Navigating change with strategy and expertise
Highlights from the MNCPA Insight Hour
January 23, 2026 | Corey Butler
In an era marked by rapid change and increasing complexity, professionals across Minnesota continuously seek strategies to stay informed, adaptable and effective. The latest MNCPA Insight Hour provided a masterclass in both technical excellence and the softer skills required for thriving in turbulent times.
Whether you’re in public accounting, a financial leader in business, or anyone invested in organizational growth and legislative engagement, here are the most pertinent takeaways from the latest Insight Hour.
Watch the Jan. 23, 2026, MNCPA Insight Hour
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Demystifying KPIs: The ROKS method in action
Bernie Smith, renowned for his expertise in performance measurement, challenged attendees to rethink the very foundation of key performance indicators (KPIs).
With wit and memorable analogies — like that of a city council’s trees and roads — Bernie emphasized that context is everything: The right metric for one task is useless for another.
His “ROKS method,” a seven-step, purposeful approach, empowers organizations to design meaningful, actionable KPIs rooted firmly in clear strategy. The process? Start by stating your objectives in plain language, engage team members for robust buy-in, brainstorm a thorough list of candidate KPIs (using visual KPI trees), and methodically shortlist those that are both important and feasible.
Above all, Bernie warned against drowning in a sea of metrics, reminding us that simplicity and alignment drive success. As he put it, a good KPI system is less about tracking every number and more about moving the needle where it counts.
Institutional knowledge and the Legislature: A call for engagement
Former Minnesota State Sen. Paul Anderson took the virtual stage to address a quieter — yet urgent — crisis: the erosion of institutional knowledge within government.
With legislative turnover at historic highs, the power to shape public policy is shifting from seasoned lawmakers to lobbyists and staff. Anderson’s message was clear: Genuine relationships and regular, sincere engagement with legislators are more crucial than ever.
For CPAs, this means not just showing up for the upcoming MNCPA CPA Day at the Capitol (though you should) but nurturing ongoing dialogue in local districts and encouraging experienced professionals to run for office.
And, speaking from his own experience, Anderson said CPAs are highly respected and valued at the Capitol for their experience and insights on all matters of policy.
Your expertise is desperately needed in a landscape where political priorities too often eclipse prudent policy.
Professional highlights: The value of modernization and community
MNCPA President and CEO Linda Wedul offered timely updates on the national expansion of CPA licensure pathways, efforts to harmonize state regulations, new law requirements and the MNCPA member exclusive HR Hotline. Her updates underscored both the vital role of staying current and the importance of collective action — qualities that remain essential for the profession’s continued trust and relevance.
This Insight Hour underscored that data-driven strategy, institutional stewardship, and professional community are not just buzzwords — they are the pillars of your continued effectiveness and trust. To paraphrase Linda, stay engaged, stay measured and, above all, stay connected.
Watch for details for the next MNCPA Insight in April!
This recap was produced with the aid of artificial intelligence.
Topics: Legislative & Government Affairs, Accounting & Auditing
Corey Butler
Corey Butler is the MNCPA communications manager, working to enhance the professional reputations of members through content, media relations and public affairs. He's been with the MNCPA since 2013. Corey keeps busy outside of the MNCPA spending time with his wife and children, serving on his local school board, volunteering in his community and catching up on long-lost hobbies. Corey enjoys the works of John Steinbeck and Rankin/Bass Productions, and Paul Bunyan, Robin Hood and Santa Claus lore. You may reach him at 952-885-5530 or cbutler@mncpa.org.
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