Professional Development for Accounting & Tax Professionals
WebCE Staff
By
September 9, 2021
Successful Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax professionals know investing in their career is important.
The professional world is always changing and is becoming more and more competitive. This makes professional development crucial for CPAs, tax preparers, and Enrolled Agents (EAs) who are ready to grow in their career and outpace the competition.
Professional Development for CPAs
Professional development can give Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) opportunities to learn and enhance their knowledge, which in turn can help further their career.
Examples of Professional Development for CPAs
There are several ways CPAs can invest in their careers through professional development.
The list below consists of only a few.
Accounting conferences. Whether they are in-person or online, conferences are a great way to learn and network. Even if you’re not able to travel, the pandemic has meant that even in-person conferences are often broadcast digitally. Major conferences and events are held by major accountant associations like the AICPA, NASBA, Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), American Accounting Association (AAA), and National Tax Association (NTA).
Keeping up-to-date on accounting firm technology. In the accounting world, software is essential, and it’s always changing. Following new technology developments in the accounting field is important for staying at the top of your field. If your firm begins using new software or other technology, spend time learning it as well as you can.
Continuing professional education (CPE). CPAs are required to complete CPE credits every year in order to maintain your license. Continuing education doesn’t have to be a chore, though. Providers like WebCE offer CPA CPE courses you’ll actually want to take.
Professional Development for Tax Preparers & Enrolled Agents (EAs)
For tax professionals like tax preparers and Enrolled Agents, the most popular form of professional development comes through continuing professional education (CPE). Some people view continuing education as a chore they have to get out of the way every year. Proactive professionals, however, take advantage of their CE to hone their knowledge and abilities.
Other forms of professional development for tax professionals are similar to those for accountants, such as conferences, webinars, and keeping up with tax software.
IRS Annual Filing Season Program
Another excellent form of professional development for tax preparers is the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a professional education program intended for non-credentialed tax preparers. By completing the program, tax preparers can earn a Record of Completion (AFSP-RoC). Tax preparers can present or display their Record of Completion to their clients and in their marketing.
Earning an AFSP-RoC requires 18 hours of continuing education credit from an IRS-approved CE provider. This must include a 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course, which will leave you confident you have the latest tax knowledge every year.
WebCE is an IRS-approved AFSP continuing education provider. We offer a variety of tax CPE courses which satisfy the AFSP course requirements, including the 6-hour AFTR course. WebCE takes the stress and guesswork out of earning your AFSP–Record of Completion with convenient online courses, unlimited exam retakes, and printable certificates.
Conferences for Tax Preparers and Enrolled Agents
There are many national, state, and local events, conferences, and conventions designed to help tax professionals learn and network. For example, the National Association of Tax Preparers (NATP) hosts a number of in-person and online conferences and events.
These include:
The NATP National Conference & Expo is an annual in-person convention with a large selection of lectures and sessions to choose from, each taught by other successful tax professionals.
NATP TaxCon is a new virtual conference that began in 2021. TaxCon is an online convention with a personal experience: attendees can interact with other attendees, speakers, and exhibitors, including a virtual Expo Hall!
Tax Forums & Expo are in-person events held three times a year across the country. These are perfect for tax professionals eager to learn about critical topics from expert instructors.
The National Tax Association (NTA) also hosts an Annual Conference on Taxation. The NTA’s national conference covers a broad range of tax and policy topics, with speakers including industry and government experts.
In addition, the National Association of Enrolled Agents also hosts the annual NAEA Tax Summit. More than 600 tax professionals attend the NAEA National Conference to learn from tax instructors and network with other professionals.
Start Your Accounting & Tax Professional Development
At WebCE, we know education is an important part of professional development. After all, we specialize in it! Fulfilling your certified professional education (CPE) through online courses written by industry experts is a great way to increase your knowledge and get your CPE out of the way.
Whether you are an accountant, Enrolled Agent, or tax preparer, WebCE is here to help you enhance your career. We offer superior online courses designed to help professionals like yourself, and we have a team of world-class live support professionals to help you along the way!