INDIANAPOLIS—Accounting profession leaders from across the country joined the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) for Vision2027 in Indianapolis on May 8. This one-day thought leadership event focused on shaping the future of the accounting profession through innovative workforce strategies.

Vision2027 is designed for professionals, educators, policy influencers and business leaders seeking actionable insights into the future of accounting and finance.

Vision2027 Forum for Nationwide Collaboration

The 2025 event brought together a variety of major stakeholders in the profession, including: the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), The Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), The Corydon Group, NABA Inc., state CPA Societies and Indiana business owners.

This year’s theme—"Protecting the Profession. Developing New Talent. Connecting the Community.”—reflects a commitment to tackling the profession’s most pressing challenges by exchanging successful models of educational impact and inclusive leadership.

Speaker discussions included:

• Panel: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures—Insights into Accounting Workforce Development (CAQ), The Corydon Group and INCPAS
• Latino Leadership: ALPFA’s Role in Shaping the Future
• A Fireside Chat: NABA Inc.’s Work in Indiana
• The Business Opportunity Program: Cultivating Talent, Driving Change
  

These discussions came on the heels of another major milestone in workforce development for aspiring CPAs and accounting employers in Indiana: the passage of HEA 1143.

HEA 1143: Easing the Path to CPA Licensure in Indiana

During the 2025 Legislative Session, Gov. Braun signed a bipartisan bill into law that creates an additional pathway to CPA licensure in Indiana.

• Additional Pathway to CPA Licensure. Effective January 1, 2027, this new pathway will allow CPA candidates to become licensed with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, two years of relevant professional experience, and successful completion of the CPA Exam—preserving professional rigor while removing unnecessary barriers to entry. 

The bill’s future effective date builds in time for careful implementation and alignment with administrative processes from the National State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), CPA Exam providers and Indiana Board of Accountancy.

INCPAS’ support for HEA 1143 stemmed from its Vision2027 initiative. The Board of Directors, alongside members and advocacy partners, have worked for more than two years to analyze licensure requirements and position Indiana for long-term success.

This new pathway responds to the growing recognition that the traditional 150-hour education model, while well-intentioned, can hinder entry into the profession—especially among underrepresented students and career-changers. 

Expanding Interest in the CPA Profession Through ConnectIN

By adding flexibility to obtaining the CPA license, INCPAS and other organizations are now better positioned to promote the profession as an accessible, affordable and adaptable career path.

In anticipation of this, INCPAS and NABA, Inc. have launched ConnectIN — a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen talent pipelines, workforce development and entrepreneurship in fields such as accounting, finance, business, AI and emerging technologies. This partnership aims to address critical talent shortages by creating bold, practical solutions to build a more robust and inclusive workforce while fostering innovation and economic growth.

“Embracing change isn’t always easy, said INCPAS President & CEO Courtney Kincaid, CAE. “I’m proud of our members and volunteer leaders for their commitment to our shared vision for a stronger future. Meeting the evolving needs of the Indiana business community, without compromising quality, remains at the forefront of what the Society can do to build a stronger profession for Hoosiers. These regulatory victories are critical components, but they are only one part of what will, ultimately, make us successful.”

To read more about Vision2027, HEA 1143 and ConnectIN, visit incpas.org/Vision.