monopoly or prerogative of our friends within that body. Perhaps it is needless to say that the qualification of the seniors and leaders in that body is the same qualification, as that of our members. "Nor do we consider that examinations warrant the use of the term 'qualified.' None of the responsible bodies in the accountancy profession in the Old Country—there are at least half a dozen—recognise qualification until a term of years has been served in accountancy work, and both ability in practice and personal character are proved. '■ ,: That the basis and structure of the New Zealand arrangements have many shortcomings and cannot be considered as adequate for the accountancy profession in the Dominion can be amply demonstrated, and is in fact proved by this gathering, which is only part of our local membership, now approaching the 100 mark. Ido not want anyone to think that we are in any way antagonistic to the older bodies in the profession. We admit and acknowledge their position. But we are associated to insist on our place in the profession and to demonstrate the worth and value of the hall-mark of our own association. "Our interests in the profession are identical with those of the older bodies, and I have no doubt that (just as many members of such other bodies are individually ready to admit and acknowledge our place and standing) the powers that be will in time likewise recognise this association, and we shall be able to pull harmoniously together for the good of the whole profession."