Mental Models for CPAs: How to Use Cognitive Frameworks

This course is designed to introduce CPAs to the concept of mental models and how they can be used to improve ethical, problem-solving and decision-making skills in the accounting profession. Participants will learn about a variety of mental models, including the Map is Not the Territory, First Principles, and the 80/20 Rule, and how to apply them to financial situations. The course will also cover the importance of building a "latticework" of mental models and the limitations of mental models. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Presented by Garrett Wasny, MA, CMC, CITP/FIBP

This course is intended for CPAs and other accounting professionals who want to improve their ethical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

After attending this presentation, you will be able to...

• Distinguish between mental models and explain their importance in decision-making
• Identify and describe a variety of mental models
• Apply mental models to financial situations
• Recognize the importance of building a latticework of mental models
• Recognize the limitations of mental models and seek out additional information as needed
• Analyze case studies demonstrating the use of mental models in financial decision-making
• Develop strategies for continuing to learn and expand your mental model toolkit

The major topics covered in this course include:

• Introduction to mental models
• Examples of mental models and their applications in behavioral ethics
• Building a latticework of mental models
• Limitations of mental models
• How to apply mental models to the accounting profession
• Case studies demonstrating the use of mental models in financial decision-making
• Strategies for continuing to learn and expand your mental model toolkit

None