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The MNCPA: Fueled by Members

MNCPA Activity Report 2023-24

 

 

Message from our president and CEO

I am honored to recognize the critical role each of you plays in upholding the integrity and trust of our profession. Your expertise and dedication are the bedrock upon which your businesses, clients and the government rely to navigate complex financial landscapes. Your unwavering commitment to ethical standards, continuous learning and professional excellence ensures that you remain trusted advisers to those you serve and the public.

We are in a time of significant transformation — and new opportunities. From a talent shortage to the rise of AI, the profession is changing. High school graduation sizes are declining with a significant drop still ahead in 2025. Minnesota took a courageous step by introducing legislation to broaden the pathways to CPA licensure. Our legislation led other states to draft legislation and encourage a national discussion that is ongoing. The MNCPA continues to be engaged in licensure and mobility discussions. We support licensure requirements that do not unduly burden candidates and simple solutions that minimize the impact to mobility.

Licensure changes will not solve the talent shortage alone, which is why we also increased our outreach to high school students. These new efforts were possible because of members’ contributions to share their time, dollars and expertise. Elsewhere, MNCPA members showed up in full force from the Minnesota Capitol to our various conferences, from young professional gatherings to sharing your expertise with the media and in writing articles for Footnote. Members truly are the core of the MNCPA, and the accounting profession and business environment at large are stronger because of you.

Let us continue to support one another, share knowledge and uphold the highest standards of our profession. Together, we can drive innovation, advocate for sound financial practices and contribute to a stronger, more transparent financial future for the public and private sectors alike.

Thank you for your exceptional service and dedication.

Linda Wedul headshot

With gratitude,
Linda Wedul, 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, 2023-March 31, 2024.

  • 7,217

    MNCPA members as of this report.

  • 16

    Members serving on the MNCPA board.

  • 50.28%

    Members that attended MNCPA CPE events.

  • 30.5

    Free CPE credits offered to members last year.

  • 4,296

    Free CPE credits earned through MNCPA.

  • 20.8%

    Members that attended free CPE events.

  • 11,325

    Free client brochures requested by members.

  • 405

    New Minnesota CPAs certified.

  • 61

    YPG event attendees.

  • 578

    MNCPA members who volunteered through the MNCPA.

Our members at a glance

Member data from 2023-24 - charts and graphs Member data from 2023-24 - charts and graphs
Member data from 2023-24 - charts and graphs
Member data from 2023-24 - charts and graphs

Member issues are the heart of the work

MNCPA members and the accounting industry are conditioned to grow where other professions may struggle. From ever-changing laws to the talent pipeline, MNCPA members and the issues that matter to you are at the core of the MNCPA’s work.

 

Addressing the talent pipeline

The accounting pipeline is at a challenging crossroads, creating a litany of concerns for MNCPA members. The MNCPA continues to address this critical issue to build off the deep roots of the work laid by those before, so your organizations and the industry can prosper into the future.

“Our efforts are influencing discussions and action in several other states. We will continue to be a voice for the profession locally and nationally.”

Bob Cedergren, CPA, Wipfli, LLP, MNCPA board chair 2023-24

collage of news titles about CPA licensure - it's a very hot topic!Broadening pathways to CPA licensure

Timeline:

December 2022 | MNCPA board approves drafting legislation to provide additional pathways to CPA licensure.

February 2023 | Bipartisan authored bills are introduced to the Minnesota House and Senate.

May 2023 | The AICPA Council approves a resolution to form the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG).

July 2023 | The Center for Audit Quality publishes a report based on 1,800 student responses that the 150-hour rule is one of the most significant barriers to pursuing an accounting degree.

October 2023 | NASBA forms the Professional Licensure Task Force.

January 2024 | An MIT-backed study of the 150-hour rule finds the requirement caused a 14% drop in new CPA applicants and a 26% drop in minorities seeking the CPA license..

March 2024 | The Minnesota Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee holds a hearing on Senate File 1660 and advances the bill to the Senate Finance Committee.

May 2024 | The National Pipeline Advisory Group releases its draft strategy. Six recommendations were made, including addressing "the time and cost of education."

Progress was made in 2024 on a bill to provide an additional pathway to CPA licensure, which would allow for someone to sit for the CPA exam with a 120 college credits and two years of work experience, while also maintaining the current option of 150 college credits and one year of work experience.

Now more than a dozen states are looking at their own laws and rules concerning licensure, and the AICPA and NASBA have conducted working groups to address the broader pipeline discussion. Minnesota legislation will be reintroduced in 2025.

Young professionals track at the MNCPA Tax Conference

The annual MNCPA Tax Conference launched a new track designed for young professionals. It was an instant success, selling out to 58 attendees.

The talent pipeline concerns go beyond funneling students toward the profession; it also comes with retention challenges. This new track was programmed to address the unique challenges facing accounting’s youngest professionals to help guide them into the next stage of their careers.

Student outreach in high schools, colleges

Growing the next generation of CPAs isn’t just about connecting with students. The MNCPA and its members found (or developed) new networks with student influencers  — teachers, professors and counselors.

Last year, the MNCPA participated in career fairs, including the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce with more than 2,000 students, as well as events aimed at educators, including the Minnesota School Counselors Association Annual Conference. Thank you to MNCPA members, like Parker Erickson, for taking your time to share your CPA stories at these events.

Here are highlights of a few of the programs.

MNCPA Career Summit

The MNCPA Career Summit for high school students launched last year in partnership with the University of St. Thomas with two events. This effort is continuing this year and is possible with generous program sponsorship from Deloitte.

The reach:

  • 80 high school students.
  • Nine high schools.
  • 21 volunteers to share about the possibilities of the accounting degree.

“I had a wonderful experience on the MNCPA Career Summit program panel. The variety of experience of the panelists provided guidance for the many different paths available within accounting. I was encouraged by the students — they had insightful questions and were very engaged.”

Jasmin McKenzie, CPA, Boyum Barenscheer

Students at the Accounting Career Summit

Talk to the Students and Accounting Opportunities Week

Placing MNCPA members in high school classrooms is one of the most impactful ways to teach today’s youth about the profession. Through the MNCPA’s yearlong effort of Talk to the Students and the one-week national effort in November called Accounting Opportunities Week, students experience presentations, games and hear the real-life benefits and experience of CPAs.

Accounting Opportunities Week last year:

  • 500 students reached.
  • 23 classrooms visited.
  • 15 volunteers.

“I loved being able to meet with students and help generate enthusiasm for the accounting profession.”

Becky Seavey, CPA, CFO of Mayo Employees Credit Union

“Becky Seavey was a phenomenal guest speaker. She shared her inspiring career path, detailing her journey into the accounting field and the milestones she has achieved. Becky's presentation was thoughtful, well-articulated and incredibly informative. We are grateful for her valuable insights and look forward to welcoming her back soon!"

Teacher Shelley Filzen

“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

MNCPA Scholars Program

The MNCPA Scholars Program is a mentorship and career awareness program promoting the CPA profession to minority high school students. Last year, 11 students completed the program. The program is now in its fifth year — meaning the first students who were part of this program are now working at accounting firms. Thank you to last year’s mentors and sponsoring firms:

  • Brady Banken
  • Will Bates
  • Jill Knutson
  • Shelby Kohler
  • Felicia Krick
  • Elliot Larson
  • Stephanie Leduc
  • Megan McCready
  • Chau Nguyen
  • Coleman Sundt
  • Abdo
  • Baker Tilly
  • Boulay
  • CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  • Deloitte
  • Eide Bailly
  • EisnerAmper
  • Ernst & Young
  • Mahoney
  • RSM
  • Wipfli

“Being able to talk with professionals, along with seeing the different opportunities that can open up through accounting was the most meaningful part of the program.”

Sean Culp, a recent accounting graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato, was part of the first cohort of scholars during the 2018-19 school year.

“This is an innovative, inclusive program to introduce a new group of untapped potential to the profession. I’m not sure where I’d be without having a mentor in college and I’d like to think the scholars who participate in this program feel the same way.”

Brady Banken, CPA, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Scholars and mentors at Scholars Program events

Firm sponsors investing in student outreach

The MNCPA doesn’t perform this student outreach alone. It only works with efforts from dozens of members and support from partners like these firms who financially contributed:

Special thanks to Deloitte, which made a large, broader donation to the MNCPA Foundation to support pipeline efforts through various programs.

Deloitte

Thank you, also, to the following five firms for their financial support:

  • Abdo
  • Bakertilly
  • Eide Bailly
  • John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP
  • Redpath

Revamped handout for high school programming:

front and back of the handout

 
New exam planning chart

The new CPA exam

It was a long build up to the new CPA exam launching in January 2024. Numerous presentations were given at colleges and firms to share about the exam transition and changes to help prepare CPA candidates and members. The MNCPA launched and frequently updated a resource page keeping visitors to the website updated on the transition.

Additionally, the MNCPA successfully advised many CPA candidates on how to request reinstatement of exam scores from the Minnesota Board of Accountancy (nearly every request was approved). The MNCPA also advocated heavily to the BOA to extend extensions for exam windows.

 

Issues discussed with lawmakers

For the first time since 2020, MNCPA members attended CPA Day at the Capitol in person. This year, members advocated for several issues:

  • Broadening the pathways to CPA licensure.
  • Federal tax conformity.
  • Opposing a tax on professional services.
  • Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
  • Minnesota Tax Court rulings.

“When I meet with the legislators from my district, I feel they value the input and expertise we, as CPAs, provide for them. The MNCPA makes the process seamless by scheduling the meetings and speakers, and by providing detailed information related to key issues to CPAs and our businesses and clients.”

Rachel Polson, CPA, Baker Tilly

Member reputation is paramount

Your reputation is vital to ensuring a long, prosperous career. The MNCPA works closely with you to maintain and grow your stellar standing among your peers, clients and organizations.

 

Celebrating members who advance the profession

The MNCPA recognized 10 individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the betterment of the MNCPA community and profession at large.

⭐ Volunteer Excellence

  • Brady Banken

    Brady Banken

  • Jeff White

    Jeff White

⭐ Excellence in Professional Development

  • Tara Torseth

    Tara Torseth

⭐ Outstanding Contributor

  • Pat Plamann

    Pat Plamann

  • Tammy Hutter

    Tammy Hutter

  • Phyllis Kapetanakis

    Phyllis Kapetanakis

  • Keegan Leonard

    Keegan Leonard

⭐ Legacy

  • Stephen Dennis

    Stephen Dennis

  • Mark Sellner

    Mark Sellner

  • Michael Vekich

    Michael Vekich

Bringing expertise, knowledge to the Minnesota Capitol

Lawmakers turn to experts, like CPAs, in the small and big moments. Direct connection with Minnesota legislators by phone, email or in-person meetings helps establish relationships. It also carries influence when MNCPA members testify before committees, like seven did this past year from topics including privacy issues of businesses and CPA licensure.

"Testifying allows you to bring real-world perspective to the issue at hand."

Todd Koch, CPA, retired partner at John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP:

Connecting with underserved business communities

CPA volunteer meets with Spanish-speaking business owners at La Mesa Del EmprendedorLa 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 volunteer to provide brief, free consultations with LEDC clients in this new, annual event aimed at helping underserved small-business owners.

“From the variety of businesses to the impressive business acumen, it was such a delight to dig in and give guidance and ideas that the clients can take to get themselves to their next level.”

Claudia Revermann, CPA, Revermann Law, P.A.

“The work and support of the MNCPA for these LEDC clients provided a tremendous resource that enhances the good practices of administration for small businesses. Our clients took these resources very seriously to strengthen their capacity to operate in areas of accounting, bookkeeping and tax filings.”

Rico Duran, director of business development, LEDC

Advocating in Washington, D.C.

Past and current MNCPA board members have the opportunity each spring to advocate on Capitol Hill and strengthen our connections with Minnesota’s federal lawmakers. It enables MNCPA members to have direct influence on the conversations in Washington concerning tax and other legislation.

“Legislators are listening, and the MNCPA provides a platform to participate and be heard. The MNCPA’s continuous efforts behind the scenes to affect change on behalf of Minnesota’s CPAs, businesses and taxpayers is invaluable to me, my firm and the profession at large.”

Carolee Lindsey, CPA, Mahoney

Scott Kadrlik, CPA chats with FOX 9 to help the public understand the confusion concerning Minnesota tax rebate checks coming from a Montana address.

Educating the public through the media

MNCPA members are a wealth of knowledge and exactness both to the MNCPA and the public at large. MNCPA members were featured in dozens of stories last year on TV, radio and in newspapers, on topics ranging from tax rebates to talking to children about money.

"Engaging with the media strengthens the CPA brand and allows us to keep the public informed on the issues our profession is navigating daily. We all benefit when our communities build strong relationships in approachable and transparent ways.”

Laura Bereiter, CPA, White Oaks Wealth Advisors, Inc.

Member resources drive knowledge, connection

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.

 

Becoming a CPA

A revamped Becoming a CPA website content helps CPA candidates walk through the many changes that occurred to the CPA exam and application process. Updates include the benefits of a CPA credential and a streamlined walkthrough to help candidates navigate the processes and requirements to become a CPA.

Become a CPA landing page screenshot

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Beneficial Ownership Information reporting

New changes required by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) left many members uncertain about their role in the new requirements. The MNCPA created a webpage, offered education and shared resources, like an engagement letter, to keep members informed about who needs to report, when to report and what information needs to be included.

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Adult-use cannabis

With a stroke of a pen, adult-use cannabis became legal in 2023. However, there were and are many layers to this topic as businesses and CPAs consider how to approach this industry and its array of impacts from tax implications to business strategies. The MNCPA offered and continues to offer education on the broad range of cannabis topics, published articles and created a webpage to help members understand all options available to you and the business with which you work. The MNCPA also partnered with Minnesota firm BGM, a leader in this space, to provide timely, relevant updates throughout the year.

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Quality Management standards

The MNCPA continues to keep members aware of the changes and processes related to the changing quality management standards, which apply to all firms. Implementation is drawing nearer on Dec. 15, 2025. Faye Hayhurst, an MNCPA member and the MNCPA director of finance and administration, continues to lead the discussion on the rollout.

MNCPA Human Resources

The MNCPA Human Resources section continues to be a much-visited area of the MNCPA website as CPAs navigate the increasing complexity in this area. An ongoing favorite resource is the members-only free benefit of the HR Hotline, which puts members in touch with HR expert Larry Morgan. The MNCPA also continues to keep members aware of significant state and federal changes through education and articles, like paid family leave changes and overtime rules changes.

“The HR Hotline has been a useful tool for my business for many years. I appreciate his knowledge, timely responses and willingness to give a second opinion on subject matters that can get gray. The ability to get Larry’s insight has helped us reduce our legal fees and has provided confidence when addressing various human resource issues.”

Katherine Lambert, CPA, Olsen Tool and Plastics Inc.

Developing connections with your peers

MNCPA members have numerous ways to connect with fellow members in person and virtually. Through MNCPA Connect, committees, task forces, networking events and other programs, the opportunity for establishing new relationships and deepening existing connections is always there.
Nearly 3,000 MNCPA members attended an MNCPA program last year outside of CPE. The value to building a business network compounds over the years with each connection. More importantly, it can never be taken away from you.

“Networking with fellow members within the MNCPA has been a standout benefit for me!  It’s been rewarding to see relationships and friendships form over the year. I recommend people getting involved early in their career and it is never too late to start building these connections.”

Katie Gabriel, CPA, Korn Ferry

"Staying engaged within the accounting profession is important. MNCPA membership gives me access to high-value conversations that I can use when interacting with colleagues or helping clients."

Dan Kidney, CPA, Wipfli LLP

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 30.5 free CPE credits.

In total, members earned 7,087 free CPE credits through MNCPA programming.

23% of members 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.
  • BOI engagement letters.
  • Reasonable cause behavior record (drug and alcohol program).
  • FMLA tracking spreadsheet.

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.

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.
  • Changes to Form 1099-K (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 ethics exams for new associate members

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

 

Improved member experience with CCH

MNCPA members benefited from an improved platform and usability of the ever-popular CCH online tax research library, accessible through your membership. Now with simplified search, MNCPA members can also customize and save your dashboards to improve the experience.

Thank you

 

MNCPA 2024-25 Board of Directors

Officers

Chair: Boz Bostrom, College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University
Chair-elect: Eric O’Link, Anderson Dahlen Inc.
Vice chair: Shauna Zwart, Deloitte LLC
Secretary: Sara DeRoo, Christianson PLLP
Treasurer: Kara Hanson, St. Croix Hospice
Past chair: Bob Cedergren, Wipfli LLP

Directors

Anne Brader, Thrifty White Pharmacy
Craig Chilcote, Anderson, Kuiti & Asuma, PLLC
Jerry Lee, Lee Financial Group
Trevor Long, Baker Tilly
Lisa Miller
Matt Svendsen, Pohlad Companies
Ben Schlauderaff, RSM US LLP
Jen Tingley, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Cindy Wrecza, Aero Service Group

Chapter officers

Duluth

  • Chair: Ryan Hirsch, RSM US LLP
  • Vice chair: Amanda Eaton ALLETE, Inc.
  • Secretary: Josh Gunderson, RSM US LLP
Midstate
  • Chair: Keith Porter, Mayer, Porter & Nelson, Ltd
  • Vice chair: Michael Smith, Smith & Sem, Ltd.
  • Secretary: Christopher Holter, Miller McDonald, Inc.
Southern
  • Chair: Dean Portner, Holtmeier Construction, Inc.
  • Secretary: Nicholas Simon, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  • Treasurer: Byron Pike, Minnesota State University, Mankato
MNCPA staff

Partners