Pevita Pearce
The Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA) successfully hosted its fourth annual Future CPA Leadership Summit, drawing 32 ambitious accounting students from colleges and universities across the state. This pivotal event, designed to cultivate the next generation of licensed CPAs, provided a comprehensive platform for students to foster peer connections, glean invaluable insights from seasoned professionals, and significantly enhance their leadership acumen. The summit’s meticulously crafted agenda addressed critical areas essential for today’s accounting professionals, including the development of robust leadership skills, the strategic cultivation and elevation of personal brands, an exploration of prevailing hot topics and emerging trends that are actively shaping accounting careers, and the vital enhancement of communication and networking proficiencies. A cornerstone of the summit was the invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with experienced CPAs during a dedicated networking reception and dinner, fostering mentorship and opening doors to future professional relationships.
The summit’s program featured prominent leaders within the accounting profession. Notably, Nancy Brown, CPA, Chief Seamless Officer at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), shared her extensive practical experience, illuminating the diverse and dynamic career pathways available within the accounting field. Her insights underscored the adaptability and breadth of opportunities that a CPA designation can unlock. Complementing this, Patricia Hartman, Director of Client Services for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), provided a clear and comprehensive overview of the CPA Exam and the intricate licensure process. Her presentation served as a crucial roadmap for students aspiring to achieve CPA status, demystifying a process that can often seem daunting.
A particularly impactful component of the Future CPA Leadership Summit was the introduction of Professionalism Round Tables. This hands-on initiative was specifically engineered to equip participants with practical tools, bolster their confidence, and offer strategic insights essential for excelling in the competitive recruiting landscape. Students received targeted advice on securing internships and navigating job searches, participated in simulated mock interviews to hone their interview skills, and benefited from personalized feedback on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. These elements are critical for bridging the gap between academic learning and professional readiness, ensuring students are well-prepared for their initial forays into the accounting workforce.
Further enriching the summit experience, students had the privilege of engaging with CPAs who are a few steps ahead in their professional journeys through a dynamic young CPA panel discussion. These panelists offered candid perspectives on their experiences with the CPA Exam, sharing practical strategies for preparation, effective methods for balancing demanding study schedules with personal life, and their most impactful advice for successfully passing the rigorous examination. The discussion also thoughtfully addressed the anticipated challenges and opportunities associated with the transition from academia to the professional realm, providing a realistic preview of what lies ahead. The success of the Future CPA Leadership Summit was significantly bolstered by the generous support of TSCPA’s Student Outreach, Advancement and Recruitment (SOAR) Partners. This vital partnership program is dedicated to nurturing the future of the accounting profession by ensuring that the next generation of professionals fully comprehends the extensive possibilities and rewards inherent in a career in accounting.
In parallel, the Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) has announced the opening of registration for its highly anticipated AI for CPAs Series. This comprehensive webinar package, designed to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the accounting profession, will offer multiple sessions spanning from Friday, October 16, to Wednesday, December 30, 2026. The bundled series is available at a competitive price point of $279 for ISCPA members and $339 for non-members, reflecting the ISCPA’s commitment to providing accessible and relevant professional development. Interested parties can access detailed session information and complete their registration via the Series Overview page. The rapid integration of AI technologies into accounting practices necessitates ongoing education and adaptation, making this series a timely and crucial resource for CPAs seeking to remain at the forefront of industry innovation.
The Michigan Association of CPAs (MICPA) is set to host its prestigious Celebrate Awards ceremony on November 11, 2026. This distinguished event will honor outstanding individuals and organizations across a spectrum of achievements within the accounting profession. Among the esteemed honorees is Dorothy “Dori” Danko, CPA, recognized for Accounting Teaching Excellence as an Accounting Instructor at Grand Valley State University, highlighting her significant contributions to educating future accountants. Jim Brisson, a student at Michigan Technological University, will receive the Campus Influencer of the Year award, acknowledging his impact on his peers and the broader campus community. Rehmann has been recognized with the EMPOWER award, signifying its commitment to fostering growth and development within the profession. Antonio Brown, CPA, Chief Financial Officer of the Detroit Public Library, will be honored as a Finance Visionary for his innovative leadership and strategic financial management.
Further recognizing emerging talent and forward-thinking initiatives, the MICPA will present the Future of Accounting award to two distinct recipients: NABA Inc.’s Detroit Professional Chapter’s Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP), acknowledging its efforts to broaden access and interest in accounting careers, and Rebecca “Becky” Stoutenger, CPA, Controller at FlavorSum, LLC, for her contributions to shaping the future landscape of accounting. Kristi Krafft-Bellsky, CPA, Principal and Director of Quality Control at Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors, will receive the IMPACT award for her significant and positive influence. Kyle Richardson, CPA, Senior Manager at Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors, is slated to receive the Rising Star award, recognizing his exceptional early-career achievements. Accutrak Consulting and Accounting Services PLLC will be honored with the Small Firm award, celebrating its excellence and contributions within the small business sector. Sarah Phillips, CPA/CISA, Technology Business Line Testing Manager at Ally Financial, will be recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated service. The Women to Watch awards will celebrate two exceptional leaders: Allison Allman, CPA, Senior Assurance Manager at Kruggel Lawton CPAs, as an Emerging Leader, and Katie Ferris, CPA, Tax Market Managing Principal at BDO USA, as an Experienced Leader, underscoring the growing influence and achievements of women in accounting. Further details regarding all honorees and ticket purchases are available on the MICPA Celebrate Awards page. The MICPA’s commitment to recognizing excellence serves as a powerful motivator and benchmark for professionals throughout Michigan.
The California Society of CPAs (CALCPA) has announced its upcoming Farmers Tax and Accounting Virtual Conference, scheduled for November 6, 2026. This specialized virtual event, running from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, is tailored to address the unique financial and tax challenges encountered by farmers and agribusinesses. The conference is designed for CPAs, CMAs, and all finance professionals engaged within the agricultural sector, offering critical insights and strategies for navigating this complex industry. The virtual format ensures accessibility for professionals across the state and beyond. More information and registration details can be found on the Farmers Tax and Accounting Conference Page. The agricultural sector is a vital component of the economy, and specialized expertise in tax and accounting is essential for its continued success and sustainability.
The Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) has opened registration for its 56th Annual Virginia Accounting & Auditing Virtual Conference. This significant annual event will take place virtually from November 18 to November 20, 2026, with all sessions conveniently scheduled for the morning. The conference fee is set at $620 for both VSCPA members and nonmembers, reflecting the comprehensive value and expertise offered. This extended conference duration and morning schedule are designed to accommodate busy professional schedules while providing extensive coverage of critical accounting and auditing topics. Further details and registration are available on the conference page at VSCPA. The consistent staging of this conference for over five decades underscores its enduring importance and the VSCPA’s commitment to providing up-to-date knowledge and professional development in these core areas of accounting.
The Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants (HSCPA) has also commenced registration for its 66th Annual Future in Focus Conference. This landmark event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Pince Waikiki in Honolulu, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The conference offers tiered pricing to encourage early registration: $290 for HSCPA members and $340 for non-members until October 30. Following this early bird period, prices will increase to $340 for members and $390 for non-members. The "Future in Focus" theme suggests a forward-looking agenda, likely addressing emerging trends, technological advancements, and strategic planning relevant to CPAs in Hawaii. Information and registration can be accessed via the HSCPA 66th Annual Conference page. The longevity of this conference, spanning 66 years, highlights its integral role in the professional development landscape for CPAs in Hawaii, adapting to evolving industry needs over generations.
These varied initiatives from state CPA societies underscore a robust and dynamic landscape of professional development, technological adaptation, and recognition within the accounting profession across the United States. From fostering future leaders in Tennessee to addressing the technological revolution of AI in Iowa, celebrating excellence in Michigan, and providing specialized training in California, Virginia, and Hawaii, these organizations are actively working to ensure their members and the profession at large remain competitive, knowledgeable, and innovative. The continued emphasis on virtual events speaks to the profession’s adaptability and commitment to accessibility, allowing a wider range of professionals to engage with critical learning opportunities. The sustained engagement and investment in these programs by state societies reflect a profound understanding of the evolving demands placed upon CPAs in a rapidly changing global economy.
