About
Since 1969, the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. has been the leader in expanding the influence of minority professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. The goals of the Association include, but are not limited to, the following:
- To promote and develop the professional skills of our members
- To encourage and assist minority students in entering the accounting profession
- To provide opportunities for members to fulfill their civic responsibility
- To ensure long-term financial stability and provide adequate resources to implement chapter, regional, and national programs
- To represent the interests of current and prospective minority accounting professionals
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 business, 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.
National 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. This group wanted to establish an organization to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence. The following nine individuals who met that month were determined to "make a difference" and let their voices be heard.
- Ronald Benjamin
- Frank Ross
- Earl Biggot
- Richard McNamee
- George Wallace
- Bertram Gibson
- Michael Winston
- Donald Bristow
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.
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