American Woman’s Society of Certified Public Accountants: History, Impact, and Merger

The American woman’s society of certified public accountants (AWSCPA) was a significant trade group that catered to certified public accountants (CPAs) in America, specifically focusing on advancing women in the accounting profession. Founded in 1933 by nine pioneering women CPAs, including Anna G. Francis and Grace Schwartz Keats, AWSCPA aimed to promote the interests of female CPAs through various programs, publications, and networking opportunities. The organization operated through local chapters and maintained close ties with affiliates such as the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA), which later became the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA).

In 2017, AWSCPA made the strategic decision to merge with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), effectively relinquishing its status as an independent entity. The decision to dissolve AWSCPA came amidst declining membership numbers, with only 1,000 members remaining, down from a peak of over 5,200 in the 1980s. The merger was driven by the belief that operating as a smaller organization was no longer cost-effective, and that members would benefit more from being part of a larger professional body like AICPA. The transition involved transferring all intellectual property and the organization’s name to AICPA. A special task force, the Women’s Initiative Executive Committee, was established within AICPA to continue championing the role of women in the accounting profession, comprising former members of AWSCPA.

The primary objective of the american woman’s society of certified public accountants (AWSCPA) was to advance and support women in the accounting profession. It aimed to provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to female CPAs.

AWSCPA opted to merge with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) due to declining membership numbers and concerns about the cost-effectiveness of operating as a smaller organization. The merger was seen as a strategic move to ensure continued support and benefits for its members within a larger professional body.

After the merger with AICPA, AWSCPA ceased to exist as an independent entity. Its operations, resources, and intellectual property were transferred to AICPA. However, AICPA established a special task force, the Women’s Initiative Executive Committee, comprising former AWSCPA members, to continue advocating for women’s roles in the accounting profession.