Earlier this year, INCPAS updated its position statements. How do they align with the evolving needs and challenges of the CPA profession?

“We believe the updated position statements allow INCPAS to be a leader in advancing workforce development in our profession. We need to be adaptable to an evolving market while maintaining high standards for our profession and protecting public trust. We must tackle our workforce challenges with new ideas and be willing to step out to lead. Our position statements around licensure, mobility and substantial equivalency are critical but cannot be left alone to solve our workforce needs. We need a collaborative effort among everyone to move all areas of focus forward to reverse the trend of declining CPA candidates.”

Kyle A. Simmerman, CPA
INCPAS Chair
BGBC, a Springline Company

“INCPAS’ updated position statements demonstrate a more forward-thinking approach to the evolving needs of the accounting profession. There are many challenges surrounding the ability to attract new talent, as well as a need for flexibility in licensing without sacrificing quality. We trust that allowing students to tailor their education to their own interests/needs will improve the quality of their license. We also believe varied pathways to licensure recognize students’ diverse backgrounds and ways of learning that may include more real-world experiences. Change is critical to ensure our profession remains relevant and competitive in today’s workplace.”

Lisa D. Tressler, CPA
INCPAS Chair-Elect
RBSK Partners PC

“The updated position statements align with the changing needs and challenges of the profession by supporting different pathways to becoming a CPA. This effort is to increase the talent pipeline into our profession without diluting the CPA’s prestige and value to the public. In addition, as many of our members work in other states or could work in other states in the future, we have updated the position statements to acknowledge that a coordinated effort is needed across state lines to ensure the CPA license in Indiana is substantially equivalent with other states.”

Jacob T. Buehler, CPA
INCPAS Vice Chair
Dauby O’Connor & Zaleski, LLC

“The need for more qualified individuals is felt throughout the accounting profession, and the updated position statements specifically address one of the most talked about barriers to entry. They emphasize the desire to maintain a high level of integrity, education and knowledge to become licensed, while focusing on the critical need for CPA license mobility and reciprocity. They also align with what is becoming a national movement to provide more options and encouragement for those interested in pursuing a career in accounting.”

Corbin L. Miller, CPA, CGMA
INCPAS Vice Chair
Insight Accounting Group, PC

“INCPAS’ updated position statements address the evolving needs of the CPA profession by supporting more flexible pathways to licensure that reduce unnecessary barriers and better align with today’s workforce realities. This is essential for creating a profession that truly reflects society and positions CPAs as the most trusted advisors, capable of making relevant, strategic business decisions. Broadening access to the profession means we can better lead on key issues like technology, strategic decision making, multistate compliance and even work-life integration and selfcare. As someone whose path to licensure wasn’t linear, I fully support these changes to create a more accessible and inclusive CPA profession.”

ZeNai Savage, CPA
INCPAS Vice Chair
Indy Chamber