TechTalk by Harsh Jadhav , CPA
Adapt & Thrive
Grow Your Career by Earning an IT Credential
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Among the upcoming sweeping changes to the CPA Exam , to be implemented in 2024 , is one focused on ensuring CPA candidates understand how clients adopt technology in their business models ( i . e ., business analytics , SAAS , ERP ). Another change is preparing new CPAs to efficiently service clients using technologybased tools to assess risk , perform testing and perform data analysis .
Universities are revamping curriculums to teach students about these cutting-edge software applications ( i . e ., Tableau , RPA , Power B . I .), as many accounting firms and businesses expect students to be familiar with these tools upon graduation .
Vlad Genin , a professor of management and engineering and former plenipotentiary representative of the Higher Education Academy of Sciences at the United Nations , agrees with the AICPA ’ s approach . He thinks all modern CPAs must understand the newest tools acquired from the university / college educational programs . He also believes the new generation of accounting students must be educated in cloud computing , machine learning , artificial intelligence ( AI ) and augmented reality ( AR ) to give them a comprehensive view of the client ’ s deliverables , along with visualization and interpretation of data in real-time .
Whether you are a tech-savvy new or experienced CPA , investing in formal education to pursue an IT credential could open doors to new career opportunities and reaffirm your expertise with your clients . Doug Barbin , national managing principal and chief growth officer for
Schellman ( a specialty CPA firm that offers compliance assessments in SOC , ISO 27001 and HITRUST ), says , “ In a professional services business , IT audit and security credentials provide credibility and baseline knowledge to your clients . Internally , a certification like a CISSP or CISA shows dedication to your craft among your peers . This is why we incentivize professionals to gain as many as they can and require at least two certifications for a promotion to manager .”
SynerComm Inc .’ s Senior Information Assurance Consultant Jeff Lemmermann started his career with a public accounting firm as a financial auditor , but was tasked with installing a client-server network for his office and identifying and training other CPAs in the firm who could assess IT controls in financial audits . His credentials as CPA , CITP , CISA and CEH built his credibility with the partners and allowed his firm to position him as the technical expert within the firm and to their clients .
In fairness , not all employers view IT credentials as a must-have . Russ Walsh , a Silicon Valley cybersecurity compliance leader for Auto-Grid , feels that “ for roles in technology risk and compliance , it ’ s certainly important to have an appropriate educational background and base of knowledge , but having solid work experience and outstanding references are most important . Too many IT certifications , combined with a job history of many short stints , can indicate someone solid in theory , but who might struggle to be effective at delivering the results their employers need .” Understanding that earning an IT credential requires an investment in time , selecting the right one to pursue is important . There are three certifications I recommend you start your search with and review the domain of knowledge that is covered , as well as the exam rigor and experience requirements that may be required .
ISACA offers several IT designations , depending on the type of services you perform and the audience you plan to serve . The Certified Information Systems Auditor ( CISA ) is the most popular , covering topics like data governance , business continuity , backup / recovery and data encryption . Other credentials offered by ISACA include CRISC , CGEIT , CDPSE and CISM .
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional ( CISSP ) is another popular IT designation , and is offered through the ( ISC ) 2 organization . One thing to note is that in addition to passing the CISSP exam , there ’ s a five-year experience requirement to qualify for this credential .
The Certified Information Technology Professional ( CITP ) credential , offered by the AICPA , is only available to CPAs , offering exclusivity to those who earn it . The CITP body of knowledge includes information security , cyber risks , business intelligence , business analytics , IT governance , risks and internal controls .
CITP candidates must be an AICPA member in good standing , have a valid state CPA license and a minimum of 1,000 hours of experience in the CITP body of knowledge . To help candidates prepare for the four-hour exam , which is offered yearround , the AICPA offers a self-study CITP Exam Review Course and complimentary access to a CITP Exam Study Group .
Kevin Martin , director of TCW2a , LLC and founder of Martin & Associates , says , “ The CPA and CITP gave me the confidence and credibility to talk with accountants and then focus on the technology implementations that my firm does . In addition , the ability to work with CPA firms was greatly enhanced if referrals were in the mix .”
Understanding that a technology credential isn ’ t for everyone if you are a partner or leader in your organization , I highly encourage you to provide opportunities for your staff to earn IT certifications . The investment in staff education pays dividends in many ways , including improved staff retention , better efficiency , data security and of course , higher client satisfaction .
Harsh Jadhav , CPA is the chief audit executive at ACERA . You can reach him at hjadhav @ acera . org . www . calcpa . org MARCH / APRIL 2023 CALIFORNIA CPA 17