Talking Points for Leadership Call Punch List

  • June 24, 2025



NJCPA News

  • On June 1, the NJCPA welcomed John Szczomak, member of the firm at Smolin, Lupin & Co. as president for the 2025/26 term. Szczomak replaced June Toth, principal at WilkinGuttenplan. As NJCPA president, John plans to focus on the CPA pipeline challenges and encouraging more people to enter accounting as well as mentoring the younger generation
  • The NJCPA is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Ovation Awards, which celebrates the high achievers who are emerging leaders, innovators, champions of diversity, educators, volunteers, notable women and other individuals who have made a substantial impact in accounting. Nominations are due by August 15. Multiple entries are allowed, as are self-nominations. For more information and to submit a nomination, go to njcpa.org/ovation.

  • The NJCPA Board of Trustees is asking all leaders and members to support the Society's ongoing advocacy efforts. Advocacy involves engaging with policymakers and legislators to influence decisions that impact members and the entire profession. Effective advocacy ensures that your concerns and needs are heard, helping to shape policies that protect your interests and work toward creating a more favorable business environment in the state. By staying informed and supporting the NJCPA's advocacy initiatives, you can make a significant impact on the future of the profession.

    There are two ways that you can support the profession’s advocacy efforts:

    • Contribute to the NJ-CPA-PAC. The PAC allows New Jersey CPAs to pool their resources to help elect candidates for state office who demonstrate a positive concern for issues important to the CPA profession and business community.
    • Contribute directly to the NJCPA advocacy program. Help the Society raise awareness of the NJCPA’s efforts to fill the talent pipeline, educate the public, lawmakers and the media, and get members involved.

Professional News

  • Recognizing the need to increase access to the accounting field, the NJCPA has proposed an additional pathway to obtain CPA licensure in New Jersey. The NJCPA is calling to modify New Jersey’s Accountancy Act to enable CPA candidates to qualify for licensure by earning a bachelor’s degree, completing two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam. The bill (A5598) passed the full Assembly on May 22 and a companion bill was unanimously passed by a Senate committee on June 12. Prospective CPAs can still follow the older pathway (150 hours of education plus one year of experience and passing the Exam), but the new path allows accountants to opt for more real-world experience rather than take an additional 30 hours of education. In addition to the new CPA pathway, the legislation will ensure practice mobility for out-of-state CPAs.

  • June 24, 2025

Key NJCPA Dates