Invest in Your Success
You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world. - Tom Brokaw
One of the first things members of the CPA Firm Management Association (formerly the Association for Accounting Administration) discussed when forming in 1984 was certification. As many of our members cited, a designation for those managing an accounting firm would lend credibility and provide a path to gain experience and knowledge. It is widely known that firm management requires different skills and experiences than those used in other areas of accounting. The role is unique from firm to firm and constantly changing.
Many firm administrators obviously agree, given the numbers who are enrolling in the Accredited Administrator in Accounting Practice Management (AAAPM) certification program. To date more than 100 individuals have applied for the designation and have brought their more defined experience and additional resources to their careers and firms.
Certification for Firm Administrators enhances the status and acceptance of the position within the industry, and creates a significant professional recognition for those managing accounting firms who achieve the Accredited Administrator in Accounting Practice Management (AAAPM)™ designation.
Certification is defined as a credentialing process by which a profession grants recognition to an individual who meets certain predetermined qualifications specifics by that profession. CPAFMA has created a process to assess and confirm the expertise level of individuals whose goal it is to attain AAAPM™ certification by meeting those standards as set forth by the Association. Certification is intended to elevate the status of the Firm Manager profession within the accounting community.
CPAFMA’s voluntary Accredited Administrator in Accounting Practice Management (AAAPM)™ certification program joins a growing trend within accounting and other professions to recognize and create value for those individuals who have achieved a high level of competency within the Firm Administrator community. Competency and skills are verified by a comprehensive process administered by the CPA Firm Management Association.
CPAFMA has created an Experience Matrix with 12 core competencies that covers all areas of Firm Manager duties and responsibilities (both performance and supervisory). Each applicant completes the Experience Matrix to accurately reflect their experience within the listed competencies and determine their individual level of expertise.
The primary benefit of the certification program is to demonstrate to the employer that the individual has a significant grasp of the duties of the profession and its responsibilities, and to create the opportunity for advancement within the firm, leading to an overall higher level of productivity for the firm and its associates. It also allows the firm to affirm that it is well-managed in its affairs by a certified manager who meets exceptionally high standards within the profession.
The feedback we get from program participants is praise for the practical nature of the Experience Matrix. They are able to take this information and enhance the role of the firm manager within their firm.
The designation is a unique differentiator for those managing accounting firms. Those seeking to build and strengthen their knowledge cannot go wrong with this program.
To assist in providing this opportunity to those managing accounting practices, the association is currently waiving the $50 application fee for AAAPM applicants. AAAPMs receive discounts to National Practice Management Conferences and access to all of the Association's MAPCasts (webinars) without charge. For more information, click here.