Professional development news and resources

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August 19, 2021

Driving DEI change in the states

State CPA society leaders are among those spearheading diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the profession. See what successful steps they and their organizations have taken to enhance the recruitment and advancement of Black CPAs.

August 1, 2021

Award recognizes outstanding performance on CPA Exam

Eighty-nine CPA candidates received the 2020 Elijah Watt Sells Award for outstanding performance on the CPA Exam.

August 1, 2021

How to effectively support working parents during a crisis

Helping employees maintain health and efficiency during a crisis requires flexibility, empathy, and consistent communication. Employers can follow these tips to help employees during a crisis.

July 29, 2021

Lessons in building the accounting pipeline from ENGAGE 2021

Three leaders in the accounting profession share how the profession should think about future-proofing itself and growing its pipeline of candidates.

July 26, 2021

Learning from Black CPA career role models

A century after John W. Cromwell Jr. became the nation’s first Black CPA, Black role models continue to open doors in the profession.

July 26, 2021

Language that makes your LinkedIn profile pop

Career experts discuss five ways to demonstrate your personal brand on LinkedIn and make your profile stand out.

July 15, 2021

At 2021’s midpoint, what’s on the minds of CFOs?

A Deloitte partner with a CFO focus explains why finance chiefs have reason for optimism, what concerns them, and why “we’re entering into a new realm.”

July 12, 2021

5 leadership books accountants should read right now

We asked several CPAs what leadership books they’re reading right now to help them navigate the changing landscape.

July 7, 2021

Content for redesigned CPA Exam takes shape

The AICPA released a survey seeking feedback on the preliminary content proposed for the redesigned CPA Exam, which would be assessed in three sections that will comprise the Core of the Exam, plus material that would assess candidates’ knowledge in one of three Disciplines they choose under the new CPA Evolution licensure model.

June 24, 2021

The return of business travel; an NFL draftee’s view of failure

A finance leader takes a look at business travel’s past and future, and a multisport athlete shares why, at 19, he knew he needed a post-sports career plan.

June 21, 2021

Signs you or a colleague could use mental health support

Amber Setter, a former accountant and an International Coaching Federation–accredited professional certified coach, talks about signs someone may need to consider speaking with a professional about their mental health and what you can do if you notice these signs in someone else.

June 18, 2021

Coming together to advance Black CPAs

Leaders whose organizations focus on promoting the advancement of Black CPAs, both on their own and as a part of the Black CPA Centennial, offer insights on where the profession stands and where it needs to go.

June 15, 2021

AICPA, NASBA launch CPA Evolution Model Curriculum

The AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) have launched the CPA Evolution Model Curriculum (CPAEMC), a recommended blueprint for an accounting program designed to help educators prepare graduates for the changing demands of the CPA profession.

June 14, 2021

Delegation is the key to Sir Richard Branson’s success

Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, speaking at an exclusive online event prior to AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021, gave listeners advice for hiring and managing the right people.

June 14, 2021

6 tips for writing better emails

This article offers tips to make your emails direct and easy to read.

June 8, 2021

Resilient accounting students suffer less burnout

A study of accounting students revealed that more resilient students had stronger mental health and were less likely to experience burnout. Kenneth J. Smith, CPA, one of the study’s authors, observes that resilience is a skill that can be learned.

June 7, 2021

Top soft skills for accounting professionals

This article discusses the four soft skills most prominent for professionals looking to improve their work and their employability.

June 7, 2021

Building a career as a regulator

Regulatory agencies are popular employers for CPAs looking to use their analytical ability and financial know-how to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and auditing, protect consumers and investors, and maintain the fairness of financial markets.

June 3, 2021

Reasons for rising economic optimism; how to ‘be your own agent’

CPA decision-makers are projecting sharp increases in revenue and profit in the coming year. Why? Hear more in this week’s podcast.

June 1, 2021

A leader laser-focused on filling the pipeline

Bill Pirolli, CPA/CFF/PFS, CGMA, is emphasizing the importance of recruiting skilled people to the profession as he embarks on his year as chair of the AICPA board.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

4 ways solo practitioners can stand out

Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.