FollowProfessional Accounting Organizations
- American Association of Finance & Accounting
- Professional Association of Small Business Accountants
- Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
- American Accounting Association
- The Institute of Internal Auditors
Membership in a trade or industry organization benefits working adults and students, and there are at least five great accounting organizations for professionals that workers in the financial industry should consider. Accounting organizations in the United States vary from those that focus on the overall financial industry to those that focus on a smaller segment of the accounting world, such as auditing or management accounting. Future accountants and working accountants will want to explore the benefits available via each association.
1. American Association of Finance & Accounting
The focus of the American Association of Finance & Accounting is to aide fledgling and working accountants in finding employment and to assist in career development. Founded in 1978, the association’s membership includes headhunting groups that work with executive-level accounting firms for training and career development. Accounting exists as one of the most reliable and solid industries for employment with greater-than-average job growth according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but even accountants can benefit from training assistance and building connections with headhunting firms.
2. Professional Association of Small Business Accountants
Accountants who work as CPAs for small and medium businesses will want to consider membership with the Professional Association of Small Business Accountants (PASBA). This organization focuses on helping accountants form their own accounting businesses, which can result in greater income opportunities than working for someone else as part of a large accounting firm. As with other top accounting organizations for professionals, PASBA helps members through networking opportunities, valuable conferences, and the sharing of resources and information.
3. Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants represents an ideal professional organization for students of accounting who are currently seeking a degree, as well as those working toward becoming a CPA. The organization assists with career development for graduates, as well as a wealth of development and learning tools. Professionals seeking career advancement may benefit from the networking opportunities granted through AICPA membership.
4. American Accounting Association
As one of the oldest organizations for accountants working in academia, the American Accounting Association was founded in 1916. The focus of the association is to promote collaboration within teaching and research, which impacts the future of the industry both in academia and beyond. Accounting professionals who wish to guide the next generation of accountants may wish to join the American Accounting Association. Members gain access to the “Journal of International Accounting Research,” as well as the “Journal of Management Accounting Research.”
5. The Institute of Internal Auditors
Accountants working as auditors will want to consider The Institute of Internal Auditors, which is an international association based in Florida. Founded in 1941, this professional accounting organization features 160 chapters around the North American continent and outlying islands, as well as additional chapters around the world. The organization works as an advocate for auditors in the professional realm and also provides professional development resources for auditors seeking career advancement. Around the world, the organization has more than 185,000 members who enjoy access to webinars and national conferences.
Related Resource: Top 10 Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs
Future accountants, students of accounting, and working professionals should consider membership in a professional organization. From associations that target a small segment of the industry to organizations that serve accountants of all types, membership puts accounting professionals in touch with other accounting experts, educational groups, and industry trade groups. Joining any of these five great accounting organizations for professionals can lead to excellent educational development opportunities and career advancement.
