Learning Paths: Tailored CPE Training with Gamification
Client Challenge
Our client, a top 50 independent CPA firm with over 800 professionals across 13 U.S. offices, was looking to replace their leveled audit training provided by a “big box” vendor. They were in search of a more tailored CPE training solution that addressed the specific needs of their auditors. Specifically, they wanted learning paths for auditors in different industries that was tailored to their years of experience. Another limitation was that the previous “big box” provider only offered audit-focused courses and, as we’ve preached since our inception, you cannot audit anything if you don’t understand the accounting. So, we knew they wanted both auditing AND accounting training. Additionally, our client wanted to introduce elements of gamification to make their tailored CPE training program more engaging and to motivate participants with rewards. With gamification being a new feature in our Learning Management System (LMS), we were eager to take on the challenge!
Our Solution
Using the audit and accounting courses within the GAAP Dynamics Learning Library, our in-house CPAs at GAAP Dynamics designed a tailored CPE training program with learning paths for years 1-2, 3-4, and 5 within each of their departments: private company assurance, private funds, and registered funds. Taking our recommendations, our client added a few additional topics of their own, resulting in a learning path that was collaboratively built with complete client buy-in. After completion of each online course within the learning path, learners earn CPE credits.
To further enhance the tailored CPE training experience within each learning path, for each department and skill level, our client’s professionals are scheduled to attend live, instructor-led webinars via our ON24 webinar platform. These webinars are focused on the application of the accounting and auditing rules covered in the online courses. Each webinar is customized to match the participants’ years of experience and their specific industry. Furthermore, these live, instructor-led webinars will utilize the dual instructor model, with one instructor from GAAP Dynamics and one professional from their audit practice. This ensures that the webinars are tailored to firm-specific requirements when complying with the rules. Furthermore, our webinars offer plenty of opportunities for interaction through chat features and breakout sessions. Our GAAP Dynamics facilitators will serve as the subject matter experts on U.S. GAAS or GAAP, while our client co-facilitators will serve as the industry and audit methodology experts, which should prove to be a powerful combination!
Additionally, the client met with our digital learning team to come up with bonus activities and reflections based on the specific courses to add an element of gamification to each learning path. The digital learning team was able to incorporate mini activities within the Articulate Rise program (such as quick matching activities and true/false questions). Our team, along with the help of our client’s L&D team, created reflection questions that dove a little deeper into the learners’ understanding of the content. These reflection activities were built within our actual LMS as surveys. Each learner will receive a badge upon completion of the required elements within their learning path and 100 points toward their point total. These additional optional activities provide opportunities for learners to earn additional points– giving learners the opportunity of earning a total of 200 points!
A leaderboard on the learning dashboard allows learners to see how they rank among their peers. At the end of the program, the learners with the highest point totals will receive prizes from our client’s L&D team!
Their transformation
Their transformation is to be determined! Participants are currently taking the online courses within the tailored CPE program with live, instructor-led webinars schedule this summer. We should be able to report back once all the learners have completed their specific learning paths.
So far, learners are enjoying their online training, their new and improved extended enterprise page, and the extra fun activities. Some learners have enjoyed it so much that they have maxed out on their total points– looks like we are in need of some tie-breakers in our future! We plan to do this by further investigating the actual quality of the reflection question responses.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a growing number of firms integrate eLearning into their annual training programs. As a result, tailored learning paths have become a key focus for both training partners and learning and development teams. These personalized paths offer a structured approach to skill development by combining self-paced modules with live training, creating a more well-rounded and effective learning experience.
If your team is interested in tailored training for your auditors and/or accountants, please reach out to our sales team!