NABA Mission and History

NABA Mission

The mission of the National Association of Black Accountants is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders that shape the future of the accounting and finance professions with an unfaltering commitment to inspire the same in its successors.

History

Established in 1969 by nine African Americans in New York City, NABA has effectively addressed systematic problems and challenges faced by African-American accounting professionals for almost 40 years. The following nine individuals met in December 1969 to establish an organization to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence.

National Organization Founders

Since the founding of NABA’s first chapter in 1970, membership has grown to more than 200 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, but are not limited to, the following:

• Promoting and developing the professional skills of our members
• Encouraging and assisting minority students in entering the accounting profession
• Providing opportunities for members to fulfill their civic responsibilities
• Representing the interests of current and prospective minority accounting professionals
• Ensuring long-term financial stability and providing adequate resources to implement chapter, regional, and national programs

Philadelphia Chapter History

The Philadelphia chapter of NABA began in November, 1973 when approximately 50 individuals met to discuss the desire and the necessary requirements to form a local chapter.  As an outgrowth of that meeting, twenty-seven individuals worked tirelessly towards this goal. 

The Chapter was chartered at its First Annual Awards Banquet in February, 1974.

Since its inception, the Philadelphia Chapter has been blessed with strong, dedicated and visionary leadership whose belief in NABA’s ideals, goals and objectives has helped the chapter grow and flourish.  Currently, the Philadelphia Chapter boasts a membership of over 200 professional members.  Approximately 120 student members are affiliated with the Chapter through at-large membership as well as nine student chapters at area colleges and universities.

Numerous programs have been developed over the years.  Annual programs include Professional Seminars, Student Career Development, Scholarship Awards, Awards Banquet, Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) and participation in the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

In addition to local programs, the Philadelphia Chapter has participated at the Regional and National levels by hosting: Regional Meetings, Student Conferences, National Executive Council Meetings, the National Planning Retreat and in 1992, along with the Northern New Jersey Chapter, co-hosted the National Convention which attracted over 900 participants. The chapter also proudly hosted the 2007 National Convention and Eastern Region Student Conference in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s rich history includes:  the First African-American Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Walter P. Harris; and, several members who have, and continue to serve the organization as National Officers and Directors. Currently, three past Philadelphia Chapter Presidents serve on the National Board – Shariah Dixon-Turner, CFSA, is a lifetime member of the organization, Past Eastern Region President and currently serves as the National Executive Vice President; Yolanda McBride, MST, is a lifetime member of the organization, Past National Secretary and currently serves as a National Director; Manuel Torres, CISA, is a lifetime member of the organization and currently serves as the Eastern Region President. Another Past Philadelphia Chapter President, Daniel H. Moore, CPA, a lifetime member of the organization, served as National President of the Association from July 1997 – June 2000 and continues to serve the organization.