Why the ProAdvisor Academy is the Educational Shift We’ve Needed

I’ve been working in accounting long enough to know that the way we learn and grow in this profession has needed an update for a while. When I first got involved with the ProAdvisor Academy, I saw an opportunity to help shape a program that could fill a gap I’ve noticed for years: the need for education that truly integrates accounting principles with real-life, hands-on experiences using software. So, let me share with you why I’m genuinely excited about what the new ProAdvisor Academy offers and why it’s so important for all of us.

Why Becoming a ProAdvisor Matters (Now More Than Ever)

If you’re like me, you’ve probably felt that accountant learning opportunities haven’t always hit the mark. We need more than just software tutorials — we need to understand how the tools we use every day actually fit into the broader accounting framework and help us serve our clients better. That’s what being a ProAdvisor has done for me.

It’s not just about mastering QuickBooks (though that’s essential); it’s about using that knowledge to create value for clients in meaningful ways. Becoming a ProAdvisor doesn’t just make you more proficient in software. It also connects the dots between the software and the larger financial picture we’re responsible for navigating with our clients. And that’s where the real value comes in.

A More Holistic Approach to Learning

The new ProAdvisor Academy reflects something that’s been missing in accounting education for a while — a truly holistic approach. It’s not just about learning how to click through a program; it’s about understanding why we do things a certain way in accounting and how the technology supports that.

I remember when I first went through the QuickBooks Online Certification Level 1 course. Sure, I already knew the basics, but what made the difference was the way the course tied those basic workflows to broader accounting principles. It wasn’t just “do this, then do that.” Instead, it was “Here’s how this step fits into the bigger financial picture and how it impacts your client’s business.”

That kind of learning — the kind that combines accounting theory with practical examples — is what I’ve found so valuable. And the new Academy gets it right by balancing those two sides of the equation.

How the New Academy Is Different (and Why That’s So Important)

I know we’ve all been through educational programs that were more about ticking boxes than actually learning something useful. The old ProAdvisor Certification had some great content, but honestly, it didn’t always hit the mark for me in terms of practicality. The new Academy, though? It’s a different story.

They’ve shortened the time you need to invest without cutting corners on the quality of education. The courses have been streamlined so you can get to the heart of what you need to know faster — and that’s a huge plus in our busy world. What I especially appreciate is how they’ve focused on practical application. You’re not just learning about the software but how to apply it in real-world scenarios with clients.

For example, the QuickBooks Payroll Certification course taught me not just how to run payroll but also how to set it up to avoid common compliance issues, which is incredibly helpful in day-to-day client work.

A Better Learning Experience

One of the most exciting changes in the ProAdvisor Academy is the flexibility it now offers. The Academy is still organized within the familiar QuickBooks Online Accountant platform, so you won’t feel like you’re starting from scratch. But the way the learning is structured is what makes it truly different—and better.

Instead of following a rigid, step-by-step list of courses, the new format is much more flexible, almost like an a la carte menu. You can pick and choose the sections that make the most sense for where you or your team need to grow. If you have team members who need specific skills, you can assign them those exact sections without having them go through content they may not need right now. For me, this is a huge time-saver, especially when trying to upskill different team members with different needs.

A great example of this is the Intuit Bookkeeping Certification, which I’ve found valuable for upskilling non-traditional hires. This training focuses strictly on accounting fundamentals, which is perfect for new hires without an accounting background. It’s not meant to replace a four-year degree, but it provides enough context and clear explanations to help someone without accounting experience get started effectively. This kind of targeted education is a real game-changer when bringing new team members up to speed.

This new structure allows for a more targeted learning experience. Whether you’re focusing on payroll, bookkeeping, or more advanced advisory services, you can dive right into what’s most relevant to your clients and your practice. It’s tailored to real-world needs, which I think is a huge leap forward for us as accountants.

Why This Matters to Me—and Should Matter to You

For me, education has always been about more than just getting a certification. It’s about really understanding how to help my clients in the best way possible. That’s why I’m so excited about this new ProAdvisor Academy. It’s not just another set of courses—it’s a program that can genuinely help you grow, both in your career and in the value you provide to your clients.

The revamped Academy focuses on connecting the dots between accounting theory, software applications, and real-world scenarios, which is what makes it so valuable. I’ve seen firsthand how this type of holistic education can transform how you work and the impact you can have on your clients.

If you’re serious about elevating your practice, becoming a ProAdvisor is one of your best moves. Trust me, it’s worth it—not just for the certification, but for the deeper understanding of how to really make a difference.

This is a paid partnership with Intuit.