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Boost your career—and your CPD hours—with these courses

These future-ready programs will give you the solid foundations you need to tackle today’s global realities

Man working at homeFulfilling your mandatory CPD hours is a great way to improve your skills and help to boost your career (Getty Images/damircudic)

Every chartered professional accountant is required to undertake a set amount of continuing professional development (CPD) within a regulated timeline. But CPD is more than a professional requirement; it is an opportunity that can provide great rewards.

“CPAs need to continually hone their skills to help the organizations they serve to navigate a shifting landscape,” says Jeanette Hill, CPA, a director of professional development in the member development and support department at CPA Canada. “CPA Canada recognizes this need and makes sure to offer training that will prepare them for current and emerging trends.”

Here are five programs that will keep you up to date while boosting your CPD hours in the process.

AUDIT COMMITTEE CERTIFICATE

Now more than ever, organizations are in need of effective audit committees that are prepared to handle a variety of crises and challenges, from providing independent oversight to helping to prevent fraud. And, with their knowledge of strategy and risk management, CPAs are ideally suited for the role.

With this five-part online program (14 CPD hours), you’ll learn how to harness your skills and experience to help any company thrive—whether you’re currently serving on a committee or looking to join one. You’ll also gain valuable insights on corporate governance structures and what’s needed to become an effective audit committee member.

The online program combines theory and practice, including four on-demand courses and a live virtual workshop.

BLOCKCHAIN FUNDAMENTALS CERTIFICATE

Blockchain and crypto-assets have become an increasingly visible part of the global fintech scene. And, while crypto is currently experiencing a severe downturn, it’s unlikely that the technology is going to disappear anytime soon.

“Blockchain continues to be a tool for innovation in many industries,” says Hill. “For CPAs who want to improve their digital literacy, learning how the technology works can provide that competitive edge when it comes to adding value.”

In this interactive online certificate program (12 CPD hours), you’ll explore the core principles of blockchain and crypto-assets through practical examples, while also learning about key considerations for implementing blockchain technology with your own organization or for your clients.

“Coming out of this course, you’ll have a better understanding of how blockchain works in everyday situations and how to identify blockchain opportunities, benefits, risks and challenges for your organization,” says Hill.

DATA MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATES (FOUNDATIONAL AND ADVANCED)

In a digital-first world, harnessing the power of data is increasingly important. That’s why anyone who wants to equip themselves with the skills they will need for the future — and may already need — will want to check out this program.

Billed as “the most comprehensive data management learning for CPAs and business professionals,” the course includes two certificates: data management foundations (33 CPD hours), where you’ll learn to extract, transform and load data for meaningful insights, and advanced data management (125 CPD hours), where you’ll find out how to add value by working with more advanced data sets and concepts based on complex exercises.

“Both certificates are made up of five in-depth online courses,” says Hill. “And, depending on your current skill level, you can choose to take one or both. The estimated time to complete the foundational certificate is two months whereas for the advanced it is 12 months.”

NOT-FOR-PROFIT CERTIFICATES I AND II

CPAs who choose to work for a not-for-profit (NFP) organization or charity often find it to be a rewarding experience—one filled with opportunities for continual learning. Moreover, the sector has a clear need for financial professionals who understand how these organizations differ from for-profit businesses.

“The not-for-profit sector contributes significantly to the Canadian economy,” says Hill. “And CPAs have significant skills to bring to the table. Whether you are new to the sector or are interested in joining a not-for-profit board, our two-part NFP program can give you the foundational knowledge to understand this sector.”

In the foundational certificate program (40 CPD hours), you’ll cover topics such as financial reporting in the sector, a brief introduction to governance, endowments and other key concepts. In the second part (25 CPD hours), you will learn to manage operational issues that are unique to NFP enterprises.

Each of the two parts can be taken independently depending on skill level.

ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION CERTIFICATES

As organizations start digitizing their operations, many are turning to robotic process automation (RPA) as a way of doing away with repetitive and mundane tasks.

“RPA is now used in a wide variety of industries to automate everything from reconciliations to data monitoring, product pricing comparisons and bill processing,” says Hill. “It can also be useful in practice management.”

In this certificate program (14 CPD hours), which is offered by CPA Canada in association with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), you’ll learn about the benefits of RPA and how the use of software “bots” can enable your business or clients to become more competitive and agile. You will also gain an understanding of the steps and governance needed to implement RPA successfully.

If you want learn about how RPA can be used to automate your organization’s accounts payable and receivable tasks, check out the certificate program (8 CPD hours) specifically devoted to that subject.

MORE OPTIONS FOR UPSKILLING

Check out these resources to stay up to speed on everything from sustainability to entrepreneurship. And view CPA Canada’s full repertoire of conferences, courses and webinars.