History of the MNCPA
In 1904, accounting visionaries formed the MNCPA under one common goal — to elevate the accounting profession. Today, we represents and supports CPA members in public accounting, business and industry, government and education.
See timeline of events throughout MNCPA history
Our CPE programs and member resources help CPAs stay ahead in a constantly evolving profession. We provide tools to track CPE, navigate CPA licensure and stay informed through publications and online resources. We advocate for CPAs at the Minnesota Legislature and Board of Accountancy, shaping policies that strengthen the profession.
Members build connections and hone their skills through networking events, volunteer opportunities and leadership programs like the Young Professionals Group and Leadership Academy.
Our outreach extends beyond the profession, as well. We promote financial literacy in schools, educate future CPAs and offer resources that help the public understand the value of working with a CPA.
A lot has changed in 120 years, but the accounting profession — and MNCPA — remains as relevant as ever.
Enjoy this journey over the last 120 years.
1904
Minnesota Society of Public Accountants incorporates with seven charter members. July 14, 1904.
1906
Society holds its first annual meeting in St. Paul with two members and three prospective members present.
1907
Society hosts 20th annual American Association of Public Accountants Conference in St. Paul. Presenters traveled from New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
1908
Evening accounting classes begin at U of M in response to a Society proposal.
1909
A bill passes into law creating the CPA profession in Minnesota.
1920
Society sponsors its first publicity effort creating a leaflet, "Trustworthy Accounting Service" targeting bankers and businesses.
1921
The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) is established to improve federal financial management after World War I.
1928
The Society and the Marwick-led Society merge, forming the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants.
1934
Congress establishes the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1936
Minnesota hosts the regional meeting of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
1943
Society co-sponsors two-day Northwest Wartime Accounting Conference.
1945
Society membership totals 157. Thirteen members are serving in the armed forces.
1947
Central States Accounting Conference, which includes CPAs from seven states, is held in Minneapolis.
1951
Duluth Chapter formed.
1954
IRS changes the filing deadline for individual tax returns from March 15 to April 15.
MNCPA hosts its first Tax Conference.
1956
Society opens first office in Wesley Temple Building.
1958
CPA Wives Club holds first meeting.
1959
Society begins to receive and accept member applications from women.
1960
Periodic member publication is renamed "The Footnote".
1962
Society office moves to 11th floor of Wesley Temple Building.
1963
Walter F. Mondale, Attorney General of the State of Minnesota, speaks on protecting the public interest at the Society's annual meeting.
1966
Southern Minnesota Chapter formed.
1967
First hand-held calculator invented.
1970
A record number of candidates sat for the CPA exam. Thirty-one percent of the 291 candidates passed.
1971
The Society's Management Advisory Services Committee announces the formation of the MAS Roundtable.
1972
The word processor is invented and the first scientific hand-held calculator is introduced. The HP-35 retails for $395.
1973
Society membership tops 2,000. Minnesota ranks 12th among all state societies in number of members within the state, according to the AICPA. Midstate Chapter formed.
1976
CPE Committee establishes R. Glen Berryman Award to recognize members who serve as full-day discussion leaders and demonstrate excellent teaching and technical skills. The first recipient was the award's namesake, R. Glen Berryman, U of M professor.
1980
Hiawathaland Chapter formed.
1981
The first IBM-PC introduced.
1982
AICPA 96th Annual Meeting is held in Minneapolis for 2,500 members.
1983
Membership exceeds 5,000, up 8 percent over the previous year.
1984
Southwest Chapter formed.
1985
The three part miniseries "Income Tax Preparation", developed by the Society, airs on cable television in more than 50 Minnesota communities.
1986
Society publishes manual to explain changes mandated by the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
1987
U.S. Postal Service releases first class, commemorative stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the CPA profession.
1989
Membership exceeds 7,000.
1990
Scholarship program is developed for Minnesota post-secondary accounting students.
1993
In response to The Great Flood of 1993, the Society issues a news release to affected cities to explain tax return extensions, requisite records and available disaster services.
1994
First MEGA Conference is held; 66 technical sessions are available at the conference.
1995
Membership reaches 9,000 with 47 percent in industry.
1996
www.mncpa.org website launched.
1999
Website receives record monthly high of 58,000 hits.
2000
The 150-hour bill is signed into law in Minnesota.
2001
Uniform Accountancy Act is signed into law in Minnesota.
The first Young Professionals Group (YPG) event is held at Billy's On Grand.
2002
Society moves to Southpoint Tower in Bloomington.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed into law.
2003
Minnesota's Uniform Accountancy Act of 2001 becomes effective.
Accounting Firm Marketers group is formed.
CPE attendance totaled 1,781 individuals for at least one of 200+ programs during preceding 12 months.
2004
First Uniform CPA Examination in a computerized format debuts.
MNCPA receives certificates of recognition from the Minnesota House of Representatives, Minnesota Senate and Governor Tim Pawlenty on 100 years of service to the accounting profession.
2010
MNCPA launches the HR Hotline resource for members.
2012
Discussion forums for members in business and industry and public accounting are launched.
2018
Leadership Academy, an immersive development program, is offered for the first time.
2020
Many MNCPA programs are offered virtually in response to the global pandemic.
2021
The MNCPA rebrands and unveils a new logo.
MNCPA begins offering a minimum of 20 free CPE credits annually as a benefit of membership.
2025
Legislation passes to broaden pathways to CPA licensure. The MNCPA was the first state to introduce legislation in 2023, sparking the nationwide momentum for creating additional pathways to CPA licensure and automatic mobility.
