As we embark on a new year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your commitment to the accounting profession and the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Your hard work, dedication, and integrity continue to strengthen not only the profession but also the businesses, organizations, and communities you serve.

The start of a new year brings a natural opportunity for reflection and renewal. It is a time to set new goals, reaffirm our values, and define our purpose. For CPAs, this means striving for excellence in your chosen career, advocating for policies that enhance the profession, and fostering a sense of community among your peers.

This year, I encourage each of you to embrace a “Year of Purpose”—both personally and professionally. Being intentional about how you spend your time is a worthwhile commitment—whether it’s developing new skills, striving for big goals, or finding opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind and daily deadlines, losing sight of what truly makes an impact over time. By focusing on purpose, you can cut through distractions and gain clarity on what aligns with your values. It’s about identifying what matters most to you and making a conscious choice to invest your time in pursuing it.

As you reflect on what will bring you purpose in 2025, know that the Society is here to support you and help you achieve your goals.

Supporting Your Professional Growth

Education has long been a pillar of the profession, ensuring that you stay ahead of evolving regulations, technological advancements, and best practices. The Nebraska Society of CPAs is committed to offering top-tier continuing professional education opportunities that meet your needs.

Through our extensive online catalog of conferences, in-person CPE, webcasts, and on-demand learning options, we provide resources designed to sharpen your skills and keep you informed. Whether you are looking to gain expertise in tax law, auditing, financial management, or emerging areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics, we have courses tailored to your needs.

In addition, we recognize that learning is not limited to technical knowledge. Leadership development is equally important, and we are proud to offer programs that help CPAs grow as business leaders, strategic thinkers, and mentors in their organizations. Our latest offering includes the CPA Firm Regional Leadership Network. This multistate virtual network provides facilitated discussions for similar-sized public accounting firm leaders offering a forum for you to explore trends impacting your firm and to learn from the experiences of colleagues. Learn more at nescpa.org/cpe/firm-network.

Advocating for the CPA Profession

The Society is also dedicated to ensuring that the profession is well represented in legislative and regulatory discussions. Advocacy is a crucial part of protecting and enhancing the CPA designation, and we work diligently to monitor legislative developments that impact the profession and support sound fiscal policy. Stay up to date at nescpa.org/advocacy/news.

Working alongside our lobbyists Korby Gilbertson and Justin Brady, we actively engage with lawmakers at both the state and national levels, voicing the concerns of CPAs and working to shape policies that support the profession. Whether it’s advocating for fair and effective tax policies, reasonable regulatory requirements, or workforce development initiatives, we are actively involved in representing your interests.

But advocacy is not just the work of the Society—it is the work of all of us. I encourage you to get involved in our advocacy efforts. Whether by participating in our Political Education Committee, attending legislative events like our State Senators Reception & Dinner, or simply staying informed and engaging with policymakers, your voice matters.

Building a Stronger CPA Community

A profession is only as strong as the network that supports it, and one of the greatest benefits of being a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs is the sense of camaraderie and connection that it fosters.

This year, I challenge you to be intentional about building relationships within our CPA community. Attend Society events, participate in committees, and reach out to fellow members. The strength of our profession lies in the willingness of CPAs to support one another, share insights, and mentor the next generation.

Speaking of the next generation, workforce development remains a key focus for the Society. We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top accounting talent. This includes engaging students early in their academic careers, promoting the value of the CPA designation, and providing resources to help young professionals succeed.

Your Society will soon be releasing a new microsite, video, and digital ad campaign aimed at attracting high schoolers, and their parents, to a career in accounting. In addition, we recently partnered with Accounting+ to help showcase the limitless possibilities a career in accounting holds.

If you have the opportunity, mentor an aspiring CPA, join our Accounting Careers Committee, donate to the Society’s highly successful Foundation, or participate in other initiatives aimed at strengthening our profession’s future.

Looking Ahead

The year ahead will bring both challenges and opportunities, but I have no doubt that we are prepared to meet them with resilience and purpose.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources and support offered by the Society. Whether it’s through continuing education, advocacy efforts, networking events, or leadership opportunities, we are here to help you thrive.

As we move forward together, let’s make 2025 a year of purpose.

Thank you for your dedication and engagement—and congratulations to those celebrating membership milestones in 2025. I look forward to working alongside you in the coming year to continue strengthening the Nebraska Society of CPAs and the profession we all hold dear.

Wishing you a year of success, fulfillment, and purpose!