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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Economic Trends: First Update of 2026
CFC industry expert, John Suter, is here to ensure cooperative staff and directors are knowledgeable about the latest developments affecting the economy, financial markets and the utility sector. Geopolitical turmoil, ongoing market volatility and an uncertain economy make it a great time to join for the first update of 2026. This Economic and Financial Market Review will provide cooperative leaders with important information on external ...
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2026 Agricultural Economic Outlook
Want to know more about current and expected market conditions affecting agricultural co-ops? In this 60-minute zoom, Tanner Ehmke, Lead Economist with CoBank, will discuss the issues impacting the macroeconomy, agricultural commodity markets, and the agricultural economy with particular focus on inflation. Get an outlook on the agricultural commodity markets, including corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, cotton, hay, cattle, hogs, and dairy, and the ...
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