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What is Apex Academy
Apex Academy is a curriculum-based professional development program designed exclusively for the team members of Apex CPAs and Consultants. Its purpose is to provide the tools, training, and support necessary for every team member to reach their fullest potential.
The program is a thoughtful blend of:
- Technical training to sharpen accounting and advisory skills.
- Soft skills and leadership development to empower employees as effective advisors and future leaders.
This program offers:
- Broader access to educational resources.
- A streamlined platform to track continuing education credits.
- A personalized learning experience tailored to individual career paths.
- Integration into our HR software, allowing for easy registration, approval, and recordkeeping of all complete training.
Apex Academy is a complete learning solution that prepares our team to meet both professional standards and client expectations—and puts your growth first.
Why Apex Academy?
- To develop well-rounded professionals equipped with both technical and interpersonal skills
- To support career advancement and leadership opportunities
- To ensure compliance with industry standards and CPE tracking
- To provide a centralized and accessible platform for learning
- Because your success is our success—and we’re invested in helping you get there
Apex Core Values
Our Values
Professional development at Apex is deeply tied to our Core Values, and Apex Academy is a direct reflection of that commitment.
Add Value
We are passionate about delivering innovative solutions that drive growth and create lasting impact for our clients.
People Matter
We recognize the importance of fostering strong relationships and supporting the well-being of our clients, team members, and community.
Education & Learning
We embrace continuous learning and share our knowledge to empower clients and team members to make informed decisions.
Xcellence
Our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work drives us to consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results.
Core Training & Elective Requirements
All Apex team members are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional development per year, combining core training with elective CPE hours to maintain compliance, enhance technical expertise, and support professional growth.
Core Training Requirements:
ETHICS – 1 Hour
APEX TAX TRAINING – 8 Hours
SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION – 1 Hour
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS – 1 Hour
Elective Requirements:
The remaining 29+ hours of CPE must be completed through approved electives.
Elective classes will be carefully curated during the employee development meeting.
Once training goals are set and approved, CPE hours will be tracked.
All CPE hours and certificates must be uploaded to our software platform for compliance review.
Core & Elective Opportunities
Checkpoint Learning:
All Tax and Accounting team members are registered with Checkpoint Learning, which includes:
- 580+ Self-Study Courses
- 93 Nano Learning Modules
- 106 Live Webinars
K2 Enterprises (Preferred Technology Vendor):
K2 Enterprises provides high-quality technology-focused training tailored for accounting and finance professionals. K2 collaborates with:
- State CPA societies
- Chartered Accountant organizations
- Technology vendors
K2 courses help team members improve productivity and accounting skills through hands-on, relevant technology education.
Upstream Academy (Management Training):
Available to Junior and Senior Level team members per Management
Professional Development Levels
Because we know our employees are the best, we encourage you to refer your friends and colleagues to come and work with us. We know they will want to be a part of a fantastic team, too!
Employees are the Company’s most important asset. You will be eligible for a bonus for referring qualified candidates that are selected for open positions. Total bonus amounts may vary based on position.
FRESHMAN: Associates & Senior Associates
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Provide essential technical training in the areas of accounting and tax.
Accounting Objectives:
- Financial Statement Preparation
- Basic Ratio Analysis
- Proficient in both Desktop and QBO
Tax Objectives:
- Pass-through Business Tax Including 1120S & 1065
- Payroll tax & 1099 Preparation – Internal Training
- Personal Tax
Progress Objectives:
- Advanced Excel & PowerPoint
- Importing TB in ACS
- Recording term loans
SOPHOMORE: Supervisors & Managers
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Training Objectives:
Become proficient in several technical areas.
Accounting Objectives:
-
Mergers & Acquisitions
-
Budgeting & Cash Flow
-
Incentive Based Compensation Structures
Tax Objectives:
-
Complex Tax Structures
-
IRS Audit Representation
-
State & Local Tax
Certification Programs:
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Client Advisory Services
-
Business Valuations
-
Strategic Planning
JUNIOR: Senior Managers
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Training Objectives:
Provide advanced soft skills management and leadership training specific to the accounting profession.
Upstream Academy Live & Web-Based Management Training:
- Seek Feedback & Become Coachable
- Lead Successful Firm Initiatives
- Think Like an Owner
- Ask Better Questions
- Get Out of Crisis Mode
- Become an Effective Board Member
- Business Development Meeting
- Client Advisory Services
- Business Valuations Strategic Planning
Industry-Specific Training:
- Professional Services
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Not-For-Profit
- Law
- Retail
- Restaurants/Bars
- Beauty Salons
Senior: Partners
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Under this program, you will Partner with Dr. Al Spicer to develop a personalized leadership program. The program will include scheduled ongoing 1-1 coaching and periodic assessment reviews. Using various professional assessment tools, Al will review and interpret the results to help you grow in your self-awareness and leadership effectiveness.
Leadership Development with Dr. Al Spicer
Eligible team members will participate in a customized leadership development program with Dr. Al Spicer, including:
One-On-One Coaching Sessions
Professional Assessments & Interpretation
Tools to Increase Self-Awareness & Strengthen Leadership Effectiveness
Registration & CPE Tracking
All training registrations and completed CPE hours will be tracked through a centralized HR software platform. Employees are responsible for:
Registering for Approved Courses
Uploading CPE Certificates
Ensuring all hours are Submitted for Compliance Verification
ILLINOIS