NABA Inc. Company Profile

Background

NABA Inc., formerly known as the National Association of Black Accountants, is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing Black professionals in accounting, finance, business, and entrepreneurship. Established in 1969, NABA's mission is to engage, empower, and educate Black business leaders and institutions by providing a platform to enhance skills and elevate voices, encapsulated in their guiding principle: "lifting as we climb."

With a vision to pave the way toward a more just world, NABA aims to unleash endless opportunities for growth and advancement, enabling Black business leaders to achieve their fullest potential at every stage of their journey. The organization's core values include being "All In," acting with intention, upholding morals, and providing service.

Key Strategic Focus

NABA's strategic focus revolves around three core pillars: Talent Development, Innovation in Business, and Inclusive Culture.

Talent Development: NABA nurtures and develops the skills of its members through professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career-building resources. The organization emphasizes building future-ready skills, preparing members for the evolving business landscape by embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation.

Innovation in Business: NABA encourages groundbreaking ideas and forward-thinking strategies that challenge the status quo. Collaborating with corporate partners, educational institutions, and other organizations, NABA creates platforms for innovation that drive meaningful change in the industries it serves.

Inclusive Culture: At its core, NABA is committed to building a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity. Through networking, advocacy, and collaboration, the organization provides members with opportunities to thrive and drive change, fostering a strong, supportive community of business leaders.

Financials and Funding

NABA Inc. has received significant financial support to bolster its initiatives. In October 2022, Accenture provided a substantial grant to support NABA's strategic plan, "One NABA," enabling the organization to overhaul its national technology infrastructure and streamline business functions. Additionally, the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) invested $1 million over five years to support community college students' successful transition to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Pipeline Development

NABA has developed several key programs to support its mission:

Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP): An intensive seven-day college readiness residency program introducing Black high school students to accounting and finance, hosted on college campuses.

National Scholarship Program: Providing over $11 million in scholarships to students pursuing careers in accounting and finance.

CPA Bound Initiative: Addressing barriers facing Black students and professionals obtaining their CPA license, with Becker appointed as the exclusive CPA exam review provider.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NABA leverages various technological platforms to enhance its operations and member services, including Sage Intacct for accounting, Dropbox for digital asset management, and Stripe for payment processing.

Leadership Team

NABA's leadership team is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:

Guylaine Saint Juste: President & CEO, leading NABA's strategic direction and initiatives.

Herschel Frierson: Board Chair, overseeing governance and strategic planning.

Toi Eshun: Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, managing NABA's communication strategies.

Leadership Changes

In October 2022, Accenture's Global Business and Commercial Finance Director, Greg Giesler, joined NABA's Corporate Advisory Board, bringing valuable expertise to the organization.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The accounting and finance industry is experiencing a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with organizations recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and business success. Professional associations play a crucial role in supporting underrepresented groups and fostering inclusive environments.

Competitor Analysis

NABA operates alongside other professional associations such as the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the Institute of Management Accountants, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. These organizations focus on professional development, networking, and advocacy within their respective domains.