SOP on Professional Development/Training

Executive Summary

Gheen & Co., CPA encourages and supports staff development.  Professional development can occur in many different forms of training including pursuing advanced licenses such as the Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Public Accounting (CPA) degree, or Certified Tax Coach (CTC) certification.  Professional development should be viewed as a mutual effort between the firm and employee with joint investments of time and expense.  It is a commitment on both the employer and employee and both have expectations that need to be upheld.

Written Instructions

Employees must discuss with Administration prior to enrolling in professional development if they wish to have Gheen & Co., CPA LLC assist in supporting them financially. A written agreement will then be put in place outlining the expectations for the employee and Gheen & Co, CPA, LLC.

Study time

• • Study time may potentially be included during working hours, however, this may be limited and will need to be agreed upon with Administration and your team. 
  • Each employee will need to arrange for study time during their personal time/hours. 
  • Normal working hours and duties are required when engaged in professional development.
  • Gheen and Co does not provide paid time off for study, unless accrued paid time off is used.

Cost

Gheen & Co. CPA, LLC will typically pay for the following:

• • • Test preparation materials 
    • 1 exam fee for each exam that is required for the certification/license

* this is always subject to approval by the Administration

Travel

Itineraries including travel requirements, lodging accommodations, etc... must be submitted and approved in advance by Administration.

A maximum of $1,000 per trip will be reimbursed. Only actual trip expenses will be reimbursed. Receipts are required and must be submitted timely for any reimbursement.

• • Airline ticket: Travel to the nearest testing center will be covered.
  • Lodging: Up to 3 nights in a hotel per trip will be covered.  The number of nights is dependent upon the testing day and time.  Employees should make every attempt to schedule tests to minimize the number of overnights needed.  
  • Ground Transportation: If using a personal vehicle, gas receipts or mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate. If using public transportation, receipts will be reimbursed during the travel period.
  • Meals: Receipts will be reimbursed during the travel period.

Additional Notes

• • Exam re-takes will not be paid for by Gheen & Co.
  • Gheen & Co will not pay for any quarantine time or expenses or activities for pleasure/leisure.
  • Gheen & Co will provide one day of official business leave for each trip, typically the exam day. Any further days are required to be covered by accrued PTO.
  • Visa fees are not eligible for reimbursement.
  • Employees are expected to commit to a period of employment with Gheen & Co., CPA, LLC following the receipt of certification/licensure.  This will be outlined in the contract between Gheen & Co., CPA, LLC and the employee at the time of initiating the training.