For accountants and finance professionals with global ambitions, understanding the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) is more relevant than ever. While NASBA is a U.S.-based organisation, its reach increasingly impacts cross-border careers, credential recognition, and international accounting standards. In 2025, as the financial world becomes more interconnected, Australian accountants are discovering fresh reasons to pay attention to NASBA’s evolving role.

What is NASBA and Why Does It Matter?

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) is the U.S. umbrella body for 55 state boards that license and regulate certified public accountants (CPAs). Founded in 1908, NASBA’s core mission is to enhance the effectiveness of state boards and uphold public trust in accountancy through regulation, education, and advocacy.

Exam Administration: NASBA coordinates the Uniform CPA Examination, the gold-standard credential for U.S. accountants.
Mobility & Recognition: It facilitates CPA mobility across U.S. states and, increasingly, across borders.
Policy & Standards: NASBA collaborates with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to shape professional standards and best practices.

For Australian accountants eyeing international career moves, or those working with U.S. clients, NASBA is the gatekeeper for CPA recognition and regulatory compliance.

Global Mobility: NASBA’s Impact on Australian Accountants

Accountancy has become a global profession, and NASBA’s policies influence how easily Australian accountants can access the lucrative U.S. market. Here’s how:

Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs): In recent years, NASBA has renewed and expanded MRAs with international bodies such as CPA Australia and CA ANZ. These agreements allow eligible Australian accountants to sit the U.S. CPA exam and, upon passing, apply for CPA licensure in participating U.S. states.
Credential Evaluation: NASBA now directly evaluates foreign academic qualifications for CPA eligibility, making it easier for Australians with local degrees to qualify for the U.S. exam. In 2025, digital credential verification has further streamlined this process, reducing waiting times and paperwork.
Remote Exam Testing: Following pandemic-era innovations, NASBA has retained flexible CPA exam testing options. Australians can now access more overseas exam centres and, in some cases, remote proctoring for parts of the exam.

As of 2025, more Australian accountants are taking advantage of these streamlined pathways, with NASBA reporting a 14% year-on-year increase in international exam applications from the Asia-Pacific region.

NASBA’s Influence on Global Standards and Practice

NASBA’s reach goes beyond just licensure. Its advocacy and regulatory efforts increasingly shape global accountancy standards:

International Regulatory Collaboration: NASBA works with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), and other global bodies to harmonise professional standards. In 2025, this means greater alignment between U.S. and Australian codes of ethics, audit requirements, and continuing professional education (CPE) rules.
Digital Transformation: NASBA has championed digital credentialing, blockchain-based licensure verification, and cybersecurity guidelines for accountants. Australian firms with U.S. clients are increasingly required to demonstrate compliance with NASBA-influenced best practices around data privacy and digital assurance.
Education Reform: In response to the evolving skills needed in accounting, NASBA has pushed for updated CPA exam content, focusing on data analytics, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, and AI. Australian accountants pursuing the U.S. CPA must now upskill in these areas to stay competitive.

These changes reflect the broader trend: accounting is no longer just about numbers, but about technology, ethics, and global thinking.

Why NASBA Should Be on Every Australian Accountant’s Radar

Even if you have no immediate plans to work in the U.S., NASBA’s policies are increasingly influencing Australian accounting practice. Here’s why:

Competitive Edge: Holding a U.S. CPA credential, made possible through NASBA, is a major differentiator in multinational firms and global finance roles.
Client Needs: As more Australian businesses expand stateside, understanding NASBA requirements is essential for compliance, reporting, and advisory work.
Professional Development: NASBA’s focus on tech-driven skills, ethics, and international mobility is shaping what it means to be a top-tier accountant in 2025 and beyond.

With globalisation accelerating, keeping tabs on NASBA developments is a smart move for any ambitious finance professional.