AICPA Leadership Academy
What is the Leadership Academy?
The four-day leadership program for young accounting professionals engages candidates in a self-examination of leadership, what that means and how that impacts their personal life, career path, and the CPA profession.
The interactive dialogue with the profession’s thought leaders and other academy participants focuses on the issues that the profession is currently facing.
The academy exposes the next generation of CPAs to strong leadership ethics and service while providing them with the strategies to forge relationships, to expand their competencies and empower them to become a leader within their organization, community, and the CPA profession.
For questions or additional information, please email LeadershipAcademy@aicpa-cima.com.
Why Attend?
- Experiential learning
- Leadership development
- Networking
- Impact the profession
- Personal development
Who should attend?
CPAs who meet the following eligibility requirements at the time of application, are invited to apply:
- Regular AICPA member
- Member of a state society or professional accounting organization
- 3+ years of experience within the CPA profession
- Between the ages of 25 and 35
Dates and fees
Dates: October 24-28, 2021
Cost: Accepted individuals or sponsors are responsible for a $1,750 program fee
How to apply?
The application process includes uploading:
- Professional photo (press release style head-shot)
- Current resume or vita
- Two professional letters of reference (reference form)
- Two essays:
- Essay #1 (500-700 words): The future will bring significant changes to the accounting profession. What do leaders have to get right in order to successfully lead?
- Essay #2 (250-500 words): Why do you want to attend the AICPA Leadership Academy?
Application for 2021 will open this summer.
Leadership Academy Facilitators
Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA
President and CEO, Maryland Association of CPAs & The Business Learning Institute
Tom is passionate about three areas: leadership, learning and technology. “If there is a conversation about the future of the profession, you’re bound to hear Hood’s name mentioned as one of the people leading the way. Hood is doing as much as anyone — and more than most — to lead public accounting forward.” That was how Accounting Today described Tom when they named him as the No. 2 most influential leader in their 2016 Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, which was his twelfth time on the list.
Gretchen Pisano, MAPP, PCC
CEO & Founding Partner pLink Coaching Center for Excellence
With 18 years of experience co-developing sound business strategy supporting her, Gretchen specializes in the development of human potential across the personal/professional spectrum of life. Gretchen brings significant consulting, teaching and coaching experience in the areas of strategic planning and insight, accelerated leadership skills, executive presence, heightened self-awareness, social intelligence, pro-active well-being, and resiliency. Gretchen’s clients learn how to leave their mark on the world, in the process finding the “sweet spot” intersection of their strengths, their passions, and what others value.
What do past attendees have to say?
Read what AICPA Leadership Academy Alumni have to say about their experiences. Still want to learn more? Join the conversation on Twitter at #AICPA_LDR
Renee Bardenwerper
Remi Omisore
"Leadership Academy was profoundly transformational - it positively impacted the way I approach my life and my career while providing what I know will be life-long friendships developed in just a few days."
Tim Jipping
Other AICPA opportunities
Learn about additional opportunities and resources AICPA offers for accounting leadership programs and professional development for young accountants.
