Move Forward from 2020

January 8, 2021 -

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] Learning leaders in the accounting profession did a remarkable job responding to the unprecedented challenges cause by the pandemic.  Learning teams had to pivot quickly to an…

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The Future of Audit

September 26, 2020 -

Pre-pandemic, the auditing profession had invested significant resources over many years to redefine the profession.  COVID-19 took the “future of audit” off the front pages, and it may have dulled the momentum at most firms.  But the underlying trends driving the imperative to re-imagine auditing…

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Upskilling for Digital Transformation:  Managing Resource Constraints

August 19, 2020 -

Organizations committed to growth through innovation understand the need to address their professionals’ emerging skills gaps. The first two articles in this series describe an approach to reskilling professionals for digital transformation that will require many organizations to re-examine their current training strategy.  Finding the…

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The Challenge of Training for Digital Transformation

August 19, 2020 -

Digital transformation is a long-term strategic initiative. Skill building requires practice. It requires an experiential approach that not only rewards success but also allows the learner to fail, receive coaching, and practice to get better. Developing the skills needed for digital transformation is no different….

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Upskilling for Digital Transformation: Part 1

August 19, 2020 -

Accounting firms see digital transformation on the horizon and realize they must navigate a significant skills gap. The competencies for which their professionals are most proficient are not the same as those needed to leverage emerging technologies to transform their value proposition. Closing this skills…

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Nature or Nurture—Can Critical Thinking Skills Be Taught?

August 19, 2020 -

Reporting from the Digital CPA Conference, Accounting Web took away the following from a panel discussion on recruiting. Panelists agreed that CPA skills over next 3-5 years would need to be consultative, analytical and data-driven. We couldn’t agree more. At this point we’re all preaching…

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Future of Finance:  Tips for Skills Training

August 19, 2020 -

Technical training is fairly well-defined, and learning outcomes fall within a fairly narrow range even with a broad directive like, “Train on the new standard.” Skills training is different. There is no generally accepted standard for problem-solving or data analysis.  When considering the development of…

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The Future of Finance Essential Skills

August 19, 2020 -

There is wide agreement that finance and CPA firm professionals need to augment their existing skill sets to prepare for future technological upgrades. New technology is altering how finance, accounting, and auditing professions proceed, so how should professionals prepare for what’s coming?

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Essential Skills for the Post-Pandemic Reset

August 19, 2020 -

For over a year we’ve been building curriculums and courses around “upskilling” for the audit and finance teams of the future.  We were actually getting ready to launch our own live seminar training programs on data analytics and advisory skills this summer.  Then the pandemic…

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Distance Learning – FAQ

August 19, 2020 -

We’ve gotten a good response to our article “Training in the Age of COVID-19 The Distance Learning Option.”  Thanks to all of you who submitted questions.  Here are our responses. We agree with the need to set goals for our distance learning and definitely do…

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Distance Learning Design, Part 2

August 19, 2020 -

Once you have clarified your goals and assessed what you need in order to pursue the correct distance learning model, it’s time to get down to brass tacks and choose what you’re going to teach and discover what needs to be included to manage training…

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Distance Learning Design, Part 1

August 19, 2020 -

For the past few years, MRA Learning has created customized distance learning events for a variety of businesses and accounting firms. Based on our experiences, here are some recommendations for the firms that are exploring high-quality distance learning options for previously scheduled in-person training. 

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Covid Makes Distance Learning a Must

August 19, 2020 -

With the training season for accounting firms just a couple of months away, now is the time to develop contingency plans for distance learning should live seminar training classes be cancelled – a very real possibility as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United…

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Data Analytics – Internal Control Discovery

August 19, 2020 -

We created a data fluency program for staff auditors at a large regional accounting firm. Included in that program was a lengthy discussion of data quality, including the importance of internal controls. We provided all participants with techniques and practice aids to help them identify…

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