Introduction
Professional knowledge and skills are essential aspects in every individual as they enhance success in the activities and processes undertaken. This is because the knowledge and abilities enhance capability, efficiency as well as effectiveness. There is a risk of the knowledge and abilities being non useful if they are not developed through application and hence the need to have various professional bodies and associations to nurture them (Nour, 2008).
This piece of work looks at how the development of professional knowledge and abilities lead to career success. I have a lot of interest in the field of accountancy and hence have decided to take the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as the professional association of study in this paper. I have some understanding on the association since I have attended various conferences through which I have gathered considerable information.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is an international professional organization meant for all certified public accountants (CPA). AICPA is a very essential professional institute that has in a great way helped in the development of professional knowledge in the field of accountancy.
This has been through the provision of services aimed at developing the accounting knowledge and abilities to ensure that all professionals in this field are well equipped to allow them to carry out their activities diligently and result to overall success in their career.
Accounting is a relatively complex field that touches of financial related aspects that require adequate development of professional knowledge and abilities to be successful. It involves the recording, classification, analyzing and interpretation of transactions. It is therefore a very critical element in any business organization that aims to succeed.
Some of the services offered by the AICPA to its members to facilitate professional knowledge development include participation in various activities of the organization in an effort to allow them to be conversant with what goes on in the field of accountancy, provision of career news that help in improving their career through utilization of emerging information, provision of leadership skills among others (Baker, 2011).
The development of professional knowledge and abilities made possible by the AICPA allows those in the field to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a professional manner hence attaining success through ensuring satisfaction of all the people served.
The association has also helped in placing accountancy as a very important field in the business world and those with the skills usually secure job opportunities very easily as their services are highly appreciated. AICPA has proved to be very essential in shaping people’s perceptions towards their career and they tend to appreciate it thus carry out their duties effectively.
The professional knowledge and abilities gained from membership in AICPA cannot be underemphasized as it plays a great role in enhancing one’s career. It for example acts as an identification of a professionally qualified individual which is depicted by an individual’s professional behavior, expertise as well as general performance.
The ability to network which is facilitated by the association is also an advantage accrued to the members as they are able to learn a lot from the people with whom they have a common interest and thus keep their career growing day by day (Williams, 2010).
Conclusion
It is evident that the aspect of developing professional knowledge and abilities is very crucial in achieving success in any given career. Career success is achieved through a combination of various aspects for instance professional skills and knowledge as well as being goal oriented.
This allows individuals to be able to balance their personal life and work life and thus achieve success in their careers. Professional associations such as the AICPA are therefore crucial as they promote development of professional knowledge and overall career success through provision of guidance and services relevant to specific professional fields.
Reference List
Baker, L. (2011). About the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Web.
Nour, D. (2008).Relationship Economics: Transform Your Most Valuable Business Contacts into Personal and Professional Success. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons.
Williams, T. (2010). Positioning For Professionals: How Professional Knowledge Firms Can Differentiate Their Way To Success. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons.