Be Accounting Ready

It’s never too early to start getting ready for the future. And a future in accounting is a bright one—because accounting professionals are in high demand, make good money and have lots of opportunity for advancement. Plus, whether it’s basketball, fashion, video games or travel, there are a number of accounting jobs that deal with whatever you’re into.

The AICPA/NAF Recognition Program is designed to prepare you for a career in accounting by giving you the knowledge as well as the technical and soft skills you’ll need to be competitive in the profession. This multi-faceted program is brought to you through a partnership between NAF and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)—the world’s largest member association for the accounting profession. 

Once you’ve completed the five steps of the program and graduated, you’ll receive recognition from the AICPA for your accomplishment—a great résumé and college application booster. 

Here’s what you need to do to get yourself accounting ready: 
 

1. Create your account  

In order to access the program, be sure to mark that you attend a NAF academy during the Start Here, Go Places. registration process.
 

2. Take two online surveys:

• Pre-program survey: Before you dive in, the AICPA would like to know more about what you know—and think—about accounting as a profession. 
• Post-program survey: After you complete the required work, the AICPA would like to find out how likely you’ll be to continue your accounting education.

Both surveys will arrive to you via email. The first, soon after you create your account. The post-program survey will come when you have finished the remaining requirements.

3. Complete (at least) two AICPA-approved NAF courses

You can choose from: 

• Principles of Finance
• Principles of Accounting
• Managerial Accounting

4. Virtually attend and complete online programs

This includes three enrichment webcasts (as designated by the AICPA), designed to help you:

• Understand the soft and technical skills you’ll need to excel
• Learn about the wide variety of career paths within accounting
• See the value in pursuing additional accounting courses
• Prepare for an internship experience
   

5. Successfully complete an internship

Your position must be paid and include at least 120 hours of work. Successful completion will be determined by your final score on the NAF internship assessment.

Also, your position must be in alignment with NAF internship guidelines .

And if you have any questions throughout the AICPA/NAF Recognition Program, please email us at startheregoplaces@aicpa.org .