Learning & Development (L&D) for CPA & Accounting Firms: A Complete Guide
In the regulatory and technological landscape is rapidly shifting, and accounting firms can no longer afford to treat Learning & Development (L&D) as a compliance checkbox. The convergence of talent shortages, automation, ESG disclosures, and evolving CPA licensure makes L&D a strategic imperative. In this guide, we explore what L&D means for CPA firms, why it’s more critical than ever, and how firms of all sizes can build effective, future-proof programs.
Learning & Development (L&D) refers to a firm’s structured approach to improving the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of its team members. In CPA and accounting firms, L&D goes beyond Continuing Professional Education (CPE) compliance. It encompasses:
Done right, L&D supports strategic growth, client value delivery, and employee retention.
The data is clear: firms that invest in learning outperform those that don’t.
Effortless Progress Tracking: Oversee your entire team's development through a single, user-friendly dashboard.
Big Four Benchmark: Firms like EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG invest $1,150–$3,000 per employee annually in L&D and average 42–59 formal training hours per year.
Digital Urgency: 85% of accounting executives cite digital upskilling (AI, automation, analytics) as an “urgent priority.”
Retention Impact: EY reports a 94% employee intent-to-stay rate among those engaged in structured learning programs.
Compliance Pressures: CPE minimums (120 hours/3 years, with ethics and A&A sub-requirements) are just the baseline noncompliance risks fines and failed peer reviews.
Small Firm Gap: Mid-tier and small practices average ≤17 hours of training per employee, despite facing identical regulatory and technological shifts.
Firms that treat learning as a culture, not an obligation, are the ones winning talent, clients, and efficiency.
To build an effective L&D ecosystem, firms must shift from ad-hoc CPE webinars. Here are some critical pieces that will make it work:
| Challenge | Solution via L&D |
|---|---|
| Budget constraints in small firms | Leverage on-demand, scalable content and shared CPE circuits |
| High turnover and lack of growth pathways | Implement structured career-aligned learning journeys |
| Skill gaps in digital and ESG domains | Modular courses in AI, analytics, ESG reporting |
| Time constraints during busy season | Asynchronous micro-learning and post-season sprints |
At MYCPE ONE, we specialize in building end-to-end L&D ecosystems tailored for CPA and accounting firms. Whether you’re aiming to meet CPE requirements, launch digital transformation initiatives, or improve staff retention, our platform and content suite can help you get there, scalably and affordably.
Learning & Development is no longer optional for CPA and accounting firms navigating evolving client needs, regulatory updates, and technology disruption. From enhancing compliance readiness to building future-ready talent pipelines, a well-crafted L&D strategy can deliver an extraordinary output in terms of performance, retention, and overall firm growth.
No matter you're a small practice or a large multi-office firm, it’s high time to upgrade your approach. Leave your piecemaal learning behind and opt for an organized, planned scalable learning approach. With MYCPE ONE, you can simplify compliance, personalize training, and make learning a core part of your growth strategy.
CPE focuses on mandatory compliance hours, while L&D encompasses broader skill development, including leadership, technology, and soft skills, to support career growth and firm performance.
The Big Four firms average 42–59 formal training hours per employee annually. Small and mid-sized firms, however, often provide less than 17 hours of training, creating a gap in skills and engagement.
L&D addresses critical needs like digital transformation, ESG reporting, talent retention, and CPE compliance, all of which are essential to remain competitive and future-ready.
A good LMS should support automated CPE tracking, role-based learning paths, integration with HR tools, and dashboards for reporting compliance and career progression.
Our L&D services are included under the Premium CPE Subscription for Teams. Firms that opt for this plan gain access to exclusive training programs, skill assessments, tracking dashboards, and customized learning paths for their employees.
Amrit has over six years of experience in continuing education, focusing on CPE for Accounting, Tax, Finance, HR, Payroll, and Technology in the US, Canada, and UK. Amrit simplifies compliance, creates easy-to-use solutions, and helps professionals stay updated while saving time on their education requirements
Why Small and Mid-Sized Accounting Firms Must Prioritize L&D in 2025
Amrit Singh
