4 top ways to rack up your CPD hours
Stay on top of industry trends and sharpen your career skills all from the comfort of your own home (Getty Images/RgStudio)
As the accounting profession evolves, CPAs need to continually hone their skills and keep abreast of emerging trends to stay relevant in the businesses they serve.
“The accounting profession is facing a lot of changes, including some brought on by the pandemic,” says CPA Jeanette Hill, lead principal, member development and support at CPA Canada. "CPA Canada recognizes these disruptors and ensures that the training and events it offers prepare members to face these challenges.”
Here are four ways to boost your career and rack up CPD hours as well.
1) THE ONE CONFERENCE + EXPO 2021
What will the post-pandemic world look like? This will be the central question at The ONE National Conference, which is themed Succeeding in a new reality. As in 2020, the event will be completely virtual.
“The ONE Conference is Canada’s premier event for CPAs,” says Hill. “This year’s four-day event provides even more opportunities to customize your experience with specific days dedicated to technical accounting, tax and technology. With so many options and 90 days to watch anything you missed on-demand, there is truly something for every type of CPA, regardless of their role and industry.”
An added feature for 2021 is the Expo, a new version of the CPA Marketplace, which will offer multiple learning opportunities for members, including tech demos and interactive lessons. “We’re excited to continue to enhance the member experience this year,” says Hill.
The 2021 virtual conference with simultaneous interpretation to French will be held on September 9, 10, 13 and 14. Prices start at $149 per day of your choice (worth six CPD hours). For $699, you get unlimited access to all four days (worth 24 CPD hours). Workshops are paid for separately (worth up to 12 CPD hours).
2) DATA MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
Data continues to impact the way businesses function and is proving to be an important tool for making pivotal decisions for the future. But what is the best way to manage the risks associated with data collection? What tools can be used to analyze data? The certificate program answers these questions and more.
“For most organizations, it’s impossible to avoid navigating substantial amounts of data,” says Hill. “Being able to turn data into insights by building advanced models for your organization is becoming a key part of many accounting roles. In the Data Management Certificate program, you will learn how to harness the power of data and turn it into meaningful information for financial and strategic purposes.”
The certificate curriculum consists of four core courses, including navigating data analytics and data preparation. It earns participants 33 CPD hours and costs $2,995 for members and $3,595 for non-members.
3) PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY CERTIFICATE
Strategy and performance management are must-haves in finance and business and should be part of every CPA’s toolkit.
“The future of the finance function has arrived,” says Hill, “and today’s finance leaders are expected to create value for their organization beyond the numbers. Leaders need a 360-degree view of the business and must excel as business advisers and know how to measure results.”
This two-part certificate program will help current and future leaders develop the knowledge and abilities they need to achieve measurable outcomes, drive high-impact growth and increase profitability. Participants will learn about organizational performance management, strategy mapping, cost management, improving processes and more.
Part I is available on-demand (equivalent to 30 CPD hours; $1,595 for members, $1,755 for non-members) and Part II will be offered virtually from June 17 to 22, 2021 (worth 10 CPD hours; $1,295 for members, $1,425 for non-members).
4) NOT-FOR-PROFIT CERTIFICATE I: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS
Charities and not-for-profit organizations contribute significantly to the Canadian economy. This sector has a need for finance professionals who clearly understand how these organizations differ from for-profit businesses.
The course list is comprehensive and includes governance and oversight, financial statement, fund acccounting, endowments and other key not-for-profit concepts. It is equivalent to 40 CPD hours and costs $1,225.
Interested participants who already have finance experience in the not-for-profit sector can proceed directly to Part II of the program (worth 25 CPD hours; $1,075), which focuses on strategy and risk.
STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Did you know? CPAs are in high demand. Boost your professional development with these free resources, keep up-to-date with industry trends and learn how to carve out your next career move.
Also, check out Foresight: Reimagining the profession, CPA Canada’s strategic initiative to reshape the accounting profession.