Vision Project Spotlights the New Millennium CPA

By Andrew Piccinich

What challenges does the new millennium hold for CPAs? AICPA Manager of Visioning Tom Lemmon recently spoke to the New York State Association of CPA Candidates about the Institute's CPA Vision Project and its work to identify the forward-looking role of the profession in the next century.

The Vision Project is a cooperative effort between the AICPA and state societies to mobilize members to meet the demands of the marketplace in the 21st century. Lemmon stressed that CPAs need to build on the public trust they now have and adapt to new services in a changing and complex world. He specifically pointed to technology as one area of great change.

The Vision Project developed the following vision statement and core purpose for the accounting profession:

Vision Statement

CPAs are the trusted professionals who enable people and organizations to shape their future. Combining insight with integrity, CPAs deliver value by

* Communicating the total picture with clarity and objectivity,

* Translating complex information into critical knowledge,

* Anticipating and creating opportunities, and

* Designing pathways that transform vision into reality.

Core Purpose

CPAs ... making sense of a changing and complex world.

Lemmon discussed several core elements that CPAs need to possess to bring this vision into the future. They need to stay attuned to their values, provide new services, and be more competitive in today's changing market.

What can CPA candidates do? Become more involved with their professional association, learn more, and share information with peers. For background on the CPA Vision Project, visit www.cpavision.org. *