Volunteer Opportunities

Description:

The Accounting & Auditing Advisory Committee reviews exposure drafts and notifies VSCPA staff about significant changes in accounting and auditing standards and regulations, including those from governmental bodies. The committee actively seeks input from VSCPA members on the challenges facing accounting and auditing professionals and may form ad hoc groups to address specific exposure drafts or alerts that require specialized expertise.

What You Gain:

• Valuable leadership experience
• Insight into emerging trends
• Opportunity to influence the future of Virginia's accounting profession by enhancing your expertise in professional standards

Prerequisites:

• Be a manager-level or higher professional with knowledge and experience in applying professional standards used for accounting and auditing work
• Have expertise in one of the following: COSO, FASAB, FASB, GAGAS, GAO, GASB, IASB, IFAC, OAB or PCAOB

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and respond to exposure drafts related to accounting and auditing
• Review Virginia legislation as needed
• Provide content for VSCPA events and publications as needed

Commitment:

• As a chair and vice chair, serve one-year term; no term limits for other members
• Attend monthly virtual meetings, generally 45 minutes in duration
• Provide additional time for reviewing exposure drafts and drafting comments

Apply

Description:

The Board of Directors is the VSCPA's governing body and guides the strategic direction of the organization. Members also serve as the VSCPA Educational Foundation Board. Ideal candidates have a passion for the profession and are strategic thinkers. The VSCPA Nominations Committee submits a slate of officers and directors to the VSCPA membership for election at its annual business meeting. The Nominations Committee considers VSCPA volunteer history, strategic expertise and leadership, and balanced representation, along with other key factors, as it develops its slate of nominees.

Each Board member is assigned to a task force to work on VSCPA’s strategic priorities. Board task forces vary each year and address topics such as the transformation of the profession, workforce development, the CPA pipeline, the future of learning, advocacy and the future VSCPA business model. Select Board members will also serve on Finance or Audit Committees. 

What You Gain:

• Opportunity to grow leadership experience
• Experience guiding an organization's strategic direction and making important decisions

Prerequisites:

• Must be either a CPA member in good standing with the Board of Accountancy or a VSCPA Professional member.

Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in strategic discussions and policy-setting
• Understand, support and communicate the Society's vision, mission and goals
• Represent, advocate for and promote the CPA profession and VSCPA to members and the public
• Represent the needs of the entire membership — not a specific constituency
• Oversee and maintain the Society's financial stability and sustainability
• Oversee and evaluate Society programs and services
• Observe all Society bylaws, code of conduct and Board policies
• Donate to the VSCPA Educational Foundation and PAC

Commitment:

• Serve a one-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to three years as an at-large director, or additional years if selected to the Executive Committee as vice chair
• Attend all Board meetings and the Ignite Annual Conference
• Attend five Board meetings per year: four in-person in Richmond, Virginia (June 21–22, 2027; Nov. 11, 2027; Jan. 21, 2028; and April 20, 2028), and one virtual (Sept. 20, 2027)
• Be available for virtual task force meetings

Apply

Description:

VSCPA chapters are an important component of the membership experience, providing critical local connection. As an officer, you will work with your fellow board members to champion chapter goals and VSCPA standards. Each one is a self-governing entity, affiliated of the VSCPA and, as such, is a unique entity that you get to shape and grow.

As in many organizations, the chapters traditionally treat the officer positions as an expected sequence leading from treasurer to secretary and then on to vice president and president. Volunteering is subject to approval from the individual chapters.

The VSCPA has six active chapters. To find yours, visit our chapters page.

What You Gain:

• Involvement in the profession at a local level  
• Leadership training and experience

Prerequisites:  

• Must be a member of the chapter
• All experience levels are welcome

Responsibilities:  

• Planning and executing local events
• Finding speakers
• Managing membership data and dues
• Communicating with local members 

Committment

• Time commitments vary by chapter, typically 1-5 hours a month

Description:

The VSCPA Content Committee is an advisory group that helps identify timely, relevant and high-value learning and communications content for Virginia CPAs. Through conferences, seminars, communications and other member-facing channels, the committee supports VSCPA's efforts to deliver professional guidance, technical updates, thought leadership and practical resources that advance the CPA profession in Virginia. The committee is made up of VSCPA members from a range of practice areas, career stages and professional perspectives who are committed to strengthening the quality, relevance and reach of VSCPA content. Members serve as strategic advisors, content contributors and professional connectors, helping VSCPA identify emerging issues, member education needs, article topics, conference session ideas, potential speakers, subject matter experts and sponsor opportunities. Members may also join one or more subcommittees focused on conference and content development.

What You Gain:

• The opportunity to develop your presence as a subject matter expert
• The opportunity to build relationships with subject matter experts, speakers and industry leaders across the CPA profession
• Leadership experience helping shape statewide learning and communications content for Virginia CPAs
• The chance to earn complimentary conference registration by confirming at least two speakers for conference sessions and supporting onsite responsibilities such as registration assistance, speaker introductions or session support, subject to VSCPA staff approval and event needs

Prerequisites:

• Have professional experience or interest in one or more CPA practice areas relevant to committee content

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic advisor, content contributor and/or professional connector
• Share or write content, articles and program ideas
• Review articles, session proposals or other content materials
• Participate in subcommittee meetings and related communications to support conference and content planning
• Identify industry topics, developments and trends that VSCPA content or conferences should address
• Recommend and provide introductions, when available, to subject matter experts and potential sponsors
• Help confirm speakers by applicable marketing or program development deadlines

Commitment:

• Serve a three-year term
• Attend two full committee meetings each year, typically in January and June, to discuss content priorities and recommend focus areas
• Participate in occasional subcommittee meetings and periodic email discussions
• Remain engaged with subcommittee work through email, posts and phone or video calls
• Respond to time-sensitive requests related to speaker recommendations, article ideas, content review or conference planning
• Provide additional onsite support at VSCPA conferences when requested
• Attend networking or social events when available and appropriate

Apply

Description:

The CPA Advocates Program connects Virginia legislators with VSCPA members who already know them personally (e.g., a client, neighbor, friend, former classmate, fellow board member, etc.) or are willing to build a relationship with their legislators. These early, trust-based relationships help lawmakers hear directly from CPAs they already know, so they better understand the real-world impact of the legislation and regulation under consideration. The program centers on sound policy rather than politics.

What You Gain:

• Resources to help you stay informed on VSCPA's key legislative issues
• Opportunity to showcase the important perspective CPAs offer
• Invitation to attend CPA Assembly Day in Richmond alongside VSCPA leaders, members and staff

Prerequisites:

• Have a personal connection to a Virginia legislator (e.g., current or former client, neighbor, childhood friend, former classmate, fellow board member, etc.)
• Have a willingness to build a relationship with your state legislators

Responsibilities:

• Share who you know by telling VSCPA about any personal connection you have to a Virginia legislator
• Show a willingness to get to know your legislators
• Connect with your legislator by sharing your perspective on VSCPA's key issues

Commitment:

• No formal commitment is required to enroll
• Engage with your legislator in whatever way feels comfortable to you — there's no pressure to do more
• Attendance at CPA Assembly Day is encouraged, not required

Explore CPA Advocate Page

Enroll

Description:

CPAs in the Classroom connects a roster of VSCPA volunteers with middle school, high school and college students across Virginia to share their career stories in classrooms, at career fairs and at other student events. When a school, educator or partner requests an accounting professional, the opportunity is sent to the full volunteer group, and each volunteer decides which ones fit their schedule.

What You Gain:

• Chance to show students what accounting really looks like, trading stereotypes for your real story and the many paths a CPA career can take
• Opportunity to help build Virginia's future talent, since the students you meet today are the interns and colleagues the profession needs tomorrow
• Practice sharpening how you talk about your work, since explaining your job to students is great preparation for talking with clients and recruits
• Flexibility to give back on your own terms, with no standing meetings

Prerequisites:

• Enjoys talking to students about their work
• No speaking experience required
• Every career path is welcome 

Responsibilities:

• Watch for opportunity notices and respond to the ones that fit
• Prepare talking points for the opportunity and audience, using speaking materials and guidance provided by staff
• Follow through once you commit to an opportunity, and let staff know as soon as possible if plans change

Commitment:

• Choose which opportunities to take and how many; there's no minimum
• Most classroom visits and career fairs take one to three hours
• Opportunities vary, depending on requests from schools and partners

Explore the CPAs in the Classroom homepage

Enroll

Description:

This committee serves as a resource for VSCPA members and the public who have inquiries regarding CPA and accounting-related ethical concerns. Under the AICPA Joint Ethics Enforcement Program (JEEP), the AICPA Ethics Division investigates potential disciplinary matters involving VSCPA and AICPA members. The AICPA Ethics Division conducts investigations, and the VSCPA Ethics Committee reviews concurrence requests from the AICPA and has the authority to approve, question and/or challenge case recommendations.

What You Gain:

• Leadership experience
• Opportunity to enhance your expertise in professional standards

Prerequisites:

• CPAs must be in good standing with the Board of Accountancy
• Previous experience in ethics matters and no history of ethics violations (plus, but not required)
• Possible peer references, recommendations and a criminal background check

Responsibilities:

• Remain up to date on knowledge of professional standards
• Provide timely information to VSCPA members and members of the public on accounting-related ethical issues and concerns
• Agree to the confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements

Commitment:

• Two-year terms for chair and vice chair
• Meeting frequency and time commitments vary based on inquiries and concurrence referrals from the AICPA
• Virtual concurrence case meetings on an as-needed basis
• Attend virtual JEEP orientation each year

Apply

Description:

The VSCPA Political Action Committee (PAC) is a bipartisan committee that contributes funds to candidates who support CPA interests. It plays a critical role in the VSCPA's advocacy activities by funding relationship-building efforts with Virginia legislators. The VSCPA PAC Board of Trustees is the governing body of the VSCPA PAC. The Board oversees the annual legislator contribution plan and evaluates and actively participates in fundraising activities.

What You Gain:

• Valuable insight into VSCPA's advocacy initiatives
• Leadership experience
• Opportunity to influence the accounting profession and pipeline in Virginia

Prerequisites:

• All experience levels are welcome.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in outreach to request individual and/or firm contributions
• Participate in VSCPA advocacy activities and fundraising as needed
• Attend legislator campaign events as needed
• Oversee and approve the annual budget and contribution plan

Commitment:

• Serve two-year terms as chair and vice chair
• Attend three to four one-hour virtual meetings
• Participate in CPA Assembly Day in January (virtual and in-person)
• Attend the Ignite Conference in May
• Provide additional time as needed for attending legislator campaign events

Apply

Description:

The Council works alongside the VSCPA Board of Directors and staff on programs and policies that promote inclusion, access and a strong sense of belonging within the profession. The Council engages with leaders, schools and other stakeholders to expand pathways for students to pursue careers as CPAs; identifies resources to help members and their organizations create and sustain welcoming environments where all CPAs can thrive; and creates opportunities to impact the profession and the communities it serves. The Council may also establish task forces as needed, aligned with VSCPA's yearly goals and strategic initiatives.

What You Gain:

• Chance to make a real impact on the profession by promoting inclusion and belonging
• Connection with peers and leaders who share your passion for this work
• Growth of your leadership skills through meaningful, collaborative work

Prerequisites:

• Have a demonstrated interest or experience in diversity, inclusion, access or belonging initiatives within the accounting profession

Responsibilities:

• Actively support VSCPA's strategic goals and advance the profession's commitment to inclusion, access and belonging
• Advise the VSCPA Board and staff on programs and policies that promote inclusion, expand access to the CPA profession and strengthen a sense of belonging
• Identify resources to help VSCPA members and their organizations create and sustain welcoming environments where all CPAs can thrive

Commitment:

• Serve a one-year term, eligible for renewal for up to three years
• Commit 12+ hours per year
• Attend three Council meetings per year (one in-person, two virtual)
• Attend the Leaders' Summit in May
• Provide additional time based on task force projects or other outreach

Apply

Description:

The Peer Review Committee oversees the administration, acceptance and completion of peer reviews performed in Virginia and the District of Columbia. The committee monitors the performance of reviewers and firms and, when appropriate, prescribes and monitors the completion of effective corrective actions.

What You Gain:

• Leadership experience
• Opportunity to enhance your expertise in professional standards and accounting and auditing standards

Prerequisites:

• Be a member of the AICPA in good standing and licensed to practice as a CPA
• Be currently active in public accounting as a partner, manager or person with equivalent responsibilities in the accounting or auditing practice, or be carrying out a quality control function within your firm
• Have spent the last five years in the practice of public accounting in the accounting or auditing function
• Be employed by or own a firm that received a peer review rating of pass or pass with scope limitations on its most recent peer review, accepted in a timely manner.
• Complete Report Acceptance Body (RAB) member training that meets the requirements established by the AICPA Peer Review Board
• Agree to the confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements of the program
• Meet a highly selective bar — due to this committee's high visibility and importance, only the most qualified candidates are selected

Responsibilities:

• Review and evaluate peer review submissions for firms in Virginia and the District of Columbia
• Monitor the performance of reviewers and firms, identifying when corrective action is needed
• Prescribe and monitor the completion of corrective actions when appropriate
• Participate in committee meetings and conference calls to support administration of the peer review program

Commitment:

• Commitment to two-year terms if chair or vice chair
• Attend one in-person meeting in Richmond every two years
• Participate in monthly conference calls as needed

Apply

Description:

The Scholarship Committee works closely with the VSCPA Educational Foundation to award scholarships to accounting students in Virginia. The committee reviews and ranks scholarship applications based on eligibility criteria, ensuring that the Foundation's mission of supporting future CPAs is fulfilled. Last year, the committee helped distribute more than $79,000 in scholarships to deserving students.

What You Gain:

• Direct impact on the future of the profession: By reviewing applications, committee members contribute to shaping the next generation of CPAs.
• Valuable experience in evaluation and selection processes: The committee's work provides insight into assessing candidates based on eligibility criteria and VSCPA's goals.
• Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause: Members can feel a sense of accomplishment knowing they're helping support students' educational goals and career aspirations.
• Enhanced personal and professional development: Serving on the committee helps members build skills such as critical thinking, decision-making and teamwork.

Prerequisites:

• No specific experience is required.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in mid-April training before reviewing assignments (training will be recorded)
• Use the Foundation's web-based scholarship management system to evaluate applications fairly and consistently, using the scoring rubric
• Complete the Conflict of Interest & Confidentiality form annually

Commitment:

• Review, on average, 10–15 applications during the review cycle (mid-April to mid-May); this can take up to 10 hours depending on the number of applications and committee members, and review dates are fixed with no extensions given

Apply

Description:

The Small Practitioner's Peer Group is a peer-driven community designed to support and connect practitioners from firms with 30 or fewer employees. This group provides a space for members to engage in meaningful discussions, share practical insights and collaborate on navigating the unique challenges of running a smaller practice. Through virtual peer learning sessions and potential in-person gatherings, the group fosters a strong network of small practitioners supporting one another's growth and success.

What You Gain:

• Opportunities to shape the direction of the Small Practitioner's Peer Learning Group and lead discussions
• Leadership experience and a role in developing programming designed for small firms
• Connection with peers facing similar small-firm challenges, and an expanded professional network

Prerequisites:

• Be a professional from a small firm
• Have a passion for collaboration, peer support and the growth of the small practitioner community
• Prior leadership or networking experience (plus, not required)

Responsibilities: 

• Help plan and guide the topics for peer learning sessions
• Ensure meetings are relevant, engaging and beneficial to participants
• Foster a welcoming environment that encourages open discussions and peer support
• Cultivate openness and vulnerability by sharing your own experiences
• Explore potential opportunities for in-person gatherings based on member interest
• Collaborate with VSCPA staff to promote the group and encourage participation 

Commitment: 

• Actively participate in one virtual kick-off meeting, quarterly planning meetings and 3–6 peer learning sessions
• Review materials, develop content and provide input on discussion topics and programming, asynchronously
• Respond to communications promptly
• Assist in outreach efforts, as needed 

Apply

Description:

The Tax Advisory Committee conducts policy analysis and makes recommendations to the VSCPA Board of Directors on regulatory and legislative issues. The committee also seeks feedback from VSCPA members on tax issues and provides information to the VSCPA on tax issues and legislation. The committee periodically meets with and provides input to representatives from the Virginia Department of Taxation.

What You Gain:

• Valuable leadership experience
• Insight into emerging tax trends
• Opportunity to influence the future of Virginia's tax law

Prerequisites:

• Be a manager-level or higher professional with knowledge and experience in taxation, with a focus on state tax policy
• Hold a CPA license or be a tax attorney
• Meet a highly selective bar — this committee adds only members with the most advanced levels of tax expertise

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and respond to proposed regulations and guidelines related to state or federal tax policy or administration
• Analyze Virginia tax policy proposals, including legislation and make position recommendations to the VSCPA Board of Directors
• Participate in VSCPA grassroots calls to action by contacting legislators as needed to promote VSCPA tax policy positions
• Provide content for VSCPA events and publications as needed

Commitment:

• Chair and vice chair serve two-year terms in their respective positions, with an overall term limit of eight years; renewal is based on contribution and interest
• Attend monthly virtual meetings lasting about one hour
• Attend one in-person, full-day meeting in July or August (2027)
• Attend in-person CPA Assembly Day in January (2028)
• Reserve additional time for reviewing materials

Apply

Description:

The Technology & Innovation Advisory Council provides strategic guidance to the VSCPA Board of Directors, members and staff on emerging technologies and innovation trends in the CPA profession. Recognizing the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, advanced analytics and blockchain, the Council helps shape VSCPA's educational and member programming, resources and thought leadership strategies. By offering insights and expertise, the Council supports VSCPA's commitment to preparing CPAs and accounting professionals to thrive in an increasingly digital and technology-driven environment. Members may also be assigned to subcommittees as needed.

What You Gain:

• Opportunities to influence the future direction of the accounting profession in Virginia as it's transformed by AI and technology
• Exposure to emerging technology trends and innovative practices
• Expanded professional networks with forward-thinking leaders and practitioners
• Leadership experience through strategic advisory and project-based work

Prerequisites:

• Have experience or expertise in technology, digital transformation or innovation
• Have a strong aptitude for engaging in activities that promote AI and emerging technologies in the CPA profession

Responsibilities:

• Advise the VSCPA Board and staff on strategic direction for the VSCPA's technology and innovation education, programming and resources
• Provide insights on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, automation and advanced analytics, and their implications for the profession
• Contribute to the development of education and engagement programs, partnerships and content supporting VSCPA's technology-related initiatives
• Serve as an ambassador by promoting and participating in VSCPA activities and programs as needed

Commitment:

• Serve a one-year volunteer term, with renewal based on contribution and interest
• Attend three to four virtual meetings each year
• Provide additional time for subcommittees, special assignments or projects as needed

Apply

Description:

The Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) annually recommends nominees for appointment to the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA). In order to be able to provide these nominations, the VSCPA is constantly working to build a diverse pool of highly qualified individuals interested in serving the CPA profession in this capacity. By applying for this opportunity, you are consenting to be considered for the VSCPA's nominee pool. Final nominees are approved by the VSCPA Board of Directors. Becoming a nominee does not guarantee appointment to the VBOA.

The Governor appoints all VBOA members, and each member serves a four-year term. Throughout their term, members represent the entire CPA community and work to protect the public. Qualified candidates should possess an open mind, a willingness to represent the CPA profession in a board setting, and a commitment to the CPA profession. The composition of the VBOA is as follows: four Virginia-licensed CPAs from public practice, one Virginia-licensed CPA from industry or public practice, one Virginia-licensed CPA who is an accounting educator and one non-CPA member of the public. Membership terms are staggered over a four-year period.

For the upcoming term (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2031) there will be two openings on the VBOA, one of which is the educator member. Based on the current composition, the ideal candidate for the other seat needs to come from a small to mid-sized public accounting firm. 

What You Gain:

• Opportunity to represent the CPA profession and help shape its future through appointment to the VBOA
• Chance to help protect the public interest as a licensing board member
• Recognition as a highly qualified, trusted leader within the CPA community

Prerequisites:

• Possess an open mind, a willingness to represent the CPA profession in a board setting and a commitment to the profession
• Have 10 years of experience in advocacy, industry/public sector, public accounting or education
• Complete application prior to Nov. 1, 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Represent the entire CPA community
• Work to protect the public

Commitment:

• By applying, you consent to be considered for the VSCPA's nominee pool.
• Final nominees are approved by the VSCPA Board of Directors, and becoming a nominee does not guarantee appointment to the VBOA
• If appointed by the Governor, you serve a four-year term
• Volunteer hours and meeting locations apply only if you are appointed to the VBOA by the Governor

Apply for Nomination

Description: 

The Women’s Peer Group is a peer-driven community designed to support and connect women in the profession. This group provides a space for members to engage in meaningful discussions, build professional relationships and collaborate on topics relevant to career growth, leadership and work-life balance. Through virtual networking sessions and potential in-person gatherings, the group fosters a strong community of women supporting one another. 

What You Gain: 

• Opportunities to steer the direction of the Women’s Peer Learning Group
• Leadership and group facilitation experience
• Connection with like-minded professionals

Prerequisites: 

• Be a woman in the accounting profession
• Have a passion for networking, mentoring and professional growth
• Prior leadership and networking experience (plus, but not required) 

Responsibilities: 

• Help plan and guide the topics for peer learning sessions
• Ensure meetings are relevant, engaging and beneficial to participants
• Foster a welcoming environment that encourages open discussions and peer support
• Cultivate openness and vulnerability by sharing your own experiences
• Explore potential opportunities for in-person gatherings based on member interest
• Collaborate with VSCPA staff to promote the group and encourage participation 

Commitment: 

• Actively participate in one virtual kick-off meeting, quarterly planning meetings and 3–6 peer learning sessions
• Review materials, develop content and provide input on discussion topics and programming, asynchronously
• Respond to communications promptly
• Assist in outreach efforts, as needed 

Apply

Description:

The Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC) is a strategic task force focused on enhancing the value of the young professional member segment to boost member engagement. YPAC's mission is to provide young professionals with career-building connections and leadership development opportunities.

What You Gain:

• Development of leadership skills
• Networking with other young professionals
• Contributing to shaping the future of the CPA profession
• Improve presentation skills

Prerequisites:

• Be a VSCPA member aged 35 or younger

Responsibilities:

• Speak to Virginia accounting students
• Connect with other young professionals at events
• Guide the VSCPA on providing value to young CPAs and shaping the future of the profession
• Actively participate in group discussions, focusing on the best interests of the VSCPA and its membership
• Serve on subcommittees or task forces, if applicable, and complete special assignments as requested
• Support the development of programs, resources and partnerships that further YPAC and VSCPA goals
• Promote VSCPA and YPAC events and resources
• Respond promptly to communications and represent YPAC in other VSCPA meetings as requested

Commitment:

• Attend three to four one-hour virtual meetings annually
• Participate in subgroups or task forces as needed (approximately two to three hours)
• Attend the in-person Ignite Conference once per year

Apply