While there are a handful accounting magazines and journals that have national recognition, magazines for niche audiences are the perfect way to target information and advertising to those who really will benefit from it. Publications for accountants are available everywhere, from academic to online sources. Depending on the type of industry you want to get, you can choose free publications to suit your needs, or invest in paid subscriptions.

Accounting journals are important to the industry because they provide connections between the individual accountant and the world of accounting news, products, and innovations. No matter the pricing and costs of accounting magazines journals, each type of accountant can benefit from these trade publications. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Individual accountants can stay up to date on the latest products for accounting.

2. Mid-size accounting businesses can acquire contacts through accounting magazines.

3. Large accounting firms will be able to check out the newest innovations for the accounting industry.

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

Choose an accounting journal from an academic source

While accounting magazines and journals that come from academic sources are often the most expensive way to get news about the industry, these publications are the most comprehensive when it comes to finding new practices and strategies in the accounting world.

I recommend: The CPA Journal offers news and information about issues that are of interest to most CPAs. Accounting Horizons is another academic journal from the American Accounting Association that provides in-depth industry innovations.

Acquire CPA journals that provide discounts to organization members

Members of the American Accounting Association (AAA) or American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) are usually in a great position to get deep discounts on accounting trade publications. While most trade magazines and journals are expensive, with a membership to an official accounting organization you can get discounted or free titles.

I recommend: Accounting publications, such as Accounting Today or Accounting Trends & Techniques, can run upwards of $100 a year for a subscription. But if you are a member of an organization like the AICPA, you can get large discounts or free subscriptions.

Find a free accounting magazine

Trade publications are often available with no cost to subscribers who qualify. To qualify for a free subscription, you may either have to provide information that identifies you as a CPA or subscribe to the magazine at your location of business, rather than your personal home address.

I recommend: Accountants World is a daily newsletter the keeps CPAs up to date on the latest accounting and financial news. Best Practices Magazine provides solutions to optimize your accounting practices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pricing and costs of accounting magazines journals will vary depending on the source of the publication. Remember to choose publications that best fit your needs, in terms of the news and information that's most relevant to your business.

Accounting publications are a must have for anyone working in the industry. Accounting magazines provide a number of benefits to CPAs and others in the industry that will save you time and money.

1. An accounting magazine can keep you up-to-date on industry news and changing regulations.
2. You can learn tips and ideas from an accounting journal that will help your business.
3. Accountant journals give you information on services, businesses and software that can make you more efficient and save your business money.

Accounting journals can keep you plugged in to what is happening and give you information that will help your business. Generally, you won’t have to spend a lot on an accounting magazine and you’ll get your money back in spades.

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

Join an accounting professional association

Many professional associations will send their own accounting journal to members. You'll get the benefits of the association as well as the information from the accounting magazine.

I recommend: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants produces several magazines and newsletters. The National Society of Accountants also has a bi-monthly magazine and several newsletters.

Order back issues of articles from accounting magazines

If you find an article title that you think may help your business, order a back issue so you can read it. Staying informed on your industry and different ways of doing things can make a big difference to your business. Most accounting publications will allow you to order a single article or the entire issue for a fee.

I recommend: Order back issues for journals like The Accounting Review and Accounting Horizons. Purchase a subscription to HighBeam Research for back issues of journals like Accounting Historians Journal.

Use electronic versions of CPA journals

Many publications are providing electronic archives. If your professional association has a publication, try looking on their website for information. In addition, most colleges and universities have access to electronic databases.

I recommend: Search through the American Accounting Association’s publications in their online archive. Read articles from the Journal of Accountancy online.

Read both the articles and the advertisements

Although you may be tempted to skip over the ads in accountancy journals, you'll find that most will be targeted towards accountants. You can find deals on software, office equipment and other materials. Skim over the ads occasionally to see what's new.

I recommend: Subscribe to Accountancy Magazine or Accounting Today.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your subscription fee for accountant magazines may be tax deductible. Check the tax rules for more information on whether the journals you subscribe to are deductible.

Accounting publications target news items, innovations, and strategies to help accounting professionals better do their job. There are many accounting journals and accounting magazines that cater to all facets of the industry.

Everyone can benefit from the information in an accounting magazine, from students of accounting to the accounting expert. Making the most of accounting magazines journals will help you find ways to improve your accounting business, whether you are a CPA who works independently or for a large company.

How do you choose the right accounting magazine for you? First, look for accountant journals that cater to your specific needs. Whether it is a local publication, a magazine tailored to working with a specific group of clients, or just a general magazine to keep you in the loop, it is a minimal, if not free, investment. Here are some other things to consider:

1. The type of accounting an accounting publication covers, such as accounting for business, personal accounting, etc.

2. How often the publication is released.

3. Whether the publication offers directories to business contacts.

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

Choose an accounting journal that provides extras

Many accounting magazines and journals, like any other publication, offer additional resources and extra features whether in print or online to their subscribers. Even if you are not a subscriber to the publication, many journals have additional online resources for more information.

I recommend: The Journal of Financial Planning offer its "Between the Issues" publication that provides additional articles to subscribers through email. The Compass is a monthly e-zine provided to those who join the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA).

Buy publications for accountants that provide access to research topics

All news and information starts from the basic research compiled by academics who are experts in the field of accounting. Browsing through some of these publications can give you a great advantage, as you'll stay on top of changes coming down the pipe. And if you need to research past accounting topics, subscriptions to academic journals will often get you free access to archives, either in print or online.

I recommend: The Journal of Accounting Research is a publication that will keep you informed about the latest industry developments. Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory is great for students of accounting, but also useful for experts looking to find new ideas to implement in their practices. Subscriptions to either of these journals gets you archival access.

Go with CPA publications that offer directories for contacting other professionals in the business

Many major accountancy magazines will offer a directory or classifieds section in the back of the publication. This is a great way to get into contact with organizations related to your accounting field, choose an accountant for your own personal finances, or advertise your company to others.

I recommend: The American Accounting Association includes directories and advertising in some of its publications, including The Accounting Review. AGN North America sends out newsletters on a regular basis, and provides article resources online. The organization also includes access to directories with membership.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many accounting publications that are not magazines or journals can also be helpful. Professional papers, white papers, and even email newsletters offer information to keep your accounting business focused and successful.

Like many other businesses, accounting has many trends that those involved in it will want to keep up with. The best way to do this is to read one or several accounting magazines or journals. There are many different titles available on the subject of accounting. These magazines are written for the intended audience of accountants and others involved or interested in the financial world. Before picking up and reading one, readers will want to learn accounting magazines and journals key terms.

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

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is an organization that provides members with resources, information and leadership to help them provide their clients with the best services and professionalism. The AICPA provides many services to its members, such as advocacy, certification and licensing, recruiting and education, and establishing professional standards. The AICPA provides online accounting magazines and journals.

I recommend: The AICPA website provides information on what the organization is all about.

Certified Professional Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) is a state-licensed accountant. An accountant can become a CPA by passing a national exam and meeting state requirements where she practices accounting. Many accounting magazines and journals are written for CPAs.

I recommend: The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a brief definition of a CPA, and the qualifications to become one.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) creates financial accounting standards for the purpose of guiding and educating the public on financial information. The organization improves the usefulness of financial reporting, considers significant deficiency areas in financial reporting and develops standards for financial reporting. Many accounting magazines and journals relate news based on the FASB's standards.

I recommend: FASB.org provides a brief explanation of what the FASB is, and what it provides.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) helps protect investors, maintains the financial market and makes stock trading easier. It maintains a high level enforcement over investors, whether individual or corporate. Many accounting magazines and journals include information approved by the SEC.

I recommend: The U.S. Securities and Exchange website provides an overview of the organization and its mission.

National Society of Accountants (NSA)

The National Society of Accountants (NSA) represent many accountants who provide services such as tax preparation, auditing, financial planning and estate planning. Members are generally individual accountants or partners in accounting firms. The NSA provides its member with accounting magazines and other publications.

I recommend: The National Society of Accountants website provides information on what the NSA is.

American Accounting Association (AAA)

The American Accounting Association (AAA) provides education, practice and research in accounting. The organization is volunteer-based, and is provided for people interested in the education and research of accounting. AAA provides its members online accounting journals and newsletters.

I recommend: The American Accounting Association website provides a brief overview of the organization, and a list of their publications.