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.
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NSAC 2026 Knowledge Exchange
What is the Knowledge Exchange?Not a Conference. Not a Presentation. More than a Roundtable. Have you ever sat in a conference session wishing you could ask a follow-up question directly related to your cooperative? Wondered how other cooperatives are addressing the same challenge you’re facing? Or wished you could hear what industry experts would say about your situation? That’s exactly what the NSAC Knowledge Exchange is designed ...
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Generational Differences in the Workplace
This program explores how generational dynamics intersect with today’s cooperative financial management and operations—including hybrid work environments, technology and AI adoption, resource and capital allocation, internal controls, and leadership succession. Participants will examine evidence-based differences across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z that influence communication styles, motivation, accountability, and ...
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