As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on what an extraordinary year this has been for our Society and for the accounting profession in Nebraska. Every success we celebrate is tied to your expertise, your leadership, and your willingness to engage. Thank you for making the Nebraska Society of CPAs a strong, vibrant community.

Looking back helps us appreciate how far we’ve come—and looking forward reminds us of just how much promise the future holds.

Reflecting on Our Success

Fostering a Dynamic Membership
With 2,621 members and strong retention, our Society remains solidly positioned even as membership trends nationwide continue to shift. Our community of CPAs, accounting professionals, educators, and college students reflects the full scope of the profession in Nebraska. In a time when many organizations are seeing declines, Nebraska accountants continue to demonstrate their commitment to staying engaged, informed, and connected.

Expanding CPE Choices
More than 2,700 professionals participated in our educational programs this year—a slight increase over last year highlighting the value of high-quality learning opportunities. Between 20,000 webcasts, more than 145 OnDemand options, and many outstanding in-person conferences and events, our programming continues to evolve alongside the profession’s needs.

We also made it a priority to offer several no-cost events for our members, including an online Membership Appreciation Day and five new Demo Days featuring emerging accounting technologies. As Immediate Past Chairman Brian Klintworth of HBE in Lincoln reminded us at the annual meeting, “These weren’t just events—they were investments in helping each of us sharpen our skills, learn about new technologies, and adapt to change.”

Strengthening Connections
One of the most energizing parts of this year has been our dynamic, well-attended in-person events. Attendees enjoyed everything from the private tour of a locally owned global jet service provider, Duncan Aviation, at the Business & Industry Conference to a rooftop Happy Hour at the Not-for-Profit & Governmental Accounting Conference. Strong attendance at the Women in Accounting Summit and a packed house at the Annual Meeting during the Fall Conference showed that Nebraska CPAs value coming together to learn, collaborate, and build community.

Launching a Regional Network
This year marked the launch of the multistate CPA Firm Regional Leadership Network, a unique opportunity for leaders of similar-sized firms to engage in facilitated, topical conversations. Each virtual cohort includes participants from states across the Midwest, creating a space to discuss firm management, emerging challenges, and shared opportunities. Recruitment for the 2026 cohorts is now underway.

Growing Member Benefits
Our partnership with AMBA continues to strengthen the Society’s Member Benefits Program. The addition of customizable health plans through Apollo Health Insurance expands access to practical, affordable solutions for members and firms. We remain committed to identifying new vendors that provide meaningful value to our community.

Investing in the Next Generation
Through the Society’s Foundation, we awarded 97 scholarships totaling $127,100 to students at 14 Nebraska colleges and universities. Next year, the Foundation will be expanding its giving to include six community colleges throughout the state. These scholarships affirm our belief that the future of the CPA profession depends on supporting students earlier and more effectively. Issue 6, 2025 of the Nebraska CPA magazine will highlight our scholarship winners and award honorees, with a full honor roll of contributors appearing in Issue 1, 2026.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Accountants
This year we proudly launched a statewide digital Accounting Workforce Recruitment Campaign in partnership with Lincoln, Neb.-based, redthread. Aimed at high school students and parents, the campaign features a dynamic video, engaging digital ads, and an informative microsite. If you haven’t visited yet, take a look at JoinTheFun.cpa—and share it with future accountants you know.

Advancing a New Pathway to CPA
One of this year’s most important initiatives is modernizing Nebraska’s CPA licensure requirements. The CPA Licensure Task Force—created through a partnership between the Nebraska Society of CPAs and the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy—has worked diligently to craft a proposal introducing a new (old) pathway: a bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience. The proposal also refreshes experience requirements across all existing pathways, keeping Nebraska in step with evolving national standards and the needs of today’s profession.

Although not yet law, we expect legislation to be introduced in January 2026. If adopted, this change would reduce barriers for students, strengthen the talent pipeline, and ensure Nebraska remains competitive. 

When it comes to advocacy, rest assured: your Society will always have a dog in the fight for the CPA profession.

Advancing the Profession

Exploring Ways to Engage
The Society’s strength comes from members who show up—whether by volunteering, contributing ideas, participating in legislative advocacy, or supporting the Society and our Foundation financially. Here are meaningful ways to engage in the coming year:

• Serve on a Society committee.
• Attend our conferences and continuing education programs.
• Support the Foundation with a financial contribution.
• Share your insights through surveys and feedback requests.
• Participate in the legislative process, including reaching out to your State Senator and attending the State Senators’ Reception & Dinner on Jan. 6.
• Give to our Political Education Committee, which enhances our advocacy efforts and strengthens our voice in the Legislature.

“These actions, large and small, are what keep our Society strong,” stated Society Chairman Jodi Eckhout of Woods & Durham in Holdrege during the Society’s annual meeting.

“Technology and AI are reshaping our work, the CPA pipeline demands our attention, and legislative changes continue to affect us,” said Eckhout. “But ‘Forward Together’ [the theme of this year’s Fall Conference] reminds us that none of us faces these challenges alone.”

As we close out 2025, I remain grateful for the trust you place in the Society. Together, we will continue strengthening the profession, supporting our members, and building a bright future for CPAs and accounting professionals in Nebraska.