History of the MNCPA
In 1904, accounting visionaries came together under one common goal: To elevate the accounting profession. From the beginning, CPAs have crafted regulation and education to maintain high professional standards for their clients, employers and the public.
See timeline of events throughout MNCPA history
Early 1900s
The original Minnesota Society of Public Accountants was incorporated on June 23, 1904. A handful of members (called fellows) organized efforts to establish and regulate the profession of public accounting.
After joining with a rival group in 1906, the organization worked together to promote a bill to regulate public accounting. The Minnesota Legislature passed it in 1909 (Chapter 439, Laws of 1909). This act set the qualifications established by a Board of Examiners (now called the State Board of Accountancy) to issue certificates, and to provide for any violations.
The demand for accounting services increased when banks required independent audits. As new certified public accountants (CPAs) joined their professional organization, they created accounting education programs, initially through the University of Minnesota. They also developed examinations to obtain certification.
By 1926, two professional groups of Minnesota CPAs merged into one organization calling it by its current name, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accounts (MNCPA). At this time, the MNCPA also worked with other professional organizations to increase the technical qualifications of practitioners.
Over the next 50 years, the MNCPA has helped state commissions and worked with the Legislature to draft accounting laws important to the public trust. The need for CPAs grew as did MNCPA membership and activities.
Mid-1900s
In the 1950s, chapters formed in Greater Minnesota. A professional staff was hired to manage the needs of a significantly growing membership. Continuing professional education programs became a priority as accounting standards and regulations increased. Through their education and expertise, CPAs positioned themselves as the leading tax practitioners for individuals and businesses.
The first annual Tax Conference was held in 1954. Today, it is still recognized as one of the premier conferences of its kind in the country due to high attendance and nationally-known speakers.
Today
Currently, the MNCPA represents CPA members across the state in public accounting, business, academia and government.
The MNCPA continues to support regulation of the profession with the State Board of Accountancy. We also work with the Legislature to enact business and accounting laws favorable to the public. In recent years, Minnesota has addressed critical challenges facing the CPA profession, including introducing legislation to broaden the pathways to CPA licensure.
Communicating with members and promoting the profession has become increasingly important. Through its membership and online resources, the MNCPA reaches out to communities with information promoting financial literacy and career opportunities.
1904
Minnesota Society of Public Accountants incorporates with seven charter members. July 14, 1904.
1906
Society holds its first annual meeting in St. Paul with two members and three prospective members present.
1907
Society hosts 20th annual American Association of Public Accountants Conference in St. Paul. Presenters traveled from New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
1908
Evening accounting classes begin at U of M in response to a Society proposal.
1909
A bill passes into law creating the CPA profession in Minnesota.
1920
Society sponsors its first publicity effort creating a leaflet, "Trustworthy Accounting Service" targeting bankers and businesses.
1921
The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) is established to improve federal financial management after World War I.
1928
The Society and the Marwick-led Society merge, forming the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants.
1934
Congress establishes the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1936
Minnesota hosts the regional meeting of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
1943
Society co-sponsors two-day Northwest Wartime Accounting Conference.
1945
Society membership totals 157. Thirteen members are serving in the armed forces.
1947
Central States Accounting Conference, which includes CPAs from seven states, is held in Minneapolis.
1951
Duluth Chapter formed.
1954
IRS changes the filing deadline for individual tax returns from March 15 to April 15.
MNCPA hosts its first Tax Conference.
1956
Society opens first office in Wesley Temple Building.
1958
CPA Wives Club holds first meeting.
1959
Society begins to receive and accept member applications from women.
1960
Periodic member publication is renamed "The Footnote".
1962
Society office moves to 11th floor of Wesley Temple Building.
1963
Walter F. Mondale, Attorney General of the State of Minnesota, speaks on protecting the public interest at the Society's annual meeting.
1966
Southern Minnesota Chapter formed.
1967
First hand-held calculator invented.
1968
Annual winter party, sponsored by CPA Wives Club, has as its theme "Mad Mod Musicale". Doc Evans and his Dixie Land Band provide the dance music.
1970
A record number of candidates sat for the CPA exam. Thirty-one percent of the 291 candidates passed.
1971
The Society's Management Advisory Services Committee announces the formation of the MAS Roundtable.
1972
The word processor is invented and the first scientific hand-held calculator is introduced. The HP-35 retails for $395.
1973
Society membership tops 2,000. Minnesota ranks 12th among all state societies in number of members within the state, according to the AICPA. Midstate Chapter formed.
1976
CPE Committee establishes R. Glen Berryman Award to recognize members who serve as full-day discussion leaders and demonstrate excellent teaching and technical skills. The first recipient was the award's namesake, R. Glen Berryman, U of M professor.
1980
Hiawathaland Chapter formed.
1981
The first IBM-PC introduced.
1982
AICPA 96th Annual Meeting is held in Minneapolis for 2,500 members.
1983
Membership exceeds 5,000, up 8 percent over the previous year.
1984
Southwest Chapter formed.
1985
The three part miniseries "Income Tax Preparation", developed by the Society, airs on cable television in more than 50 Minnesota communities.
1986
CPE programs feature a dual fee structure with lower fees for Society members.
Society publishes manual to explain changes mandated by the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
1987
U.S. Postal Service releases first class, commemorative stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the CPA profession.
1989
Membership exceeds 7,000.
1990
Scholarship program is developed for Minnesota post-secondary accounting students.
1993
In response to The Great Flood of 1993, the Society issues a news release to affected cities to explain tax return extensions, requisite records and available disaster services.
1994
First MEGA Conference is held; 66 technical sessions are available at the conference.
1995
Membership reaches 9,000 with 47 percent in industry.
1996
www.mncpa.org website launched.
1999
Website receives record monthly high of 58,000 hits.
2000
After 15 years of lobbying by the Society, the 150-hour bill is signed into law.
2001
Uniform Accountancy Act is signed into law in Minnesota.
The first Young Professionals Group (YPG) event is held at Billy's On Grand.
2002
Society moves to Southpoint Tower in Bloomington.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed into law.
2003
Minnesota's Uniform Accountancy Act of 2001 becomes effective.
Accounting Firm Marketers group is formed.
CPE attendance totaled 1,781 individuals for at least one of 200+ programs during preceding 12 months.
2004
First Uniform CPA Examination in a computerized format debuts.
MNCPA receives certificates of recognition from the Minnesota House of Representatives, Minnesota Senate and Governor Tim Pawlenty on 100 years of service to the accounting profession.
2021
The MNCPA rebrands and unveils a new logo.
2022
The MNCPA board approves an initiative to draft legislation to broaden the pathways to CPA licensure in Minnesota. Dec. 15, 2022.
