CEO Compass

Our political system is founded on the principle of citizens sharing their views and concerns with policymakers. No matter who you vote for next month, it’s important that you make your voice heard.

I’ve spent the last three months meeting with profession leaders to understand the opportunities to positively impact the profession, their business objectives and how the NJCPA can help position them for success moving forward. I thank those of you who have shared your candid insights with me and look forward to continuing the conversations.

As you might expect, I’ve spent much of my first two months as your CEO in meetings with members and NJCPA leaders learning more about what keeps CPAs up at night. Unsurprisingly, the talent pipeline shortage is the accounting profession’s single-most important issue.

I am thrilled to be writing to you after my first month here at the NJCPA — a month that started with our Convention & Expo in Atlantic City, where we celebrated our 125th anniversary, said “mahalo” to Ralph Albert Thomas, learned many ways to move the profession forward and held numerous side conversations. Our annual event even made it into the pages of NJBIZ.

As I begin my first week as the new CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, it’s wonderful to be part of the excitement at the 2023 NJCPA Convention & Expo in Atlantic City! I have that same level of enthusiasm to serve this great community at such a critical time of transition.

It’s been an honor to lead this organization as we live out our vision, “To equip and empower New Jersey’s accounting and finance professionals to thrive in their careers.” Each and every day, we advocate for the profession and provide CPAs with meaningful education, information and ways to connect.

This is the time of year that throngs of people — maybe even you — choose a list of resolutions for the next year. While adopting a resolution shows a wonderful sense of positive intent, a more practical alternative could be to simply set new goals for the future. Goals give you a direction to aspire to. And, with the baby steps you may be taking toward your goal, you can still feel like you’re on the right track, which will, in turn, keep you focused.

Our community is stronger together. We learn from each other’s experiences, build lasting relationships and open up opportunities.

If we want the NJCPA and the accounting profession to be forward-thinking and future-proof, and our membership pipeline full, then today is the day to start investing in our young professionals.