When Alex Malley became chief executive of CPA Australia eight years ago, he had ambitions beyond most professional-association administrators. Instead of being associated with suburban accountants servicing small businesses and individuals' tax returns, Malley wanted CPAs to be regarded as dynamic business leaders – the same way he saw himself.

In a conservative profession, Malley is a remarkable figure. The child of Maltese-Greek parents, he grew up a charismatic but difficult man.