CA ANZ pathways program delivers boost to membership numbers

CA ANZ formally launched the CA Fundamentals pathway in February 2026 following two pilot cohorts and offers school leavers a non-degree pathway into the profession through structured learning, mentoring and real-world workplace experience.

CA ANZ said early outcomes demonstrate strong progression, with most pilot candidates continuing into further CA study.

"Employer engagement has been a critical enabler of this pathway. More than 60 employers across Australia and New Zealand have joined the hiring partner network, creating pathways for school leavers to connect with recruiting organisations," it said.

"While recruiting school leavers represents a shift in traditional career hiring practices and requires longer lead times, interest from employers remains strong, including active participation from major firms in New Zealand."

The professional body also launched the CA Foundations pathway in July 2025, following consultation with members and employers, who identified the need for a shorter, more affordable and flexible pathway.

The redesigned program enables candidates to enrol at any time and sit exams when ready, improving accessibility and supporting a broader range of candidate needs, the professional body said.

"It has exceeded expectations as an accessible and flexible pathway into the profession for candidates from non-traditional and non-accredited backgrounds. With 4,355 subject enrolments in FY26, it has significantly outperformed expectations, reaching 121 per cent of budget, with strong participation across both Australia and New Zealand."

Following some of the positive outcomes from the pathways program, CA ANZ said it plans to further expand accessible pathways into the profession during the 2027 financial year.

According to the annual report, this will include new student offerings, broader access for school leavers and non-traditional entrants, and deeper engagement with educators.

"We will also work more closely with employers to improve recruitment pathways for school leavers and pilot a tailored Indigenous offering of the CA Fundamentals program," the professional body said.

The professional body said it also plans to expand its global reach by increasing access to its programs in new and existing markets through university partnerships and pathways such as CA Masters.

"We will also continue targeted advocacy to address structural challenges in education, skills and migration, including the use of research to identify skills gaps across the profession," it said.

CA ANZ to adopt AI marking for CA Program to address complaints about 'generic' feedback

The professional body has also revised its TEQSA-accredited CA Program in the 2026 financial year to ensure graduates have the knowledge and professional skills needed for an evolving profession.

The revised curriculum for the CA program reflects sustainability and AI integration across every discipline.

The professional body said it has also implemented AI-assisted marking into the CA program to address candidate complaints about a lack of personalised feedback.

"Candidates have long told us they want more personalised assessment feedback," the annual report stated.

"Many found generic, cohort-level feedback made it difficult to understand where marks were lost and how future responses could be improved. As one candidate noted, without individual feedback, “there is no way to learn and improve on our performance."

In FY26, CA ANZ said it introduced AI-assisted support for markers in one CA Program subject to provide more consistent, actionable feedback to help students better understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and focus their future study efforts.

"The solution operates through a “human‑in‑the‑loop” model with experienced markers and teachers continuing to validate outcomes against established rubrics and quality assurance standards," the professional body said.

"Its introduction was guided by robust governance and assurance arrangements and stakeholder consultation, including oversight through existing academic and enterprise governance structures, and specialist ethics and technology review bodies.

"This approach enables CA ANZ to responsibly explore AI-supported assessment, while maintaining the trust, quality and professional standards expected of the CA Program and the Chartered Accountant designation."