Customer Care Phone Number

Learn more

How to Apply for IPA Membership (Form MEM-047): Complete Guide

Download the Official Form

Form Name: IPA Membership Application Form (MEM-047_V4_APR15)
Purpose: This is the official application form for admission to the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Australia. It is used to apply for Associate (AIPA), Member (MIPA), or Fellow (FIPA) status.
Direct Download Link: IPA_Membership_Application_form.pdf

Before You Start: Eligibility & Document Checklist

Required Documents (Certified Copies)

Before filling the form, gather these documents. All copies must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or a member of a recognised professional body.

Document TypeNotes & Requirements
Academic Awards & TranscriptsCertified true copies of all relevant qualifications.
Membership CertificatesFrom any other professional bodies you belong to.
Paid Subscription EvidenceCurrent invoice/receipt from other professional bodies.
Employer TestimonialsValidating 3+ years of relevant experience (Not required for AIPA).
Client StatementsTwo statements if self-employed (Not required for AIPA).
Comprehensive ResumeDetailing your professional history.
Change of Name EvidenceIf any documents were issued under a different name.
Practice Certificate FormIf applying for a Professional Practice or Bookkeeping Practice Certificate.

Key Eligibility & Declaration Points

The form includes several mandatory declarations. Be prepared to answer Yes/No to the following:

  • Previous membership with IPA.
  • Current registration on the IPA Student Register.
  • Previous qualification assessment by IPA/NIA for immigration.
  • If you have ever ceased membership of any professional body.
  • If you have ever been refused admission to IPA or another body.
  • If you have any criminal convictions.
  • If you have been subject to an unfavourable decision by a regulator or professional body.

⚠️ Important: A “Yes” answer to the last four questions requires a detailed, signed attachment explaining the circumstances.

Section-by-Section Filling Instructions

Section 1: Personal & Declaration Details

  • Previous Membership/Student Status: Provide your previous Member ID or Student Registration number if applicable.
  • QAI Reference: If the IPA/NIA assessed your qualifications for immigration, enter the reference number.
  • Declarations: Answer each question truthfully. Remember, a “Yes” requires a signed attachment.

Section 2: Contact Information

  • Use BLOCK LETTERS as instructed.
  • Provide both Home and Business addresses, phones, and emails.
  • Clearly tick your preferred mailing address (Home/Business) and preferred email.

Section 3: Membership & Personal Details

  • Admission to: Tick the appropriate box for AIPA, MIPA, or FIPA.
  • Name & Gender: Fill in your legal name and preferred name. Your “Full Name” here will appear on your membership certificate.
  • Date of Birth: Use DD/MM/YYYY format.

Section 4: Professional History & Qualifications

This is a critical section for assessing your experience.

  1. Business Experience (Employment History):
    • List your current and previous positions in reverse chronological order.
    • Include Employer Name, Position, and dates (From/To).
    • Tip: If space is insufficient, continue on a signed attachment with the same details.
  2. Tertiary Qualifications:
    • List all relevant degrees/diplomas.
    • Include Qualification Name, Education Institution, and Date Awarded.
    • Ensure these match the certified copies you are attaching.
  3. Membership of Other Professional Bodies:
    • List memberships with other accounting/finance bodies (e.g., ICAI, CPA).
    • Provide the body name, your membership status, and dates.
    • You must attach certified copies of membership certificates and proof of current paid subscription.

Section 5: Application Checklist & Agreement

  • Checklist: Use this as your final review before submission. The IPA will also use it to process your application.
  • Agreement & Signature:
    • Read the declaration carefully. By signing, you agree to abide by the IPA Constitution, By-Laws, and all APESB, AUASB, and AASB standards.
    • Certify that all information is true and correct.
    • Sign and date the form physically. Digital signatures are likely not acceptable unless specified.

Section 6: Payment Details

  • Nomination Fee: A non-refundable AUD $105.00 must be included with all applications.
  • Pro-Rata Membership Fee: Fees are due annually on 1 July. Your first-year fee is calculated based on your application month (see the pro-rata table on the form).
  • Payment Method: You can pay via Cheque/Money Order (payable to ‘Institute of Public Accountants’) or Credit Card (Amex, Mastercard, Visa).
  • Tax Invoice: The form becomes your tax invoice upon payment.

Submission Process: Where & How to Send

Do not submit the form online or via email unless instructed.

  1. Final Check: Ensure every section is complete, all questions are answered, and you have included the signed attachment(s) for any “Yes” declarations.
  2. Compile the Packet: Staple or clip together in this order:
    • Completed and signed application form.
    • Payment details (cheque or completed credit card section).
    • All certified documents in the order listed in the checklist.
  3. Mail to the Official Address: Institute of Public Accountants
    GPO Box 1637
    Melbourne VIC 3001
    Australia 📮 Tip: Use a tracked postal service to ensure delivery.

After Submission: What Happens Next?

  1. Acknowledgement: The IPA will acknowledge receipt of your application. This may take 1-2 weeks.
  2. Assessment Period: The processing time depends on the completeness of your application. The form notes that applications may take “up to two weeks to be assessed… dependent upon whether or not further documentation is required.” In practice, allow 4-6 weeks for a full assessment.
  3. Request for Further Information: If documents are missing or unclear, the IPA admissions team will contact you via your preferred email or phone.
  4. Outcome Notification: You will be formally notified in writing of the outcome of your application.
  5. Welcome Pack: If successful, you will receive a welcome pack, your membership certificate, and details on accessing member benefits.

Important Notes & Tips for Success

  • Certification is Non-Negotiable: Uncertified photocopies will delay or invalidate your application. Use a JP, lawyer, or existing professional body member.
  • Answer All Questions: Leaving a declaration question blank is not an option. Answer “Yes” or “No” for every single one.
  • Honesty is Paramount: Providing false or misleading information is grounds for immediate refusal or future disciplinary action.
  • Pro-Rata Fees: Calculate your fee correctly using the table. Applying earlier in the financial year (July) incurs a higher fee than later (e.g., June).
  • Joint Membership: If applying for Joint MIPA/FIPA, ensure you use the correct fee column from the pro-rata table.
  • Keep Copies: Make complete photocopies or scans of your entire application packet before posting it for your records.

Contact Information for Application Queries

If you have questions while preparing your application, contact the IPA for guidance:

  • For International Applicants/Overseas Enquiries: overseas@publicaccountants.org.au
  • General Membership Inquiries: 1800 625 625 (Freecall within Australia)
  • Postal Address for Applications: GPO Box 1637, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia

⚠️ Warning: This contact information is for application-related queries only. For general customer support, membership renewals, or other services, please visit the official IPA website or refer to their comprehensive contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between AIPA, MIPA, and FIPA membership?
A: These represent different grades of membership (Associate, Member, Fellow) with varying experience and qualification requirements. The form does not detail criteria; you must refer to the IPA website (www.publicaccountants.org.au) or contact them directly to determine which grade you are eligible for before applying.

Q2: Is the nomination fee refundable if my application is rejected?
A: No. The AUD $105.00 nomination fee is non-refundable, as stated on the form, regardless of the application outcome.

Q3: Can I email my scanned application instead of posting it?
A: The form explicitly states “Applications must be sent by post.” You must mail the physical, signed original form with certified hard copies of documents unless you have obtained prior written approval from the IPA for an alternative method.

Q4: I was an IPA student. Do I need to provide all my qualifications again?
A: You must still provide certified copies as part of a complete application. However, indicate your Student Registration number in Section 1, as the IPA may already have some of your details on file.

Q5: How do I calculate my pro-rata membership fee?
A: Find your application month in the table on the last page. The intersection with your membership grade (AIPA/MIPA/FIPA) shows the fee in AUD. Add this to the AUD $105 nomination fee to get your Total due.

Leave a comment