COMPANIES PROFILED IN TEXT

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES

FIRMS AND CONSULTANTS

CORPORATE

COMPANIES PROFILED IN TEXT

Colorado Group Ltd

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd

Mayne Group Ltd

Billabong International Ltd

David Jones Ltd

New Zealand Telecom

Rebel Sport Ltd

Woolworths Ltd

CSR Ltd

Starcom Group Pty Ltd

Ayers Management Pty Ltd

MYOB group

Quicken

Qantas Airways Ltd

Telstra Corporation Ltd

Austar United Communications Ltd

Microsoft Corporation

Coles Myer Ltd

OPSM Protector Ltd

Australian Gas Light Company (AGL)

Fosters Group Ltd

Goodman Fielder Ltd

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd

New Zealand Milk

Michael Hill International Ltd

Brisbane City Council

Coca-Cola Amatil

Adacel Tecnology

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

CPA Australia

With 90 000 members, CPA (Chartered Practising Accountants) Australia constitutes the largest Australian professional organisation. CPA advocates debate on accounting issues and business. It provides outlets for training and research and provides member benefits in order to achieve a central goal of enhancing members’ status and competitive advantages. Their website is a great resource featuring information pertinent to their goals and the provision of the above-mentioned services.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Chartered Accountants website profiles new initiatives, policy development and reforms relevant to the accounting profession. A key feature of the site is the directory of employers that offer undergraduate and postgraduate positions to students pursuing careers in chartered accountancy.

Group of 100 Inc

The Group of 100 represents and serves major business enterprises in accounting and regulatory issues, particularly business regulations, Accounting standards, Corporation Law and Stock Exchange rules.

International Federation of Accountants

IFAC acts as an international advocate of quality technical, professional and ethical guidance, agents of change in the profession internationally and to facilitate the development of a harmonized worldwide accounting profession. The website has 5 main sectors: IFAC facts and figures, IFAC news, committee activities, publications and guidance and council developments.

The Chartered Association of Certified Accountants

ACCA is the largest UK professional organisation with offices worldwide (go to www.acca-australia.org for the Australian branch). ACCA qualifications are uniform globally and internationally recognized. The site also has links to ACCA branches in Asia.

The Hong Kong Society of Accountants

HKSA is the only statutory licensing body of accountants in Hong Kong responsible for regulation of the accounting profession. The site has information relating to accreditation, professional development, employment services and associated services for its members. An ideal website to visit if you are considering working in Hong Kong.

Australian Taxation Office

The ATO online service is aimed at 3 different groups; individuals, businesses, and tax and superannuation professionals. The ATO website is an information rich and diverse site that is constantly updated with new reforms, policy changes and exposure drafts.

Australian Accounting Research Foundation

AARF contributes to the development of legislation and regulation relating to commercial law, corporate governance, financial reporting and auditing and assurance services in Australia. The website contains up to date summaries on professional directives and critical evaluations of Accounting standards.
The Malaysian Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) is the national association for certification of public accountants in Malaysia. The website offers information on all professional services government standards and initiatives.

National Institute of Accountants

The National Institute of Accountants is a professional organisation for accountants who are recognised for their practical, hands-on skills and broad understanding of the total business environment.

Australian Accounting Research Foundation (AARF)

The AARF contributes to the development of legislation and regulation relating to commercial law, corporate governance, financial reporting and auditing and assurance services in Australia. The website contains up to date summaries on professional directives and critical evaluations of Accounting standards.

Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB)

The AASB (which is overseen by the Financial Reporting Council and both are outcomes of the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program est. 2000) is responsible for establishing Australian accounting standards in both private and public sectors. Its website features new authoritative pronouncements, updated materials, exposure drafts and news about standard setting.

Australian Business Limited

Australian Business Limited is an organisation which aims to improve businesses via advice, networking, advocacy and support. Its website is a useful resource which contains subsections such as "Managing Your People", "Grow Your Business", and "Influence Public Policy". This site provides current information and suggestions on business-related issues, managing finances, employment legalities, and economic trends.

Australian Financial Markets Association (AMFA)

AFMA is Australia’s industry body representing over-the-counter (OTC) wholesale financial markets such as financial institutions, bank clients, government departments, educational institutions and the central bank. It is in place to monitor market practices and the trading standards in OTC markets. The website provides information on these standards and professional development advice as well as articles pertaining to regulation and taxation.

Australasian Institute of Banking & Finance (AIBF)

The AIBF is an organisation committed to improving the services and professionalism of Australian and New Zealand financial and banking industry members via education and professional development. Its website provides "Hot News:" from the banking and finance sectors and features a plethora of information regarding training, networks, related products and great links.

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)

APRA regulates banks, insurance companies and superannuation funds, credit unions, building societies and friendly societies in Australia. The website provides legislative and statistical information, discussion papers, media releases, and access to Insight (APRA’s quarterly publication).

Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)

ASIC is a government body that attempts to maintain equity and fairness in business. It also aims to prevent corporate crime, protects investors and helps Australia's international business reputation. The interests of companies, creditors and investors are protected by ASIC via their public provision of information about companies. Their website is the source of this sort of information.

Australian Shareholder’s Association (ASA)

The ASA aims to protect and improve the interests of investors. On its website, it claims to be partly responsible for the betterment of the corporate direction of Australian companies and deals with issues regarding "related party transactions, the disclosure of remuneration and executive option scheme performance hurdles". Phew! All this information, as well as investing tips, advice on the performance of companies and their shares and features articles.

Australian Stock Exchange (ASX)

The website for the Australian Stock Exchange is designed to provide investors with detailed information regarding the numerous investments the ASX has available for trading. Sections on the website include: "Market Statistics, Company Information & Research, ASX Markets, ASX Shareholder Information, Floats", as well as "Investor Courses and Services".

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

The ATO’s online service is aimed at 3 different groups; individuals, businesses, and tax and superannuation professionals. The ATO website is an information rich and diverse site that is constantly updated with new reforms, policy changes and exposure drafts.

Commonwealth Department of Finance & Administration

The Department of Finance & Administration contributes to three key outcomes:
maintainable Government finances; better Government operations; and an efficiently run Parliament. This department’s website is divided into three main sections, Government Finances (concentrating on budget management, reporting and advice), Government Operations (featuring services management and government information) and Parliamentary Services (support for senators, members of parliament and their staff). The site also features the latest political news, media releases and speeches, recruitment information and government publications.

Commonwealth Department of the Treasury

The website for this government department contains a wealth of information on economic data, business taxation, foreign investment, careers & job opportunities within the department, publications, compliance reports, as well as containing a profile of treasury ministers and a descriptive organisational chart.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)

Aiming to produce and revise standards pertaining to financial accounting, and to guide and keep the public informed of such issues, the Financial Accounting Standards Board provides an informative website loaded with many great features. These include descriptive articles relating to the FASB’s various projects, late breaking news, educational sub-sections and access to many accounting-related publications.

Group of 100 Inc

The Group of 100 represents and serves major business enterprises in accounting and regulatory issues, particularly business regulations, Accounting standards, Corporation Law and Stock Exchange rules.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants (CA)

This website profiles new initiatives, policy development and reforms relevant to the accounting profession. A key feature of the site is the directory of employers that offer undergraduate and postgraduate positions to students pursuing careers in chartered accountancy.

International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)

With a commitment to creating a single set of enforceable, quality accounting standards worldwide, the IASB is based in the UK and provides a plethora of information on its website. With current IAS news, IASB project summaries and an online IAS bookshop, the website should be the first port of call for those researching or simply interested in issues relating to the drafting of international accounting standards.

International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

IFAC acts as an international advocate of quality technical, professional and ethical guidance, agents of change in the profession internationally and to facilitate the development of a harmonized worldwide accounting profession. The website has 5 main sections: IFAC facts and figures, IFAC news, committee activities, publications and guidance and council developments.

International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)

The IOSCO regulates domestic markets and oversees strict implementation of market standards. Its website provides some useful international links, regularly updated market news, information relating to the IOSCO’s annual conference, and IOSCO document library and a member’s area.

National Tax & Accountants Association Ltd (NTAA)

The primary objective of the NTAA is to assist business people, tax-advisors and accountants, among others, solve their tax, business and legal problems. It is funded by its membership and its website provides much information about becoming a member and the member’s role. There are also sections devoted to tax seminars (when they run and what they address), trouble-shooting services including software and publications, and NTAA Press Releases and news articles.

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)

The Reserve Bank devises and maintains monetary policy. Its website reflects this main function, with sections committed to this, financial system stability, the Bank’s payments system and financial services, and matters relating to currency. There is plenty of information resources, including media releases, a huge catalogue of speeches, a publications and research section and a section containing statistical data and projections.

Securities Institute

The Institute is an educational facility committed to improving the standards in financial and securities services by means of education, the cultivation of ethical, efficient markets and the promotion of professionalism. Their website provides an insight into their numerous services, including courses, employee training, careers, and seminars and information is arranged in market-specific sections including one for students, and another for personal investors.

Taxation Institute of Australia (TIA)

According to their website, the TIA is Australia’s premier independent taxation organisation. The site provides information relating to the functions and services of the Institute, including their Continuing Professional Development workshops and seminars, access to the weekly newsletter TaxVine and journal Taxation in Australia, and online videos.

US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

SEC aims to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities markets. It enforces securities laws and makes crucial investment and company information available to the public. Their website is a vehicle for delivering this information, with a huge, cost-free, publicly accessible database (EDGAR) which comprises of the registration statements and periodic reports of all public companies; as well as sections focusing on litigation reports, trading suspension files and a feature which allows members of the public to assess the financial services of any broker or advisor. A very informative, user-friendly site with market-specific up-to-date data.

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NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES

Australian Financial Review

AFR’s website provides a daily assessment of developments in the Australian Banking, Finance and Information Technology sectors. It provides up-to-date business news and also focuses on political issues.

The Age

The Age is a metropolitan Melbourne newspaper reporting on local, national and international current affairs and news reports.

The Australian

The Australian is a national Australian newspaper reporting on political, economical, social and international affairs.

Business Review Weekly

BRW is an Australian weekly magazine. It focuses current business, finance, technology and government issues here in Australia. Ideal for gaining an overview on the current Australian business scene.

The New York Times

The New York Times is one of the USA’s premier newspapers. It reports on international and national current affairs and has an emphasis on economics, politics and finance. It also provides excellent coverage of cultural events and is famous for its prolific, in-depth interviews and influential reviews.

Nikkei Net Interactive

Nikkie Net Interactive is an internet conglomeration of Japan’s top financial newspapers, including the Nikkei Weekly, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun, The Nikkei Industrial Daily and The Nikkei Financial Daily. It provides news and market information daily, and includes features such as "Investors’ Watch", "Tokyo Market Roundup", "Economic Almanac" and "Nikkei 24 Hour News".

The Business Times

The Business Times is Singapore’s metropolitan newspaper reporting on local and international current affairs, economics and finance, with a distinct ‘executive lifestyle’ slant.

The Hindu

The Hindu is India’s National Newspaper which features bi-hourly news updates. It includes a large business section ("Business Online") which includes articles related to finance, banking, and investments.

The London Financial Times

The London Financial Times is a daily financial newspaper with UK and US online editions (the news on each site is local news specific). Both sites feature world news, market news, industry issues, and an insight, commentary and analysis section which focuses on pertinent business issues.

The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal is a daily produced by Dow Jones with various incarnations including the Asian Wall Street Journal and the Wall Street Journal Europe. It focuses on financial issues, specifically the stock market.

The Australian Accounting Review

The Australian Accounting Review is written by leading academics and accountants and offers detailed commentary and evaluation of accounting issues. Informed debate is encouraged and many different views are covered.
(please enter "Australian Accounting Review" in the Search box on this link’s page, this will give you the option of clicking on the Australian Accounting Review index and accessing the Review’s archives)

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FIRMS AND CONSULTANTS

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Australia

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu New Zealand

Deloitte is an international firm specialising in providing advisory and professional services in the areas of management consulting, assurance services, and taxation. The Australian website provides information on the GST, the Telecommunication Index, as well as providing discussion on industry hot topics, latest publications, recent business surveys and career opportunities.

The Ernst & Young

Easy to navigate and comprehend, the Ernst & Young website overviews a large range of professional services. Ernst & Young specialise in providing advisory services in the following areas; assurance services, consulting, corporate finance, electronic commerce and taxation.

KPMG Australia

KPMG New Zealand

KPMG is one of the world’s largest accounting advisory organisations. The site presents current updates and advice on GST, legal developments in the communication and technology sector, financial information taken from surveys of Australian capital markets, environmental reporting and current issues affecting the industry. The site also provides information on the employment opportunities that KPMG have to offer graduates.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

PricewaterhouseCoopers New Zealand

PricewaterhouseCoopers provides services such as business processes outsourcing, assurance and business advisory services, tax and legal services, corporate finance and recovery, and management consultancy. The company supports over 22 industries in Australia with these services, and all are represented on this website. The site also features commentary on current news and industry issues, and has an extensive back-catalogue of the company’s publications.

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CORPORATE

Coles Myer Ltd

ColesMyer is Australia’s leading retailer and controls more than 8 major outlets in the food, retail and services markets. The website provides an insight into the corporate environment of ColesMyer, including a wealth of information on investing with the company, the company’s relationship with its suppliers, recruitment issues and standards of customer service.

MYOB Australia

The MYOB Group develops and publishes business management software on an international level. It’s website provides information about obtaining MYOB product support for "Systems for Businesses" and "Systems for Accountants" respectively. It features a product test-drive, BAS changes and much information relating to investing within the company, recruitment and MYOB’s community interests and contributions.

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