July 19, 2013

All roads led to the Crescent City (New Orleans, LA) and the Windy City (Chicago, IL) for NASBA’s 2013 Regional Meetings. Representatives from a total of 48 Boards of Accountancy attended this year’s meetings.

WestCardBoth meetings began with a “State of NASBA” report delivered by NASBA President and CEO Ken Bishop and NASBA Chair Gaylen Hansen. Informative sessions on topics such as “What’s Happening with Private Company Standards,” “Why Change the Definition of Attest and Other UAA Issues,” and “Changes in Ethics” provided an interactive exchange of perspectives on current issues impacting the accounting profession.

NASBA was also honored to welcome recipients of its 2012 Accounting Education Research Grants Program to participate in the meetings. This year’s education panel consisted of Dr. John Hasseldine, University of New Hampshire Associate Professor of Accounting, who spoke on “The Influence of Professional Integrity and Client Advocacy on Reporting Decisions;” Dr.Mark Myring, Accounting Chair, Ball State University, who spoke on “Best Practices in the Delivery of Online Accounting Education and Learning Analytics;” and Dr. Belverd Needles, noted author and Accounting Professor at DePaul University, who offered insights into his “Global Accountancy Education Recognition Study.”

In addition to the various general session presentations and panels, members also had an opportunity to further network and discuss emerging issues with fellow members during the regional and topical breakout sessions. This year’s breakout sessions addressed the following topics:

  • Education – Accreditation sources, federal funding and online programs
  • UAA Questions – How can these changes work in my jurisdiction?
  • Considering ARSC’s Proposals – Regulatory concerns
  • International Candidates – What the statistics reveal
  • Working Together to Strengthen Accounting Education and Diversity in the
  • Profession
  • Improving Relations with Boards – Key issues

EastCardBoard of Accountancy executive directors and communications officers hosted breakfast meetings, whereby attendees could learn more about state board developments, as well as the latest trends in effective communications outreach. The networking and dialogue continued during the regional luncheons where members were assigned to various color-coded tables and encouraged to participate in a series of roundtable discussions on a variety of thought-provoking questions.

Both the Eastern and Western Regional Meetings were successful in addressing key issues and the needs of Boards of Accountancy. Video footage, presentations and photos from both meetings are currently available for viewing.

Next stop is NASBA’s 106th Annual Meeting, which takes place October 27-30 in Maui, Hawaii, where discussion on these and other impactful topics will continue.

As a unique complement to the traditional regional meeting format, The Center for the Public Trust hosted its annual Student Leadership Conference in conjunction with the Eastern Regional Meeting in Chicago. There, 42 students representing colleges and universities across the nation gathered to learn more about ethics and the valuable role ethical principles and ethical behavior plays in one’s personal and professional success.

Related News