Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in accounting organizations

CPA associations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. You can begin making the most of accounting organizations by participating in various committees in which you'll have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within and for the accounting industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: Find training and numerous networking opportunities as a member of AGN-North America. The American Accounting Association is one of the more popular industry organizations that attracts a great number of CPAs.

Demonstrate your interest by joining accountant associations

If you want to do business with accounting-related companies in any kind of capacity, you will want to show your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in an association of certified public accountants with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The American Society of Women Accountants is a niche group that has been serving the industry since 1938. More than 6,500 accountants participate in the Association of Chartered Accountants in the United States, providing a slew of networking opportunities.

Keep your company in the loop with publications from accounting associations

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in professional accounting organizations through the myriad publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that affect accounting organizations.

I recommend: You can stay in touch by reading any of the newsletters and publications put out by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Financial Management Association places great emphasis on educational opportunities and provides numerous online publications and resources for members to stay informed of industry news and changes.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a committee in your association of certified public accountants to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your career or who can send additional business your way.

Guide to Accounting Organizations

Accounting organizations offer financial professionals knowledge to grow both personally and professionally

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use accounting organizations to network and develop your personal skills

Accounting organizations range from local groups to international associations. All have one goal: to further the financial industry. They offer members valuable resources and relationships.

I recommend: Use the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) website for a list of CPA organizations you can join. AGN International-North America, Inc. (AGN-NA) is the North American division of AGN International. AGN-NA brings professionals together in a cooperative environment, with the purpose of sharing resources and information to help members grow and meet their goals faster. AGN-NA is open to all non-competing accounting firms. Register online for membership and to participate in training. American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA) operates with the goal of connecting female accountants so they can achieve their professional, personal and economic potential. Members of ASWA range from partners, controllers, financial officers, financial analysts and recent college graduates. Register for the annual conference online.

Pay annual dues to join accountant organizations

Membership dues for accounting associations vary depending on which organization you choose to join.

I recommend: American Accounting Association (AAA) membership includes online access to journals that provide useful industry information to members of associations for accountants. You can choose between print versions of journals for a fee starting around $40 up to around $200. Submit your application online to join. Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is a professional accounting and business fraternity located on campuses throughout the US. BAP encourages interaction between students, faculty and CPA professionals. Click on a region on the BAP website to find the closest chapter.

Benefit from CPA associations professionally and personally

Accountant organizations link you to peers, special interest groups, industry newsletters and journals, placement listings and resources for research, teaching and practice. While you build your profession, you're also increasing your self esteem and confidence as a CPA.

I recommend: Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is a bit different from an association of certified public accountants because it’s an organization for state and local finance officers, both in the US and Canada. Members of the GFOA benefit from an annual conference, publications, training programs and educational programs. Log-in to register for GFOA events. The International Group of Accounting Firms (IGAF) gives you the chance to tap into the resources and technical skills of firms around the world through forums. IGAF is comprised of more than 140 firms, adding contacts to your referral base so you can build new accounts. Use the IGAF website to register for any of the more than 50 meetings, conferences and seminars each year.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider a company membership in lieu of individual membership to accounting organizations so that several employees can benefit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Build lasting relationships in professional accounting organizations

In professional organizations for accountants you will spend quality time with other members in the regular meetings, seminars and conventions put on by the CPA associations. Build on those relationships by working with the planning committees for the events and your company will reap the rewards of greater exposure and positive influence within the associations for accountants as a whole.

I recommend: Help to organize one of the many events and training seminars put on by the Institute of Management Accountants. Join one of the many committees at the National Conference of CPA Practitioners.

Donate time and resources to professional accounting associations

In addition to the industry members of the accountant organizations with whom you'll work, you'll also find opportunities to meet with affiliate members. To gain credibility and favor with all members of the association, you should pay regular membership dues and look for other ways to donate resources whether it's financially through advertising and donations or with your time.

I recommend: Financial professionals from a wide array of industries participate in the PKF North American Network, providing any number of areas in which you can give your support. Network and get involved with the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Participate actively in associations for accountants

Events, trade shows and seminars are regular perks in accountant associations. While most nonprofit associations employ a staff to assist the membership with its various activities, volunteers are an invaluable piece of any association of certified public accountants. In addition to board and committee work, consider providing your professional expertise by teaching at the seminars or offering your services as a speaker during special events.

I recommend: The National Association of Black Accountants is a growing organization that attracts a huge audience at their events. Reach a global audience through the International Federation of Accountants.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to your own participation in professional organizations for accountants, encourage your staff, particularly senior management, to find a group in which they too can get involved.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)

The PCAOB was created in 2002 by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The PCAOB is a private, nonprofit entity used to supervise auditors of non-government or publicly held companies.

I recommend: The PCAOB's website has a more detailed description of the organization's intended purposes.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A CPA is an accountant who has achieved the necessary levels of education, has experience in the industry and passes the CPA examination.

I recommend: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the major organization for CPAs in the United States.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

A CMA is an accountant who has industry experience, the necessary education and has passed an examination. This accreditation is conferred by the Institute of Management Accountants.

I recommend: More details can be found at the Institute of Management Accountants.

Auditor and Certified Internal Auditor

An auditor is an accountant who examines the details of financial accounts and records that others have handled. A Certified Internal Auditor is an auditor who has passed the exam required by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

I recommend: The Institute of Internal Auditors has more information on the certification process.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

A CFP is an accountant who develops and executes financial plans. CFPs are certified after they have completed the necessary education and experience. Ethics training and an exam are also required. Rather than the government doing the regulation, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards attempts to ensure quality standards in the industry.

I recommend: More detail can be found at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

A CGFM is an accountant who has experience and education and passes an examination covering the whole field of government financial management at federal, state and local levels. Candidates must have a minimum of two years experience in government financial functions.

I recommend: The Association of Government Accountants confers the CGFM, and more information on the certification process can be found on its website.