American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a professional organization for CPAs (certified public accountants), founded as the American Association of Public Accountants (AAPA) in 1887. The AICPA has a long history of promoting excellence, integrity, and ethical standards in the accounting profession. With a membership of over 428,000 CPAs, the AICPA is one of the largest professional organizations in the world, providing a wide range of resources and services to its members.

One of the primary functions of the AICPA is to establish and maintain a professional code of conduct for CPAs. This includes the development of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which are the standard framework for financial reporting in the United States. The AICPA also sets ethical guidelines and continuing education requirements to ensure that CPAs remain up-to-date with the latest accounting practices and regulations. By setting these high standards, the AICPA helps to maintain the public's trust in the accounting profession and ensures that CPAs are prepared to handle the complex financial challenges of their clients.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers a variety of resources and services to support its members. These include educational programs, professional development opportunities, and a vast library of technical guidance and publications. The organization provides Continuing Professional Education (CPE) resources on a range of relevant topics, including cybersecurity, as CPAs play a large role in cybersecurity consulting, auditing, and assurance services. Considering the large amounts of sensitive financial data accountants handle on a daily basis, the AICPA encourages members to invest in robust identity and access management solutions to safeguard their data and reputations.