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Author: Dina Barabash, Content Development & Web Specialist
Posted: Jan. 3, 2022

As we begin a new year, we inevitably consider what we would like to accomplish with the start of this new chapter. Perhaps you want to focus on better health, strengthening your friendships and pursuing new hobbies. In addition, you may want to consider taking actions that will enhance your career as a CPA, including joining your State CPA Society. These organizations are independent professional societies for certified public accountants (CPAs), which exist in each of the 50 U.S. states and in Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Such societies provide CPAs with common interests and goals and a wide range of professional activities. The societies are also avenues for members to become leaders in their profession.

Whether you are sitting for the Exam or recently became a CPA, you should familiarize yourself with your state’s Board of Accountancy as well as your state society. These societies will help you navigate the opportunities and challenges you may face as a young professional. Membership will also allow you to gain access to job listings, banks, or posts for the latest openings and opportunities across public and private sector firms or businesses.

Joining your state society is also a great way to appeal to potential employers. Accounting firms consider a number of CPAs for a limited number of open positions, so you must find ways to stand-out from your peers. CPA firm partners have stated that they often screen out potential job applicants if they are not members of their State CPA Society. The reasoning? Most believe that a lack of association may indicate a lack of interest in the CPA profession and a lack of appreciation for professional resources. Make your passion for the profession clear by joining the society in your state.

As if there were not enough reasons to join your state society, many offer students free or reduced membership. This is an incredible opportunity for candidates who may be hesitant to join due to financial obstacles. In addition to your state society, 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, be sure to get involved.