State CPA Societies in Action: Oklahoma Society of CPAs

[State CPA Societies in Action is a series of articles spotlighting the varied educational, advocacy, networking and professional activities of the state CPA societies across the U.S.]

The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants represents professionals in the Sooner State on a timely, responsive, and creative basis, by promoting the public image and professionalism, protecting the interests and designation of CPAs, providing member services, including quality education and opportunities for interaction, and building and developing leadership skills among professionals.

The OSCPA was founded in 1918 with 31 members and has grown to approximately 6,000 members in 2024.

“As stewards of financial integrity, the OSCPA is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in the accounting profession,” said Blaine Peterson, CPA, JD, the current president and CEO of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs. “We know that CPAs play a vital role in not only preserving the integrity of financial systems but also in fostering greater financial literacy within our communities. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of accounting and finance, we contribute to a more prosperous and equitable society.”

OSCPA offers a variety of continuing education options for members including the following programs and events:

Conferences
Webcasts
Self-study classes
Free CPE courses

In addition, OSCPA also has an educational foundation that supports aspiring accountants by providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to embark on their journey to become CPAs.

2024 and beyond

The Oklahoma Society of CPAs has established goals and objectives for 2024 and beyond.

Short-term objectives

OSCPAs short-term goals and objectives include:

Fostering the future of the CPA profession by providing support, programs, and scholarships to inspire the next generation of qualified accounting professionals
- Champion public trust and financial literacy by promoting transparency, integrity, and ethical standards for all CPAs in their role as trusted advisors
- Elevate professional development of CPAs through educational resources, advocacy efforts, and networking opportunities to empower CPAs in their roles and in their communities

Long-term objectives

OSCPAs long-term objectives center on the legacy of the organization as well as continuing to elevate the CPA profession. “By fostering collaboration between experienced, tenured CPAs and upcoming generations, we can create a dynamic roadmap for the accounting profession that not only preserves our legacy but also propels us toward a future of innovation and growth, said president and CEO Blaine Peterson. “Together, we can navigate changes in our industry, the economy, and our world to not only elevate our profession but also empower individuals and businesses to thrive.”