As the demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply, AICPA® Registered Apprenticeship for Accounting and Finance Associate is a program to cultivate your in-house talent and foster long-term workforce stability.
Apprenticeships provide a viable solution to address talent shortages in the accounting profession by combining practical training with academic learning to equip entry-level professionals with the skills and certifications needed to ensure a stable workforce for the future.
AICPA Registered Apprenticeship for Accounting and Finance Associate launched in 2024, using the well-established Chartered Global Management Accountant® Finance Leadership Program (CGMA FLP). This initiative addresses the growing talent gap by preparing individuals with little or no experience in accounting and finance and offering opportunities to upskill current professionals.
Apprenticeship for Accounting and Finance Associate offers the Certificate in Accounting and Finance that apprentices can earn and then stack with other certifications to enhance employability. When you institute an apprenticeship program at your organization, you’ll cultivate a more sustainable hiring program while enabling apprentices to gain practical skills.
AICPA program prepares entry-level professionals for advanced roles
The AICPA Registered Apprenticeship for Accounting and Finance Associate program delivers significant advantages beyond workforce training.
The apprenticeship program broadens your pool of job candidates by attracting diverse talent, promotes inclusivity within your organization and improves employee retention due to the program’s emphasis on career development and skill advancement.
Apprentices gain on-the-job experience within your organization through a one-year program tailored to equip entry-level workers, including those with only a high school diploma, with the knowledge and essential skills that meet your business needs.
“The apprenticeship [for Accounting and Finance Associate program] integrates the comprehensive learning curriculum of the CGMA Finance Leadership Program with practical on-the-job training and mentorship … benefiting employers and apprentices by aligning training with industry requirements and offering apprentices hands-on education,” said Nancy Marc-Thrasybule, CPA, CGMA, associate technical director, management accounting at AICPA® & CIMA®.
Participants study the foundational level delivered by the business and finance essentials course, building a strong base through coursework in business and finance, financial accounting and management accounting. The apprenticeship program also covers the Operational Level of the CGMA Finance Leadership Program. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be equipped with competencies in digital finance, management accounting and financial reporting.
Apprenticeships build future-ready and adaptable teams
Stackable certificates, such as the Digital Finance Skills, Budget and Cost Analysis Skills, and Financial Reporting Skills certificates, are a series of credentials that build on one another and allow apprentices to increase their knowledge progressively, expanding on the prior skills learned and enhance their value to your organization. The AICPA Registered Apprenticeship for Accounting and Finance Associate program is not just for new recruits but also offers a strategic opportunity for professional development of current employees, helping them advance their careers and deliver more value to the organization.
Investing in an apprenticeship program with certified learning for your employees effectively drives continuous skill development. You’re equipping your workforce with continuing professional education (CPE) in a structured, strategic manner, giving your firm a competitive edge.
“Upon completing the apprenticeship program, apprentices will earn the AICPA Certificate in Accounting and Finance. Additionally, they’ll earn a progressive wage and a set of skills that allow them to add value to any organization,” Marc-Thrasybule explained.
This approach doesn’t just benefit the apprentices — it creates a highly adaptable workforce within your organization. With the Certificate in Accounting and Finance, employees become more versatile, allowing your organization to pivot and respond effectively to evolving business needs.
Real-world application fuels apprentice skill development
Paid, on-the-job experience combined with formal training and mentorship supports long-term stability. Apprentices become more familiar with your company’s processes and culture, leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce, which improves employee retention.
By pairing apprentices with experienced mentors, you facilitate achieving targeted training goals and developing essential skills, effectively bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application. This hands-on approach ensures apprentices gain practical experience, directly translating their training into impactful work.
“Mentorship is essential in apprenticeships, as professionals guide apprentices through challenges, providing unique insights and helping build a professional network,” Marc-Thrasybule said.
Discover more about AICPA apprenticeships, including the Professional Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners.