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FAE
to Launch Industry Education Center in Summer 2004 Industry CPAs represent a substantial and steadily growing portion of the New York State Society of CPAs’ membership. However, their continuing education needs are not the same as those of their counterparts in public practice. In recognition of this evolution in the membership base, the Foundation for Accounting Education (FAE) will launch during the summer of 2004 a broad, multi-year initiative to specifically address the education needs of CPAs in industry. Many new courses will be offered, based on the research and recommendations of FAE’s Industry Curriculum Task Force and the Society’s CFO Committee. The ongoing development of the industry continuing professional education (CPE) curriculum will be one of FAE’s permanent focuses. Courses will apply to all industry members, whether they are recent graduates, mid-career professionals or senior management. In this first year of the initiative, many of the new summer 2004 courses will address personal attributes and leadership qualities, as defined in the American Institute of CPAs’ Competency Assessment Tool and identified in the adjoining sidebar. In subsequent years, the curriculum will be expanded further to include courses within the broad business perspective and functional specialty areas. FAE will continually assess its course selections and add courses when it identifies specific skills and abilities that are crucial to members in industry. CPAs in industry are key contributors to the success of their companies. As CFOs, financial managers, controllers or staff accountants, they are the ones who provide critical information on which strategic business decisions are based. They are the backbone of the financial workings of companies and are looked to for their technical expertise and evaluative skills. Achieving success in the business environment does not happen without hard work and continual dedication to the development of one’s skills and abilities. While having a CPA license is a good starting point, CPAs in industry know that they need to possess a wide range of skills and abilities in order to continually deliver value to their employers. Accounting standards, business issues and technology are changing faster than ever. Time waits for no CPA, especially those in industry. Continuing education is essential for CPAs in industry to keep abreast of developments in the marketplace. It enables them to expand their knowledge base and to develop competencies outside of a CPA’s traditional skill set. It’s simply the best way to climb the corporate ladder and to achieve personal and professional goals. In order for FAE to offer courses that are interesting and pertinent to the Society’s members, it needs your feedback. If you have any suggestions for courses or topics, the Foundation would be happy to hear from you. FAE can be responsive to your needs if you let the staff know what you’re thinking. You can reach FAE at 212-719-8383 to register. Contact Monte Kaplan at 212-719-8431 for more information. Sharon Sabba Fierstein, CFO of Eastern Funding LLC, is chair of FAE’s Industry Curriculum Task Force. |
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