AICPA Adds Second Not-for-Profit Certification

The American Institute of CPAs has introduced Not-for-Profit (NFP) Certificate II, offering a second level of certification for CPAs who service or work for nonprofit organizations.

The new certificate challenges experienced NFP professionals and those who serve NFPs to elevate their level of service in this important practice area. The AICPA launched its original NFP Certificate Program last April, offering a 40-hour on-demand experience covering the essentials of not-for-profit financial responsibility for those who work for, or with, the nation’s 1.5 million not-for-profit entities (see AICPA survey says four in five Americans in favor of finance training for not-for-profit staff).

The new intermediate/advanced program allows individuals to dive head first into more complex accounting and financial reporting, tax compliance, governance and assurance matters in a variety of NFP settings.

“The AICPA is committed to supporting the Not-for-Profit community,” said AICPA vice president of member learning and competency Clar Rosso in a statement. “One of the ways we do this best is by ensuring that the professionals who support this industry are not only current on laws and regulations governing NFPs, but are able to use them in complex situations.”

The NFP Certificate II  requires approximately 28 hours of video-based, interactive learning that is available on-demand. The program focuses on helping professionals apply proven best practices in specific circumstances, using case studies, examples and interpretations.

“After completing this course of study, participants will be able to prepare a complete set of NFP financial statements, an IRS form 990 for an NFP, a risk assessment, a budget and a strategic plan, among other topics,” said Chris Cole, senior technical manager of the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Section.