Accounting Resources for Professionals

Whether you're starting on your accounting journey or a seasoned professional, it's important to stay on top of the latest industry news, events, and regulations. However, new organizations joining the fold and evolving licensing requirements can make it difficult to keep up.

To help you out, we compiled a list of accounting resources to assist you in your day-to-day tasks and long-term professional development. You'll find useful links and information for accounting students and industry veterans on this page. All content has been reviewed by a certified public accountant (CPA) to ensure its accuracy.

Standards and Regulations

While no single national board governs accountants, several organizations manage the professional standards and best practices across different jurisdictions and accounting fields. These groups set guidelines and support consistency and ethical conduct throughout the industry.

Standards Boards

• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy: NASBA supports the nation's 55 State Boards of Accountancy with advocacy, products and services, and professional events. The organization promotes consistency throughout the industry, licensing standards, and continuing education opportunities.
• Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board: FASAB sets the financial accounting standards for federal agencies to ensure efficiency and public transparency. The board provides guidance and training on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), along with news and other resources.
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board: GASB develops and oversees the accounting principles and practices for state, local, and tribal governments. The board researches best practices, provides guidance and training for governments, and hosts live meetings.
• Financial Accounting Standards Board: FASB develops the financial accounting and reporting standards for non-government organizations. The board promotes inclusivity and transparency through its work. Along with making the independent standard-setting process, FASB works closely with regulators and businesses to create effective standards.
• International Financial Reporting Standards: IFRS sets a global standard for financial reporting to help professionals and organizations maintain consistency across international borders. This independent organization helps improve global consistency and comparability of financial statements throughout 140 jurisdictions worldwide.

Regulatory Publications

• FASAB Handbook of Accounting Standards and Other Pronouncements: A current version of the FASAB Handbook is available as a free PDF. Topics covered include federal standards statements, technical bulletins, and interpretations.
• GASB Pronouncements: Statements on concepts, technical bulletins, standards, and interpretations issued by GASB are available as free downloads on their website.
• FASB Accounting Standards Codification: Professionals working with non-government organizations can refer to this database of GAAP, cataloged by the FASB.
• AICPA Statements and Standards: Quickly refer to industry standards governing practice areas such as professional conduct, peer review, and taxes by browsing this web-based reference tool.

Licensure

Similar to standards boards, there is no single licensing or certifying organization for accountants. While the CPA credential is the most common, accounting professionals can pursue several certifications. Each credential has its own application process and requirements, as well as unique licensure renewal and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements.

Certifying Bodies

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: AICPA leads in the development of the Uniform CPA Examination, which is required for CPA licensure. The organization also provides CPAs access to resources, education, and career support, including information on individual state licensing requirements.
• The Institute of Internal Auditors: Accountants can expand their professional horizons with up to six global IIA certifications in areas like risk management assurance, government auditing, and financial services.
• Institute of Management Accountants: IMA issues the certified management accountant (CMA) credential for accountants working in the business sector. The association also creates professional management accounting standards and practices, as well as running educational programs and events for management accountants.
• Chartered Financial Analyst Institute: This organization offers the CFA credential and the three exams that make up the CFA program. The organization also contributes to the accounting field's ethical standards and thought leadership. For members, CFA Institute provides career support, advocacy, and networking events.
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: The ACFE is the largest anti-fraud organization in the world and provides the CFE credential. The organization also hosts a fraud resource library, a fraud professional community, and access to professional training and events. The ACFE contributes to global fraud awareness and prevention through public efforts and advocacy.
• AGA: AGA (formerly the Association of Government Accountants) offers the certified government financial manager (CGFM) credential to help government accountants distinguish themselves in their field. The association also provides guidance, education, and networking opportunities.

Continuing Professional Education

• AICPA & CIMA CPE: AICPA and CIMA offer CPE in various formats, including self-study courses, conferences, and webcasts. Each option has been approved for CPA licensure renewal and clearly communicates the field of study and the number of CPE credits awarded. You can also register for CPExpress to access hundreds of CPE hours.
• IMA CPE: IMA provides access to over 1,200 courses approved by NASBA as CPE for the CMA, CPA, and other accounting credentials. Visitors can find qualifying microlearning courses, webinars, and events. IMA members have access to free CPE credits.
• NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors: While NASBA doesn't offer CPE credits directly, it recognizes CPE providers and programs nationwide. The national registry features a CPE course library for certified professionals, along with program design and registry resources for CPE providers.
• American CPE: American CPE is a NASBA-registered continuing education provider for accounting and tax professionals. The organization offers more than 300 CPE-eligible courses for certified accountants through individual purchases or as part of a subscription service. American CPE has courses in over 10 disciplines and specializations.
• IIA CPE: As a NASBA-registered CPE provider, the IIA offers continuing education courses for its own global certifications and other accounting credentials. The IIA offers on-demand, in-person, and group training courses, along with CPE-eligible conferences and members-only webinars.

Licensure for Accounting Firms

As with standards, certification, and licensing boards, no national system tracks individual accountant licenses and certifications for accounting firms. Most firms rely on their state boards for compliance information, but those that operate in multiple states may refer to the following resources to help manage multi-jurisdiction requirements.

• Accountancy Licensing Library: ALL is a NASBA service that makes licensing information accessible to accounting professionals and firms. The database features details on CPA licensure for each state and jurisdiction, including step-by-step instructions and forms. The service allows firms to track and manage the licensing requirements for members.
• CPAverify: CPAverify is a free CPA lookup tool that provides information and updates on individual CPA licenses and firm registrations. Members of the public can search for CPAs or firms to verify their status before working with them, and firms can use the tool to help manage member licenses.

Networking Resources

Networking allows new accounting professionals to get a foot in the door and stay up to date on evolving industry trends and standards. By joining professional organizations, professionals can attend national and global networking events.

Organizations

• American Accounting Association: Members can attend regional meetings, conferences, and bootcamps multiple times each year. Additionally, AAA membership comes with access to an exclusive job board, publication opportunities, and CPE programs.
• National Society of Accountants: This society is dedicated to professionals who work in auditing, accounting, management services, and estate planning. Members can find CPE opportunities and join the "Find a Professional" directory.
• National Association of Tax Professionals: Tax preparers who join NATB can trade resources and connect via local chapter events or attend the Tax Forums and Expo at a discounted rate.
• Global Body for Professional Accountants: ACCA members can participate in vibrant communities both online and in person. Join and follow along with local and national event listings on ACCA's members-only LinkedIn groups and industry newsletter.
• International Federation of Accountants: Contribute to the global community of accountants by attending IFAC and partner organization events in cities like London, Rome, New York, and Toronto.
• The Professional Association of Small Business Accountants: This professional society is open to enrolled agents and CPAs practicing in the United States. PASBA hosts three conferences each year on marketing, management, and training. Members can also connect through online forums, regional meetings, and mentorship programs.

Events and Conferences

• AICPA & CIMA Engage: Engage has grown into the industry's largest annual event, with thousands of attendees over 25 years. Covering 10 major specializations in the accounting and finance sectors, Engage has something for most professionals. Guests can attend workshops, hear from expert speakers, and network with other attendees.
• IMA Accounting & Finance Conference: IMA has been hosting annual conferences for almost a full century. Join other business, finance, and accounting professionals for a three-day event of presentations by industry leaders, product showcases, and networking meetups.
• Intuit Connect: This event welcomes accountants, technologists, and multi-service accounting firms to network and explore AI-driven solutions. The growth-focused conference features industry-leading speakers, exhibitors, and breakout sessions for connecting and learning. Intuit Connect also awards CPE credits for participants.
• Global Conference on Accounting and Financial Management: For more than 75 years, this conference has brought together accounting and financial management professionals from around the world. The event discusses changing regulations, the latest industry trends, and financial challenges — all with an international focus. GCAFM participants can hear from keynote speakers, network with peers, and learn from technical sessions.
• Digital CPA: Digital CPA has hosted an innovation-focused event for more than a decade, giving attendees access to the industry's latest technologies and thought leadership. CPAs and financial professionals can learn from industry experts and participate in networking sessions.
• Taxposium: This annual event explores the latest in tax and automation, helping taxation firms and professionals stay ahead of the field's regulatory changes and technological advancements. Attendees can attend innovative keynote speaker discussions, join practical breakout sessions, and network throughout the exhibitor hall. The Taxposium event awards up to 19 CPE credits for participants.

Accounting Media

Staying informed about the latest news and industry trends can help accounting professionals remain compliant and grow their careers. The following media sources offer the most up-to-date and reputable information on all things accounting, including best practices, changing standards and regulations, and innovations.

Accounting News

• Journal of Accountancy: AICPA's official publication offers professionals headline news on taxation, practice management, financial reporting, and management accounting.
• Accounting Today: This industry blog covers industry topics like financial planning, tax practice, and auditing. It also highlights the new and noteworthy influencers within the international CPA community.
• CPA Practice Advisor: As a media outlet for public accountants and tax professionals, CPA Practice Advisor offers insights, guidance, and discussions on industry issues. The publication provides apps, podcasts, and webcasts, some of which qualify for CPE credits.
• Accounting Horizons: This quarterly journal published by the American Accounting Association offers thought leadership that connects accounting academics and non-academic professionals. The journal covers many accounting topics, including professional ethics, taxation, sustainability, and corporate governance.
• CPA Journal: The CPA Journal has offered thought leadership for more than 85 years. This publication offers bimonthly print editions and daily online insights. The CPA Journal covers topics like accounting and auditing, technology, and personal financial planning.

Webinars and Podcasts

• IMA Webinars: Inside Talk and Leadership Academy are monthly discussions hosted by IMA on topics like professional development and future industry trends. Attendees can earn one hour of CPE credit by participating in the live versions of the webinars.
• Accounting Best Practices: Podcast host Steve Bragg has penned over 70 books on accounting and has worked with Big Four companies as a consulting manager. His podcast covers GAAP for accounting professionals.
• PwC Webcasts: PwC hosts a quarterly webcast covering industry-wide news and information from the field's leaders. You can also access on-demand CPE webinars on accounting topics like financial reporting, regulations, and transformation.
• Thrivecast: A Podcast for Accountants: Thrivecast is a monthly podcast from CPA Jason Blumer. In this hour-long show, Blumer interviews industry experts to break down the field's latest trends and provide entrepreneurial lessons for emerging professionals.
• Journal of Accountancy Podcast: The Journal of Accountancy posts weekly podcast episodes to discuss relevant industry events and issues. The show welcomes industry experts to educate and inform the audience on changes and developments that could affect and improve their practice.

Accounting.com Resources for Accountants

• Why Choose an Accounting Career?
• Accounting Career Guide
• Basic Accounting Terminology
• Top Accounting Skills for Success
• Resume Guide for Accountants
• Professional Networking in Accounting
• Top Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
• Top Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor's in Accounting
• Top Jobs You Can Get With a Master's Degree in Accounting
• CPA Exam Guide