If you run a small business, you always have a list of potential roles to fill in the back of your mind: office administrator, receptionist, salesperson, etc. But what about a certified management accountant (CMA)? Chances are, you’ve either already hired or have considered hiring a bookkeeper or an in-house accountant. However, an accounting professional with a CMA certification can do more than keep your books or prepare your tax return; they can help you save money, uncover data-driven insights, protect your reputation and prepare for the future of your business.   In this post, w ..read more

In today’s data-driven world, accounting, auditing and finance professionals are no longer limited to crunching numbers manually. The rapid evolution of technology has allowed them to expand their skill sets and embrace data analysis. Data analysis skills are crucial for those seeking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment. By honing their data analysis skills, accounting, auditing and finance professionals can perform their tasks more efficiently and deliver valuable insights to their clients or employers.  As the profession adapts to the digital age ..read more

Accounting certifications are vital in today’s competitive job market for finance professionals. By obtaining a top accounting certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise, enhance their credentials and increase their career prospects. Employers value candidates with the best accounting certifications, as these credentials ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Additionally, top accounting certifications are often required for certain positions, making them essential to a finance professional’s career development.  Different types of accounting cer ..read more

Everything evolves, and that includes the CPA Exam. As AICPA discovered in recent years, the exam hadn’t kept pace with the needs of accounting firms. They were hiring fewer accountants and more people skilled in data analytics, IT and cybersecurity.   The discovery prompted AICPA and NASBA to develop the CPA Evolution licensure model, a revision of the CPA Exam to reflect the needs of employers and clients. The AICPA’s new blueprint prepares exam candidates for a restructured exam that recognizes the array of skills in demand in today’s accounting landscape.  Will you be ready ..read more

You’ve decided it’s time. You’re going to take the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Exam and accelerate your career.  It’s a good move. The CIA is the “gold standard” of internal auditing, an essential credential for clients and employers who demand the strictest internal controls to maintain compliance in a dizzying business climate.  The CIA is in demand and highly respected — with the salary and job opportunities to show for it.   Study tips to pass the CIA Exam The CIA Exam is a rigorous test that, once passed, demonstrates your competence and skills. You want to get it ..read more

The one thing that every certified management accountant (CMA) needs is more time. The highly detailed work of accounting — especially financial accounting — imposes time demands that can never be met.  Until now. Technology has already disrupted the landscape for accountants; now, the tremors are seismic. The CMA profession is embracing technology tools that streamline task-oriented work and free time for higher-order strategic thinking.  The impact of technology on the accounting profession is dramatic, and CMAs who incorporate tech into everything from tax workflow automation and ..read more

In a world of increasing financial complexity, CPAs are in high demand. They earn excellent pay and hold exalted status for their ability to keep clients and organizations financially stable. With experience and professional credentials, they build the specialized skills to climb the career ladder into management and even the C-suite. The CPA profession is wide open to anyone with talent and drive. It’s an opportunity to build a career with impact, contributing to economic health and viability. But as with any career, there are hurdles to overcome. What are the challenges of a CPA? Although CP ..read more

Studying for a major certification examination, such as the CPA, CMA or EA Exam, is a huge undertaking. According to the AICPA, test-takers should spend a total of 300 to 400 hours studying for the CPA Exam. Many candidates take any spare moment they can find to hit the books, whether that means waking up earlier, studying through meals, skipping workouts and family time to study, or even pulling all-nighters. It’s no wonder so many CPA candidates are exhausted. However, sometimes that exhaustion goes a step further. Burnout, a condition caused by long-term stress, is a real risk for those stu ..read more

The accounting profession is always in demand. Bull markets, bear markets, recessions and expansions — every economic situation has a need for accountants. Everyone, from businesses and organizations to individuals, must pay their taxes, balance their books and assess potential investments. That’s one of the reasons accounting is a popular career path.   However, this popularity can also mean intense competition for individual jobs. Whether you’re a soon-to-be or recent graduate or an experienced professional looking for a change, you’ll need to get noticed by an accounting recruiter ..read more

The field of data analytics is growing, and future CPAs need to be prepared to make meaningful business decisions from big data. According to Surgent’s Chief Knowledge Officer Liz Kolar, knowing data analytics can keep accountants from having to perform routine transaction processes. Instead, accountants can focus on learning from their data and communicating their findings as important insights. Watch Carolyn Rivera’s interview with Liz Kolar to learn more about why you should be studying data analytics. This article was originally published as “You Should be Studying Data Analytics” on Exam ..read more