January 2025
CPA
Newsletter from the Iowa Society of CPAs, your primary source for profession-related information
Iowa CPA Day at the Capitol CPA licensure legislation in 2025
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dvocacy for CPAs and the accounting profession is a cornerstone of our association. The saying, “There is strength in numbers,” is especially true when working to promote and protect the interests of members. You are invited to the Iowa CPA Day at the Capitol on Jan. 22 to make sure our state’s policymakers understand issues affecting the profession. One focus will be on proposing an alternative pathway to CPA licensure in Iowa. If you’ve been following our efforts to listen and learn how members feel about alternatives to the current 150-hour education requirement, you understand the importance of members attending this 2025 event to show their support. Become more engaged with the Society and learn about state legislative activities impacting the profession. Redesigned in 2024, Iowa CPA Day at the Capitol aims to increase our outreach efforts and reduce anxiety about talking to legislators thanks to provided talking points as well as group meetings with key contacts. We want to use this opportunity to continue educating legislators on the accountant shortage in Iowa and our intent to introduce another pathway to CPA licensure.
Free for all members, the event begins at the Hoover Office Building where we welcome attendees, have a light lunch, and review ISCPA’s legislative agenda with Brad Epperly, ISCPA’s legislative counsel. We will provide talking points to help spark conversation with lawmakers and reduce the anxiety about how to approach the issues. The Iowa Department of Revenue directors will also address the group and answer questions before we walk to the Capitol through a tunnel. All are encouraged to arrange short one-on-one meetings with their district representatives to introduce yourself and establish crucial connections. When advocating for a need or legislation, relationships are vital. “My first CPA Day at the Capitol was in 2024. As chair of the Pathways Task Force, I was especially proud to advocate on behalf of our members, emphasizing the need for changes to CPA licensure requirements to address the critical pipeline issue facing the profession. I highly encourage everyone to join us and witness firsthand how the power of ISCPA and its members make a real difference at the state level,” said Ardis Kelley, ISCPA interim CEO.
The more members involved, the larger our impact ISCPA is currently pursuing legislation to enable on lawmakers. The Iowa General Assembly meets future CPA candidates to January to mid-April. be licensed in Iowa upon While we are entering a earning a bachelor’s busy time of year for many degree with required CPAs, this is the best time Wednesday, Jan. 22 • 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. accounting coursework, to express to elected offitwo years of experience, cials how the work of CPAs www.iacpa.org/capitol and passing the CPA impacts the economic and Exam. Building relationbusiness environment in ships with legislators is Iowa. one way you can help us Don’t miss this chance to advocate for change. be a catalyst for positive
Iowa CPA Day at the Capitol
change in the profession.
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