You can learn more about the Gen AI landscape and opportunities for the profession in CPA.com’s new Generative AI toolkit at www.cpa.com/sites/cpa/files/2023-11/ GenAI-Toolkit-CPAcom.pdf. In addition, Martinson enjoyed hearing the incoming chairman of the AICPA, Carla McCall, describe her journey in the profession. “Her energy is contagious and inspiring,” declared Martinson. McCall will be presenting on the “State of the Profession” during day one of the Nebraska Society of CPAs’ Fall Conference, scheduled for Oct. 29-30 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland. “It was also pretty cool to be in the room when Barry Melancon announced his retirement,” she said. “Barry’s updates have always been one of the most interesting portions of the Council meetings, and this was no exception.” Brian Klintworth found his first time attending the AICPA Spring Meeting of Council as a representative of Nebraska to be an interesting and educational experience. “Of particular note, work done by the National Pipeline Advisory Group on putting together a plan to help continue to develop a strong pipeline of accounting talent for years to come is exciting, and I look forward to being involved in work at the local level to help continue to strengthen the pool of future accountants serving Nebraska and beyond.” He added that “a lot of the conversation focused on trends that are continuing to change the direction of our profession, including increased consulting and advisory work, the role of technology and AI in our business, and continuing changes in how we serve our clients in the best way possible. I am always excited for ways that our profession can become better, and I think that we have a lot of great changes in the works!” Shari Munro remarked, “I am always invigorated after attending an AICPA Council meeting. Our profession is full of intelligent, talented, and committed CPAs. While we are currently faced with a shortage of people entering our profession, I believe this challenge will only improve our profession as we work together to solve our issues and enact real change. We must ensure we remain our client’s most trusted advisor and continue to fulfill our responsibilities to the financial and capital markets that rely on us,” she added. Munro expressed gratitude to the members of the National Pipeline Advisory Group for their diligent work in analyzing the pipeline problem and creating a strategy report to guide us through these challenging times. “I invite all CPAs to take the Pipeline Pledge at accountingpipeline.org/participate and make a commitment to the future of our profession and its members of tomorrow,” she said. You will find NPAG’s executive summary and draft strategy report at accountingpipeline.org/draft-report. Kelly Mann found the AICPA Spring Meeting of Council to be an insightful experience. “I learned so much more than I was expecting,” she said. “I was particularly impressed by the analysis conducted by the National Pipeline Advisory Group on the shortage of accounting talent and the potential solutions they proposed. Inspired by their efforts, I took the Pipeline Pledge and am committed to raising awareness of our profession’s value,” emphasized Mann. Suggested activities might include visiting a local middle school, participating in a high school career fair, hosting a networking event for accounting majors, or mentoring a CPA candidate through the licensure process or their first year in the workplace. “Additionally, the unveiling of the new PCPS Firm Business Model Transformation toolkits was a highlight,” noted Mann. “These resources are poised to be immensely beneficial to our members as we navigate the evolving landscape of our profession.” You’ll find all the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) toolkits at aicpa-cima.com/topic/firm-practice-management. Special Session on the Horizon Gov. Jim Pillen has announced that the Nebraska Legislature will be convening for a special session focused on providing property tax relief for Nebraskans. The Governor has told legislators to clear their schedules from July 26 to Aug. 15. During the special session, Nebraska’s state senators will consider broadening the tax base and changing the laws that govern the property tax process. Your Society will be keeping a close eye on the work of the Legislature as the session unfolds. For an excellent breakdown and estimated revenue of Nebraska’s 100-plus sales tax exemptions, visit the Nebraska Examiner at bit.ly/NE-Sales-Tax-Exemptions. Please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts and issues of concern. Together, we will help shape and safeguard the profession while navigating the many challenges and opportunities ahead. 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. AICPA Chairman Carla McCall, Society Chairman Kelly Martinson, Society President Joni Sundquist, and AICPA CEO Barry Melancon at the AICPA Fall Meeting of Council. Melancon announced his retirement at the Council meeting in May. McCall will be presenting on day one of the Nebraska Society of CPAs’ Fall Conference, held Oct. 29-30 in Ashland. 9 nescpa.org
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