Overview
The American Accounting Association (AAA), established in 1916, is a leading association for accounting professionals in academia, aiming to foster excellence in accounting education, research, and practice. The organization promotes a collaborative atmosphere that inspires innovation and shapes the future of accounting. AAA's headquarters are located at 9009 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, Florida, 34202. The current Chief Executive Officer is Yvonne Hinson. [Website](https://aaahq.org)
Mission and Activities
The AAA is committed to enhancing accounting education, research, and practice. It provides a platform for professional development, encouraging continuous improvement and leadership excellence within the accounting profession. The Association organizes a number of signature events each year, such as the 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, and the 2025 Financial Accounting and Reporting Section Midyear Meeting in Atlanta, GA.
Membership and Professional Development
AAA membership offers numerous benefits, including access to resources like the AAA Impact Hub, various webinars, and publications. The association acts as a conduit for thought leadership and policy input. It organizes educational webinars such as "Awesome AI for Accounting and Analytics using Amazing ChatGPT!" Members are also invited to engage in leadership development and participate in initiatives supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Leadership
The AAA's leadership team comprises:
- President: Rebecca Shortridge holds the Gary W. Rollins Endowed Chair of Accounting at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Her experience spans extensive involvement in accounting education and student mentorship.
- President-Elect: Brett Wilkinson, Department Head, and Chapman Endowed Chair at Kansas State University’s Department of Accounting, is noted for his expertise in accounting analytics and education.
- Past President: Gary McGill is the Senior Associate Dean at Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, recognized for his substantial contributions to tax education.
- Vice President of Leadership Development: Kirsten Cook operates as Director at Texas Tech University’s Lyons School of Accounting, actively fostering accounting education and faculty development.
- Vice President of Program and Organizational Value: Afshad Irani, the Department Head and Professor of Accounting at Washington and Lee University, contributes significantly to program development and value creation.
Strategic Initiatives and Research
The AAA is deeply engaged in strategic initiatives that envisage the future of accounting, with a particular focus on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting within accounting education. The association actively solicits contributions to its publications, fostering innovation and scholarly advancement in the field.
Contact Information
For inquiries, the AAA can be reached at info@aaahq.org or via phone at (941) 921-7747.
Competitor Profiling for the American Accounting Association
The American Accounting Association is strategically positioned among several key competitors within the domain of professional accounting associations. These competitors include:
1. Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
- A long-standing global network with approximately 140,000 members in 150 countries, the IMA promotes management accounting through diverse educational and certification programs. Its headquarters are based in Montvale, New Jersey, USA.
2. California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
- As the largest state CPA society in the USA, with over 42,000 members, CalCPA, founded in 1903, offers significant support to certified public accountants and related professionals in California via advocacy, education, and extensive membership benefits.
3. American Finance Association (AFA)
- Established in 1939, the AFA is a key academic body advancing knowledge in financial economics, predominantly known for its influential publication, The Journal of Finance.
4. American Academy of Religion (AAR)
- Although its primary focus is the academic study of religion, the AAR’s vast membership and scholarly impact present a model for academic association excellence, echoing educational missions similar to the AAA's.
5. Martin County Taxpayers Association
- A focused regional organization in Florida with a community-centered role, contrasting with AAA's broad national reach but offering insights into regional advocacy roles akin to AAA's interests in local accounting matters.
Insights for Strategic Considerations
The AAA can build on its historical prominence by reinforcing its influence on global accounting standards and education. Forming alliances with local and international institutions and enhancing its educational outreach can boost membership and extend influence. By keeping abreast of competitor activities and innovations, such as IMA’s global engagement or AFA’s leadership in academics, the AAA can gain strategic insights for development opportunities. Emphasizing unique member value propositions, like exclusive access to pioneering research or networking avenues, could further set AAA apart from its competitors.
