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A stronger bridge: Powered by MNCPA members

MNCPA Activity Report 2024-25

 

 

Message from our 2024-25 chair and president/CEO

When we walked around the Brooklyn Center Heritage Center during the Management and Business Advisers Conference in June, the power of MNCPA members was on full display.

We saw many past and current board members who have given their time and talents to strengthen our profession. We saw younger CPAs who quickly realized the importance of community, continual learning and giving back. We saw veteran CPAs too devoted to their clients to sail off into the sunset. We saw many others we’ve met throughout our careers and made new connections with those passionate about learning and staying relevant. At the back of the room, MNCPA staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes as they always do.

We reflect on this past year with pride and satisfaction.

We were a leading voice in creating additional pathways to CPA licensure. In fact, we were the leading voice.

With the resources provided by the MNCPA, members have worked to address pipeline challenges and encourage students to choose our profession. Members have benefited from numerous free MNCPA events focused on hot topics like the impact of AI and private equity on our industry.

By listening to members, we’ve collaborated with the Minnesota Board of Accountancy to modernize rules while still serving the public. We seek to understand issues most important to members and created a platform to advocate for those issues at the Capitol.

The MNCPA provides structure and a platform for members to thrive, not only to serve the public to give back through conferences, recognition dinners, event planning and mentorship.

Together, we’re not just keeping the profession strong. We’re shaping its future. We are proud to be part of that work alongside each of you.

Boz Bostrom headshot   Linda Wedul headshot

Boz Bostrom, CPA
MNCPA past board chair (2024-25)

Linda Wedul, CAE
MNCPA president and CEO

The MNCPA's mission

We are the professional home of more than 7,200 CPAs. Our purpose is to elevate our members’ impact by fostering integrity, professional growth and connection while advocating for the profession. We accomplish this by:

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    Educating accounting professionals.

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    Developing the next generation of leaders.

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    Providing tools and resources to help members succeed.

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    Advocating for the profession with students, potential clients, lawmakers and government entities.

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    Bolstering CPAs' professional reputation to employers, clients and the community at large.

Our numbers speak volumes

Data captured for April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025.

  • 7,037

    MNCPA members as of this report

  • 16

    Members serving on the MNCPA board

  • 3,362

    Members that attended MNCPA CPE events

  • 27

    Free CPE credits offered to members last year

  • 4,436

    Free CPE credits earned through MNCPA

  • 1,293

    Members that attended free CPE events

  • 11,575

    Free client brochures requested by members

  • 302

    New Minnesota CPAs certified

  • 193

    YPG event attendees

  • 591

    MNCPA members who volunteered through the MNCPA

Our members at a glance

Member data from 2024-25 - charts and graphs Member data from 2024-25 - charts and graphs
Member data from 2024-25 - charts and graphs
Member data from 2024-25 - charts and graphs

Bridging the future amid immense change

At the MNCPA, members aren’t just part of the profession — you’re shaping its future.

In a landscape defined by evolving regulations, emerging technologies and shifting workforce dynamics, MNCPA members are leading the way. Your challenges, your goals and your voice guide our work. Whether you're a longtime member or a new member, know this: The future of accounting is designed by those who are bold enough to lead it — and that includes you.

 

Minnesota passes new licensing, mobility laws

After a productive legislative session in 2025, Minnesota passed significant legislation to create an additional pathway to CPA licensure and automatic mobility.

Minnesota was the first state in the nation to draft legislation to address this issue and the talent pipeline. This came from encouragement from MNCPA members and direction of the MNCPA board in December 2022. Now, Minnesota is joined by more than 20 states who addressed pathways and automatic mobility in 2025. Other states are in various stages of pursuing changes as well.

This is how collaboration works. Members shared feedback with the MNCPA and the board of directors. The board, after much discussion, acted on it. Members supported the efforts from beginning to end to help directly impact the talent pipeline in Minnesota. This support and action strengthen the MNCPA and, in turn, what this organization does for you.

“This policy is about removing unnecessary barriers to the accounting profession while maintaining high standards. Minnesota’s current 150 credit hour requirement has not led to better outcomes. Instead, it has added costs that discourage students from becoming CPAs.”

Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, bill sponsor

Additional pathways changes by state
National pathways progress on Feb. 1, 2025.
Additional pathways changes by state
​National pathways progress as of Aug. 12, 2025.
 

MNCPA Scholars Program grows its impact

The pipeline doesn’t fill itself. The MNCPA Scholars Program is a mentorship and career awareness program promoting the CPA profession to minority high school students. Last year, a record 17 students completed the program. The program is now in its sixth year — meaning the first students who were part of this program are now working in the accounting profession.

“The MNCPA Scholars Program gave me valuable insight into the accounting profession while connecting me with mentors and peers who truly inspired me. It helped me see how dynamic and impactful a career in accounting can be, and it made me feel more confident in my skills when it comes to the professional world!”

Vismayi Santhya Saravanan, MNCPA scholar

Thank you to last year's mentors and sponsoring firms:

Mentors:

  • Sarah Anderson
  • Brady Banken
  • Chris Claussen
  • Sam Daufenbach
  • Andrea DuVall
  • Hannah Fahey
  • Chris Lockhart
  • Andrea Malley
  • Samantha Misener
  • Hannah Nelson
  • Rich O’Connor
  • Nick Roth
  • Matthew Sarff
  • Nicole Siegner
  • Brady Skaletski
  • Katy Smith
  • Ben Warming
  • Joey Wikoff

Sponsors:

  • Abdo, LLP
  • Baker Tilly US, LLP
  • Boulay
  • CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  • Eide Bailly LLP
  • EisnerAmper
  • Mahoney
  • Redpath and Company, Ltd.
  • RSM US LLP
  • Wipfli LLP

Inroads being made with high schools

Growing the next generation of CPAs starts with early connections — and the MNCPA is leading the way. By engaging directly with high school students and forging partnerships with educators, counselors and community organizations, we’re expanding the reach and impact of the profession.

These relationships are critical to inspiring future CPAs and ensuring a strong, diverse talent pipeline. Together with our members and partners, we’re designing a future where every student can see themselves in accounting.

“Our biggest takeaway was that accounting is a career that you can combine with your passion. If you love music, great music groups need accountants. Do you want to be in the health field but don't like blood? No problem — hospitals and clinics need accountants, too!”

Teacher Tami Worner

Hightlights:

  • Connecting MNCPA members directly with students through our revamped, refocused CPAs in the Classroom program.
  • Visiting with students through various school-based and business-based programs, like the MNCPA Career Summit.
  • Supporting and participating in various educational conferences to earn face time with teachers and counselors.
  • Strengthening our relationship with the Minnesota Department of Education to help connect students to our programs.

Ready to volunteer? Send a note to membership@mncpa.org and we will connect you to the opportunities that interest you most.

Strengthening the professional bridge deck, brick by brick

Supporting and engaging member growth is key to a thriving profession. By fostering development, encouraging leadership and creating space for connection, the MNCPA helps members stay ahead of change and build lasting impact — for their careers and the accounting community.

 

MNCPA Student Members

Student members gather at a local collegeThe MNCPA works with colleges and universities across the state to recruit students for our growing student membership. Started just a few years ago with — you guessed it — zero members, the MNCPA now has 226 student members! While membership may be free for accounting students, they work as ambassadors and liaisons between their schools and the MNCPA to host a variety of events to expose more of their peers to the possibilities offered by becoming a CPA.

“Coming into college, I didn't know what I wanted to major in, but I knew I liked numbers and wanted to do something in business. While I was initially unsure about majoring in accounting, it didn't take me very long to figure out it was the place for me!”

Grace Keller, MNCPA student member

The MNCPA Young Professionals Group

Pickleball, WhirlyBall and Topgolf, oh my! Those activities — along with a distillery tour, escape room and puppies (yes!) — highlighted a very busy year for the MNCPA Young Professional Group. This group — for CPAs with fewer than 10 years of experience — likes to have fun with a purpose and often connects with professionals from other industries.

Ten YPG captains representing 10 different firms led the way, with several events being at capacity.

Engage with the Young Professionals Group!

“You should join YPG because it's a great opportunity to meet other young professionals who are working in the same industry but also to have a fun time.”

Sarah Shogren, YPG captain

YPG TopgolfYPG Captain WinnerYPG Pickleball
YPG Puppies & PintsYPG WhirlyballYPG Escape Room

The MNCPA Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy attendeesThe MNCPA Leadership Academy returned in 2024 to great success with 19 graduates. The MNCPA Leadership Academy, led by instructor and MNCPA member Jon Lokhorst, equips emerging accounting professionals with the skills and confidence to lead effectively in public practice. Through hands-on workshops, personalized coaching and firm-supported development plans, participants gained tools to navigate leadership challenges, enhance communication and drive long-term success for themselves and their firms.

“The Leadership Academy is a great way to develop a game plan for your leadership journey. Jon brings valuable insights to group discussions between people that are in a similar situation which leads to impactful takeaways.”

Matt Mikel, John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP

Fortifying the foundation of membership

The CPA career has many twists and turns and the MNCPA is a professional home from beginning to end.

 

New member benefits added

Members receive exclusive benefits designed to support your professional development and grow your personal networks. From free CPE opportunities that help you stay current, to members-only content and topic-based communities that foster meaningful dialogue, your membership ensures you’re always informed, engaged and ahead of the curve.

We continue to grow your members-only benefits through new, improved programs:

"I really enjoyed the conversation about communicating with executives. The conversation was very simple and practical, but I feel like it will really benefit me personally in my career."

Ryan Battist, MNCPA Insight Hour attendee

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Added Will Hill Consults for career coaching and firm strategic planning. Members received a free, one-hour consultation.

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Revealed a new, improved MNCPA Career Center, giving members access to search or post jobs within Minnesota and throughout the nation through a network.

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Launched a new MNCPA-produced series, MNCPA Insight Hour. Offered three times a year and CPE eligible, this program is packed with valuable insights from industry experts and MNCPA leadership.

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Sent small firm practitioners new, quarterly Small Firm Focus enewsletters, connecting you to content and resources valuable in your work. Additionally, the MNCPA sent new, topic-based emails to members related to human resources, cannabis and beneficial ownership information.

Supporting the guardrails of the profession

Members turn to the MNCPA for various resources and content to help increase your value to your employers or clients, and to connect with your accounting peers.

 

Connecting advocacy to impact

Through the MNCPA’s advocacy efforts, members shaped policies supporting sound financial practices, reduce regulatory burdens and ensure the profession’s voice is heard where it matters most. Whether it’s testifying on private letter rulings or meeting with legislators about workforce development, this engagement ensures that the accounting industry remains strong, relevant and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

These efforts are grounded in people connecting with people to build relationships and trust and, therefore, better policy. Though members testifying and meeting with legislators in St. Paul and Washington, D.C., are most thought of when it comes to advocacy, the MNCPA, with support of members, influences discussions in many ways:

  • Conducting a wealth migration survey with members to better understand the outflow of clients and wealth to other states. The information collected helps ground conversations with politicians.
  • Submitted comments on multiple issues, including:
    • Updates to the UAA regarding licensing and mobility
    • Adding accounting to STEM curriculum
    • Lengthening the conditional CPA exam window
    • Cap late processing fees related to CPE
  • Advocated and advised members on Board of Accountancy issues, including:
    • Exam score extensions
    • Compliance with CPE requirements
    • Fines and orders related to name changes
Testifying at the capitolCPA Day at the Capitol presentationLegislator meetingsCPA Day at the Capitol leaders

Sustaining the piers of education

In a world of constant change, the MNCPA is laying the groundwork for lifelong learning — bridging today’s needs with tomorrow’s possibilities through intentional, member-driven education.

 

Learning for what's next

In a profession defined by constant change, the MNCPA chooses to respond — not react — to evolving member needs and industry shifts. This intentional approach allows us to thoughtfully innovate our educational offerings, ensuring that CPE remains relevant, timely and impactful.

By listening closely to member feedback, monitoring regulatory developments and anticipating future trends, we design learning experiences that go beyond compliance — they empower growth. We:

“The environment is always excellent. The MNCPA takes care of its members.”

A seminar attendee comment about the MNCPA Education Center

  • Partnered with other state societies to offer more complex topics that included Interchange Insights, which addressed multistate tax, and Agriculture Tax & Accounting Conference, which was attended by nearly 500 people from 10 different states.
  • Offered AI Unboxed, built specifically at the request of MNCPA members help shape the conversation and understanding of this evolving topic.
  • Cover vital topics like human resources and law changes in Minnesota affecting safe and sick time, family and medical leave, and noncompete agreements.

This is all to equip members with the tools you need to lead with confidence in a changing world.

Beautifying the arches of the bridge

Like a well-crafted bridge, your reputation is built with care, consistency and integrity — and it’s the cornerstone of a lasting career. The MNCPA is your partner in preserving and elevating that reputation and its shine, connecting members through community-focused programs like BestPrep and La Mesa Del Emprendedor, facilitating conversations with your peers virtually and in person, and putting CPAs in front of the public through key media interviews.

 

Celebrating members who lift the profession

The MNCPA recognized nine individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the betterment of the MNCPA community and profession at large.

⭐ Volunteer Excellence ⭐
Recognizes members who have volunteered for 5 years and provided leadership or significant contributions to the MNCPA.

  • Marjorie Heap

    Marjorie Heap, Eide Bailly LLP

  • Marcus Rein

    Marcus Rein, Waves CPAs

  • Megan Feltz

    Megan Feltz, U.S. Bank

⭐ Outstanding Contributor ⭐
Recognizes members for outstanding volunteer contributions to MNCPA programs, contributing to the success of members.

  • Keri Reiter

    Keri Reiter, Deloitte Tax LLP

⭐ Legacy ⭐
Recognizes longtime MNCPA members (minimum 20 years of membership) who have made significant contributions at the MNCPA.

  • Keith Porter

    Keith Porter

  • David Bromelkamp

    David Bromelkamp

  • Duane Thompson

    Duane Thompson

  • Reed Stigen

    Reed Stigen

  • Saul Bernick

    Saul Bernick

Informing Minnesotans one story at a time

MNCPA members bring expertise and clarity not only to the profession, but to the public. In the past year, members were featured in dozens of media stories — from TV and radio to newspapers — offering trusted insights on everything from tax rebates to the importance of broadening the pathways to CPA licensure.

Members informed the audiences of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, The Minnesota Star Tribune and MPR, as well as national publications The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and CFO Dive.

Their voices help Minnesotans make informed decisions and highlight the vital role CPAs play in everyday life.

"In a world full of misinformation, CPAs have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to provide clear, trustworthy insights. Speaking to the media allows us to serve as a reliable voice when people need it most.”

Elizabeth Barchenger, MNCPA media spokesperson

KARE-11 interviews MNCPA member Scott Kadrlik about Form 1099-K changes for the 2025 tax filing season.

Connections that last a career

MNCPA members connect and collaborate through a range of in-person and online opportunities, including MNCPA Connect, committees, task forces and networking events. Last year, nearly 3,000 members participated in programs beyond CPE, reflecting the strong sense of community. These connections help expand professional networks and often grow into lasting relationships that support long-term career success.

Management & Business Advisers ConferenceManagement & Business Advisers ConferenceAnnual Golf OutingSmall Firm Forum

Bridging gaps, building opportunities

La Mesa Del Emprendedor — The Entrepreneur’s Table — is a collaboration between the MNCPA and the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). MNCPA members who speak Spanish volunteered to provide free consultations with more than a dozen LEDC clients in this annual event aimed at helping underserved small-business owners.

"As a Latina business owner and CPA-attorney, volunteering with La Mesa has been both personally meaningful and professionally rewarding. It’s powerful to support fellow Latino entrepreneurs in building financial confidence and accessing tools for growth. The LEDC and MNCPA have created a welcoming space where these business owners feel seen, heard and supported. I leave every session energized by their ambition and grateful to contribute."

Claudia Revermann, volunteer

Winning team with 9-15 members: A-counting Our StepsMNCPA Step Challenge steps it up

Ready. Set. Step!

Healthy, spirited competition helped carry through hundreds of MNCPA members in the late winter and early spring who participated in the annual MNCPA Step Challenge.

Congrats to all participants! Here were the most recent winners:

  • Individual team: Early Bride
  • Team with 2-8 members: Solo Hike
  • Team with 9-15 members: A-Counting Our Steps
  • The high stepper — with a whopping 1,233,513 steps — was Bradley Pederson from team Sweat Equity!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Free for members

Increasing the value members receive out of membership year after year

Free CPE

The MNCPA is committed to offering members a minimum of 20 free CPE credits every year as a benefit of your membership. Last year:

Members could earn as many as 27 free CPE credits.

In total, members earned 4,436 free CPE credits through MNCPA programming.

48% of members who attended at least one free CPE event.

Free sample policies and engagement letters

Sometimes you just don’t have the capacity or resources to put together new drafts for client letters or templates for administrative needs. Members turn to the MNCPA to help provide examples of, among others:

  • Sample noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements
  • Sample drug and alcohol policy
  • Telecommuting checklist
  • Reasonable cause behavior record (drug and alcohol program)
  • FMLA tracking spreadsheet

Free ethics exams for new associate members

MNCPA associate members gain access to a free self-study ethics exam, a benefit helping you move one step closer to the reality of becoming a CPA — a $320 value!

Free brochures to share with clients

A consistent, well-received member benefit is access to free client brochures. Last year, more than 11,000 brochures were delivered to members to share with current and potential clients. These brochures are made available to MNCPA members belonging to small firms or are sole practitioners.
 
Brochure topics included:

  • Tax preparation and planning
  • Client accounting services
  • Beneficial ownership information reporting — new!

Free business & industry member get-togethers

The MNCPA coordinates regularly scheduled breakfasts and lunches for industry CPA members to foster informal networking to discuss what is currently impacting you and learning from the experience of others.

"Meetings are a great opportunity to sit down with peers across industries and discuss best practices for finance teams. Attendees have varying tenure and backgrounds but are always willing to listen and provide their thoughts."

Anne Brader, CPA, Thrifty White Pharmacy

Free CPE log

Make tracking your CPE easy through the MNCPA CPE Log — just like the nearly 1,400 members who used this member benefit last year. The log provides compliance alerts to avoid issues with the board of accountancy and a report that organizes your credits to match the BOA reporting form.

“Rather than saving all of my certificates separately and having a spreadsheet to track all of my CPE, I can upload them to the MNCPA’s CPE tracker. It removes all the worry of manually monitoring progress since it is so easy to pull up the BOA CPE Summary on the website. I highly recommend this tool!”

Renee Martinson, CPA, Wigen Companies, Inc.

 

Thank you

 

MNCPA 2025-26 Board of Directors

Officers

Chair: Eric O’Link, Anderson Dahlen Inc.
Chair-elect: Sara DeRoo, Christianson PLLP
Vice chair: Jerry Lee, Lee Financial Group
Secretary: Anne Brader, Thrifty White Pharmacy
Treasurer: David Brauer, EisnerAmper
Past chair: Boz Bostrom, College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University

Directors

Stacy Bedell, Boston Scientific Corporation
Craig Chilcote, Anderson, Kuiti & Asuma, PLLC
Tina Lecy, NetSPI, LLC
Trevor Long, RSM US LLP
Steve McDonald, Abdo LLP
Mara Proell, Deloitte LLP
Ben Schlauderaff, RSM US LLP
Matt Svendsen, Pohlad Companies
Jen Tingley, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Cindy Wrecza, Aero Service Group

Chapter officers

Duluth

  • Chair: Amanda Eaton ALLETE, Inc.
  • Vice chair: Josh Gunderson, RSM US LLP
  • Secretary: Jacob Roman Miller, RSM US LLP
  • Treasurer: Richard McGovern, Cirrus Aircraft
Midstate
  • Chair: Keith Porter, Clasen & Schiessl CPAs, Ltd.
  • Vice chair: Michael Smith, Smith & Sem, Ltd.
  • Secretary: Christopher Holter
Southern
  • Chair: Dean Portner, Holtmeier Construction, Inc.
  • Secretary: Nicholas Simon, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  • Treasurer: Byron Pike, Minnesota State University, Mankato
MNCPA staff

Partners

Partners