As a federal accountant, you've likely experienced the frustration of the surprisingly limited options when focusing your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on federal accounting courses. You understand that staying current with the latest regulations, standards, and best practices is crucial, yet the available resources often fall short.
Federal accounting is complex and ever-changing, yet the educational resources available to professionals in this field have yet to keep pace. Federal accountants face a CPE landscape dominated by a handful of legacy providers offering primarily in-person, multi-day courses that often only scratch the surface of the specialized knowledge needed in this field.
This post will explore the pressing need for more flexible, specific, and technical CPE options in federal accounting. We'll discuss the limitations of current offerings, the demand for self-study options, and the critical gap between available CPE and the specialized knowledge required on the job. Finally, we'll look at emerging solutions that aim to bridge this educational gap and enhance the professional development of federal accountants.
Current Limitations in Federal Accounting CPE
Suppose you're a federal accountant looking to focus your CPE requirements on federal accounting courses. In that case, you've likely discovered that your options are severely limited. The current landscape is characterized by:
Few providers offering federal accounting-specific courses
A predominance of in-person, multi-day formats
A focus on introductory overviews rather than specialized topics
This situation creates significant barriers for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in federal accounting. The time and travel requirements of multi-day, in-person courses can be prohibitive for many. The lack of specialized content means that even after investing time and resources, you may not gain the specific knowledge you need for your role.
The Need for Flexible Learning Options
In today's fast-paced professional environment, flexibility is vital. Federal accountants increasingly demand remote, self-study CPE courses that allow them to learn independently and at their own pace. The benefits of on-demand learning are numerous:
Fit learning into busy schedules
Learn during commutes or other downtime
Revisit and review content as needed
Eliminate travel costs and time away from work
By offering more flexible learning options, we can ensure that federal accountants can continuously improve their skills without sacrificing their work-life balance or productivity.
Call for More Technical and Specialized CPE Content
While foundational knowledge is essential, there's a critical need for more technical and specialized CPE content in federal accounting. As professionals advance or take on new roles, they often need in-depth knowledge on specific topics. For example:
How to conduct an OMB A-123 internal controls assessment
Reporting on seized or forfeited property
Proper accounting for federal grants
Data quality of information used in controls (IUC)
Specific financial reporting requirements for federal entities
Currently, much of this specialized knowledge is gained through on-the-job training. While practical experience is invaluable, having structured, expert-led CPE courses on these topics would significantly enhance the professional development of federal accountants and improve the overall quality of federal financial management.
The Gap Between CPE and On-the-Job Training
The reliance on on-the-job training for specialized knowledge creates inefficiencies and inconsistencies across the federal accounting profession. While hands-on experience is crucial, it shouldn't be the only way to gain advanced knowledge.
Targeted CPE can bridge this gap by:
Providing a structured approach to learning specialized topics
Allowing professionals to prepare for new roles or projects proactively
Reducing the learning curve and improving efficiency when taking on new responsibilities
By developing more specialized CPE options, we can complement on-the-job training and create a more robust professional development pathway for federal accountants.
A Solution in Progress
Recognizing this critical need in our field, I'm working on a project to develop a federal-focused CPE program that will be available online and on demand. These courses aim to provide the technical, specialized content federal accountants need in a format that fits into their busy lives.
I'm close to completing my first course, a 30-minute module on U.S Treasury Account Symbols. Before submitting it to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for CPE credit approval, I'm seeking two reviewers to provide feedback and ensure the course meets the needs of federal accounting professionals.
Please reach out (info@personsconsulting.com) if you want to review this course and earn free CPE credit once it's approved. Your input will be invaluable in shaping this and future courses to meet the evolving needs of our profession.
Conclusion
The need for specialized, flexible CPE in federal accounting is clear. Our educational resources must keep pace as our field continues to evolve and become more complex. By developing targeted, technical courses that are accessible and flexible, we can enhance the skills of federal accountants, improve the quality of federal financial management, and ultimately better serve the public interest.
Let's work together to close the gap between our CPE and the CPE we need. The future of our profession depends on it.
Best
Rob
Owner, Persons Consulting LLC
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