From state societies to the AICPA, the hosts shed light on the collaborative ecosystem guiding CPAs.
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Accounting ARC
With Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto.
Center for Accounting Transformation
The accounting profession operates within a complex framework of governance, where state and national organizations play critical roles in shaping standards, supporting professionals, and maintaining public trust. In a recent episode of Accounting ARC, Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Liz Mason, CPA, dive deep into the often misunderstood relationships between state societies, boards of accountancy, and national entities like the AICPA and NASBA. Their discussion offers a candid look at how these organizations work together to regulate, educate, and advocate for CPAs, while highlighting the importance of participation at every level.
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“Many see state societies as just CPE organizers, but they’re also advocacy powerhouses,” explains Patrick, CEO of VERIFYiQ and co-founder of TB Academy, who details Maryland’s proactive society. State societies also facilitate specialized communities and foster advocacy efforts on behalf of CPAs.
State boards handle licensing and compliance. Mason, CEO of High Rock Accounting, recounts her experiences in Nevada, where a creative approach to meeting credit-hour requirements sparked changes in legislation. “The board enforces laws, but change requires legislation—a critical distinction,” she notes.
The AICPA collaborates with NASBA to maintain professional mobility across states. NASBA plays a pivotal role by standardizing CPA rules through the Uniform Accountancy Act.
Both Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC and founder and inspiration architect for the Center for Accounting Transformation, and Patrick emphasize the career-transforming potential of participation. “You get to be in the room where decisions are made,” says Patrick. Shimamoto adds, “Joining committees early in my career gave me unparalleled mentorship and learning opportunities.”
Professionals and students alike are encouraged to engage with the mechanisms that govern their field and shape their future.
This dialogue is more than a technical breakdown—it’s a call to action for professionals and students alike to engage with the mechanisms that govern their field and shape their futures. “Getting involved means influencing decisions,” Patrick says. “Not just reacting to them.”
Top 10 Takeaways
- State societies offer more than CPE—they advocate for CPA interests.
- State boards govern licensing and enforce CPA-related laws.
- NASBA unifies state boards to maintain CPA mobility across jurisdictions.
- The AICPA collaborates with state societies to guide national legislation.
- Involvement in state societies opens doors to mentorship and leadership.
- State societies also promote financial literacy and community service.
- Legislation governs CPA licensure; boards enforce these laws.
- NASBA oversees the Uniform CPA Exam and CPE standards.
- Understanding governance structures helps CPAs navigate their careers.
- Early career participation in these organizations accelerates professional growth.