Eastern Region Student Conference

NABA Overview

The National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) is one of the premier professional organizations in the nation. NABA has the unique opportunity of representing the interests of more than 100,000 people of color in furthering their educational, professional, and career aspirations in the related business fields of accounting, consulting, finance, and information technology.

The motto of NABA, Lifting As We Climb, is exemplified best in our mission, which addresses the professional needs of our members while developing and inspiring future leaders who will shape tomorrow's accounting and finance professions. In addition, NABA's Center for Advancement of Minority Accountants (CAMA) has established a series of career development programs that serve the membership at the national, regional and local levels. CAMA has also been instrumental in encouraging the next generation of young professionals to consider other opportunities in business.

MISSION
The mission of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) is to address the professional needs of its members, including providing avenues for member growth, development, and professional advancement in the accounting, finance and general management professions.

HISTORY
Established in 1969 by nine African American accountants in New York City , NABA has effectively addressed systematic problems and challenges faced by African-American accounting professionals for more than 35 years.

Since the founding of NABA's first chapter in 1970, membership has grown to more than 185 professional and student chapters across the country. NABA's membership includes diverse individuals and careers, such as: entry and mid-level accountants, auditors and financial professionals, senior level managers and executives, firm partners, entrepreneurs, as well as accounting, finance, and business students. Approximately 51% of NABA's members are employed in Corporate America, of whom 40% have advanced degrees and 45% hold professional certifications.

MEMBERSHIP
Since the founding of NABA's first chapter in August 1970, in New York, the membership has grown to approximately 5,000 members in over 150 active professional and student chapters in major urban areas and at universities across the nation. NABA is divided into four regions: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. NABA's membership is diverse and includes individuals serving in accounting, auditing, finance and general management positions. Experience levels range from entrepreneurs and senior executives to staff accountants, providing a unique environment for both leadership and development.

GOALS
NABA is dedicated to uniting accountants and other business professionals, as well as accounting and business students, who are committed to professional and academic excellence. NABA provides effective programs, activities and advocacy, which promotes our goals. They include:

• Promoting and developing the professional skills of its members
• Encouraging and assisting African-American students in entering the accounting profession
• Providing opportunities for members to fulfill their civic responsibilities
• Promoting public confidence in its members and the services they provide
• Encouraging cordial relations among members and cooperative relationships with other professionals
• Representing the interests of current and prospective African-American accounting and business professionals
• Ensuring long-term financial stability and providing adequate resources to implement chapter, regional, and national programs

MEMBERSHIP
Since the founding of NABA's first chapter in August 1970, in New York , the membership has grown to approximately 5,000 members in over 150 active professional and student chapters in major urban areas and at universities across the nation. NABA is divided into four regions: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. NABA's membership is diverse and includes individuals serving in accounting, auditing, finance and general management positions. Experience levels range from entrepreneurs and senior executives to staff accountants, providing a unique environment for both leadership and development.

STRUCTURE
The National Board of Directors governs the Association. The National Board of Directors is composed of the National President, the Executive Vice President, four Regional Presidents, National Treasurer, National Secretary, seven National Directors, four Regional Chapter Representatives, the Immediate Past National President and the Chairman of NABA's Division of Firms (DOF). The Executive Director of the association also serves as a non-voting member. Board members are elected by the general membership with the exception of the Regional Presidents and Regional Chapter Representatives, who are elected by their respective regions, and the DOF Chairman who is elected by member firms.

The National Board of Directors is supported by NABA's National Office, which is located in the metropolitan Washington , D.C. area and includes a full time staff. NABA's Executive Director manages the National Office staff and business affairs of the organization.

PROGRAMS
NABA has developed national, regional and local programs to implement its goals. Among these programs are the Annual National Convention, Regional Student Conferences, the Center for Advancement of Minority Accountants (CAMA), Special Memberships and National Scholarships. For fiscal year 2004, NABA awarded more than $500,000 to deserving students preparing to enter business professions. More than $5.64 million in scholarships have been awarded since the program's inception.

A significant number of NABA's programs are devoted to the development of its student membership component. The Association's network of 50 professional chapters is complemented by over 100 student chapters, which exist on college campuses, and in various metropolitan areas throughout the country. In addition to the programs listed above, other student member programs include a newsletter, leadership seminars and internship referrals.