Professional Growth Opportunities for Young CPAs

Source: Journal of Accountancy

In this article, Mark Koziel offers ideas on how to help young CPAs sharpen their business development abilities so they are prepared to lead and to contribute meaningfully to firm growth:

1. Deploy young CPAs to local high school math and accounting classes to speak to students about accounting. The young professionals get a chance to practice their public speaking skills and to begin a relationship with the local schools, teachers, and students. CPAs should be responsible for getting the names of a few promising students who have a genuine interest in accounting. Koziel recommends that the CPA and firm stay connected with those students throughout college, providing the firm an inside track on recruiting them before other firms can do so.
2. Send young CPAs to college campuses. They can speak in classrooms or to special groups. They might accompany a more seasoned CPA to special events designed to give students a chance to meet professionals. These opportunities give the young CPAs a chance to speak in public, develop their brief “elevator speech,” and be a part of recruiting efforts.
3. Utilize young CPAs in making local business and client connections. Koziel suggests that young CPAs teach financial concepts, such as saving and planning, at local business gatherings or as a way to draw potential clients. When presenting to more experienced audiences, younger professionals should be accompanied by older CPAs or be prepared to defer challenging questions when necessary.

Other ideas include involving young CPAs in networking groups with their peers and allowing young professionals to play a research or co-presenter role in in-house training. Koziel also offers suggestions for how upper management can help implement these ideas within the firm.

For the complete article, read “Business Development Skill Builders for Young CPAs.”

From Journal of Accountancy, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, May 2011, http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2011/May.