IPA’s Conway wins Young Professional award

Andrew Conway, chief executive of First 5000 member, the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), has been recognised as the Professions Australia ‘2011 Young Professional of the Year’.

The award is intended  to  encourage  and  recognise  the  achievements  of  a  young  professional  who has demonstrated a noteworthy commitment  to excellence and  innovation  in  their profession and has worked  to promote the profession as a whole. 

Professions Australia is a national organisation for professional associations which currently has 32 member associations and represents around 350,000 professionals across the country.

Professions Australia president Don Larkin said in making its decision the board acknowledged Conway’s outstanding contribution to his profession through his work at the Institute.

“He has also represented his profession on many industry and government initiatives in addition  to his significant involvement in the community.  

“This has included working with Deakin University to develop its accounting curriculum and the establishment of an accountant’s pro bono register to aid recovery of victims of the black Saturday bushfires in Victoria and recent natural disasters in various Australian states. 

“Andrew’s involvement in a wide range of community and professional activities highlights  the dedication he has to his profession and to the community.”

Conway is currently leading the newly renamed Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants) which is going through its largest growth phase in its 90 year history.  

This includes a renewed focus on SMEs and taxpayers, the Institute’s key areas of expertise, and the introduction of a range of new resources and professional development initiatives to benefit members. 

Professions Australia said since his appointment as CEO, Conway has campaigned to ensure the accounting profession operates to a high ethical and professional standard.

“This is evidenced by consistent advocacy to government and the profession for a continuing commitment to core accounting training for those entering the profession.”