Recruitment Campaign to inspire high school students and their parents to explore accounting careers. This exciting campaign, featuring a video, digital ads, and a microsite, is now underway— stay tuned for updates! Seeking New Pathways to CPA We’ve also been actively involved in national discussions involving a proposed additional pathway to CPA licensure. The AICPA, NASBA, and State Societies have been working to develop and provide input on model legislative language that seeks to add flexibility to CPA licensure while maintaining rigor and preserving mobility. Read more at http://conta.cc/4ePLCnn. Advocating for the Profession At the state level, our advocacy efforts have been pivotal. Thanks to joint efforts by the Nebraska Society and the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, LB 854 was signed into law in March 2024, allowing candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours of qualifying college credit and a bachelor’s degree beginning in January 2025. Our PTET Working Group took the lead on Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) legislation and education efforts this year. LB 1059 provided technical changes—drafted by our members—to legislation enacted in 2023 that allows flow-through entities to pay state income tax directly on behalf of their owners, for a federal tax benefit. We successfully opposed the taxation of accounting and professional services, which was part of Governor Pillen’s property tax relief plan. In addition, the Society joined the No New Taxes Nebraska coalition, which helped defeat the EPIC Tax Option ballot initiative this year. We continue to address the inequities of LB 34 and advocate for fair outcomes for all Nebraskans. Passed during the Special Session this fall, LB 34’s “missing year” of property tax relief penalizes some Nebraskans by retroactively eliminating the property tax credits for 2023 assessed taxes. Your Society will continue to fight for the CPA profession and the protection of the public. Although these efforts and achievements are undoubtedly worth celebrating, Celebrate & Elevate inspires us to aim higher. While we remember our successes, we must also push forward—advancing the profession, expanding our impact, and shaping a bold vision for the future. ELEVATING THE PROFESSION Embracing Change In a rapidly evolving profession, adaptability is key. Emerging technologies like Generative AI are already reshaping the landscape. The profession and the Society must continue to embrace flexibility and seek out innovations. Past Chairman Kelly Martinson encouraged members at the Annual Meeting to “stay curious, think big, and step outside of your comfort zone.” Building Networks Are you looking for insights on your most challenging issues or seeking meaningful connections with other firm leaders? New in 2025, the Nebraska Society of CPAs is excited to introduce the CPA Firm Regional Leadership Network. This multistate virtual network will offer facilitated discussions for similar-sized public accounting firm leaders, providing a forum for you to explore trends impacting your firm and to learn from the experiences of colleagues. Each virtual cohort will include up to 15 individuals from firms across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Learn more about the CPA Firm Regional Leadership Network on page 10. Exploring Ways to Engage The Society’s success relies on active member involvement. Here are ways you can get involved: Volunteer for a Society committee. Take advantage of the Society’s outstanding educational conferences and courses. Support the Foundation and its scholarship program with your dollars. Share your voice through surveys and requests for feedback. Participate in the legislative process by contacting your State Senator when an issue of concern arises and attend the annual State Senators Reception & Dinner on Jan. 7. Donate to our Political Education Committee, which strengthens the Society’s advocacy efforts and gives us greater access to State Senators. As Society Chairman Brian Klintworth of HBE LLP reminded us at the Society’s Annual Meeting, “Your willingness to get involved, share insights, and advocate for the profession has been the driving force behind our success. To continue thriving, we must all remain engaged and committed to our shared mission.” CHEERS TO 2025 Let’s celebrate our accomplishments and elevate our vision as we step into the new year. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a future full of progress and innovation. Here’s to 2025—a year of opportunity and growth for the CPA profession and your Society! Joni Sundquist is president and executive director of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. You may contact her at (402) 476-8482 or joni@nescpa.org. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 8 Nebraska CPA
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