The CPA Vision Process is an unprecedented, profession-wide initiative undertaken by one of the most trusted and reliable professions determined to become leaders in change. Never before have CPAs come together from all areas of the profession-public practice, education, government, business and industry-to embrace the challenge of defining the future, for themselves and on behalf of those they serve.

The cost of being unresponsive to the changing demands of the future is fatal. More importantly, however, there are nearly unlimited opportunities for a profession willing to meet the demands of the future. Approximately 3,400 members of the CPA profession devoted a combined total of 21,456 hours (that's 13.14 work years) to identify both challenges and opportunities for the profession in 2011.

A collaborative effort between state CPA societies and the AICPA produced this opportunity to gain insight into the future of the profession. With passion and commitment, CPAs from all segments of the profession trans-formed a formerly uncharted future into a future with purpose, vision, and a unique opportunity for success.

The Core Purpose defines the CPA profession's reason for being. The Vision Statement is the profession speaking to itself about the mandates for a successful future.

The Core Purpose and Vision Statement represent the pulse of the profession and stand as a beacon to guide all CPAs into the 21st century as innovative leaders in change.