What is NABA? All about the org that’s doing great things in accounting

The National Association of Black Accountants, or NABA, Inc., is a not-for-profit accounting organization that aims to serve and represent Black accountants and CPAs and help Black professionals reach their career goals. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring accountant, NABA connects you with people and resources that help you grow. But more than just, “What is NABA?”, what does NABA stand for as an organization and how can you get involved? 

What is NABA?

NABA’s mission builds up Black business leaders through the five “Es”: engage, empower, educate, enhance, and elevate. The organization’s programs inspire their professional members to shape the accounting and finance professions and give back with the same support to their successors.¹ 

NABA stands to promote and develop the professional skills of its members, encourage and assist Black students entering the accounting profession, provide opportunities for members to fulfill their civic responsibilities, and promote public confidence in its members and the services they provide. 

Why was NABA founded? 

NABA was established in 1969 to address the concerns of Black professionals entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence. Its founders understood the unique challenges and limited opportunities Black accounting professionals were facing, when just 0.15% of CPAs were Black.² 

Today, while organizations like NABA continue to provide Black CPAs with support and opportunities, these professionals remain the minority, at just 2%, and the challenges also persist. NABA keeps working to empower its members to create change within the profession. 

Why should Black accounting and finance professionals join NABA? 

NABA is completely dedicated to uplifting its community and providing opportunities for Black students and professionals in accounting, finance, and business-related fields.

The organization also encourages its members to “lift as they climb,” as its motto states, helping the next generation of Black professionals grow into leadership roles. The NABA network provides opportunities ranging from technical guidance to mentorship. 

In addition to the unparalleled network, NABA provides a steady stream of topical programming and content through venues like its annual convention, regional events, and scholarship and mentorship programs. 

What is the NABA Convention & Expo? 

Once a year, NABA hosts the NABA Convention & Expo, a national event that brings together its members for training, workshops, A-list guest speakers, networking events, and more. It’s an event that celebrates the achievements being made by Black business leaders, inspires continued change in the profession, and connects young and established Black accounting and finance professionals. 

How does NABA support CPA candidates? 

NABA and Becker partner to offer the CPA Bound 2.0 program. The program helps CPA candidates achieve success in their journey to licensure and beyond by organizing a structured community for CPA preparation. The program joins annual cohorts of CPA candidates in all stages of their CPA journeys, networking to provide them with more resources, encouragement, and motivation. 

NABA in action: the real-life success story of Kadeja Abbott and CPA Bound 2.0 

Kadeja Abbott was a member of CPA Bound 2.0 and, after years and failed attempts, her tenacity, determination, and motivation paid off; she passed her fourth and final CPA Exam section in January 2025. 

In her own words, Kadeja wrote: 

“Success does not happen alone. We all need a village and a village I’d like to mention is the NABA-Becker CPA Bound 2.0 Cohort. Through this program, I was offered a scholarship that covered the expenses for the Becker CPA Exam Review. I was able to attend video calls where professionals who looked like me provided the attendees motivation to be successful in our career paths. I also attended some of the check-in meetings that were held to check in with everyone’s well-being and offered time to ask questions.” 

Learn more about CPA Bound 2.0 and apply to join!