Professional Organizations for CPAs and Candidates

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Author: Dina Barabash, Content Development & Web Specialist
Posted: Oct. 18, 2021

The accounting profession is an exciting field, consumed with possibilities and opportunities for everyone. Even more exciting, is the fact that there are several organizations that are designed to support, educate and inspire CPAs of all ages, specializations and levels of expertise. Whether you are entering the profession after passing the CPA Exam, or consider yourself a seasoned professional, there is an organization for you.

How do you decide which organization is the right fit? The options may be overwhelming – which is a positive thing! This means that there are plenty of choices and you will be able to find one (or several) that are perfect for you. Below, we have highlighted just a few for your consideration. If you’re a member of other accounting orgs, let us know.

The American Accounting Association (AAA): AAA is the largest community of accountants in academia. Founded in 1916, the Association has a rich and reputable history built on leading-edge research and publications. The diversity of their membership creates a fertile environment for collaboration and innovation. Collectively, AAA members help shape the future of accounting through teaching, research and a powerful network, ensuring their position as thought leaders in accounting.

Young CPA Network: If you’re a CPA age 40 or younger, it’s vital to have an organization that supports the advancement of your career. And while joining the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) isn’t a requirement for becoming part of the Young CPA Network, many of the Network’s initiatives are designed for AICPA members.

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): The AICPA is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession. Their history of serving the public interest stretches back to 1887. Today, you’ll find the AICPA’s membership is comprised of 431,000+ members in 130 countries and territories, representing many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting.

National Society of Black CPAs (NSBCPA): The mission of NSBCPA is to increase the number of Black CPAs by providing the most relevant knowledge, resources, and advocacy; and to promote cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion within the profession. Less than 1% of all CPAs in the United States are Black CPAs. With this in mind, the NSBCPA was founded in June 2020 in the State of Illinois as a membership non-profit organization.

The American Association of Finance & Accounting (AAFA): AAFA is the most established professional affiliation of Finance and Accounting search firms in North America with a history dating back to 1978. When your job search or recruiting need goes beyond your local market, you want a resource with the same guiding principles, character, and professionalism you get from your best local search firm. AAFA members reflect that and have been hand selected to represent the finest resource in their market.

The Association of Nonprofit Accountants and Finance Professionals (ANAFP): ANAFP is the largest professional association dedicated solely to those working in and/or interested in the field of nonprofit accounting and finance. Since its founding, ANAFP’s goal has been to create a world in which nonprofits are run efficiently and effectively, and they believe strongly in the skillset brought to these organizations by individuals working in the field of nonprofit accounting and finance. 

National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP): In 1979, a group of certified public accountants saw the unique challenges they faced as practitioners of smaller firms and knew they needed an organized format through which they could help and be helped by professionals just like them. Since that time, NCCPAP’s membership has grown and the reach in what the Conference offers has expanded, but the Conference’s core purpose has remained the same. NCCPAP welcomes new members to consider joining this longstanding national organization representing and supporting practicing CPAs.

National Association of Black Accountants, Inc., (NABA): As a nonprofit membership association, NABA is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for Black accounting and finance professionals by providing leadership and technical training, as well as networking and career opportunities.

Your local State CPA Society: Independent professional societies for certified public accountants (CPAs) exist in each of the 50 U.S. states and in Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. CPAs may choose to join their state’s professional organization, generally known as [state’s name] Society of CPAs or [state’s name] Association of CPAs. Such societies provide CPAs with common interests and goals as well as a wide range of professional activities. Curious about your state society? Check the web for additional information.