[1] The IPA represents more than 25,000 voting members working in industry, commerce, government, academia and professional practice.

[5] The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is one of Australia's oldest representative professional bodies, formed in 1923.

With the guidance of an IPA approved mentor, usually a fully qualified accountant from one of the three professional bodies, the MEP provides the framework for members to increase both their practical experience and knowledge in the workplace.

[12] The IPA program comprises two distinct but related awards: the Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting (GCPA) and the Deakin University Master of Business Administration (MBA).

[15][16] The IPA has a mutual recognition agreement in place with The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA).

In 2012, the IPA and the Institute of Financial Accountants in the United Kingdom announced that they signed and exchanged a formal Collaboration Agreement.

[18] In April 2013 the IPA and the SMSF Professionals' Association (SPAA) reached a mutual understanding to work together in areas such as accreditation, advocacy, research and policy development, organisational efficiencies, and education.

In August 2019, the IPA and the Association of Accounting Technicians Sri Lanka (AAT SL) entered into a MOU.

Such recognition entitles each of the three bodies to nominate a representative to the Australian Financial Reporting Council, the Australian Government's peak body responsible for providing oversight of the setting of accounting and auditing standards as well as monitoring the effectiveness of auditor independence requirements in Australia and giving the Government reports and advice on these matters.

The PNA designation was introduced in 2000 as part of a strategy to upgrade the standing of IPA, then NIA, in the Australian market.

Applicants for this class of membership must demonstrate to a professionally qualified accountant that they have the competence to undertake various tasks required by the IPA.

In part this rebrand and repositioning is with a view to increase recognition and awareness as well as strengthen designations both nationally and globally.

[24] Members at the MIPA or FIPA level of the IPA may apply for a Public Practice Certificate after satisfying additional requirements.