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?
In order to be considered, you must meet the following eligibility requirements at the time of application:
- Be a licensed CPA between the age of 25-35
- Be a regular member of the AICPA
- Be a member of a state society and/or professional accounting organization
- Have 3+ years of experience within the CPA profession
Date, location and fees
Dates: October 24-28, 2021
Location: Virtual
Cost: Accepted individuals or sponsors are responsible for a $1,750 program fee
How to apply?
Complete the program application, including
- Current resume
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Two essays (topics listed on the application)
- Professional photo
Applications for the 2021 program are closed. Check back in the fall for the 2022 application.
Leadership Academy Facilitators
Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA
EVP - Business Growth & Engagement, Association of Certified Professional Accountants
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, PCC, MAPP
CEO, pLink Leadership
Gretchen Pisano is the CEO of pLink Leadership and a principal contributor to the signature approaches developed there for the next generation of leadership challenges. She brings over two-and-a-half decades of experience consulting, coaching, and teaching to her work. Her clientele includes some of the world’s largest players in the business, NGO, and government sectors. Her expertise has been featured in Fast Company, Time’s Money, and Monster.com
Currently, Gretchen works primarily with leaders to design, develop, and implement whole-system leadership development solutions that are aligned with the strategic imperatives of the organization. In addition to her solutions work, Gretchen maintains a practice of individual coaching clients and continues to deliver select leadership development programs; this “ear to the ground” allows Gretchen to bring practical experience as well as leading edge theory to her approaches.
People who work with Gretchen find themselves “leveling up” to create better outcomes, professionally and personally. Her unique style and experience combine to bring both insight and inspiration.
She earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California, and the designation of Professional Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation.
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.
