Blog Post: Make Time for Professional Education

Accounting and financial professionals have a responsibility to maintain skills and knowledge in the areas they practice. This can seem like a never ending journey with constant changes in tax laws, updates to existing standards or an entire shift in accounting principles along with evolving technology. In addition to staying current with technical skills, accountants from all fields need to develop their soft skills. Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills will set you apart from colleagues and other candidates for a new position or promotion. Industry surveys show these skills are increasingly important so make sure your continuing professional education has balance.

For professional with certifications such as CPA, CMA or CFE, continuing professional education (CPE) is a necessity. Most certifications require 30-40 hours of CPE each year. Recent changes from the Arizona Board of Accountancy have increased the CPE requirements for CPAs not practicing public accounting from 60 to 80 hours every two years. In addition, all CPAs must earn 16 hours of live or interactive CPE each renewal period.        

With juggling work, family and everything else we try to accomplish, how can we keep up with the new information? The American Society of Women Accountants makes it easy to earn a mix of CPE through monthly meetings, seminars and conferences. Because ASWA members come from a variety of accounting fields, we try to provide different programs that are interesting and timely. For anyone out of school, learning the new International Financial Reporting Standards will take some time and resources. Local ASWA programs have already offered two sessions on IFRS in the last few months with another session planned for later this year.

As companies continue to cut back on their training budgets, accountants must get the most for their education investments.  ASWA members benefit from reduced rates on ASWA education programs. This August, the Mesa East Valley Chapter is hosting the 3rd Annual Empowering Today's Accountant Seminar, sponsored by Jobing.com, and ASWA members can save $75 off the regular registration rate. Use the resource available to you and stay on the leading edge of your profession.  

Need CPE? Check out our events page for upcoming ASWA meetings and seminars. More details are available at our chapter website www.aswa-mev.org.  

Are you ready to make a commitment to yourself and your career? Then visit www.aswa.org for information on the American Society of Women Accountants and a membership application today.