There's never been a more important time for credit union accounting and finance professionals to stay informed. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping operations; regulatory expectations continue to shift; mergers are accelerating; and competition from banks and fintechs is creating new challenges for finance leaders.
Keeping pace requires more than reading industry headlines. It requires practical education, meaningful conversations with peers, and insights you can take back to your organization.
That's exactly what attendees can expect at the AICPA Conference on Credit Unions.
Designed specifically for CPAs, finance executives, controllers, auditors, and accounting professionals serving credit unions, the conference combines technical accounting education, timely industry updates, and valuable networking opportunities. According to conference steering committee members Amy Doll, Senior Vice President at CommunityAmerica Federal Credit Union, and Bryan Mogensen, CPA, Assurance Principal at CLA, it's one of the industry's most valuable learning experiences.
Practical learning you can apply immediately
One of the conference's biggest strengths is its technical focus.
"I have attended various conferences over the years, and this one is the most geared toward the technical aspect of accounting," Doll said. "There is a lot more in-depth, practical application of accounting guidance than you get at many other conferences."
Rather than offering broad overviews, sessions dive deeply into current accounting standards, GAAP updates, and emerging issues affecting credit unions. Whether you're looking to strengthen your technical knowledge or better understand new pronouncements, the education is designed to help you return to work with practical solutions.
Mogensen agreed, noting that the conference strikes an ideal balance between technical education and networking.
"It gives you a lot of CPE and very up-to-date information on what's going on in the industry and accounting," he said. "It's probably been the best conference that I go to every year."
Preparing for the industry's biggest challenges
Few topics are generating more discussion than AI.
As credit unions explore how AI can improve efficiency and member service, they must also address governance, risk, and implementation challenges. Both Doll and Mogensen believe this year's conference offers timely guidance on navigating this rapidly changing landscape.
Sessions will examine how AI can be integrated into operations while helping organizations understand emerging risks, governance frameworks, and best practices. As Mogensen put it: "AI is not going away. You've got to be ready for it, or you're going to fall behind very quickly."
Beyond AI, attendees will gain insights into other pressing issues facing the industry, including asset liability management, profitability, liquidity, consumer lending, credit risk, and increasing competition from fintech companies.
The conference also tackles the growing trend of credit union consolidation. As more institutions approach major asset thresholds or consider mergers, understanding the strategic and regulatory implications has never been more important.
Staying ahead of changing regulations
Regulatory expectations never stand still, making it essential for finance professionals to stay informed.
Sessions such as “Preparing for What's Next: Credit Union Regulatory Compliance Update” and “Regulatory Outlook for Credit Unions: Key Changes and Strategic Implications” provide attendees with valuable perspectives on current supervisory priorities and future regulatory developments.
"You want to know what the regulators are going to focus on," Mogensen said. "If you hear directly from them or other industry experts, you're going to know where their focus is, so you're not going to be surprised."
Doll added that understanding upcoming regulatory changes before an examination allows organizations to prepare proactively rather than reactively.
Learning from peers across the industry
One feature that makes this conference especially valuable is its collaborative atmosphere.
Credit unions have long embraced sharing knowledge and best practices, and the conference creates numerous opportunities to connect with peers facing similar challenges. The event also brings together both credit union and bank professionals because it is co-located with the AICPA Conference on Banks & Savings Institutions, creating valuable opportunities to learn from one another.
"What happens at the banks is typically going to affect the credit unions one to three years later," says Mogensen. "There's some big value in hearing both sides."
Attendees can choose from bank-focused, credit union-focused, and joint sessions, allowing them to customize their experience based on their organization's needs.
For newer professionals, the conference offers an opportunity to build lasting industry relationships. Doll believes these connections can evolve into valuable mentoring relationships that support long-term career growth.
"I'd hope everybody leaves the conference with at least one new connection that they didn't have before," she said.
Learning doesn't have to feel like work
Not every educational session follows a traditional lecture format.
One attendee favorite returning this year is “Credit Union Jeopardy: A Live Accounting Challenge,” an interactive session that turns technical accounting knowledge into a fast-paced competition.
"It was really interactive, and there was not a dull moment," said Doll. "You didn't even realize you were learning because of the format."
Mogensen agreed, calling it "a fantastic way to participate, test your knowledge, and revitalize your learning process."
The session demonstrates how engaging learning experiences can reinforce technical concepts while creating memorable encounters with colleagues and peers.
Investing in your future
Professional development is ultimately an investment in yourself, your organization, and your career.
Whether your goal is earning high-quality CPE, strengthening your understanding of emerging accounting issues, preparing for regulatory changes, or expanding your professional network, the conference delivers value that extends well beyond the event itself.
Register today for the AICPA Conference on Credit Unions, which will be held September 14-16, 2026, both live online and on site in Washington, DC.