[Anonymous]

Hey everyone.

How important is to join the AICPA or your state’s organization after getting your license? Are there a lot of benefits? Would you pick the AICPA over your state specific org or do both?

[wowurrcool]

@tough_kitty What is the 1-year free AICPA membership? Is that the CPA Exam candidate affiliate membership?

Thanks!

FAR - 87 (7/19/13)
BEC - 82 (8/29/13)
REG - 86 (10/18/13)
AUD - 91 (12/06/13)

Becker. Licensed VA CPA 12/31/13

[tough_kitty]

I just checked again – looks like the CPA Candidates have to pay $50, but if you are still a student, you can join that way for 1 year free membership.

https://www.aicpa.org/Membership/Join/Pages/StudentAffiliate.aspx

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

I just checked again – looks like the CPA Candidates have to pay $50, but if you are still a student, you can join that way for 1 year free membership.

https://www.aicpa.org/Membership/Join/Pages/StudentAffiliate.aspx

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Anonymous]

I enjoy the local chapter of my state society. They offer tons of CPE, happy hours, networking, volunteer opportunities and travel discounts. I have been a member of the AICPA for a couple of years, even though I'm just a candidate. They send out annoying promotional emails, but other than that, I don't get a lot of benefits from the AICPA.

[Anonymous]

I enjoy the local chapter of my state society. They offer tons of CPE, happy hours, networking, volunteer opportunities and travel discounts. I have been a member of the AICPA for a couple of years, even though I'm just a candidate. They send out annoying promotional emails, but other than that, I don't get a lot of benefits from the AICPA.

[evesocal]

There are only about a zillion sources for CPE and at much lower prices than the AICPA or state societies. There is even some free CPE out there. I joined the AICPA and CalCPA because (1) my firm pays the dues and (2) I felt I was lacking in unending streams of advertising and “hot tips” email. This lack has now been more than filled. Much, much more.

The Journal of Accountancy magazine that comes from the AICPA is good. Aside from that I don't see a benefit. It's just sort of expected. Oh, and they sent me a *huge* wall certificate. Really, AICPA? Essentially it's a certificate for paying dues. It's still in the package.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[evesocal]

There are only about a zillion sources for CPE and at much lower prices than the AICPA or state societies. There is even some free CPE out there. I joined the AICPA and CalCPA because (1) my firm pays the dues and (2) I felt I was lacking in unending streams of advertising and “hot tips” email. This lack has now been more than filled. Much, much more.

The Journal of Accountancy magazine that comes from the AICPA is good. Aside from that I don't see a benefit. It's just sort of expected. Oh, and they sent me a *huge* wall certificate. Really, AICPA? Essentially it's a certificate for paying dues. It's still in the package.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[san4596]

The minimum you should do is be a member of your local State Chapter. The CPE is a plus for those lunch meetings, but the main benefit would be networking. Do not pass up the networking. Be a member of both if your firm pays for them.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

The minimum you should do is be a member of your local State Chapter. The CPE is a plus for those lunch meetings, but the main benefit would be networking. Do not pass up the networking. Be a member of both if your firm pays for them.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[Iron_Victory]

One thing people are leaving out is that the AICPA is the top lobbying group for CPA's, which as a professional is quite important to ensure that our needs, judgements and experiences are considered when laws are being written.

Though most of us don't care for the difficulties of the exam, the AICPA regulating candidates through rigorous exams ensures that there isn't over saturation of CPA's in the marketplace and as a result devaluation of the designation and the profession as a whole.

It isn't just all about me me me and what benefits do I get. Time to rethink the meaning of value outside of your own skin. Last time I checked being a CPA meant being a servant to the public and acting in their best interest more so than our own. Membership dues make up a large portion of their revenue I'm sure so it is more your duty or obligation as a CPA to ensure the betterment of the profession as a whole as well as it's current and future impact on the people we serve.

AUD - (74),78
BEC - 85
FAR - 86
REG - 84

[Iron_Victory]

One thing people are leaving out is that the AICPA is the top lobbying group for CPA's, which as a professional is quite important to ensure that our needs, judgements and experiences are considered when laws are being written.

Though most of us don't care for the difficulties of the exam, the AICPA regulating candidates through rigorous exams ensures that there isn't over saturation of CPA's in the marketplace and as a result devaluation of the designation and the profession as a whole.

It isn't just all about me me me and what benefits do I get. Time to rethink the meaning of value outside of your own skin. Last time I checked being a CPA meant being a servant to the public and acting in their best interest more so than our own. Membership dues make up a large portion of their revenue I'm sure so it is more your duty or obligation as a CPA to ensure the betterment of the profession as a whole as well as it's current and future impact on the people we serve.

AUD - (74),78
BEC - 85
FAR - 86
REG - 84

[Anonymous]

Iron_Victory – Your response seems very accusatory and negative. No one is slamming the AICPA and what they stand for. The state and local societies also protect the public interest and represent CPAs on a local level, but not everyone can pay to join all three. The original question was what are the benefits of each.

[Anonymous]

Iron_Victory – Your response seems very accusatory and negative. No one is slamming the AICPA and what they stand for. The state and local societies also protect the public interest and represent CPAs on a local level, but not everyone can pay to join all three. The original question was what are the benefits of each.

[barelystayingsane]

In Iron_Victory's defense, my comments do appear to be cost-focused, so I can see where he is coming from. I will say that based on my salary starting out as a first-year associate, I just can't afford the $225 annual fee right now and probably won't be able to for a few years. For those of us just starting out, I feel that it is a bit on the steep side. Once I've settled into my career, I will likely join. But thank you, Iron_Victory, for reminding us that it's not just about the money!

[barelystayingsane]

In Iron_Victory's defense, my comments do appear to be cost-focused, so I can see where he is coming from. I will say that based on my salary starting out as a first-year associate, I just can't afford the $225 annual fee right now and probably won't be able to for a few years. For those of us just starting out, I feel that it is a bit on the steep side. Once I've settled into my career, I will likely join. But thank you, Iron_Victory, for reminding us that it's not just about the money!

[Author]

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