Society Overview

MISSION STATEMENT

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The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) is one of the largest state accounting organizations in the nation with more than 28,000 members. It was incorporated in 1897 for the following purposes:

  • To cultivate, promote, and disseminate knowledge and information concerning certified public accountants.
  • To establish and maintain high standards of integrity, honor, and character among certified public accountants.
  • To furnish information regarding accountancy and the practice and methods thereof to its members and the general public.
  • To protect the interests of its members and the general public with respect to the practice of accountancy.

The Society fulfills its mission through its 15 chapters, more than 60 technical and administrative committees, and a 39-member Board of Directors. The administrative operations are under the direction of the Executive Director, assisted by a professional staff of approximately 75.

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS

Membership in the NYSSCPA consists of the following two grades:

Member - Any person who is a Certified Public Accountant of the state of New York, or any state or political subdivision of the United States. Click here to become a member.

Associate members—

a) A person who is not a CPA and meets the requirements of one or more of the following categories shall be eligible to apply to become an associate member of the Society.

(1) International associate. A person who (i) holds a CPA certificate issued outside a U.S. Jurisdiction or is a chartered accountant and (ii) is a member in good standing of an association belonging to the International Federation of Accountants shall be eligible to apply for membership as an international associate.

(2) CPA candidate. A person who (i) has graduated from college (or its equivalent, if the prospective CPA candidate was educated in a non-U.S. jurisdiction), (ii) meets the curriculum requirements necessary to take the CPA examination in a U.S. jurisdiction, and (iii) demonstrates intent to complete or has successfully completed the CPA examination shall be eligible to apply for membership as a CPA candidate. A person’s CPA candidate membership shall automatically terminate upon the earlier of (i) the date he or she notifies the Society of his or her qualification to become a CPA member or (ii) the end of the Society’s fiscal year immediately following the fifth anniversary of the date he or she first was admitted to associate membership as a CPA candidate.

(3) Student. A person matriculated at a college or university shall be eligible to apply for membership as a student. A student’s membership shall terminate after twelve months, at which time the student may reapply to renew his or her membership.

(4) CPA firm employee. A person employed in a professional capacity by an individual or entity qualified in accordance with the law or regulations of a U.S. jurisdiction to perform audit or other attest services (“CPA firm”) shall be eligible to apply for membership as a CPA firm employee. In addition, a person who provides accounting, tax, or business system or process consulting services and is employed in a professional capacity by a company, which is not a CPA firm, but which (a) provides accounting, tax, or business systems or process consulting services to the public and (b) annually leases one or more employees to a CPA firm to perform attest services, shall be eligible for membership as a CPA firm employee. Such membership shall terminate at the end of the Society’s next fiscal year immediately following such time as the employment relationship with the CPA firm or lessor company terminates.

(5) Associate Industry/Non-CPA Employee. A person not employed in a CPA firm, but whose employment may include but is not limited to industry, government, a not-for-profit organization, an educational institution, or a business entity other than a CPA firm or a company described in sub-paragraph (4) of this paragraph, who works under the supervision of a CPA, and who provides or facilitates accounting services or advice to one’s employer or to the client(s) of one’s employer in any and all matters related to accounting, financial, management, tax, or consulting services, or the recording of financial data or information or the preparation or presentation of financial statements, shall be eligible to apply for membership as a non-CPA employee. Such membership shall terminate at the end of the Society’s next fiscal year immediately following such time as the employment relationship terminates.

(6) Academic associate. A member of the faculty of a college or university offering academic credit that qualifies toward meeting the curriculum requirements necessary to take the CPA examination in a U.S. jurisdiction who teaches accounting, auditing, or taxation shall be eligible to apply for membership as an academic associate. Such membership shall terminate at such time as the member’s status as a member of the faculty terminates.

CHAPTERS

The NYSSCPA has 15 chapters that provide programs and activities to members on a local basis. Members are assigned to one of the following chapters based on the location of their business or residence:

Each chapter has an individual committee structure so that members who live outside of the New York City metro area have the opportunity to get involved in local professional activities. All chapter members are encouraged to serve on a committee to help strengthen and unify the profession.

COMMITTEE SERVICE

The Society sponsors a comprehensive structure of more than 60 technical and administrative committees, on which more than 1,500 members currently serve. The committees serve members by recognizing and responding to their technical and professional needs and creating a forum for interacting with their peers. Committee service is highly valued as members can have a significant influence on both the profession and the Society. They can benefit personally from the opportunity to develop their technical, professional, and leadership skills, gain recognition from within the profession and the community, and expand their network of peer contacts.

The Society's committees fall within the following major divisions:

  • Accounting and Auditing
  • Consulting Services
  • Industry
  • Operations
  • Practice Management
  • Public Sector
  • Tax

Click here to see a full list of committees.

Each chapter has an individual committee structure so that members have the opportunity to get involved in local professional activities. All chapter members are encouraged to serve on a statewide committee to help strengthen and unify the profession.
 

Click to Join the New York State Society of CPAs