Certificate Programs Help CPAs Better Serve Clients

By Ben Mickelson

In a financial world where the pace of progress is matched only by the frequency of change, FAE's Certificate of Educational Achievement (CEA) programs provide the tools financial professionals need to keep them in the race for success.

Presently, FAE offers seven CEA programs, each concentrating on a specific financial field the AICPA's programs in Business Valuation, Advanced Business Valuation, Personal Financial Planning Process, and Tax Planning and Advising for Closely Held Businesses; John M. Surgent & Associates' programs in Estate Planning and Retirement and Investment Planning; and the CEA Program for Controllers from John M. Surgent & Associates and the Professional Development Institute.

Designed to give CPAs an opportunity to take their skills to an advanced level, all CEA Programs cover a specific area of expertise. Enrollees are taken step by step through their chosen field and not only acquire the knowledge they need to survive long term, but also gain practical skills that can be used immediately to advise their client or company.

"Clients expect the very best valuation services I can provide," said Robert S. Cranston, a CPA with his own practice. "The Business Valuation CEA program has helped me do that by providing the advanced training I need and keeping me up-to-date on future trends in the valuation process."

The Business Valuation CEA consists of a series of integrated and educationally demanding courses on all aspects of business valuations. Once completed, participants have the option of taking their expertise even farther with the Advanced Business Valuation CEA Program.

The Personal Financial Planning Process CEA Program enables enrollees to effectively advise their clients on numerous points of personal financial planning. For industry members, the CEA Program for Controllers enables the participant to effectively plan for their company.

The Estate Planning and Retirement and Investment Planning CEA Programs study the economic benefits of solid planning. Finally, the Tax Planning and Advising for Closely Held Businesses CEA Program provides a concentrated look at this practice area, from selecting a business entity to succession planning.

Enrollees should take CEA offerings in their sequence order and most programs require the successful completion of a test at the end of each course. Advanced preparation is required and participants are encouraged to complete their respective programs within three years. Once completed, enrollees receive a certificate of educational achievement, though the real reward is the advanced knowledge to help improve their firms' and companies' success.