Mental Models for Accountants: 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 sharpen critical thinking and 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.

Topic Covered:

• 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

Who should attend:
This course is intended for CPAs and other accounting professionals who want to sharpen their critical thinking and improve their ethical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.