Advocacy in Action: Building the Future of the Profession

At the New Jersey Society of CPAs, advocacy is not a task — it is a defining part of our culture.

At its core, our advocacy work reflects something larger than any single policy win. It represents the collective voice of our members, the strength of our relationships with lawmakers and the shared belief that CPAs play a critical role in the health of New Jersey’s economy. As highlighted in past CEO Compass messages, when our community engages, we don’t just respond to change, we help shape it.

I want to bring your attention to how that culture of advocacy was on full display with the passage of New Jersey’s additional pathway to CPA licensure earlier this year — admittedly one of the most significant legislative achievements in our history.

Signed into law in January and effective in February 2026, this legislation expands access to the profession by creating a second pathway to licensure, allowing candidates to earn a bachelor’s degree, pass the CPA Exam and complete two years of experience. This change directly addresses pipeline challenges, strengthens mobility for CPAs and ensures that the profession remains both rigorous and accessible.

Just as importantly, this victory was not the work of one individual or one team. It was the result of sustained engagement, students and members sharing their stories and the strategic support of our advocacy program and the NJ-CPA-PAC.

Advocacy works when our voices are unified and persistent. It is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment.

That is why we’re already leading the next important conversation around designating accounting as a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field in New Jersey. Legislation (A4236) was introduced in February 2026 that reflects the reality of today’s profession, one that is deeply rooted in technology, data, analytics and problem-solving.

Recognizing accounting as STEM is about more than perception. It opens doors to funding, expands educational pathways and helps position accounting as a modern, innovative career choice for the next generation.

These efforts align with a broader truth recognized across leading associations: advocacy is one of the most powerful ways organizations create value for their members and society. When done effectively, it elevates entire professions, informs public policy and drives long-term impact.

None of this happens without support.

The NJ-CPA-PAC plays a critical role in ensuring that the profession has a voice in Trenton. It allows us to build relationships with policymakers, support leaders who understand the importance of the profession and remain at the table when key decisions are made. As our recent successes demonstrate, those relationships matter.

As we look ahead, the business environment will continue to evolve, from affordability challenges to regulatory changes at both the state and federal levels. We will remain vigilant, engaged and proactive. Your participation, your insights and your support of advocacy efforts, including the NJ-CPA-PAC, are what turn priorities into policy and challenges into opportunities.

Together, we are not just protecting the profession, we are building its future.

As always, we welcome your comments at feedback@njcpa.org. And please consider making a contribution to the NJ-CPA-PAC or the NJCPA advocacy program.