Accounting
State CPA Societies in Action: Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPAs)
State CPA Societies in Action is a series of articles spotlighting the varied educational, advocacy, networking and professional activities of the state CPA societies across the U.S.
Jul. 05, 2023
The Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPAs) celebrated its 119th anniversary in 2023, from the beginning crafting regulation and education to maintain high professional standards for clients, employers, and the public.
[State CPA Societies in Action is a series of articles spotlighting the varied educational, advocacy, networking and professional activities of the state CPA societies across the U.S.]
The MNCPA offers a variety of services, benefits, and resources to all of its members, offering an electronic newsletter, Footnote magazine, and online tools for members to track CPE credits or search for jobs. The MNCPA also works directly with the Minnesota Legislature and Board of Accountancy to influence legislation that may affect CPAs.
- Website: www.mncpa.org
- Number of current members: 7,500+
- Headquarters: Bloomington, MN
- Founded: 1904
- President & CEO: Linda Wedul
MNCPA Mission Statement
“To elevate members’ impact by fostering integrity, professional growth and connection while advocating for the profession.”
The MNCPA currently has four primary initiatives:
1. Provide education – The Society also offers more than 250 educational and professional development seminars and conferences annually, led by experts from around the country. The Society also holds the nationally recognized MNCPA Tax Conference, one of the largest conferences in the country.
2. Encourage leadership – MNCPA members can choose from numerous volunteer opportunities, and the Society offers a series of special events designed to welcome new CPAs and foster leadership development.
3. Offer member services and involvement – There are numerous ways members can become involved in the community, including through continuing education initiatives, public speaking, financial literacy education, and outreach and lobbying.
4. Serve the public – MNCPA offers resources and career education to the public, visiting high school and college students to discuss careers in accounting. The Society also offers a Taxline phone bank, while the MNCPA website includes information on a variety of topics including personal finance, taxes, small business, and can even assist with finding a CPA.
MNCPA membership is open to Minnesota CPAs, accounting professionals, CPA exam candidates, and students in accounting programs
MNCPAs recent growth
MNCPA, like many professional organizations across the U.S. has been experiencing a slight decline in member.“Like most of our peer organizations across the nation, both in accounting and in other industries, we’re experiencing a slight decline in membership, says Linda Wedul, MNCPA’s current President and CEO. “There are many well-documented reasons for why professional associations are experiencing membership declines, and the MNCPA is actively addressing the CPA pipeline challenge with its broadening the pathways to CPA licensure initiative.”
What are the society’s top objectives for 2023?
MNCPA addressed their top objectives for 2023 and beyond.
- Promote the value of the CPA credential with high school and college students to drive more students to the CPA credential.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, including members, regulatory bodies and other state societies to evaluate and propose changes to CPA licensing requirements.
- Identify and develop strategic content across multiple delivery formats with a focus on emerging technologies.
- Engage young professionals with new opportunities to connect and support the accounting profession.
“We believe that success is not measured by numbers alone, that a meaningful career is more than the sum of its parts, says Wedul. “Being part of a strong network makes all the difference.”