Accounting Network Associations

• Approximately 1.29 million people in the United States worked as accountants and auditors as of 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Professionals in the field of accounting have the option to join national accounting associations, which provide opportunities for networking to their members. The groups each have their own mission and usually cater to a specialty or segment of professionals in the accounting industry.

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) serves as an organization for certified public accountants (CPAs), accountants who pass a series of rigorous examinations to become licensed to submit documents to federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The group formed in 1887 and has offices in five locations in the United States in Washington, D.C., and in the states of New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Texas. As of November 2010, the group had more than 369,000 members, according to the organization's website.

  Each year, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers workshops and conferences on educational and industry issues related to accounting, providing networking opportunities for its members. The organization also has online and self-study continuing-education classes available. The group publishes opinions and pamphlets on topics such as fraud and business valuation, as well as a monthly newsletter and "Tax Adviser" magazine.

American Accounting Association

• The American Accounting Association formed in 1916 as the American Association of University Instructors in Accounting and changed to its present name in 1936. The group has its main headquarters in Sarasota, Fla. Seven regional chapters comprise the national organization, with each local office providing networking opportunities for members in the area.

  The association has 16 primary areas of interest, including accounting research and education, forensic accounting, auditing, and increasing diversity among professionals in the field. The organization publishes training information and administers programs related to each of its areas of interest. An example is a mentorship program for minority accounting college students.

  In addition to its networking opportunities, the American Accounting Association has a career center to help members locate employment opportunities throughout the United States. The organization also gives annual awards to individuals who contribute to goals set forth by the association's interest groups.

National Society of Accountants

• The National Society of Accountants is an organization comprised of public accountants. The group formed in 1945 in Oklahoma City, Okla., and has operated from headquarters in Washington, D.C., since 1955. The organization has local-level associations in most states, which offer their own networking events and opportunities in addition to the group's annual members meeting and its legislative conference.

  Advocacy is a primary function of the National Society of Accountants. The group lobbies at the federal and state levels on issues related to finance and accounting laws. The organization also publishes updates on tax laws for members and offers online and self-study continuing-education classes. The association also sponsors a scholarship program for accounting majors.

  Members of the National Society of Accountants can receive group rates on insurance products. The organization publishes the magazine "Main Street Practitioner" six times per year, and "NSA Technology Advisor" eight times per year for its membership.