The accounting industry is constantly changing — laws update, technology shifts, and regulations and standards are rewritten. Keeping on top of what’s happening in the industry can seem like a full-time job itself.
We’ve listed the best professional organizations, conferences, and accounting resources to help you stay at the top of your field.
(Have a favorite that’s not on the list? Comment below.)
Professional Organizations
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): The AICPA is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession and has a robust library of accounting resources, news, and educational materials.
The Professional Association of Small Business Accountants (PASBA): Represents Certified Public Accountants, Public Accountants, and Enrolled Agents that serve small businesses in the United States by providing accounting services.
National Association of Tax Professionals (NATB): NATP helps tax professionals by providing resources, connections, and education — including online workshops, webinars, and CPE packages.
National Society of Accountants (NSA): Billing itself as “THE association for ‘Main Street’ tax and accounting professionals,” the NSA offers members a Tax Help Desk, resources, and a professional directory.
Association of Accounting and Financial Professionals in Business (IMA): Offering Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification, Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) credentialing, career resources, and networking opportunities.
Professional Conferences
AICPA conferences: Including the National Conference on Banks & Savings Institutions, National Tax Conference, and Women’s Global Leadership Summit.
NATP National Conference: An opportunity for education and networking for NATB members, including a CPE track. The NATP also hosts shorter in-person workshops on topics like 1040s, business tax law, and other topics important to tax preparers.
ACE, IMA’s Annual Conference and Expo: With specialty tracks designed for management accountants, networking opportunities, and a chance to earn CPE credits.
Regulatory Publications
FASAB Handbook of Accounting Standards: Updated annually, the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board is the most up-to-date, authoritative source of generally accepted accounting principles developed for federal entities.
AICPA Statements and Standards: An online library of industry standards governing areas such as professional conduct, peer review, audit and attest, and taxes issued by the AICPA
US SEC Publications for Investors: The Securities and Exchange Commission’s digital library of publications on topics like arbitration, investment companies, trading securities, fraud, and stock.
Industry Trend Websites and Publications
Accounting Today: Register for a free account, and stay up-to-date on the latest technology and regulatory trends affecting the accounting industry.
AICPA publications: The AICPA has several online publications, including the Journal of Accountancy, The Tax Advisor, and Financial Management Magazine. The official AICPA Insights blog is a great place for evergreen accounting tips and insights.
Corporate Accounting: The Economist’s feed for news and opinion on the accounting industry.
Accounting and Accountants: The New York Times’ feed on tax law, accounting trends, and more
Strategic Finance Magazine: IMA’s online magazine is filled with articles on new technology trends, strategy, governance, and ethics.
Did we miss any of your favorite accounting resources? Let us know in the comments.
Images from: William Iven Keren Levand