Advocacy in Action: Uplifting and Securing the Future of the Profession

As we begin 2026, I’m proud to discuss our historic advocacy win for the accounting profession in New Jersey — former Governor Murphy’s signing on Jan. 12 of the bill we championed that creates an additional pathway to CPA licensure in our state. The initiative speaks directly to the power of an engaged, unified community of members working together alongside our legislators for positive change.

Having an additional pathway to licensure expands opportunities for qualified candidates to enter the profession by allowing those with a bachelor’s degree, two years of professional experience and passage of the CPA Exam to pursue a license alongside the traditional 150-credit pathway. The law, which goes into effect Feb. 11, 2026, also strengthens practice mobility for CPAs licensed in other states.

This achievement did not happen by accident. It was the result of sustained advocacy, from the NJCPA team, from our volunteers and from members who engaged with policymakers, shared their perspectives and supported the NJ-CPA-PAC.

Together, we helped policymakers understand both the need for modernization and the value of preserving the rigor and integrity of the CPA credential.

This success underscores two enduring truths about our work:

1. Advocacy matters. Policy decisions made at the state and federal levels have real consequences for the profession’s pipeline, the health of firms and staffing of corporate accounting and finance departments as well as the broader economy. Laws like this one shape who can enter the profession, how firms and organizations attract talent and how CPAs serve the public and business community. Without active engagement at all stages, these outcomes simply wouldn’t be possible. Stay informed and support the NJ-CPA-PAC and NJCPA advocacy program.
   
   
2. We must remain vigilant. While we celebrate this win, we are also closely monitoring a range of developments that could impact the profession in the months ahead. At the federal level, proposed changes to the definition of “professional” degrees could affect student access to financial aid, with implications for the accounting pipeline and diversity of future CPAs. The NJCPA, AICPA and other state CPA societies have taken steps to push back against this misguided policy. At the state level, other licensure and regulatory proposals continue to surface that warrant careful scrutiny to ensure they protect public trust without unintended consequences.

The NJCPA will remain at the forefront of these conversations, advocating on your behalf for policies that expand access, preserve standards and support the profession’s long-term vitality. But we cannot do it alone. Your voice, your engagement and your support make all the difference.

Thank you for being part of a community that not only responds to change but helps lead it. As always, I would like to hear from you at feedback@njcpa.org