ACS has released its Annual Report for FY2013/14, showing record growth and increased sustainability supported by a number of new initiatives and benchmark successes.

ACS recorded a net surplus, closing out a year of strengthened financial management as explained by National Treasurer Yohan Ramasundara: “During the year we introduced improved financial reporting, enhanced financial controls promoting greater prudence, and successfully rolled out a national Financial Management Information System that provides a clearer view of our consolidated financial position, which in turn has improved our planning and resource management.”

In addition to these improvements, ACS achieved successes in several key areas. During the year, ACS purchased the proprietary rights to MySFIA, a framework which allows an international understanding of what an ICT role actually involves and identifies the skills required. This new product positions ACS as the SFIA advisory authority for Australia, acting as a market differentiator and providing a foundation for the organisation’s professional grades, accreditation and programs.

Throughout the year, ACS continued to develop a robust Digital Library, providing members with access to speakers and expertise they otherwise wouldn’t have access to, including two international speakers. ACS also hosted more than 600 events to support members’ ongoing professional development and a national risk-management roadshow to support start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs. A brand-refresh strategy and milestone events, such as Randi Zuckerberg’s keynote address and a sold-out Youth Festival of ICT, raised the organisation’s profile and strengthened stakeholder engagement.

By year-end, ACS had grown to a record-setting 21,764 members. Certification proved important for members as the 2013 ACS Employment Survey revealed that those holding Certified Professional status earn 11-15% more on average. The number of members pursuing and earning Certified Professional status grew more than 30%.

A recognised assessing authority for skilled migration purposes in ICT occupations, ACS implemented core improvements for a 43% reduction in turnaround time. Another notable success was the release of a white paper on “Common ICT Job Profiles & Indicators of Skills Mobility,” which was visited by more than 13,000 unique web users and quickly downloaded in more than 25 countries. The widespread readership reinforced that ACS is the trusted authority for Australia’s ICT profession.

“Under the leadership of President Brenda Aynsley and a committed body of volunteers, ACS enjoyed a banner year of new initiatives and major successes in FY2013-2014 that directly benefited members and positioned ACS for long-term sustainability,” said Andrew Johnson, CEO.

The full report can be viewed here.