Lease accountants get new professional designation

The Lease Accounting Institute has launched the Certified Global Lease Accountant training program and professional designation.

The demand for lease accountants has increased with the adoption of new lease accounting standards, ASC 842 and IFRS 16, while the talent pool of accountants has decreased. The CGLA program is an online, self-study format that allows graduates to earn 16 CPE credits.

“We are in the midst of a talent crisis in the accounting profession,” Matt Waters, founder of the Lease Accounting Institute, said in a statement last week. “However, there are three positive trends in lease accounting: professionals from other fields, like real estate, are stepping up to fill the talent gap; CPAs and accountants are specializing; and the specialty of lease accounting offers engaging work for young professionals. Lease accountants track vast portfolios of real estate, fleets of airplanes, ships and more! The CGLA training program and professional designation will benefit lease accountants at all career levels by formalizing a global credential for our growing profession.”

Waters is the lead instructor for the CGLA training program, with over 20 years of experience leading lease accounting teams at Home Depot, American Tower and CoStar Real Estate Manager.