Accounting’s widespread adoption of AI is reshaping the industry. The technology is automating repetitive work like data entry and reconciliations, creating more room for high-value tasks that require human judgment.
To thrive in this transformative era, professional development in accounting has perhaps never been more relevant. Staying current is 1 of the most effective ways to stay competitive, be it through technology adoption or ongoing education.
Explore what’s available, and find the opportunities that make the most sense for where you are in your career.
Key Points
- Professional development in accounting often starts with ongoing education. Continuing professional education (CPE) credits, online courses, and advanced certifications are all strong starting points.
- Staying current with technology is essential. In fact, 27% of accountants and bookkeepers say keeping up with accounting technology is “survival critical” for the industry.
- Professional development doesn’t stop with formal education. Building both technical and non-technical skills is key to long-term success.
- Expanding into advisory services is a growing opportunity, with 83% of firms already offering them and more planning to follow.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all path. The right professional development strategy depends on your career stage and goals.
1. Attend Accounting Conferences and Industry Events
Finding time to attend a conference or event can be tricky, to say the least. But the long-term investment is often worth the effort.
The best accounting conferences expose you to emerging trends and keep your skills sharp. They also give you the chance to network with industry leaders and peers. Many events also offer CPE credits. And the good news is that many conferences are now available online.
For those who prefer in-person connection, events like Intuit Connect offer a more immersive experience, bringing together firms to explore new technology and exchange ideas. This year’s event is October 26–28 in Las Vegas.
For a free, lower-commitment option, Intuit Connect ON is a virtual event for accounting professionals covering the latest in technology and innovation.
2. Earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
CPE credits are a cornerstone of professional development in accounting. And for certified public accountants (CPAs), they’re a requirement. They’re how CPAs maintain licensure and stay compliant with industry regulations.
If you’re an American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) member, you must complete 120 hours (or its equivalent) in CPE credits during each 3-year reporting period. You don’t necessarily have to do this through a formal program, though. Certain webinars and networking events may also count.
CPE options can cover a range of topics, including accounting, auditing, statistics, and financial planning.
Keep in mind that CPA licensure requirements vary by state. Check with your state board of accountancy for the specific rules that apply to you.
3. Take Online Accounting and Finance Courses
Online learning platforms give accountants a flexible, self-paced path to professional development. That’s a meaningful advantage for anyone managing a busy practice or client load.
Platforms like Intuit, Coursera, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses, and some are eligible for CPE credits. If you’ve already met your CPE requirements for the year, focus on whatever would best serve your practice.
4. Develop Expertise in Accounting Technology
Accounting technology is evolving quickly. And the professionals who stay current with it have an edge. An Intuit QuickBooks survey found that 27% of accountants and bookkeepers consider keeping up with technology “survival critical” for the industry.
Building familiarity with tools such as cloud-based solutions and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is a practical investment in your development.
5. Explore Emerging Trends in Accounting Innovation
Keeping current on accounting innovation is as crucial to professional development as it is to long-term success. Here are a few trends worth paying attention to:
- Cloud-based software built to scale with your practice
- AI-powered automation of repetitive, time-consuming workflows
- Self-service platforms and portals for clients
- Smart AI assistants or copilots for greater responsivity and efficiency
- Predictive reporting support (like interactive dashboards and business intelligence tools)
- Apps and mobile tools for real-time data entry and recordkeeping
- ERP system integration for growing or larger accounting firms
Staying informed doesn’t always require formal coursework. Webinars, industry research reports, and professional communities are all practical ways to keep pace with where the profession is heading.
6. Pursue Advanced Certifications or Specializations
If you’ve already got a foundation in accounting, the next step in professional development might be an advanced certificate. For many, this starts with becoming a CPA, but other designations worth exploring include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
- Financial Services for Internal Auditors Certificate (FSAC)
- Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP)
Specializing further in an area can also help advance your career. Options include forensic accounting, financial reporting, tax specialization, risk management, and compliance. Just be sure to account for continuing education requirements to maintain your credential.
7. Join Professional Associations and Networking Groups
Becoming a member of a professional association can expose you to other people—and opportunities—in the industry. The right organization could even elevate your accounting career.
Some options to check out:
Many organizations also host conferences and networking events for accountants. Depending on where you’re at in your career, joining could be a great way to boost your professional development and meet people in the industry.
8. Participate in Peer Mastermind Groups
A peer mastermind group brings together a small number of professionals to discuss business challenges and share ideas on a regular basis. Members are often accountants, bookkeepers, or tax preparers.
The value lies in the collaborative dynamic. Members might discuss AI disruption or staffing issues. Or they might focus on the shift into more strategic advisory work. Whatever the focus, they often help one another solve real-world problems.
9. Invest in Executive Coaching or Leadership Training
Accounting professionals at all stages in their careers can benefit from ongoing development and support. That includes everyone from CEOs and controllers to partners.
If you’re prioritizing career development or growing your firm, investing in executive coaching or leadership training can help get you there. The right mentor can help you identify the areas your firm needs to improve. They can also provide real-world input or solutions as you navigate the complexities of the field.
Note that not all coaching or leadership training opportunities provide equal value. Find 1 that speaks to your needs and industry.
10. Strengthen Advisory and Consulting Skills
As AI handles more routine work, accountants have a growing opportunity to expand into advisory and consulting services. And many already are.
An industry survey found that more firms are going this route to differentiate themselves and boost revenue potential. In fact, 83% of firms offer advisory services to clients. Another 20% plan to include them in the future. Growing your accounting firm in this direction is worth looking into as a strategic investment.
Go deeper: Not sure whether to position yourself as an advisor or consultant? Learn the differences.
11. Learn Data Analytics and Financial Analysis Skills
Data literacy, knowing how to make sense of data and communicate what it means, is becoming an essential skill for accountants. Professional development opportunities include formal courses in data analytics or getting hands-on experience with financial analysis tools.
Stronger data skills help accountants work more efficiently and manage complex financial operations with greater confidence. For firms, that can translate to deeper client relationships and more sustainable growth.
12. Publish Thought Leadership or Speak at Events
Speaking at events or conferences can help accountants build authority and connections. It can also be a great way to expand services or recruit more clients. Those who prefer to remain behind the scenes could do this through writing, podcasting, or webinars instead.
Becoming a thought leader doesn’t have to be difficult, though it can take some time. Start by figuring out your goals and audience. From there, choose a platform that best suits you. Focus on providing valuable insight, not just for potential clients but for industry peers.
13. Mentor or Be Mentored
Finding a mentor is a sometimes overlooked form of professional development in accounting. You can do this at virtually any stage of your career. The right mentor can help strengthen your leadership skills or offer perspective on complex decisions.
Stepping into a mentor role can be equally rewarding. Doing this gives you the chance to widen your network while offering (and gaining) fresh perspective. It’s also a great opportunity to develop your communication and leadership skills.
14. Volunteer or Serve on Industry Boards
Serving on an accounting board or volunteering with a professional organization can help you stay connected to the broader profession. It exposes you to industry-relevant accounting topics. And it can help you stay up to date on the latest industry regulations and innovations.
Board service and nonprofit involvement can also expand your professional network and leadership experience. Established organizations like the American Accounting Association are a good place to start.
15. Build a Personal Brand and Online Presence
Platforms like LinkedIn or accounting-focused forums are some accessible places to connect with peers and follow trends.
Posting on these platforms is also a way to show your expertise and position yourself as a thought leader. That might mean answering other people’s questions or contributing your own insight to the conversation. Or it might mean engaging with your audience via your own content (like written or video).
The format isn’t as important as the substance. Focus on 3 things: consistency, quality, and value.
How to Choose the Right Professional Development Path
Not every professional development opportunity in accounting will be the right fit. And that’s OK. Narrow your options by asking:
- Where are you in your career, and where are you hoping to go next?
- What are your current and long-term goals?
- What are your skills, and are they lacking anywhere?
- What are your firm’s objectives (think: sustainable growth or scalability)?
- What does your timeline realistically allow?
Once you have a clearer picture, you can start making more deliberate choices. And if your priorities shift along the way, your development path can shift with them.
Invest in Your Growth as an Accounting Professional
Professional development opportunities are all around you. The key is choosing what matches where you are and where you want to go. Start with something manageable and build from there.
When you’re ready to connect with peers and thought leaders in person, Intuit Connect is an annual conference for multi-service accounting firms focused on new technology and the future of the profession.
For a flexible, year-round option, Intuit Connect ON can supercharge your growth with on-demand content covering the latest in accounting technology and innovation. No travel required.
FAQs
How should accountants prioritize professional development depending on the stage of their career?
Early in your career, focus on building a strong foundation through CPE credits, core accounting skills, and familiarity with accounting technology. Mid-career professionals can prioritize specialization, advanced certifications, and expanding into areas like advisory or consulting. In more advanced roles, development often shifts toward leadership—through mentoring, thought leadership, and strategic growth initiatives within your firm.
How can accountants balance continuing their education with a full workload?
Balancing professional development with a full workload can be challenging, especially during busy season. Using AI-powered automation can help reduce time spent on routine tasks, freeing up time for learning. You can also block dedicated time on your calendar, take advantage of self-paced online courses, or break learning into shorter sessions like webinars or micro-courses. Some firms also support development by offering flexible schedules or covering CPE opportunities, making it easier to stay on track.
Which professional development options deliver the most ROI long term?
Investing in accounting technologies can deliver strong long-term ROI, especially tools like cloud-based accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks), AI-powered automation tools for tasks like data entry and reconciliation, and data analytics platforms that support financial forecasting and reporting. These technologies help reduce manual work and free up time for higher-value services. Expanding into client advisory services can also increase profitability by allowing accountants to offer strategic insights, not just compliance-based work.