An innovative state society CEO and her view of accounting's future

Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs, returned to the Journal of Accountancy podcast for the first time since 2019 to discuss how community, collaboration, and relationships can strengthen the accounting profession. She shared insights into efforts to address recruiting and retention challenges, the role of professional associations in creating value for members, and an update on CPA licensure. Olson also explained the thinking behind the MACPA's Beyond the Bottom Line YouTube series and why engagement remains critical for the profession's future. What you'll learn from this episode: Olson's "best part of the accounting profession" and how it led her state association to start a YouTube series. Why Olson believes relationships and community are among the profession's greatest strengths. What she learned from Tom Hood. How Maryland's CPA licensure changes fit into broader efforts across the profession. What associations can do to create more value and engagement for members. Why positive news about accounting enrollment, in Olson's mind, doesn't eliminate the need for continued workforce development efforts.