by
Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM | NJCPA CEO and Executive Director
| April 21, 2025
Holding the Sails in Place
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.
We’ve been here before. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CPAs didn’t hesitate — you worked around the clock to guide clients, organizations and your communities through uncharted territory. And the NJCPA was right there with you — delivering timely resources, offering real-time updates and providing a sense of community to professionals who have each other’s backs.
Today is no different. And neither is our commitment to you.
The NJCPA is more than a professional association — it's a community. In uncertain times, this becomes even more valuable. By engaging with the NJCPA, you gain access to:
- A network of peers who understand your challenges and share your goals
- Education that evolves with the moment, preparing you for what’s next
- Career support to help you adapt, grow and lead
- Advocacy that protects your profession and ensures your voice is heard
- A society that energizes, connects and inspires you
We know the profession is facing real challenges — especially when it comes to the talent pipeline. That’s why the NJCPA is leading the charge on solutions.
We’ve been vocal, proactive and persistent in pushing for progress, including:
- Creating a new CPA licensure pathway — legislation soon to be introduced in New Jersey, similar to Ohio, Utah, Virginia and others, to make the profession more accessible while maintaining its rigor
- Supporting accounting as STEM — helping reframe and elevate the profession while unlocking new funding and visibility for students
Without NJCPA advocacy, regulation happens to you — not with you. From tax reform to small business relief to CPA licensing changes, we’re ensuring your interests are front and center. We meet regularly with state legislators, the State Board of Accountancy and national bodies like NASBA and the AICPA to make sure New Jersey CPAs have a strong, informed and respected voice at the table. Our nonpartisan NJ-CPA-PAC helps further this effort.
Your membership in the NJCPA is more than a professional affiliation — it means you care about your growth, your peers and the future of the profession. It opens doors to leadership, public speaking and high-impact networking. No event captures this better than the NJCPA Convention & Expo, happening June 3–6 at the Borgata in Atlantic City. It’s not just an event — it’s a way to reconnect with peers, trade ideas and build relationships that last far beyond a single conversation. We hope to see you all there.
What happens politically and economically in Washington, Trenton and around the world will shape the CPA profession in the months and years to come. But here’s what won’t change: the NJCPA will be here advocating, supporting and providing a sense of community.
I’d like to thank all of you who volunteer in a variety of capacities for your time and expertise in helping to steer us in the right direction. We invite others to get involved at njcpa/volunteer and would like to hear from you at feedback@njcpa.org.