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Although the last year has spurred hardships for those in the accounting profession, the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic has presented a promising opportunity for future generations of accountants-a chance to become enriched in accounting programs that enhance the skills and competencies most needed by future finance leaders.
New and seasoned professionals alike are seeing a positive outlook for the accounting and finance profession, as they seize the opportunity to strengthen their strategic skills and become a valued business partner during a time of crisis and change. Accounting programs-including graduate education, professional certification, and continuing professional education (CPE)-can help professionals evolve in their careers and satisfy a thirst for lifelong learning.
Growing Demand for Professional Development in the Pandemic
The pandemic forced both students and working professionals to pivot to remote methods of learning and working. Though college courses continued in an online format and organizations shifted to at-home work, some people found themselves with time that they did not have before. Professional development and upskilling-items typically put on the back burner-were brought into prime focus as accountants sought to sharpen their skills or increase their job prospects.
Interest in accounting certification programs is on the rise, as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) reported 17% year-over-year global growth of the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program. Its annual report also highlighted the long-term growth of the profession, with a 10-year compound annual growth rate in CMA candidates of 14%. Though 2020 was a tumultuous year for most, accounting and finance professionals continued to affirm their dedication to continued growth.
This trend isn't just among individuals, either. A recent survey on re-skilling and upskilling conducted by TalentLMS (in conjunction with Workable and Training Journal) found that after the coronavirus outbreak, not only did 42% of individuals pursue training, but the same percentage of companies plan to do so (https://bit.ly/2WbA8YV). The pursuit of continuous education has become a core component of working in the field, especially as expectations change.
Flexibility Is the Future
With a shift to online programs and self-paced certification comes greater flexibility, especially for those with accessibility challenges. When in-person engagements became unsafe, virtual learning and working became the "new normal";...