FAE In-Firm CPE: Solving Your Firm or Company’s Training Needs

By Monte Kaplan, Senior Manager, Foundation for Accounting Education

The spotlight is on the accounting profession like few times in its history. The economic slowdown and increased attention on the work of auditors has challenged every CPA firm and company to make sure that its people are performing at the highest level possible. Continuing professional education (CPE) is the best tool to make that happen. It sharpens current skills and provides the basis for important new ones. However, it’s not always easy to get the right CPE, on the right day, at the right place and at the right price.

CPA firms and companies that employ CPAs often struggle to get their people the CPE they need, when they need it. In order to plan for usual classroom schedules, the Foundation for Accounting Education (FAE) or other providers offer classes at a set time and location and advertise the schedule to the general public. The scheduled date and location might be a problem due to conflicts with client meetings, filing dates or other major projects. And, depending on the location, the classes could involve costly travel. When push comes to shove, the CPE usually goes by the wayside. FAE In-Firm CPE is a great opportunity because you schedule your classes at a time that best meets your firm’s or company’s needs.

Since the audience at traditional group study programs is comprised of professionals from a number of CPA firms or companies, the other attendees may be your current or future competitors. This can be a concern because it may limit the questions an attendee might wish to ask the instructor. Also, at times it may not be prudent for your people to tip their cards about services that your firm or company may plan to offer, or to reveal their level of knowledge.

FAE In-Firm CPE allays these concerns because the training is private. It’s provided for your people only. Case examples can be chosen to reflect your industry niche or specialization. Your firm or company can take advantage of the synergy that is gained from having a group of your people training together and inspiring one another. It makes for a much more valuable learning experience.

FAE’s In-Firm CPE program is an excellent and economical solution for your firm or company’s educational needs. CPE can be conducted at your offices, at the Society headquarters, or at a facility of your choice. In-Firm CPE is available, with or without an instructor, for almost every seminar course in the FAE catalog or on the Society’s website at www.nysscpa.org. FAE can serve as your CPE sponsor if your firm or company is not registered with the New York State Department of Education.

For more information about FAE In-Firm CPE, please contact me at (212) 719-8431 or mkaplan@nysscpa.org.