What is an accounting association?
An accounting association is an organization of accountants looking to gain and share knowledge in the professional accounting space. These associations provide different forms of accreditation and benefits.
Why should you join an accounting association?
You should join an accounting association so you can keep up to date with the most recent advances in the accounting industry. An association can be a source to stay on top of current accounting events and issues.
The top accounting associations
Below is a list comprising of our favorite accounting associations. We think they are worth looking into. Each accounting association has it’s benefits and quirks. In our analysis of each accounting organization we will briefly state the organizations goal, website, and membership fees if listed.
1. The American Accounting Association
The American Accounting Association (AAA) is known as the thought leaders in accounting. The AAA will connect you with a diverse membership of knowledgeable accountants. AAA members get access to the Digital Library where all AAA publications are searchable and downloadable. The association has been around since 1916. Get membership info here.
2. American Association of Finance and Accounting
The American Association of Finance & Accounting (AAFA) is an alliance of executive search firms specializing in the recruiting and staffing of finance and accounting professionals. Nurturing your career can be difficult. The AAFA shares the most relevant and useful insights on market demands for accountants and gives you access to their expansive network of potential jobs. Membership info can be found here.
3. The Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the internal audit profession’s global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate, and principal educator. The IIA specializes in internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control, information technology audit, education, and security. Click here for membership info.
4. Institute of Management Accountants
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is for accountants and financial professionals in business. The association specializes in management accounting profession. The IMA has over 125,000 members. You can find membership info on this sign-up page.
5. Professional Association of Small Business Accountants
The Professional Association of Small Business Accountants (PASBA) focuses on helping accountants view themselves as CEOs of accounting firms as opposed to just being an accountant. The PASBA serves to help grow your practice and increase profitability and efficiency while maintaining high standards of customer service and satisfaction. Complete membership information is here.
6. Accountant Lawyer Alliance – ALA
The Accountant Lawyer Alliance (ALA) brings accountants and legal professionals together to enhance the service to their business clients. The ALA embraces technology, education, and networking.To learn more about memberships to the ALA accounting association click here.
7. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. With more than 85,000 members, the ACFE is focused on reducing business fraud worldwide and inspiring public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession. Find out how to join here.
8. National Association of Black Accountants
Since 1969, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) has set the standard of excellence for business professionals. The NABA community provides resources to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking with local chapters and regional programs. Find membership info here.
9. National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) ensures that only qualified bookkeepers provide public bookkeeping services. The NACPB helps with bookkeeping education, accreditation, vocation, and professional objectives. For more info on NACPB memberships you can go here.
10. National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
The National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC) has separate specialization programs: Accredited Estate Planner® and Estate Planning Law Specialist. The NAEPC serves professionals are typically within the accounting, insurance, legal, trust services, philanthropic, and financial planning fields with a focus on estate planning. To join the NAEPC, click here.
11. National Association of Enrolled Agents
Enrolled agents know taxes, and the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) knows enrolled agents. It offers networking, educational opportunities, programs, and services. The NAEA also helps unlicensed preparers and CPAs wanting to become enrolled agents. For NAEA memberships you can visit this page.
12. National Society of Accountants
The National Society of Accountants (NSA) is designed to help tax and accounting professionals become more successful. The NSA content for tax and accountant professionals includes webinars, events, and publications. Membership options for NSA can be seen here.
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Find Out More:
- How Bento helps accountants and bookkeepers.