NSA Resources for Aspiring and New Accounting Professionals
The NSA has resources for students who are currently in an accredited accounting program at their college, and those who have recently become tax professionals.
We believe in the future of people studying to enter our field, and the NSA Scholarship Foundation exists to help them. The foundation assists dedicated students who are committed to a career in accounting by providing financial assistance to support their education. In 2017, the foundation awarded over $37,950 to 30 deserving students.
It has become even more apparent that becoming a member of an industry organization is beneficial. Professionals need to know that their concerns are important and that they have the support of an association that magnifies their voice on a national level. Member benefits of all kinds are available, whether they’re discounts on products and reference materials, or access to a vibrant and active community. That is why the NSA created the NSA Mentor Community, which puts young professionals and those new to the industry together with members who are willing to share experience gained from years in the profession. New accountants and tax practitioners can ask questions, request advice, get feedback and benefit from the accumulated experience of NSAs seasoned practitioners.
Assisting the next generation of tax professionals enriches our industry as a whole, and xperienced accountants and tax practitioners are encouraged to volunteer in the community as mentors.
To join the community either for mentoring advice or as a mentor, go to www.nsacct.org/mentors and click “Join Community” on the top right corner.
Ask the Mentor Community: Post a Message*
New accountants and tax pros should also be made aware of the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation’s credentials, which will distinguish them from their peers and open doors for practice and career development. In particular, the Accredited Tax Preparers (ATP) and Accredited Business Accountant/Advisors (ABA) certification holders are exempt from taking the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and exam that is part of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) voluntary Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). They are also allowed limited representation rights before the IRS, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepare and sign, before examination, customer service representatives and the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
Share this information with students and accountants in your community and help them get off to a good start in building their accounting futures.
*The mentor community is not intended to be an alternative to NSA Tax Talk. To ask tax-specific questions, share answers, or access thousands of discussions, use NSA Tax Talk.
