Efficient Strategies To Offer CPE to CPAs

How Can You Deliver CPE To CPAs?

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, it can be difficult to find, train, and retain the best Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to maintain a competitive advantage. You can attract and retain top talent at your firm by offering Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to your employees and staff. 

Providing these programs keeps your CPAs compliant with licensing requirements and fosters an environment of constant learning and professional growth. 

Leveraging internal CPE training for CPAs can enhance your firm's reputation, boost employee satisfaction, and ensure your team remains at the forefront of accounting best practices. With CPE offerings, make your firm a hub for continuous learning and professional development.

Let’s look at how you and your leadership team can become a CPE provider to help CPAs and other professionals looking to stay ahead of the competition and how your company can track CPE credits for your CPAs and other accounting professionals.

How To Become A CPE Provider

Becoming a CPE provider is strategic for accounting firms seeking to nurture their CPAs' professional growth. As a CPE provider, you can help shape future leaders, and providing CPE educational courses shows that you have a solid commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organization. 

It can be difficult to understand the difference between CPE vs. CPD, but it’s important to note that as a CPE provider, you are empowered to design and deliver relevant courses that directly meet your firm's and your CPAs' needs. The journey involves understanding regulatory requirements, curating high-quality educational content, and implementing an efficient delivery system. 

Here are the main steps you need to take to become a CPE provider. 

1. Find an Accredited Body

To become a CPE provider in the United States, your accounting firm must be accredited by an authorized body. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) is the premier accrediting organization known for its National Registry of CPE Sponsors. 

Gaining recognition from NASBA ensures your programs meet the highest educational standards.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is another respected body that recognizes CPE providers. They also offer a CPE accreditation program that is widely recognized across the nation.

It's important to note that specific state boards may have their approval processes and requirements for CPE providers, so local regulations should also be reviewed.

Gaining accreditation from these established bodies enhances your firm's credibility, ensuring the wider accounting community acknowledges and values your CPE programs.

2. Apply For Course Accreditation

Once you are recognized by the appropriate governing bodies, you must apply for course accreditation with your chosen accrediting body as the next step to becoming a CPE provider. 

This process involves submitting your proposed courses for review to bodies like the NASBA or the AICPA.

These institutions rigorously evaluate your courses based on various criteria, such as relevance, currency, depth of content, and instructional design quality. They ensure the course content aligns with industry standards and contributes effectively to the professional development of CPAs.

The accrediting bodies also assess the qualifications of your course instructors, the accuracy of course descriptions, and the methods used for measuring participant learning and providing feedback.

Once your courses pass this rigorous review process and are accredited, you can offer continuing education credits and certifications with confidence, knowing they meet the profession's highest standards.

3. Provide Evidence That Your Course Is Eligible

Comprehensive documentation of the course content, delivery methods, and assessment techniques is required to ensure your course is eligible for accreditation. 

You must align with the accreditation body's requisite competency areas and learning objectives by showing that you will deliver valuable content to CPAs, and show how that content will be delivered. 

For instance, a CPE course for your CPAs may need to include a specific number of video lessons, engaging online/offline activities, and a final examination. These requirements vary by state and may depend on the type of accounting your CPAs engage in, so be sure to check with the governing bodies that oversee your practice. 

Being upfront about these requirements ensures CPAs can plan their learning journey effectively, balancing their CPE goals and professional commitments. Remember, transparency and thoroughness are vital in maintaining the credibility and success of your CPE courses.

What Type Of Courses Can Be Accredited?

CPE courses for CPAs can come in many forms to enhance professional competence. You can deliver courses in various formats, such as live seminars, webinars, self-study courses, or workshops. Accreditation is granted to those courses that meet specific standards, including clear learning objectives, quality content, qualified instructors, and rigorous assessments. 

These courses should contribute to the professional development of a CPA, keeping them up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and skills necessary in the ever-evolving accounting world.

Technical Areas For CPE Courses

Technical skills in the context of CPAs refer to the advanced knowledge and abilities needed to perform tasks specific to accounting. This can include proficiency in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and the use of accounting software. 

CPE courses targeting these skills equip CPAs to perform their professional roles with excellence and precision effectively.

Auditing

CPE courses in auditing refine CPAs' abilities to examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. 

These courses foster skills in risk assessment, internal control testing, and data analytics, empowering CPAs to deliver high-quality audit services.

Accounting

CPE courses in accounting focus on enhancing CPAs' expertise in financial reporting, bookkeeping, and financial analysis. 

They deepen understanding of accounting principles and standards, enabling CPAs to represent an organization's financial position accurately.

Taxation

Taxation-focused CPE courses equip CPAs with the latest tax laws and strategies. 

These courses enhance tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution skills, enabling CPAs to provide practical tax advice and ensure clients meet their tax obligations.

Information Technology

CPE courses in Information Technology equip CPAs with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape of accounting. 

These courses typically cover topics like data analysis, cybersecurity, and the use of advanced accounting software, enabling CPAs to stay updated with the latest IT advancements and their applications in accounting.

Government Accounting

Government Accounting CPE courses provide CPAs with a deep understanding of the public sector's unique financial practices and regulations. 

These courses often explore government budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with public sector laws and regulations, enhancing CPAs' ability to handle accounting tasks in governmental entities.

Non-Technical Areas For CPE Courses

Non-technical skills for CPAs refer to the soft skills that complement their technical expertise. This includes communication, leadership, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and time management. 

CPE courses focusing on these non-technical skills enable CPAs to navigate their roles' interpersonal and organizational aspects, enhancing their overall professional performance.

Personal Development

CPE courses in Personal Development foster CPAs' self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability. These skills enhance personal effectiveness, work-life balance, and the ability to navigate change, which is crucial for long-term career success in accounting.

Behavioral Ethics

CPE courses in Behavioral Ethics aim to strengthen CPAs' ethical decision-making skills. They delve into ethical dilemmas, professional codes of conduct, and corporate governance, equipping CPAs to uphold the integrity and make responsible choices in their professional practice.

Production

CPE courses focusing on Production develop CPAs' project management and operational skills. These courses are designed to improve efficiency, quality of work, and the ability to manage workflows, which is crucial for the smooth operation of any accounting firm.

Communications & Marketing

Communication-based CPE courses enhance CPAs' ability to express and effectively exchange information. These courses cover verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, which are crucial for collaboration, client interactions, and the presentation of complex financial data.

How To Deliver CPE Programs To CPAs

Accounting firms play a critical role in the continuing professional development of CPAs through the provision of CPE programs. 

These programs help CPAs stay updated on the latest trends, regulations, and practices in the accounting field. As accounting rules evolve and new technologies emerge, CPE programs are instrumental in ensuring that CPAs maintain their professional competence and integrity, thereby enhancing the overall quality of services they offer to their clients and the broader financial community. 

The delivery of these programs by accounting firms is an integral part of this process.

Training Workshops

Training workshops are interactive sessions designed to equip managers at accounting firms with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver CPE programs to their CPAs effectively. 

These workshops typically focus on various aspects of CPE delivery, from understanding the learning needs of CPAs to designing engaging content and facilitating interactive discussions. The goal is to enable managers to deliver high-quality, relevant CPE that keeps CPAs abreast of the latest accounting trends and regulations. 

Successful workshops require careful planning, clear communication, active participation, and continuous feedback. By leveraging these elements, accounting firms can ensure their CPE programs meet the evolving needs of their CPAs.

Conferences

Conferences are events where accounting firm managers gather to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices about delivering CPE programs to their CPAs. These events often feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for managers to learn from industry leaders and peers. 

To deliver great workshops at these conferences, focusing on relevant, up-to-date content that aligns with the CPAs' learning needs is crucial. Engaging presentation styles, interactive sessions, and incorporation of real-world case studies can enhance the effectiveness of these workshops. 

Additionally, soliciting feedback can help in continuous improvement, ensuring the CPE delivery remains top-notch.

In-person & Online Courses

In-person and online courses are two primary methods through which managers at accounting firms can learn to effectively deliver CPE programs to their CPAs. In-person courses allow direct, face-to-face interaction, enabling real-time feedback and collaboration. 

Online courses, on the other hand, offer flexibility, allowing managers to learn at their own pace and location. Whether in-person or online, successful courses focus on providing relevant, engaging content that enhances the managers' abilities to impart CPE. 

Utilizing a combination of lectures, interactive exercises, case studies, and assessments can help ensure an effective learning experience. Regular feedback is also critical to continuously refine and improve the delivery of CPE programs.

Webinars

Webinars are live, online events where managers at accounting firms can learn about delivering CPE programs to their CPAs. They combine the benefits of in-person interaction with the convenience and accessibility of online learning. 

Successful webinars for CPE delivery should include engaging, relevant content presented in a clear and concise manner. Interactive features such as live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions can foster engagement and increase the value of the learning experience. 

Moreover, providing supplementary materials for further study and reflection can enhance the effectiveness of the webinar. Regular feedback and follow-ups post-webinar are also crucial for continuous improvement in CPE delivery.

Self-Study

Self-study is a learning method where managers at accounting firms independently acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver CPE programs to their CPAs. This approach provides flexibility, allowing managers to learn at their own pace and convenience. 

To deliver effective self-study materials for CPE, firms should provide comprehensive, up-to-date resources that cater to diverse learning styles. This could include a mix of reading materials, recorded lectures, case studies, and assessments. 

Additionally, providing clear learning objectives, regular progress tracking, and avenues for feedback can enhance the self-study experience. Incorporating these elements can help ensure that self-study contributes to the overall quality of CPE delivery.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities in the context of CPE delivery refer to situations where managers at accounting firms voluntarily take on roles to facilitate CPE programs for their CPAs. This could involve delivering lectures, leading workshops, or mentoring. 

These experiences offer a hands-on approach to learning and teaching, which can greatly enhance the quality of CPE programs. To provide great volunteer opportunities, firms should match the skills and interests of their managers with appropriate roles, provide clear expectations and guidance, and offer supportive feedback and recognition. 

These opportunities not only enhance CPE delivery but also foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the firm.

How To Choose The Best LMS To Deliver CPE Courses

The right LMS is a game-changer for delivering CPE courses that meet the needs of modern CPAs. Consider customization, interactivity, and reporting capabilities in your selection process. 

An empowered CPA is a successful one. Interested in taking the next step? Contact BeaconLive today! 

Let us help you explore our top-notch LMS and ensure your CPAs stay ahead of the curve with their CPE requirements. Don't wait, get in touch with us today!