AICPA NATIONAL ISSUES

Technological Advances Paying Off for AICPA and Members

In November, the AICPA ran a webcast for members that centered on government auditing. While the material covered was of critical importance, the scope of it did not necessarily warrant a day-long training session. Only a few years ago, the course would have required a longer length, but today it would only require two hours time.

“The two-hour webcast satisfied the need and allowed members to participate in a presentation and ask questions of leading experts in government auditing,” said Michael Ramos, the AICPA’s director of CPE and Training.

As a result, participation was high. It was a key sign of the digital age we’re living in, and more importantly an acknowledgement that AICPA members can and will respond to the technological advances made available to them. It was also further evidence of the value that professionals place on their time – particularly in an economy that is demanding efficiencies.  

In direct response to these changing times, the AICPA has greatly expanded its webcast offerings over the past year and it plans to continue that trend. Virtual conferences are being made widely available to members, and according to Ramos, webcasts like the aforementioned one on government auditing are becoming increasingly popular.

Webcasts, in fact, are the preferred mode for delivering training related to recent developments or emerging issues because they can be developed and made available to members relatively quickly. It is an opportunity, said Ramos, to focus keenly on an issue’s highlights, while providing members with a broad understanding of a particular topic.

“Webcasts also allow us to bring the expertise of standard setters and other leaders in the profession to a wide audience,” said Ramos. “By using webcasts, we are able to make this expertise available to our members in the comfort of their own office or home.”   

Ramos further explained that the AICPA is expanding its offerings of bundled webcasts that allow members to purchase an integrated series of programs over a period of time. The “virtual sessions” would appear to have limitless potential.

“We definitely want to expand our webcast offerings,” said Ramos. “Our members value the convenience and low cost that a webcast provides. They also value receiving information on a timely basis because this allows them to be more responsive and deliver higher value to their clients.”