CEO's Message

SUSAN SPEIRS, CPA

Change, change and even more change. Will it ever end? Will it ever slow down? How do we handle the seemingly endless roller coaster ride that sometimes feels out of our control?

More than two years ago, we experienced the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that is now becoming endemic. As CPAs, we learned that we could work from home, utilize technology in new and creative ways, communicate via audio and digital means and still accomplish tasks at hand. We learned we could do hard things.

Although COVID-19 is coming to an end as we’ve known it, we now contend with war in Ukraine, escalating gas prices, inflation and increasing feelings of uncertainty. Many of our younger members grew up during fairly decent economic times — with the exception of the 2008 recession — and have never had to worry about war. Many of our older members remember the Cold War or had parents who fought in the Korean War or World War II and are recalling unpleasant memories. What we’ve learned during COVID-19 will certainly help us through these new challenges.

We continue to see change within our own profession. We’ve discussed the changes to the CPA Exam that will launch in January 2024. CPA candidates will take three core exams in the areas of accounting, audit, and tax. They will be able to choose their fourth exam from information systems and controls, business analysis and reporting, or tax compliance and planning. Business Environment and Concepts will be eliminated as part of the changes. To the CPA candidates: You can do hard things.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has been an intentional theme for our profession for several years now. We have been intentional as we have woven DEI throughout our strategic plan. Regrettably, as we’ve reviewed reports coming from other CPA societies, IMA and the AICPA, we’re not seeing much change. If we are to succeed as a profession, it is a given that we need to look like the people and businesses we serve.

This is in our control. We need to be more intentional in our profession and leadership to represent like our population. African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population and only 1% of CPAs; Hispanic Americans make up 18.5% of our population and only 5% of CPAs.

How do we bridge the gap? We continue to build our high school programs with universities. In 2021, we partnered with Weber State Univeristy for a three-day Money Camp. In 2022, we will continue to partner with WSU and Utah State University with ways for students to explore our profession. We know we need to reach down to the junior high level as additional research is indicating that students know what they want to major in by the time they are juniors in high school. We’ve got our work cut out. Remember, we can do hard things!

Change is here to stay. It will never slow down. We can do hard things! Cheers to change! n

Leadership Academy

NOVEMBER 9 – 11

The Emerging Professionals Leadership Academy helps new CPAs develop leadership skills with an exclusive group of professionals.

The Academy will help you keep pace in the profession and excel as a leader. CPAs will gain the tools and training to propel them into the future at this intensive and rewarding retreat. You will learn how to make your ideas clear and how to inspire others throughout your network.

Attendees receive 24+ hours of CPE while building leadership foundations and relationships with their colleagues.