CPA Australia Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

CPA Australia has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, and regional operations.

Driven by professional development, CPA Australia is dedicated to advancing the accounting profession through comprehensive member services, robust advocacy, and fostering a global network of finance professionals.

Leadership Roles at CPA Australia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Chris Am
  • Chief Financial Officer - George Kapitelli
  • Deputy President - SA Division - Andrew Fiml
  • Deputy President CPA NT Divisional Council - Nipun Weerakkodige
  • Deputy President - Victorian Divisional Council - Sanchi Kariyawasam
  • Divisional President, Council (Malaysia) - Kit Yip
  • President of NZ Divisional Council - Elizabeth Plowman
  • Divisional Deputy President, Cpa Council (Australia, Singapore) - Joshua Ong
  • Divisional President, Councildeputy (Malaysia) - CheeJin Gark
  • Chief Information Officer - Barbara Teasdale
  • Chris Am - Chief Executive Officer

    Chris Am, the Chief Executive Officer at CPA Australia, directs the organization's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Am oversees the delivery of essential member services, including education, training, and technical support, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to advance the accounting profession. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration with local and international bodies to effectively represent the profession's interests to governments and regulators. By driving innovation in member engagement and professional development, Chris Am ensures CPA Australia maintains its position as a leading accounting body. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to guiding the organization's advocacy efforts, amplifying the collective voice of its members on critical industry matters and contributing to the broader economic landscape. Am's strategic direction shapes the company's market impact and its commitment to excellence.

    George Kapitelli - Chief Financial Officer

    George Kapitelli, the Chief Financial Officer at CPA Australia, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Kapitelli oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility across all operations. This executive position involves optimizing financial performance to support member services, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives. By directing the finance department, George Kapitelli ensures compliance with financial regulations and drives strategies for sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer's insights are crucial for informing executive decisions and maintaining the company's strong financial standing. Kapitelli's expertise underpins the organization's ability to invest in its members and expand its influence within the accounting profession.

    Andrew Fiml - Deputy President - SA Division

    Andrew Fiml, the Deputy President - SA Division at CPA Australia, supports the divisional president in leading regional member engagement and advocacy efforts. Fiml contributes to the execution of local strategies that align with CPA Australia's broader mission, focusing on the specific needs of members in South Australia. This role involves assisting in the coordination of educational events, technical support sessions, and networking opportunities tailored for the South Australian region. By collaborating with the divisional council, Andrew Fiml helps to amplify the voice of the profession within South Australia, engaging with local governments and regulatory bodies. The Deputy President's involvement ensures that CPA Australia's services are effectively delivered and relevant to its South Australian membership base, fostering professional growth and community.

    Nipun Weerakkodige - Deputy President CPA NT Divisional Council

    Nipun Weerakkodige, the Deputy President CPA NT Divisional Council at CPA Australia, assists in guiding the strategic direction and operational activities for the Northern Territory division. Weerakkodige supports initiatives aimed at enhancing member value through targeted education, training, and technical resources relevant to the NT market. This position involves working closely with the divisional council to foster a strong professional community and advocate for the accounting profession's interests within the Northern Territory. By contributing to local event planning and member outreach, Nipun Weerakkodige strengthens CPA Australia's presence and impact in the region. The Deputy President's role is integral to ensuring that members in the NT receive comprehensive support and representation, driving professional development and industry recognition.

    Sanchi Kariyawasam - Deputy President - Victorian Divisional Council

    Sanchi Kariyawasam, the Deputy President - Victorian Divisional Council at CPA Australia, collaborates with the divisional president to advance member interests and professional standards within Victoria. Kariyawasam contributes to the strategic implementation of programs designed to support the professional development and technical needs of Victorian members. This role involves actively participating in council meetings and initiatives that enhance the visibility and impact of CPA Australia across the state. By fostering connections among members and stakeholders, Sanchi Kariyawasam strengthens the professional network and advocacy efforts within Victoria. The Deputy President's dedication ensures that CPA Australia effectively serves its Victorian membership, promoting excellence and ethical practice in accounting.

    Kit Yip - Divisional President, Council (Malaysia)

    Kit Yip, the Divisional President, Council (Malaysia) at CPA Australia, leads the organization's strategic initiatives and operational oversight within Malaysia. Yip directs efforts to enhance member value through tailored education, technical support, and networking opportunities relevant to the Malaysian market. This leadership position involves fostering strong relationships with local regulatory bodies, government entities, and industry partners to advance the accounting profession. By championing advocacy efforts, Kit Yip ensures the collective voice of Malaysian members is effectively represented. The Divisional President's commitment drives the growth and engagement of CPA Australia's membership in Malaysia, promoting professional excellence and contributing to the nation's economic development.

    Elizabeth Plowman - President of NZ Divisional Council

    Elizabeth Plowman, the President of NZ Divisional Council at CPA Australia, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the New Zealand division. Plowman oversees the delivery of member services, including professional development programs and technical guidance, ensuring relevance to the New Zealand accounting landscape. This key role involves cultivating strong relationships with New Zealand's regulatory bodies and government agencies to advocate for the profession's interests. By driving initiatives that enhance member engagement and support, Elizabeth Plowman strengthens CPA Australia's presence and impact across New Zealand. The President's leadership ensures that the organization effectively serves its members, promoting ethical standards and professional growth within the country.
    Elizabeth Plowman

    Joshua Ong - Divisional Deputy President, Cpa Council (Australia, Singapore)

    Joshua Ong, the Divisional Deputy President, Cpa Council (Australia, Singapore) at CPA Australia, supports the divisional president in advancing strategic objectives across Australia and Singapore. Ong contributes to the implementation of programs designed to enhance member value, focusing on professional development and technical expertise relevant to both markets. This role involves fostering collaboration among members and stakeholders to strengthen the accounting profession's influence in the region. By actively participating in council activities, Joshua Ong helps to ensure that CPA Australia effectively addresses the unique needs of its members in Australia and Singapore. The Divisional Deputy President's efforts are crucial for driving engagement and promoting excellence in accounting practices across these key territories.

    CheeJin Gark - Divisional President, Councildeputy (Malaysia)

    CheeJin Gark, the Divisional President, Councildeputy (Malaysia) at CPA Australia, collaborates with the divisional president to execute strategic priorities within Malaysia. Gark supports initiatives aimed at delivering enhanced value to members through specialized training, technical resources, and networking opportunities tailored for the Malaysian context. This position involves actively engaging with local industry leaders and regulatory bodies to champion the accounting profession. By contributing to the development and implementation of divisional plans, CheeJin Gark strengthens CPA Australia's operational capacity and member support in Malaysia. The Divisional Deputy President's role is vital in ensuring the organization effectively serves its Malaysian membership and promotes high standards of professional practice.

    Barbara Teasdale - Chief Information Officer

    Barbara Teasdale, the Chief Information Officer at CPA Australia, architects the organization's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Teasdale manages the development and implementation of IT systems that support member education, training, and technical assistance, ensuring seamless delivery of services. This critical role involves safeguarding member data and enhancing the digital experience through innovative technological solutions. By overseeing the IT department, Barbara Teasdale ensures robust cybersecurity measures and drives digital transformation initiatives that support CPA Australia's global operations. The Chief Information Officer's focus on technological advancement directly contributes to the efficiency and reach of the company's professional development programs. Teasdale's leadership ensures that technology serves as a powerful enabler for the accounting profession.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CPA Australia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CPA Australia?
    CPA Australia is led by Chris Am (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as George Kapitelli (Chief Financial Officer) and Andrew Fiml (Deputy President - SA Division).
    Who is part of CPA Australia’s executive team?
    The executive team of CPA Australia includes leaders such as Chris Am (Chief Executive Officer), George Kapitelli (Chief Financial Officer), Andrew Fiml (Deputy President - SA Division) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CPA Australia have?
    CPA Australia has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CPA Australia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CPA Australia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy President - SA Division, Deputy President CPA NT Divisional Council, Deputy President - Victorian Divisional Council.