What Is AWSCPA and How Does It Support Women in Accounting?

The American Woman’s Society of Certified Public Accountants (AWSCPA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting women in the accounting field. By offering resources, networking opportunities, and career development programs, it helps female accountants advance professionally and navigate industry challenges.

Through scholarships, mentorship, continuing education, and leadership training, AWSCPA provides targeted support to women at various stages of their accounting careers.

Membership Criteria

AWSCPA membership is open to women in accounting, from students to experienced professionals. Eligibility varies by membership type, ensuring relevant benefits at each career stage.

Students in accredited undergraduate or graduate accounting programs gain access to networking events, career guidance, and industry insights. Recent graduates without CPA certification qualify for early-career membership, connecting them with experienced professionals.

Licensed CPAs and other accounting professionals benefit from leadership development, networking, and industry resources. Those in consulting, academia, or financial management can also take advantage of AWSCPA’s offerings, which support a broad range of accounting and finance careers.

Scholarship and Grant Programs

Financial barriers can hinder women pursuing accounting careers. AWSCPA provides scholarships and grants to help cover tuition, exam fees, and other expenses.

The AWSCPA Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership experience, and career aspirations. Applicants submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement outlining their goals.

Grants are available for women re-entering the workforce after a career break, covering refresher courses, professional certifications, or skill development programs. This initiative helps those returning after time off for family responsibilities regain their footing in the profession.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Keeping up with accounting standards, tax regulations, and financial reporting requirements is essential for career growth. AWSCPA offers continuing education programs covering topics like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) updates, Internal Revenue Code (IRC) changes, forensic accounting techniques, and emerging financial technologies.

Webinars and on-demand courses address industry developments. Recent sessions have examined Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) lease accounting changes, IRS updates on qualified business income deductions, and cybersecurity best practices in financial audits. These courses also count toward Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, required for CPA license renewal in most states.

Workshops and conferences feature industry experts discussing specialized topics like international taxation, governmental accounting, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. Recent events have explored the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership reporting requirements and automation in financial statement audits. These gatherings provide interactive learning experiences where attendees analyze real-world case studies.

Mentoring and Volunteer Programs

Navigating an accounting career can be challenging, especially when transitioning between roles or industries. AWSCPA’s mentoring programs pair experienced professionals with those seeking career guidance, focusing on technical skills, career strategy, and workplace dynamics. Mentees receive guidance on topics such as lease accounting standards or positioning themselves for forensic accounting roles.

Peer networking circles allow professionals to discuss industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices. Recent discussions have explored AI-driven audit tools and the AICPA’s System and Organization Controls (SOC) reporting framework, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Volunteer initiatives extend AWSCPA’s impact beyond professional development. Members lead tax planning workshops for small business owners, conduct pro bono financial statement reviews for nonprofits, and assist underrepresented groups preparing for the CPA exam. These efforts reinforce the profession’s role in financial transparency and responsible fiscal management.

Leadership Roles

AWSCPA helps women in accounting develop leadership skills and advance into executive and board-level positions. Members gain experience in decision-making, strategic planning, and industry advocacy, positioning themselves for senior roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and regulatory agencies.

Members can serve on advisory boards, event planning committees, or policy advocacy groups, influencing the organization’s direction while building professional credentials. These roles provide experience in financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement—skills transferable to senior positions in accounting and finance. AWSCPA also collaborates with organizations like the AICPA and state CPA societies to advocate for gender diversity in leadership.

Executive training programs focus on negotiation, strategic financial decision-making, and corporate governance. These initiatives prepare women for roles such as CFO, audit partner, or financial controller by equipping them with expertise in corporate fraud prevention, risk management frameworks like COSO’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) model, and regulatory compliance under Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX). Through these programs, AWSCPA ensures women in accounting have the tools and experience needed to advance into high-level positions.