State Societies in Action: Wisconsin 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.

The Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants was founded in 1905 and has continued to represent CPAs, accounting, and business professionals, promoting the value of members and the accounting profession.

Tammy Hofstede has been the President & CEO of WICPA since December of 2018, when she replaced Dennis F. Tomorsky. She has been with WICPA for more than 30 years, joining the organization as an accounting intern in 1992. Prior to her appointment as President & CEO she was the Chief Financial & Operating Officer for the organization.

Website: wicpa.org

Number of members: 7,000+Headquarters: Waukesha, Wisconsin

Growth & Challenges

The narrowing pipeline of CPA talent is a challenge that impacts businesses, firms and colleges alike, driven by declining U.S. birth rates, rising retirements, fewer high school graduates attending college, and a decrease in accounting graduates.

“As Wisconsin’s leading professional organization for CPAs, accounting and business professionals, the WICPA is committed to promoting the value of CPAs and addressing the profession’s talent shortage,” said President & CEO Tammy Hofstede.

Tammy Hofstede.

To address these critical issues, an intentional and consistent effort is required to encourage younger people to become CPAs. To that end, the WICPA now offers free membership to high school and college students who would like to learn more about accounting.

WICPA student members have access to resources designed to help them become more aware of and interested in accounting as a career option. Available student resources include FAQs about the profession, video testimonials from members, a directory of Wisconsin colleges that offer accounting programs, a Career Center and more.

The Society’s Impact

WICPA has had a tremendous impact in the state of Wisconsin. “Representing over 7,000 members across public accounting, business and industry, government, nonprofit, and education sectors, the WICPA’s diverse membership includes firm partners, CFOs, CEOs, entrepreneurs, senior executives and other finance professionals who help drive Wisconsin’s economy forward, “said Hofstede.

“Our members are trusted advisors who not only work to protect the public and drive business decisions but also uphold the image and integrity of the CPA profession, especially during these workforce challenges.”

Goals for 2025

WICPA goals for the upcoming year include the following:

Addressing the CPA Talent Shortage
The WICPA is working to address the growing CPA workforce shortage by promoting the profession, highlighting the opportunities it provides and redefining the image of CPAs to attract the next generation.

Advocating for Policies that Support Our Members and the Profession
The WICPA remains ingrained with legislative partners to help ensure that proposed legislation considers the importance of the CPA profession, taxpayers and the public.

Enhancing Education and Awareness Programs

The WICPA Educational Foundation will continue to support programs that assist with broadening and advancing the awareness, perception and future of the accounting profession. These initiatives include awarding grants to high school teachers through Accounting Career Awareness Grants, offering college scholarships for students pursuing CPA licensure, and hosting speaking engagements at colleges and high schools.

Final thoughts from the President & CEO

“The WICPA is dedicated to shaping the future of the CPA profession by keeping it strong, vibrant and ready to meet the changing needs of businesses, nonprofits and the public,” said Hofstede. “By focusing on advocacy, education, connections and sharing important information, we aim to make the profession more relevant and sustainable. These long-term challenges require attention, and the WICPA is dedicated to guiding and supporting the changes needed to address them.”