Best Resources for Accountants in the Philippines

There’s no question accounting isn’t what it used to be. Today’s accountants must grapple with everything from evolving tax laws to rapid shifts in global accounting standards,as well as , of course, digitalization. That’s especially true in markets like the Philippines.

For many, the modern accounting landscape can be complicated and confusing. And continuous learning is a must for any business that wants to remain competitive.

Luckily, you’re not alone. Filipino accountants have hundreds, if not thousands, of incredible resources at their disposal. Those include cutting-edge websites for accountants, top accounting blogs, helpful digital platforms, and more. These resources, often free, can help with every aspect of the accounting profession, including:

• Updates
• Insights
• Expert opinions
• Practical tips
• Industry news

Wherever you are in your accounting career journey, such resources are invaluable. They can empower you to make better decisions and excel in your work.

The best part is you don’t even have to scour the web for these resources yourself. We’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve curated a list of the best accounting websites and resources you need to know. 

Top accounting blogs every Filipino accountant should follow

Digitalization is changing the way accountants work, but it’s also changing the way they access tools, too. The good news is that Filipino accountants now have thousands of reliable and insightful blogs at the tips of their fingers.

Whether you’re trying to sharpen your skills or simply stay in the loop with recent changes, the best accounting blogs are there to help. Here's a curated list of top accounting blogs, both local and international, we think you should check out:

Accounting Today

Is there a bigger name in the accounting blogosphere than Accounting Today? Probably not. It is, and has been for a long time, one of the most respected publications in the field. They offer everything an accountant could want, including:

• Accounting news
• Analysis
• Expert commentary
• Accounting trends
• Tax updates
• Auditing
• Technology insights

While Accounting Today isn’t Philippines-focused, it’s a fantastic resource for the accounting world, and one Filipino accountants should be keeping an eye on.

CPA Practice Advisor

CPA Practice Advisor is no newbie. They’ve been a go-to for those running or working in accounting firms or those in public accounting for many years. Today, their blog is filled with:

• Tech tools
• Tax preparation strategies
• Practice management tips

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)

So far, we’ve covered top accounting blogs with an international focus. Now, let’s turn to a Philippines-centered blog. PICPA is great for local updates and perspectives, providing news on:

• Accounting regulations in the Philippines
• Upcoming seminars
• Professional development

Best websites for accountants in the Philippines

Blogs are great, but they don’t always offer the same scope as websites. The best accounting websites in the Philippines provide everything from tools and resources to community support from other accountants. This can really help when you’re bogged down with regulation and compliance.

From government portals to global platforms, here are some top websites that provide valuable support for accounting professionals:

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

Chances are, you’re no stranger to the BIR. If you’re an accountant in the Philippines, you’ve probably visited their website before. But have you ever spent time exploring it? It’s packed with useful resources essential for staying informed on Filipino tax laws, including:

• Official tax forms
• Updates on tax regulations
• Filing guidelines
• e-Services like eFPS and eBIRForms

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Another must-see for Filipino accountants. In particular, accountants working with startups or MSMEs will benefit from the DTI’s resources. The site offers:

• Business registration information
• SME support programmes
• Downloadable guides for business planning

Intuit’s Firm of the Future

Looking for something with a more global focus? Try Intuit’s Firm of the Future. It’s a global, specialized platform that’s especially valuable for Filipino accountants looking to modernize their firms or offer virtual services. It provides insights into:

• Modern accounting practices
• Cloud-based tools
• Practice management tips

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)

Beyond its blog, PICPA’s official site offers access to:

• Seminars
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs
• Exclusive member tools

PICPA is a trusted hub for staying connected to local accountants in the Philippines.

Websites offering free accounting courses and webinars

There’s no shortage of resources for accountants, that’s for sure. But what about free resources? Specifically, where can Filipino accountants find free accounting courses and webinars with which to hone their skills?

Once again, we’ve done the heavy lifting. Here’s a useful list of sources offering free educational content for accountants in the Philippines:

• Coursera: You’ve probably come across Coursera at some point before. Maybe your boss put you onto a course there, or you saw it in an ad. Either way, Coursera partners with top universities and companies to offer free and paid courses in accounting, among other fields. Sure, not every course is free. But many are.
• LinkedIn Learning: You’re already on LinkedIn, right? Did you know that the platform also offers high-quality video tutorials on everything from bookkeeping to advanced Excel for accounting? While LinkedIn Learning isn’t technically free, many Filipino professionals can access it for free through university or corporate partnerships. There’s also a free trial if you’re not eligible for those.
• FutureLearn: FutureLearn is based in the UK. They offer short courses on business, finance, and accounting, often developed by universities. Some courses are free for a limited time, with optional paid certificates.
• Edukasyon.ph: One of the Philippines’ top education platforms. Edukasyon.ph provides access to short courses and certifications relevant to Filipino professionals. It includes topics on accounting, business, and entrepreneurship,everything you need to excel in the Filipino accounting scene.
• AICPA Webinars (American Institute of CPAs): Okay, so it’s not Philippines-specific. But AICPA regularly offers free webinars on international accounting, which could be really useful if you’re looking to expand your global perspective.

Accounting news websites and industry reports

Perhaps you’re just looking for a place to get your fix of accounting news with your morning coffee. In fact, we’d recommend following news websites for accountants to any Filipino accountant looking to boost their career; it’s a great way to stay on top of regulatory updates and accounting trends for free. 

Here are some of the best accounting websites for accounting news:

• AccountingWEB: There’s perhaps no better place to stay in the loop with all things accounting than AccountingWEB. This international source provides everything from updates on accounting standards to best practices. Really, it’s got everything. And although it’s global in scope, it often covers developments relevant to Filipino accountants.
• BusinessWorld: Now for something homegrown. BusinessWorld is hands-down one of the Philippines’ most respected business publications. If you’re looking for in-depth coverage of the country’s economic trends and financial changes, BusinessWorld is where you need to be.
• Philippine Daily Inquirer (Business Section): You can’t go far wrong with the Inquirer’s Business Section. They make a point of regularly featuring news on BIR announcements and financial reporting standards. No doubt it’s a top resource for Filipino accountants needing a daily fix.
• Manila Bulletin (Business Section): Of course, then there’s the Manila Bulletin’s Business Section. Another great option. Just like the Inquirer, the Bulletin is a much-loved source for articles on finance, taxation, and economic policy developments, often featuring government press releases and BIR updates.
• Rappler: Rappler delivers dynamic and often real-time updates on economic shifts, tax initiatives, and regulatory changes, with a strong focus on how these issues affect professionals and business owners.

Best accounting software and tools for efficiency

Staying on top of changes in the digitalized accounting world is one thing. Implementing them is quite another. To embrace accounting evolution, and for that matter, to improve your service and stay compliant more easily, Filipino accountants must embrace new accounting tools and software. 

Here’s the global leader you should be looking at:

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is one of the top cloud accounting solutions in the Philippines right now. It’s been a trusted pioneer in the field for many years, and today the platform offers a ton of cutting-edge accounting features like:

• Automated bookkeeping
• Automated invoicing
• Payroll management
• Real-time reporting

Combine QuickBooks’ user-friendly interface with its cloud accessibility, and you’ve got a firm favorite for Filipino SMEs.

Community and networking platforms for Filipino accountants

Aside from using top accounting blogs and websites for accountants, we’d also recommend getting involved with professional communities and accountants’ networks. These are spaces where accountants like you can exchange knowledge and connect with peers for free. They’re invaluable resources in their own right.

Here are some platforms to explore:

LinkedIn groups

As always, LinkedIn is the shining star of professional networking. But apart from its standard features, it even hosts several active groups where Filipino accountants and finance professionals get together to share insights and discuss industry news. Some top groups to look out for include:

• Philippine Accountants Network
• Accounting and Finance Professionals in the Philippines
• CPA Review and Accounting Updates (Philippines)

In short, LinkedIn’s a great place to connect with other local accountants and boost career development.

Facebook communities

Facebook doesn’t have the professional or career focus that LinkedIn does, but it’s still a great place to interact with others in your field. Like LinkedIn, Facebook is home to vibrant accounting groups where members ask questions and share resources. Popular communities include:

• Taxation and Accounting in the Philippines
• Philippine Accounting Updates
• BIR Tax Help and Tips Philippines

These groups offer real-time support, especially handy during tax season.

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)

Beyond its website and events, PICPA also fosters a strong member community through regional chapters, webinars, and conventions where accountants can network and collaborate.

Reddit

Reddit might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a professional accounting network. But the r/Accounting and r/Philippines communities do occasionally host discussions relevant to Filipino accountants. So it’s worth at least bookmarking the pages and checking in every now and then.

Online accounting communities to join

Many accounting forums are open, some, however, you’ll need to join. These are great spots to get serious, actionable insights on accounting in the Philippines. What’s more, they’re often free, especially if they’re on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Here are some Facebook groups we think are worth joining:

• Philippine Accounting, Tax and Audit Professionals (PATAP): One of the liveliest communities for Filipino accountants. Here, you’ll find tons of questions and answers to industry-specific BIR queries, tax filing issues, and a bunch of other useful areas. It’s great if you’re in a hurry, too, as peer-to-peer support tends to be very quick.
• Philippine Accounting Updates: Stay in the loop with this handy group. It’s got everything you need to know about new regulations, BIR updates, and just about everything else accounting-related. An invaluable resource.
• BIR Online Filing Assistance and Tax Updates: This one’s BIR-specific, but it’s still perfect for practitioners who frequently deal with compliance and tax challenges. Great if you’re looking for practical guidance with BIR.

What about LinkedIn? Here are some LinkedIn groups we’d recommend getting in on:

• Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants: If you’re looking for a little thought leadership, you could do worse than the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants LinkedIn group. This is one of the prime spots Filipino CPAs go to discuss career development and industry trends,and a whole lot more.
• ACPACI Philippines: Another top choice for Filipino accountants. Especially those in Commerce and Industry. This group fosters knowledge-sharing on everything from tools and regulatory updates to trusted accounting strategies.

Must-have blogs and articles for accounting knowledge

Let’s round off our guide with some of our most-loved blogs and articles. We think you’ll love them, too. Here, you’ll find (almost) everything you’ll ever need to stay updated with emerging accounting trends.

But they go beyond theory, offering practical advice you can implement to take your accounting to the next level:

Journal of Accountancy (AICPA)

Few places offer such detailed, yet accessible, articles on accounting as the Journal of Accountancy. The site has a huge range of content and you’ll find insightful snippets on just about everything, like tax strategies, audit procedures, financial reporting tips, or accounting tech. The Journal of Accountancy is maintained by the American Institute of CPAs.

AccountingWEB

AccountingWEB is a premium resource and features expert-written content on a huge range of accounting topics, including:

• Practice management
• Workflow optimization
• Client communication
• Tax legislation
• And a lot more

The best part is that it’s run by practicing CPAs and consultants, so you’re in safe hands.

CPA Practice Advisor

If you’re looking for an efficiency drive, this one’s for you. CPA Practice Advisor is a world-class source for:

• Accounting software reviews
• Marketing advice for CPAs
• Time-saving workflow strategies

In particular, we’d point you to the “Firm Management” and “Tax” sections. These are especially helpful for sole practitioners and smaller firms.

Going Concern

Accounting isn’t all broadsheets and suits. Going Concern takes a more informal, but still industry-savvy, approach. The site is a great source of insight on real-world accounting issues and career advice, even on broader topics like firm culture.

Insightful Accountant

Let’s finish up with a smaller, niche resource, Insightful Accountant. It may not have the big name behind it that many of its competitors do, but it punches well above its weight. It’s great for advice on:

• Bookkeeping
• Cloud accounting
• QuickBooks tips
• App integrations
• The technical aspects of modern accounting

With these tools and resources under your belt, you’ll wake up tomorrow more confident and better equipped to take your accounting practices to the next level. And here at QuickBooks, we’re behind you every step of the way.