The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a non-profit professional organization representing certified public accountants (CPA) in the United States. To become a member of AICPA, individuals must hold a valid CPA license, complete a certain amount of continuing professional education (CPE) hours, and pay annual dues. Overall, being a member of the AICPA as an aspiring accounting professional can provide valuable support and guidance for a successful transition into the accounting field. Today, we serve 698,000 members, students and engaged professionals in 188 countries and territories. By providing exclusive guidance and specialized resources — including prestigious designations, certifications and credentials — we empower you to create an even brighter tomorrow, both for yourself and for the profession.
- To give you the tools to clarify complexity, anticipate risk and develop a rewarding career, and to strengthen and foster trust in our dynamic field.
- These discounts can help you save money and enhance your overall experience as a member of the accounting profession.
- As part of IFAC membership obligations, the Association fulfills SMOs in U.S. through AICPA and in UK through CIMA.
- Various committees oversee elections, professional conduct and competence standards, and the benevolent fund.
Recently, Jennifer, a recent graduate, attended an AICPA-hosted seminar where she learned about the opportunities and benefits of becoming a CPA. Inspired by the success stories of CPAs, she decided to pursue a career in accounting. With the AICPA’s resources and guidance, Jennifer was able to pass the CPA exam and join a reputable accounting firm. The AICPA not only helped her navigate the complexities of the profession but also connected her with a supportive community of like-minded professionals. Volunteer committees represent the interests of our membership, help maintain our standards, promote public and management accounting, and provide member services.
Administers Professional Exams
Are you curious about AICPA, the leading professional organization for certified public accountants? In this article, we will delve into the important role that AICPA plays in the accounting industry and how it can benefit you, whether you are a CPA or someone seeking reliable financial services. Members of AICPA have access to exclusive resources, such as technical guidance, continuing education courses, and networking opportunities. They also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the accounting profession and advocate for the industry. The AICPA sets generally accepted professional and technical standards for CPAs in multiple areas.
- The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA) and its predecessors have served the public interest for 136 years.
- The AICPA and CIMA membership bodies remain and provide all existing benefits to members.
- For example, one member was able to save 25% on accounting software, allowing them to reinvest those savings back into their business.
- Following this, it retained its standards setting function in areas such as financial statement auditing, professional ethics, attest services, CPA firm quality control, CPA tax practice, business valuation, and financial planning practice.
- It represents 657,000 members and students in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues.
The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA) and its predecessors have served the public interest for 136 years. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA) was founded in 1919 and has helped shaped the profession for over a century. In 2017, we came together as AICPA & CIMA to forge a powerful international alliance that promotes accounting and finance in every corner of the world.
Sets Standards for the Accounting Profession
In the 1970s, however, it transferred its responsibility for setting generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to the newly formed Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Following this, it retained its standards setting function in areas such as financial statement auditing, professional ethics, attest services, CPA firm quality control, CPA tax practice, business valuation, and financial planning practice. Before passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley law, AICPA standards in these areas were considered “generally accepted” for all CPA practitioners. Despite all these developments, the AICPA and the CIMA still continue to provide all of their previous benefits to existing members. Overall, the AICPA plays a vital role in promoting excellence and integrity within the field of accounting.
Access to industry news and updates is a valuable benefit of AICPA membership, allowing professionals to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the accounting profession. Through various certifications and licenses, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, the AICPA offers its members access to educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry research. Additionally, the organization advocates for the accounting profession and works to shape accounting policies and regulations. However, the AICPA still retains its standards-setting responsibilities in such areas as professional ethics, business valuation, financial statement auditing, attest services, and CPA firm quality control.
By joining, they can gain access to a wide range of resources and opportunities that can enhance their career prospects. We exist to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for individuals, organizations and economies around the globe. Wherever you are and whatever your role in accounting and finance, we’ll help you evolve and excel. On behalf of its members, the AICPA monitors and advocates on legislative and other matters that affect the accounting profession.
History of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
You can stay updated on AICPA news and updates by subscribing to their email newsletter, following their social media accounts, or regularly visiting their website. Various committees oversee elections, professional conduct and competence standards, and the benevolent fund. The AICPA and CIMA membership bodies remain and provide all existing benefits to members. IFAC bears no responsibility for the information provided in the SMO Action Plans prepared by IFAC member organizations.
From setting professional standards to administering exams, the AICPA plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and success of the accounting profession. AICPA is the largest professional organization for CPAs in the United States and is recognized as the leading voice of the accounting profession. It sets higher ethical standards and offers a wider range of resources and benefits for its members.
What is AICPA – American Institute of CPAs?
These dedicated efforts by the AICPA help to strengthen the accounting profession, protect the interests of accountants, and ensure the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Aspiring accountants and current accounting professionals can greatly benefit from joining the AICPA to access valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is a national professional organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States. The AICPA maintains a strong partnership with state CPA societies, which are independent organizations that offer resources, assistance, and networking opportunities to CPAs at the state level. Working together, the AICPA and state CPA societies advocate for the profession, establish best practices, and provide ongoing education and professional development for CPAs. With over 431,000 members, the AICPA is the largest association representing the accounting profession worldwide.
Code of professional conduct
Working with state CPA societies and other professional organizations, the AICPA provides information to and educates federal, state and local policymakers regarding key issues. Whether serving as an information resource or offering recommendations, the AICPA represents the profession while protecting the public interest. More recently, in 2012, the AICPA partnered with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to create the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. The two organizations then went on to create the Global Management Accounting Principles (GMAPs) in 2014, in order to formalize best practices in the field of management accounting. Members of the AICPA consist of professionals in business and industry, public practice, government, and education.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
As the leading professional organization for certified public accountants (CPAs) in the United States, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) offers a variety of benefits to its members. These benefits not only support the growth and success of individual CPAs, but also contribute to the advancement of the accounting profession as a whole. In this section, we will examine the various advantages of AICPA membership, including access to industry news and updates, networking opportunities, professional development and continuing education, and discounts on products and services. AICPA, or the American Institute of CPAs, is a professional organization for certified public accountants (CPAs) in the United States. It sets ethical standards, provides industry guidance, and conducts research to support the accounting profession. The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) combines the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
The AICPA exists to provide its 421,000 members in 130 countries with the resources, information, and leadership to provide CPA services in the highest professional manner. The AICPA offers a wide range of resources to support the growth and success of its members. To ensure individuals of every background can unlock the same opportunities, and to help organizations understand that diversity is good for business. To drive accounting and finance into the future by giving you the support, skills and insights to meet the demands of a constantly changing world. In 1999, the nearly 120 existing committees underwent a re-organization with approximately half of the standing committees being replaced with a volunteer group model that placed an increased emphasis on the use of task forces. The increased use of task forces allowed for more targeted efforts with the task forces being given a specific assignment then disbanding upon completion of that assignment.
