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Quarterly Download takeaways: Regulation's role, key skills for new CPAs

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Maryland Board of Accountancy Chair Jeff Wilson II and Dr. Royce Burnett, dean of the Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University, led a sweeping conversation on March 24 that covered a variety of topics during the first-ever MACPA Quarterly Download, a reimagined version of the association’s monthly town hall meetings.

Wilson, an MACPA member and CEO of The W2 Group, shared his perspective on the role regulators play in guiding the profession forward, while Burnett examined the skills young professionals need as they enter the profession.

If you missed the meeting, here are some key takeaways from each guest's insights.

Jeff Wilson: Clarity is key

  1. The Board’s role is bigger than rules and enforcement. The board takes on a strong advocacy role too, with members often thinking proactively about what’s best for the future of the profession. "A big part of the job is looking ahead," Wilson said. "We're thinking about what’s coming next for CPAs, what the next generation wants, and how we can create the right environment for CPAs to succeed."

  2. Clarity drives the Board's activities. In terms of pathways to CPA licensure, "we want to make sure people are crystal clear about how to become a CPA in Maryland," Wilson said. The Board also wants CPAs to clearly understand the benefits, risks and implications of alternative practice structures like those provided by private equity organizations. At the same time, Wilson said the Board is focused on providing clear guidance for what types of education qualify for CPE credit.

  3. Helping the next generation navigate change. With so many changes being made to the licensure process in recent years — new pathways to licensure, updated exam content, and even changes to how the exam is delivered — Wilson said it’s more important than ever for CPAs to stay informed. Understanding these shifts isn’t just about your own career; Wilson said it’s about being able to guide students and future CPAs with accurate, up-to-date information.

Dr. Royce Burnett: Today's key skills aren't technical

  1. Technical expertise used to set you apart. Not anymore. Today, what really matters is your ability to connect with people. Burnett said communication is everything these days — starting conversations, understanding what people need, and knowing how to interpret and relate to them. Those human skills are quickly becoming the real differentiator.

  2. Critical thinking is equally important. That means professional judgment, skepticism, and the ability to interpret what the machines are giving us. To build those skills, Burnett said experiential learning and co-curricular activities are key. And he said the profession has to play a role here — showing up in the classroom, explaining what’s expected, and helping guide students through that learning.

  3. At the end of the day, Burnett said educators need to develop tomorrow's problem-solvers. That starts with curiosity — solving one problem, then immediately asking, “What’s next?” The goal is to prepare students not just for what’s in front of them, but for what’s coming next. And that, Burnett said, is where stronger collaboration between academia and the profession really matters.

New meeting, new agenda

The new Quarterly Download revises the original town hall concept by creating a 90-minute conversation that’s broken down into thematic segments:

  • From Our Partners, featuring insights from one of the MACPA’s Preferred Providers. Aon sponsored the inaugural event, with Aon Senior Risk Advisor Robert Albertini offering a look at some of the top risks that CPAs face this year.

  • The Download, a look at what’s new at the MACPA. CEO Rebekah Olson detailed the association's ongoing advocacy efforts in Annapolis, including the status of a new pathway to CPA licensure as it draws closer to passage. Meanwhile, Natalie Antonakas, the MACPA’s content and community manager, offered details about some of the association’s upcoming events — most notably MACPA Converge (April 30), which combines four premier MACPA conferences into one groundbreaking event, and the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Conference (June 22-24), a reimagined version of the MACPA's popular Beach Retreat.

  • The Hot Topic, in which Wilson examined Maryland's regulatory environment.

  • The Lookout Post, with MACPA Chief Communication Officer Bill Sheridan highlighting recent hot topics featured in the MACPA's "Future-Proof" podcast and the digital Statement magazine. This quarter featured conversations with former PCAOB member Christina Ho and Tim Naddy, vice president of finance with the Savannah Bananas.

  • Member Voices, featuring Burnett's insights into preparing students to enter the profession.

  • Ask Us Anything, an opportunity for members to ask questions of guests and MACPA officials.

The Quarterly Download polling questions

Attendees added their voices to the Quarterly Download conversation by answering a series of polling questions.

  • The most important skills for early-career professionals included critical thinking, communication, curiosity, work ethic / willingness to learn, and common-sense thinking.

  • Top career challenges among attendees were when to retire, time management, technology / AI, succession planning, and work-life balance.

  • Top business challenges among MACPA members are AI, other technology issues, time and prioritizing, recruitment of talent, and having too much to do with not enough staff.

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