Alan Nelson
About Alan Nelson
Alan Nelson is the founder of accountingcpd. Starting out as an accountant, he switched to a career in business, quickly rising to become CEO of Thomson Learning, a leading college textbook publisher.
In 2000, he co-founded Nelson Croom, the publisher of accountingcpd.net which he ran for 25 years.
He has a track record of publishing educational material for accountants, including some of Europe's leading textbooks.
Alan was, for nine years, Chair of ICAEW's Practice Assurance Committee. He was a member of ACCA's SME Committee and of IFA's Regulatory Committee. He is currently a member of the Bank of England's Decision Making Panel.
Since 2000, Alan has been at the forefront of the developing elearning industry and his company has twice won the prestigious award for eLearning Development Company of the Year, as well as numerous awards for the quality of the online CPD that the company publishes.
Alan is an expert on management and leadership in the accountancy profession. He retains a keen interest in economics and is passionate about communicating the value of microeconomics in business decision making.
What makes Alan tick?
Alan believes that accountants are a force for good in the world, and that CPD can be at the heart of that, enabling them to realise their ambitions by developing into highly competent and effective professionals, providing the best service possible to their clients and organisations.CPD Courses
6 Ways to Boost Productivity
Sometimes, being productive is easier said than done. If you struggle to stay on track, don't worry - this bite offers six handy tips you can use to manage distractions and boost your productivity at work.
6 Ways to Manage an Excessive Workload
We all experience busy periods at work, but when does this become too much? This bite will help you to recognise the signs of an excessive workload, and share six useful tips to help you manage it.
8 Rules for Effective Delegation
Do you ever struggle to decide what work to keep for yourself and what to pass on to your colleagues? If so, check out eight rules for effective delegation in this bite.
Developing Your Professional Credibility
Professional credibility is a key quality you need if you are going to be successful in your accounting role. But how do you go about developing it? Find out the crucial areas to focus on and how to get over inexperience, with this bite.
Economics Every Accountant Should Know
Economic concepts can help us to make better decisions. This course will challenge and develop the way you think about pricing, strategy, investment appraisal and customer relationships.
Part of a series on 2025-26 ethical updates. This short course examines recent revisions to the IESBA Code of Ethics and discusses other important ethical guidance for professional accountants.
How to Be an Effective Role Model
In any accounting department or practice, the most successful managers are role models. But how can you set an example for your team members and get them to look up to you? Explore some key methods and how to apply them in this bite.
Leadership Styles
What's your natural leadership style? Learn about the four main leadership styles and the importance of situational leadership - the art of being able to move between them to get the best out of your team in any situation.
Managing People in Finance
For many businesses, people are the largest cost. This course will help you to get everyone lined up and enthusiastic about achieving the organisation's goals, and ensure they are as productive as they can be.
Negotiation Skills for Accountants
Negotiation is crucial for every finance professional and takes place in the context of important long-term business relationships. Prepare yourself for effective negotiations so you can achieve your desired outcome, without undermining relationships you value.
Problem Solving for Accountants
This course will help you to develop one of the key skills of the accountant of the future. Learn how to establish the root causes of problems and master a variety of problem-solving techniques to help you develop, propose and implement effective solutions for your organisation.
Professional Credibility
Building your professional credibility is important in order to be seen as knowledgeable, fair and dependable. Understand how you can do this, with practical steps covering business acumen, professional scepticism, ethics, communication and your authoritative voice.
Recruitment and Selection
Are you hiring the talent you need to build a great team of accountants? This course provides comprehensive guidance on the recruitment process, from the moment the need to hire occurs to extending a formal job offer. Discover how to identify candidates with the precise professional competencies, technical expertise, and personal attributes essential for your team's success.
Strategy and Alignment in the Finance Function
A successful organisational strategy involves uniting employees towards the same goals. But what role does the finance function play in this alignment? Consider different approaches and how you can help.
Time Management
If you need help managing your time more effectively, this is the course for you. It gives practical advice on how to be more organised and productive, as well as how to get more out of your meetings, and how to manage an excessive workload.