Money makes the world go round, and accountants make sure businesses and individuals pay the correct amount every year. Which makes it more important that a certified public accountant (CPA) knows the latest tax laws and regulations on everything, from businesses to individuals.
One way CPAs manage this is through continuous learning. This is the practice of gaining new skills, knowledge, and technology for professionals, so they can apply them in their field. Sometimes accountants use it to build expertise, but mostly it is to meet the constant development of a professional to the developments in their industry and other global events that affect their field.
Continuing education for CPAs not only means learning new taxation laws, it also means learning to use new technologies and the ethics and impact of these developments to businesses and individuals.
Where Do CPAs Need Continuous Learning?
There are specific areas CPAs need to stay up-to-date, as these are the most affected when social, political, and economic changes occur.
Regulatory Changes
Every country has specific taxation laws, and every year there are small changes in these regulations, due to changing societies and economic policies. Continuing professional education for CPAs allows them to know new tax codes, revise their financial reporting standards, and understand new auditing rules.
New Technology
Everything can be done online and in the digital world, and that includes accounting. There are now systems that allow taxpayers manage their taxes online, and CPAs can also use technology such as data analytics and blockchain to be more efficient.
Knowing the latest technology and knowing how to use them is one way that continuous learning can help professionals. It also gives them the opportunity to practice how to use them properly. So when they deal with real life clients, they know how these technologies can give value to their services.
Value-added Client Services
These days, CPAs not only help with bookkeeping and taxation, but they also offer financial advice and management to their clients. Taking up continuous professional education can give them the in-depth knowledge they need for managing finances, whether it’s a business or an individual.
They can provide this value-added service as part of their accounting skills, so their clients can build up their business and manage their finances in a responsible and productive manner.
Technology is Changing the Industry
Many accountants know that being a CPA is no longer sufficient to give them a long-term career. You have to update your skills, as knowledge and a degree are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the modern accounting profession.
Now there is a demand for technical expertise, business acumen, and soft skills too, which means that being an accountant these days is more than just balancing the books. You need to have an understanding of financial planning, risk management and the latest digital accounting tools.
These tools include the following:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
It’s more than just ChatGPT. AI can help accountants automate repetitive tasks. And what many researchers have found is that AI can minimize errors and give CPAs more time to do more important tasks.
Cloud computing is also another form of AI. It makes it easier for accountants to check on their clients’ financial data. There is cloud-based accounting software that allows CPAs to do this, but they need to have the skill and knowledge to use these software.
Blockchain Technology
CPAs can use this technology for auditing. Since blockchain is decentralized, it could help accountants reconcile accounting and transaction records. It can also help them manage their auditing needs.
Cybersecurity
Another area that CPAs need to improve on is cyber security. Accounting firms need to know how their clients can be compromised, and they have to understand the cybersecurity measures that are open to them. They need to know about encryption, backup systems, client authentication, and data protection.
Continuing Education for CPAs is Vital
Professional online courses (such as the ones available at CPE Inc.) are a valuable tool for CPAs to stay relevant in their field. They offer a flexible and convenient way to update skills and stand out in the job market. These days continuing professional education for CPAs is not just an option, but a necessity.
