The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC) serves individual members and their respective organizations. Employees of cooperatives such as CFOs, controllers, tax directors/managers, accountants, bookkeepers, office managers, internal auditors, in-house legal staff, and other financial professionals are included as members. Professional service providers advising cooperatives such as CPAs, attorneys, banking professionals, government employees advising cooperatives and cooperative association employees are amongst members as well.
The organization provides professionals with education, resources, and connections needed to stay actively involved and on the cutting edge when it comes to the financial management and planning of cooperative business.
In 1935, auditors for the Northern States Cooperative League began holding regular meetings and discussing the need for collaboration and a more formalized organization. Out of these meetings, the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives was formed:
1943 – Formally structures as an independent, nonprofit corporation
1948 – Begins publishing The Cooperative Accountant
1952 – Publishes first cooperative accounting report
1980 – Hires first professional manager
1998 – Organizes nationwide Electric Cooperative Chapter
2001 – Begins actively participating in FASB projects that impact co-ops
2008 – Becomes industry leader in international accounting standards development
2011 – Celebrates 75th Anniversary
2015 – Partners with the NRECA to bring the profession the premier tax, finance and accounting conference for cooperatives
2020 – Continues efforts to bring more virtual opportunities to professionals globally
Upcoming Events
The Cooperative COMPASS 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that The Cooperative COMPASS—pointing accounting, tax, and finance professionals in the co-op industry towards an extraordinary educational and networking experience—is coming to Nashville, Tennessee, May 4–6, 2026, in partnership with NSAC’s Atlantic Chapter. Set against the backdrop of live music, Southern hospitality, and a city that knows how to mix tradition with innovation, this one-of-a-kind conference is designed specifically for professionals guiding the financial future of cooperatives. COMPASS offers the perfect mix of high-impact learning, expert-led sessions, and meaningful peer connections—all designed to help you tune up your knowledge and amplify your impact.
More Information
What Were They Thinking? Why Good CPAs and Firms Do Bad Things
Accountants and CPA firms are built on a strong foundation of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to doing what’s right. Yet even in the most well-intentioned environments, professionals may encounter complex situations. This session explores how ethical dilemmas can arise in real-world practice and how CPAs can successfully navigate them. Through case studies, we’ll examine the factors that influence decision-making, ...
More Information
CMMC is Here: Understanding the Cybersecurity Rule That Impacts DoD Revenue and Risk
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now being incorporated into Department of Defense contracts and directly affects an organization’s ability to win and retain DoD work. This session provides a practical, non‑technical overview of what CMMC is, who it applies to, and the cost, risk, and operational impacts organizations should be planning for now; while also touching on how CMMC fits into broader cybersecurity ...
More Information