Hero Story

For over 120 years, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) has been a steadfast advocate for the CPA profession, dedicated to serving its members and the communities they impact. As Michigan’s premier professional organization for certified public accountants, MICPA provides essential resources, education, advocacy, and networking opportunities that empower CPAs to excel in their careers and drive economic growth across the state.

At the heart of MICPA’s mission is a commitment to professional excellence and public service. The organization actively champions policies that strengthen the accounting profession while ensuring that Michigan businesses, governments, and individuals have access to highly skilled financial professionals. Recognizing the critical role CPAs play in maintaining a strong and transparent economy, MICPA invests in the development of future accounting professionals through strategic initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining talent within the state.

A key priority for MICPA is addressing Michigan’s growing skills gap in the accounting profession. This aligns with the state's "Sixty by 30" goal, which seeks to increase the number of working-age adults with postsecondary credentials. According to the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2024 State of Talent and Education report, accounting faces one of the most significant workforce shortages, with a gap of 7,000 job postings versus only 670 degree completers. MICPA, through its more than 17,000 members, has taken a leadership role in closing this gap by promoting the profession, supporting educational pathways, and fostering career development opportunities.

By equipping CPAs with the tools to thrive and advocating for policies that benefit both professionals and the broader community, MICPA continues to be a driving force in sustaining Michigan’s economic vitality. For more information, visit www.micpa.org.

Here is a description of projects and their impact in 2024:

High School Student Career Awareness Campaign:

• Each year, MICPA partners with Michigan universities to host Accounting High School leadership events designed to introduce high school students to the vast opportunities within the accounting profession. Volunteer CPAs engage with students through interactive activities, career discussions, and one-on-one mentorship. The program is free for students, with financial support available for schools needing transportation. The event rotates across the state, ensuring accessibility to students from diverse backgrounds.
• MICPA coordinates CPA volunteers to visit high schools statewide, offering career presentations and real-world insights into the profession. These engagements inspire students to consider accounting as a viable and rewarding career path.
• As a site sponsor for the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Accounting Career Awareness Program, MICPA hosts black students from Wayne and Oakland Counties at its Troy office for a day of networking, mentorship, and career exploration. Black high school students engage with CPA professionals, gaining valuable insights into the field and pathways to success. Many of MICPA’s members also volunteer throughout the week, helping students, not only see the value in accounting, but help them develop skills needed to be successful in life.

• 2024 Impact: Over 1,500 high school students participated in MICPA-led awareness programs.

College Campus Engagement and Career Readiness Programs:

• MICPA volunteers provide presentations at colleges and universities, discussing CPA career paths, navigating the Michigan CPA licensure process and Success Tips for passing the CPA exam.
• MICPA supports college educators through an active member resource group, annual conferences and monthly newsletters to ensure they have updated knowledge on what is happening in the profession, allowing them to prepare their students to be successful in their future accounting careers.

• MICPA supports community college students pursuing accounting degrees by volunteering at events that discuss the benefits of transfer opportunities between community colleges and universities. MICPA partnered with American Accounting Association Foundation to promote the Two-Year Bridge Symposium (TYBS), to provide accounting content, community, and professional resources for two-year college students who identify as racially and ethnically diverse as they contemplate their education pathways and potential careers in the accounting profession. The one-day symposium discussed:
• Opportunities in the Accounting Profession
• Transitioning to Four-Year Institutions
• CPA Exam and Licensure Planning by MICPA
• Scholarships and Professional Resources

2024 Impact: MICPA engaged approximately 320 accounting and business students statewide.

• Free College Student Membership
MICPA provides free membership to college students. Services provided to students are supported by the staff and member volunteerism. Student members gain access to valuable resources, including:
• Networking opportunities with accounting professionals
• Access to a career center
• Guidance on CPA exam preparation
• Guidance on navigating the CPA licensure process in Michigan
• Mentorship programs to connect with industry experts

2024 Impact: Over 300 college students benefit from free student membership.

MAF Scholarship Program:

Through the MICPA joint venture with Michigan Accountancy Foundation (MAF), the organization raises funds to support aspiring CPAs pursuing their fifth year of education or graduate studies.
• 2024 Impact: MICPA members and firms contributed over $105,000 throughout the year. The foundation was able to award nine scholarships to students dedicated to entering the CPA profession.

In closing, by investing in these initiatives, MICPA is actively working to close the accounting talent gap in Michigan while supporting students and young professionals in achieving their career aspirations.