Using the AICPA’s Pre-certification competency framework at?look at the specific skills listed under each of the three broad categories; Technical Skills, Broad Business Skills, and

The competencies are arranged under the following three pillars:

Reference guide

Business competencies Broad business environment in which accounting professionals work

Accounting competencies Technical competencies of the profession that add value to business and contribute to a prosperous society

Professional competencies Professional competencies relate to the skills, attitudes and behaviors of accounting professionals

Please see the other side for details about these three pillars

The AICPA Pre-certification Core Competency Framework The Framework was developed by educators and accounting professionals to define a set of skills-based competencies students entering the accounting profession need, regardless of their chosen career path (public/industry/government/not-for-profit), or for the specific accounting services they’ll eventually perform. Due to the rapidly changing accounting profession, the framework focuses on critical skills instead of traditional subject-content areas or accounting services. Although knowledge requirements will change with time, the core set of competencies the framework identifies will have long-term value and will support a variety of career opportunities for future CPAs.

How this guide can help you Faculty Know the relevant topics you can incorporate into your curriculum.

Students Acquire the areas of knowledge through your accounting coursework that will prepare you for the accounting profession.

Employers Gain insight into how we’re preparing the next generation of accounting professionals based on your feedback.

Business competencies Strategic perspective Objectively identify, analyze and evaluate data and information for effective strategic planning, implementation, and management.

Global and industry perspectives Identify the unique global and industry factors, and analyze the related risks and opportunities and their impact on an organization.

Process and research management Identify concepts and techniques for business planning, operations and evaluation processes, as well as resource management, and consider how they are used in an organization.

Governance perspective Understand the legal and regulatory environments affecting an organization and their effects on an organization’s operations, internal controls and enterprise risk management. Recognize an organization’s social and environmental responsibilities.

Customer perspective Identify and respond to the needs of clients and customers, and understand how relevant changes in the environment and marketplace have an impact on the organization.

Accounting competencies Risk assessment, analysis and management Assess, analyze and manage risk using appropriate frameworks, professional judgment and skepticism for effective business management.

Measurement analysis and interpretation Identify and apply appropriate, reliable and verifiable measurements to analyze data for a given purpose and intended use.

Reporting Identify the appropriate content and communicate clearly and objectively to the intended audience the work performed and the results as governed by professional standards, required by law or dictated by the business environment.

Research Identify, access and apply relevant professional frameworks, standards and guidance, as well as other information for analysis and to make informed decisions.

System and process management Identify the appropriate businesses processes and system(s), related frameworks and controls to assist in the design and use of systems for efficient and effective operations.

Technology and tools Identify and utilize relevant technology and tools to analyze data, efficiently and effectively perform assigned tasks as well as support other competencies.

Professional competencies Ethical conduct Behave in a manner bound by ethical principles for the protection of society, including upholding the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.

Professional behavior Practice in a manner that is consistent with the character and high standards set by the AICPA and the accounting profession. Demonstrate a work ethic and respect for diversity, as well as a commitment to continuously acquire new personal and professional skills and knowledge.

Decision-making Objectively identify and critically assess issues and use professional judgment to develop appropriate decision models, identify and analyze the costs and benefits of alternative courses of action and recommend optimal solutions.

Collaboration Work productively with diverse individuals in a variety of roles, with multiple interests in outcome to achieve acceptable and optimal results.

Leadership Know and apply models of leadership to influence, inspire and motivate diverse individuals and groups. Develop attitudes and behaviors that recognize diversity and promote inclusion, and optimize individual and organizational performance.

Communication Actively listen and effectively deliver information in multiple formats tailored to the intended audience.

Project management Plan and manage individual and team work flow through effective utilization of time and other resources to accomplish objectives.

Professors: To learn more about award-winning accounting curricula designed to encourage and expand the knowledge of young accounting students, please visit aicpa.org/CurriculumResource.

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