Northern Territory Branch Council member Michael Martin FCPA will retire as councillor at the end of this year after a long and distinguished term that has spanned more than 10 years, including two years as president.

In his role as councillor, Mr Martin has been passionate about the accounting profession in the Northern Territory, and has worked tirelessly to address issues that affect the profession and its members.

Mr Martin will continue to use his experience and knowledge to represent the interests of mature members on the representative council, and locally as a teacher and mentor for members and aspiring accountants.

CPA Update: What has been the highlight of your time as on the Northern Territory Branch Council?

Michael Martin (MM): I have many highlights. Rejuvenating the Public Practice Committee and providing a vehicle to lobby on behalf of members rates as the highlight of my presidency.

The knowledge of accounting and local issues held by public practitioners and committee members will ensure that their contribution to the debate and development of Northern Territory legislation is relevant, valued and in the interests of the profession.

For example, it was the practitioners' input into the development of the Associations Act that supported the development of a two-tier reporting framework, which has enabled small firms access to this work.

The model has since been adopted by the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations.

Other highlights were the biennial Accounting at the Top conferences, and being part of the conference development and production. In particular, the 2004 conference which was held in conjunction with the board meeting was very memorable.

The conferences are a great opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory branch and the board was impressed by quality of activities undertaken by the council on behalf of members.

CPA Update: What do you think are the most important issues facing the profession, specifically the profession in the Northern Territory?

MM: The complexity of the accounting field and the emergence of specialisations, such as tax and superannuation, make it challenging for members to maintain the breadth and depth of knowledge required to meet market expectations.

In the Northern Territory, the biggest issues relate to how the profession can assist the development of Indigenous businesses.

Part of the solution is the training of Indigenous students as accountants. The Bachelor Institute is making a good start on this through the introduction of a Bachelor of Business degree in 2009. Members can also support these initiatives by employing and training suitable students.

This relates to the other major challenge: recruiting and training enough accountants to service Northern Territory businesses, and providing CPAs who are working in remote locations with CPD training opportunities.
 
CPA Update: What advice would you give to a graduate just about to commence their professional career?

MM: Be prepared to work hard early. A degree should provide you with the technical knowledge you need, but a successful accountant must learn to apply that knowledge well to be successful. This takes lots of practice and a willingness to continue to learn and develop.

Take a generalist approach in the first five years then, when you've got enough experience to know where your interest and ability lies, specialise. Take every opportunity to try new fields in the early years of your career.

Give to the profession, don't just enjoy the benefits. The rewards for active participation in member activities and taking on responsibilities, are high. Within CPA Australia and the branch there are opportunities that suit everyone.

CPA Update: Any final comments?

MM: The Northern Territory branch is in a strong position. The brand is well recognised and members are held in high esteem by employers. This is, in part, the result of the work of the Northern Territory Branch Council. I'm glad that I've been able to play an active role in the council.