CEO Compass

The accounting and finance landscape is once again experiencing dramatic shifts. A steady stream of executive orders, economic volatility and geopolitical tensions are creating ripple effects across the country — and right here in New Jersey. It’s more important than ever that this uncertainty does not deter from our mission and sway us off course. As always, CPAs are called to lead with clarity, confidence and compassion.

The shortage of accountants and CPAs is becoming everyone’s responsibility. The problem will continue to grow unless critical changes are made. We are engaging with lawmakers who can help us pass legislation as soon as possible — before this crisis gets any worse.

We at NJCPA support an alternative pathway to licensure but we have fundamental differences with the AICPA/NASBA proposal on how to get there. The basis of our recommendations is to ensure ease and to streamline the process to reduce barriers to licensing while supporting the rigor that is expected to enter the profession.

In the simplest terms, employees want to feel heard and supported. It’s up to company leaders to navigate these expectations if they want to remain competitive in the current labor market.

The mission of professional membership organizations is primarily educational and informational, but here at the NJCPA we also leverage our expertise and influence in the state capitol, amplifying the voices of accounting and finance professionals such as you. We’ve encouraged members to participate in the NJCPA’s advocacy efforts and established a “culture of advocacy.”

As we begin 2024, the profession’s pipeline challenges remain front and center. The NJCPA Board of Trustees and Pipeline Task Force are exploring all options to attract more students to the profession while maintaining the highest standards expected of a CPA.

Our political system is founded on the principle of citizens sharing their views and concerns with policymakers. No matter who you vote for next month, it’s important that you make your voice heard.

I’ve spent the last three months meeting with profession leaders to understand the opportunities to positively impact the profession, their business objectives and how the NJCPA can help position them for success moving forward. I thank those of you who have shared your candid insights with me and look forward to continuing the conversations.

As you might expect, I’ve spent much of my first two months as your CEO in meetings with members and NJCPA leaders learning more about what keeps CPAs up at night. Unsurprisingly, the talent pipeline shortage is the accounting profession’s single-most important issue.

I am thrilled to be writing to you after my first month here at the NJCPA — a month that started with our Convention & Expo in Atlantic City, where we celebrated our 125th anniversary, said “mahalo” to Ralph Albert Thomas, learned many ways to move the profession forward and held numerous side conversations. Our annual event even made it into the pages of NJBIZ.

As I begin my first week as the new CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, it’s wonderful to be part of the excitement at the 2023 NJCPA Convention & Expo in Atlantic City! I have that same level of enthusiasm to serve this great community at such a critical time of transition.