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Sustaining a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant takes more than the ability to punch buttons on a 10-key calculator, enter numbers into accounting software or count beans. Even after years of schooling and being one of the few to conquer the CPA exam, the work – and education never stops.

Similar to other industries like teaching, real estate and insurance, laws, procedures, technology and requirements constantly change. CPAs are required to continually increase their knowledge and qualifications in order to meet licensing requirements and provide the best and most accurate services possible to their clients.

Lutsch Attends Accounting Conference

BWLK principal Rick Lutsch recently attended Engage 2019, an accounting conference in Las Vegas, sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). The conference included more than 350 sessions covering various industry topics, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall. Keynote speakers included top CPAs and business executives from around the country. John Elway, the current general manager of the Denver Broncos, gave an address about “Scoring Big in Business.”

Lutsch earned Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits at the event by updating his knowledge base in the topic areas of accounting and financial reporting, tax and consulting services.

“Training and continuing education are not only mandatory in the accounting profession, but they are extremely important because without them, we cannot provide our clients with the exceptional service they need and deserve,” said Lutsch. “Our clients rely on our expertise and expect us to have the most updated knowledge on tax laws, financial reporting and personal and business accounting.”

Licensing Requirements

CPAs must meet Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements established by the State Board of Accountancy of the states where their CPA licenses are held.

All Byler, Wolfe, Lutsch & Kampfer principals and Laurie Chaffee (a CPA) are members of the Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA) and American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). These organizations provide CPE and reference materials to help ensure that CPAs are equipped to provide the highest level of service. In order to maintain their CPA license, CPAs must earn 120 CPE credits every three years, including a minimum of 20 each year.

These CPE requirements can be completed using online courses, book studies or attending seminars and training conferences that cover a variety of industry topics and laws. This education is considered a way for professionals to keep up to date on the latest information in the accounting industry.