How can we build a stronger workforce in Indiana?
There’s no easy answer to this question. But INCPAS, in partnership with NABA Inc., is dedicated to finding solutions that inspire, grow and guide the next generation of the workforce in accounting, business and beyond.
That’s why our organizations jointly launched ConnectIN in 2024, a bold initiative dedicated to identifying and deploying solutions that strengthen our workforce. Together we’re focusing on growing high school graduation and college-going rates, as well as degree attainment for Hoosiers; expanding access to professional credentials like the CPA license; and growing Indiana’s overall economic resiliency.
ConnectIN is also part of INCPAS’s larger Vision 2027 initiative. This years-long strategic plan works toward a sustainable future for the profession, including our advocacy efforts to expand licensure pathways and remove barriers to the CPA profession. The passing of HEA 1143 in 2023 has been a paramount part of this initiative and will directly open doors for more professionals to pursue and obtain their CPA license.
Our goals may seem lofty, but we’re also proving they’re not impossible to achieve. Here’s how we’re working toward a bright future for our state and workforce.
Inaugural NABA Inc. HUB Day
In May, we were proud to jointly present the inaugural NABA HUB Day. This event brought college students from across Indiana and the Chicago area together to go beyond balance sheets and accounting principles to build skills that will help them thrive in professional settings—from what to wear in different environments to how to make the best impression possible within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone.
Creating space for students to access these critical skills directly impacts their confidence and strengthens their ability to thrive as they launch their careers.
“Before HUB Day, I was focused on classes and figuring out what came next. The event helped connect what I’m learning in school to what employers are looking for in the real world,” shared Mckenna Martin, a second-year accounting and finance student and HUB Day attendee. “It was encouraging to meet professionals who were once in the same position and hear how they built their careers. I left feeling inspired and motivated to continue my path in this field!”
Creating space for students to access these critical skills directly impacts their confidence and strengthens their ability to thrive as they launch their careers. We’re thrilled to celebrate the success of the first HUB Day and can’t wait to see how this program continues to grow and impact more students in the coming years.
Vision 2027
The annual Vision 2027 event has become a fixture for INCPAS. At Vision we are able to bring together leaders from across the state for open and honest conversations about talent and workforce development. This year focused on AI, apprenticeship programs and collaborative efforts resulting in a stronger Indiana.
There’s strength in numbers. That’s why INCPAS is proud to be a connector for leaders in Indiana and beyond to work toward solving critical challenges related to workforce development. The discussions reinforced a clear need for deeper collaboration across employers, educators and associations to ensure the profession remains sustainable for future generations.
The challenges facing the accounting profession can’t be solved by any one organization acting alone.
“The challenges facing the accounting profession can’t be solved by any one organization acting alone. Vision 2027 brings together employers, educators, professional associations and workforce leaders to have the conversations—and build the partnerships—needed to strengthen the talent pipeline and ensure the profession remains strong for generations to come,” said Courtney Kincaid, CAE, president and CEO of INCPAS.
The day also focused on conversations around the skill and talent gaps employers face and how to create a more profession-ready workforce. These conversations are in line with the national conversation; the AICPA’s Profession-Ready Initiative is in its early stages of research and input. The study aims to better identify the early-career skills gaps CPA professionals face and identify ways the profession can close them.
“Vision 2027 isn’t just about discussing challenges—it’s about identifying opportunities,” said Ali Tonini, CAE, VP – workforce & leadership. “The conversations around AI, profession readiness and apprenticeships highlighted the innovative thinking taking place across Indiana and reinforced the importance of creating multiple pathways into the profession.”
Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP)
Research shows early exposure to the profession is a key way to build interest in accounting careers. But this can be particularly challenging for underrepresented students. NABA’s Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) gives high school students the opportunity to not only get hands-on exploration of accounting and business careers but also gives them a taste of life on a college campus.
INCPAS worked with NABA to bring the program to Indiana campuses in 2025. This summer, three cohorts were hosted at Ball State University, Butler University and Purdue University. In total, 100 students boosted their financial literacy skills, gained important professional skills and were treated to exclusive office visits at our pipeline partner firms including Forvis Mazars US, CBIZ, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Crowe, Deloitte, KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller), KPMG US, PwC & Springline Advisory, as well as Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
ACAP is proving to be an exciting ConnectIN initiative that encourages more students to explore their education opportunities and future career options.
The Indiana CPA Educational Foundation
Focus on sustaining and growing the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation has also been a key focus area for Vision 2027. The Foundation supports many of our educational programming opportunities, including the thriving INCPAS Scholars program and our annual scholarships.
This July, we announced our next round of deserving scholarship recipients who are dedicated to earning the CPA credential. A total of $20,500 was awarded. Meet this year’s new and returning recipients.
In addition, three individuals were named CPA Exam scholarship recipients, an opportunity jointly presented by ALPFA Indianapolis and the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of NABA Inc. This scholarship program is now in its third year and has helped 12 individuals alleviate the cost of Exam-related expenses as they work toward earning their license.
Lastly, we’re gearing up for our 2026–27 CPA Week events. This annual fall and spring programming puts CPAs directly into high school classrooms to share what working as a CPA really looks like.
All of these Foundation-funded opportunities are critical to Vision 2027’s work by continuing to build interest in the profession and support promising rising CPA professionals.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Strengthening Indiana’s workforce and boosting the accounting talent pipeline can only be solved through the support of members like you.
The easiest way to support our ongoing initiatives is through a contribution to the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation.
Other opportunities include volunteering for CPA Week, hosting INCPAS Scholars or ACAP participants at your workplace and getting your firm involved as a Pipeline Partner.
Together we can help Indiana and the profession thrive. Questions about how to invest in student programs and pipeline initiatives? Contact INCPAS VP – Workforce & Leadership Ali Tonini at [email protected].
