On December 8, 2019, NCACPA will reach a tremendous milestone—our centennial anniversary! We look forward to an incredible year of celebration.
Select a time frame from the scale, and then click on individual dates to explore milestones leading up to our 100th anniversary.
1880–1919 1920–1939 1940–1959 1960–1989 1990–2009 2009–PRESENT
- 1887
First national accounting society formed
American Association of Public Accountants was formed in New York City (now known as the AICPA). Read More
- March 12, 1913
Creation of State Board of Accountancy in North Carolina
Creation of State Board of Accountancy in North Carolina
- 1916
Secretary of the State Board of Accountancy influences creation of a state society
J.P. Scales, then secretary of the North Carolina State Board of Accountancy, suggested the creation of a state accounting society.
- 1917
Preparation begins for a national CPA exam
Board of Examiners began preparing a “uniform” CPA examination.
- December 8, 1919
State accounting society created in North Carolina
NCACPA’s official name was the “North Carolina Society of Public Accountants.” Read more
- December 13, 1919
North Carolina Society of Public Accountants holds its first meeting
First meeting of the state society’s incorporators was held at the Selwyn Hotel in Charlotte, where 9 fellows and 11 associates were admitted into membership. Society issues first certificate to G.H. Adams of Charlotte.
- 1923
Name of society changes at the annual meeting
At the annual meeting in 1923, the name of the organization was changed to the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.
- 1923
Each state has passed legislation recognizing the CPA designation
All of the 50 states had recognized publicly the importance of the CPA profession. By 1923, each state had enacted legislation authorizing examinations that led to the official designation of qualified practitioners as certified public accountants.
- 1925
North Carolina passes legislation for class of certified practitioners
North Carolina is third state in the Union (following Maryland and Louisiana) to pass regulatory legislation looking towards one class of certified practitioners—the CPA. The association’s 5th president, D.H. McCollough, was instrumental in passing the “CPA law.”
- 1926
NCACPA becomes first state to adopt the AICPA Code of Ethics
Read the current code of ethics.
- 1932
Due to economic friction, citizens return to school for bookkeeping skills
Stories told of people, unable to find employment, returning to school to take bookkeeping, typing, and other business-related skills. One anecdote describes a story about a CPA challenging an adding machine for accuracy.
- October 25–26, 1935
16th annual convention held in Winston-Salem
Convention held at the Robert E. Lee Hotel in Winston-Salem. Registration fee of $2.00 includes dinner, and rooms with a bath at hotel costs $2.50.
- 1940
The annual Symposium and a quarterly publication are introduced
21st president Erle Peacock of Chapel Hill proposes two new initiatives… the Symposium and a quarterly publication “The North Carolina Accountant.”
- October 25–26, 1940
Duke University and UNC host the first annual Symposium
First Symposium was held in cooperation with Duke University and University of North Carolina (events on both campuses). Football games are even referenced in the brochures!
- October 24–25, 1941
WWII impacts the association and programming offered at the Symposium
World War II impacted the national economy and the Association recognized the importance of continuing the Symposium, in spite of difficulties associated with the war, particularly transportation and housing problems. A discussion entitled “The Accountant’s Role in National Defense Training” was broadcasted on UNC’s radio station.
- 1944
NCACPA celebrates its 25th anniversary
NCACPA produces special booklet for its 25th anniversary, which included content written by President Roosevelt on the importance of accounting, in conjunction with the 5th Annual Sumposium.
- 1947
CPA license renewal fee costs $5
Read more!
- 1955
NCACPA and State Board share office space in Chapel Hill
NCACPA is one of 11 state CPA societies with a full-time executive secretary and one of 3 to operate a combined society and state board office, located in Chapel Hill.
- 1957
78% of NCACPA members are CPAs
Of 566 members, 78% of members are CPAs; 92% of members are in public practice.
- June 1, 1969
Golden Anniversary celebration held at The Grove Park Inn
The Association hosts a three-day golden anniversary event, featuring the annual business meeting, educational sessions, a golf tournament, and evening socials. “First Decade” members were recognized for their leadership and efforts in establishing the Association fifty years prior.
- 1977
The Key Contact Program is formed and used extensively in matters regarding the North Carolina Accountancy Act
Read more about the current Key Person Contact Program at NCACPA.
- 1977
Herb Wakeford is hired as Executive Director
Tom Wagstaff retires as executive secretary; Herb Wakefield assumes position of executive director
- 1980
Two big changes occur for the Association—an office move and a naming contest for the magazine
The Association’s office moves from the Chapel Hill location, held since 1944, to Creedmoor Road in Raleigh. A contest is held with members to re-name the newsletter—Interim Report is ultimately the membership’s selection. See an archival of Interim Reports!
- 1980
NC CPA Foundation Inc. is established
The Foundation was created to work in partnership with NCACPA to provide scholarships and opportunities for students to explore the accounting career. Learn more about the NC CPA Foundation Inc. today!
- 1982
Mandatory CPE requirement implemented
1982 marked the first year under the new mandatory CPE law for North Carolina CPAs. Read more!
- 1982
John Sharbaugh selected as 3rd Executive Director
John Sharbaugh served the Association as Executive Director from 1982–1988.
- September 1985
NCACPA Board approves the architectural design of the new building
NCACPA purchases 2.25 acres of land in the Gateway Centre office park in Morrisville for $240,000.
- 1985
NC CPA PAC raises $12,000 in its first year
Learn more about the NC CPA PAC!
- 1988
First Female Chair of the Board Appointed
Ruth Rogers becomes NCACPA’s first female to hold the position of chair of the board.
- July 27, 1988
Jim Ahler named 4th Executive Director
After serving as Executive Director of the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy, Jim Ahler is hired by the Association’s Search Committee, chaired by Elwood Walker.
- April 22, 1989
NCACPA hosts 1040k Road Race
NCACPA hosts a 1040K Road Race that included a TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Filed) event, a one-mile “Short Form” run, and onsite IRS agents to receive and stamp late filings!
- 1990
Number of NCACPA committees grows to 22
Learn more about NCACPA’s current committees.
- 1996
Image enhancement campaign launched at a national level
CPA. Never Underestimate the Value. logo is created as part of this campaign.
- 2002
NCACPA member Bill Ezzell named Chairman of AICPA
Bill Ezzell becomes first NCACPA member to serve as chairman of the AICPA.
- 2003
Young CPA Cabinet created
NCACPA becomes first state society to create a Young CPA Cabinet. Learn more about the Young CPA Cabinet.
- 2004
NCACPA hosts its first New CPA Inauguration
The Inauguration, NCACPA’s most elegant affair, provides a venue for new CPAs, who have passed the CPA exam in the preceding year, to celebrate their accomplishment with their family and loved ones. Learn more about CPA Inauguration.
- 2004
AICPA’s financial literacy campaign begins
The AICPA introduces a new national effort to improve the personal finance skills of Americans. NCACPA becomes very active in this initiative by coordinating speaking events at schools, libraries, businesses, and community events. Learn more about financial literacy.
- 2005
Connect. Impact. Grow. tagline launches
New tagline Connect. Impact. Grow. was introduced to the membership. The Board of Directors creates a task force in 2006 to develop a new vision and mission statement.
- 2009
NCACPA embraces the online learning trend and hosts its first online program
The Association responds to members’ interest in online CPE by investing in technology to offer this new type of CPE delivery. Learn more about NCACPA’s current online learning options.
- May 1, 2011
Max Mukelabai’s election as NCACPA Chair is historic
Max Mukelabai was the first Young CPA Cabinet alumni to become chair; the youngest-ever NCACPA Chair; and the first African-American Chair. Following his death in 2011, the Association establishes an annual award in his memory. Learn more about the award created to honor Max.
- September 12, 2012
Governor Perdue declares September 12, 2012 as North Carolina’s “CPA Day of Service.”
Inspired by one member’s letter to the Board of Directors, the CPA Day of Service recognizes the profession’s commitment of service to local communities across the state. See what’s going on this year!
- 2014
NCACPA provides members with a means to “Connect” regardless of location
Connect, a dynamic online community built for all members, leverages technology so members can more easily interact with one another when, where, and how they want, without the barriers of geography. It’s intended to serve as a place for knowledge exchange, content curation, idea incubation, and professional networking with like-minded peers. Learn more about the...
- May 1, 2016
Sharon Bryson named CEO
Following 30+ years of service at the Association in multiple roles, Sharon Bryson is named Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of Jim Ahler. See the announcement.
- 2018
NCACPA membership rises to 13,000+
NCACPA membership rises to 13,000+
- 2019
NCACPA celebrates its 100th anniversary!
Read more.
