Professional_Knowledge

Professional Knowledge and Abilities Kathern Chenaille Gen 200 September 28, 2010 Professional Knowledge and Abilities Historically a professional association described groups of professionals with advanced degrees or training, such as doctors or lawyers. Today’s professional associations consist of sports players, business owners, teachers, and other occupations too numerous to list. The mission of today’s associations is to increase its member’s skills, education, and recognition. “Professional associations play distinctive roles in formal as well as informal processes of adult learning” (Rusaw, 1995, para. 1). Membership in a professional association improves the chances of career success through continuing education, networking, and professional development. The American Payroll Association (APA) is a leader in the advancement of payroll as a profession. The APA acknowledges that the payroll profession is constantly evolving “A payroll professional must be proficient in all aspects of taxation and tax reporting, MIS, human resources (including benefits), and accounting as each of these relate to the payroll environment” (American Payroll Association, 2010, p. 2). Legislation changes constantly, so the APA publishes an annual reference The Payroll Source, a must have for any payroll professional. This reference book is a valuable resource for documentation on employment rules and regulations as well as employment taxes and filing requirements. The association also publishes reference material on state and local withholding taxes and garnishment regulations. The APA offers two levels of certification that demonstrates an individual’s skill and expertise. The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is for beginners with minimal knowledge and the second level, Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), is for members with experience and knowledge. Both certifications require a process to recertify after a period of five years. The APA has more than 150 local chapters that support members by hosting regular meetings with expert speakers in various fields related to payroll and benefits. Another benefit of membership in APA is a list service that sends questions and answers between members relating to daily issues they encounter. The APA is an advocate to legislators and the social security administration on pending laws relating to employee and employer regulations. The APA promotes public awareness of the organization by sponsoring National Payroll Week highlighting the association in the media. In addition to National Payroll Week, members volunteer to visit local high schools to explain payroll checks to students, and they also participate in local charity events. The APA provides the opportunities for education, building skills, and other resources to enhance career success. The APA and its local chapter offer many resources that will benefit my career path. The Certified Payroll Professional assures a prospective employer I have the experience from my work history, but I also have the knowledge required to excel in the job. Certification along with a business degree is increasingly becoming a requirement for any payroll management position. My previous experience plus the certification improves my marketable skills to potential employers. The local chapter meetings provide an opportunity to network with other professionals and receive information on job opportunities prior to a public posting. Working on the one of the various committees also presents opportunities to network and form personal friendships. The speakers at monthly meetings provide helpful insight to current changes in regulations, improving my reputation as being prepared. Legislation regarding payroll taxes and other regulations is constantly changing, and I know that the resources and benefits for members of APA will continue to support my career success. No matter what career path an individual chooses there is a high probability a professional association is available to connect with members of similar experience and knowledge. Professional associations offer tremendous opportunities to the adult learner interested in continuing education. Through publications, newsletters, certification, networking, and other resources, the learning process does not have to stop with a college degree, but continue by enhancing any career. References American Payroll Association. (2010). . Retrieved from http://info.americanpayroll.org/pdfs/certification/cpp_handbook.pdf O'Toole, Esq., M. P. (2010). The Payroll Source. American Payroll Institute. Rusaw, A. C. (1995, Summer). Learning by association: Professional associations as learning agents. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 6(), 215-226.