ABOUT AWSCPA

Mission Statement

The American Woman's Society of Certified Public Accountants (AWSCPA) is a national organization dedicated to serving all women CPAs. The AWSCPA provides a supportive environment and valuable resources for members to achieve their personal and professional goals through various opportunities including leadership, networking and education.

The Voice of Women CPAs

Since its creation over seven decades ago, the American Woman's Society of Certified Public Accountants has been the voice of women in the accounting profession.

AWSCPA is the only organization devoted exclusively to the support and professional development of women CPAs. The Society is also a leader in addressing these concerns:

• Gender equity
• The glass ceiling
• Work and family issues

To accomplish our mission, AWSCPA offers in-depth support in four important areas: public awareness, networking, professional growth and advocacy.

Increase Professional and Public Awareness of the AWSCPA

AWSCPA strives to be visible to as many accounting professionals as possible. Several liaison relationships are maintained with the AICPA, state societies, and other professional accounting groups. Affiliates may also promote public awareness through press releases recognizing member achievements as well as general releases that discuss the overall vision for the society. The National Internet Web site provides a general profile for individuals interested in learning more about our organization.

AWSCPA annually recognizes outstanding achievement through the following national awards:

• Outstanding Woman CPA - for exemplary service to the organization and the profession.
  
  
• Public Service - for outstanding service outside the accounting profession.
  
  
• Literary - for a major contribution to accounting literature.
  
  
• Educator of the Year - for exceptional, effective teaching of accounting at a two- or four-year college.

Award winners are recognized at the annual National Conference and on the National Internet Web site.

Facilitate a National Network of Diverse Individuals and Organizations

AWSCPA encourages networking and mentoring with other successful women CPAs through affiliates in more than 25 major cities nationwide. Members share information on careers, business, management, technical skills, and other issues. The AWSCPA membership directory is an indispensable resource for business and personal contacts nationwide. Local, regional and national meetings are forums to exchange ideas and address issues. The new Web site facilitates networking with the online membership directory, peer support network, and two e-mail discussion groups.

Provide Opportunities for Professional Growth

AWSCPA offers leadership opportunities and training in a supportive environment. Society members develop their leadership skills and styles through involvement ranging from local committees to the National Board of Directors. Thousands of women CPAs have enhanced their leadership skills through participation in the Society.

To assist in professional growth, a variety of CPE workshops and seminars are held by the Society and its affiliates. The AWSCPA national newsletter and periodic issues papers cover topics concerning members and the profession. With financial assistance from the AWSCPA CPE Foundation, local affiliates award scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies.

Advocate Professional Equity

AWSCPA is working toward a professional environment that fosters equity for all CPAs. The Society promotes policies and programs that encourage equity within the profession through issues papers (also available online to members), conference topics, press releases, and surveys.