Accounting
State CPA Societies in Action: Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs
State CPA Societies in Action is a series of articles spotlighting the varied educational, advocacy, networking and professional activities of the state CPA societies across the U.S.
Nov. 29, 2023
Founded in 1897, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) is the second-oldest CPA organization in the U.S. PICPA actively supports both current and future CPAs, providing educational opportunities, networking, and volunteer opportunities. PICPA also serves as the voice of the CPA profession through advocacy efforts in the state legislature.
[State CPA Societies in Action is a series of articles spotlighting the varied educational, advocacy, networking and professional activities of the state CPA societies across the U.S.]
 | Current Members: 17,000+ Founded: 1897 Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA President/CEO: Jennifer Cryder, CPA www.picpa.org |
Has PICPA experienced much growth?
PICPAs suite of high-quality and multi-faceted continuing education programs has grown substantially with the acquisition of CPA Crossings and joining collaborations for continuing education in the Northeastern and Mid-Western states. With the profession’s nationwide pipeline issue affecting the future CPA pool, the organization is looking to find innovating ways to offer membership and value. They are also evaluating how they currently engage young people across the state, and are looking to engage students as early as freshmen in high school to drive their interest in accounting careers.
Mission:
Part of PICPA is the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation, whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in accounting and to provide educational, motivational, and financial support to those working to attain the CPA credential.
A word from the president and CEO:
“At the PICPA, we’re all about fueling the growth and vitality of the CPA profession and advancing the quality of work in our profession, says Jennifer L. Cryder, the current CEO of PICPA. “From the rich array of continuing education courses that keep our members sharp to the leadership roles and volunteer opportunities that shape their influence, we support our members and the profession in a variety of ways. Beyond this, we advocate for policies that make sense for CPAs and the businesses they serve. It’s all about championing a future where the trust in our profession is as rock-solid as the expertise we bring to the table.”
Top three objectives for the upcoming year
- Advocate for PICPA members on key legislative actions that would be beneficial for our industry and the greater Pennsylvania economy.
- Provide invaluable educational and professional events that elevate the quality of the accounting industry.
- Grow and support young professionals and aspiring CPAs to help address the pipeline challenges that we see unfolding in our industry.
Are there any long-term objectives?
“The PICPA’s long term mission centers on advancing and improving the accounting industry and supporting the CPAs who play an instrumental role in our economy for both businesses and individuals,” says Cryder. “Right now, the accounting industry is at a crossroads. One key long-term objective is to support and grow the number of new CPAs entering the profession. Through initiatives like partnering with universities to educate young professionals and students on the benefits of becoming a CPA to working with accounting firms to reimagine how they recruit, train and grow young talent, we are focused on supporting the next generation of CPAs.”