Mark Koziel Takes the Helm at AICPA & CIMA

The accounting world has a new leader at its helm, bringing both deep industry understanding and a fresh perspective. Mark Koziel has been named the new CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA). Taking the reins from long-time CEO Barry Melancon, who is retiring at the end of 2024 after nearly 30 years of transformative leadership, Koziel’s appointment marks a significant moment for the accounting community.

A leader with proven expertise

Mark Koziel’s extensive background makes him a solid choice to lead AICPA & CIMA into its next chapter. With a career spanning public accounting and association leadership, Koziel has consistently pushed for the evolution of the accounting profession. As a former executive at AICPA, he played a pivotal role in developing strategic initiatives that enhanced the professional standing of accountants and drove innovation across the industry. As CEO, he will leverage this experience globally, serving more than 689,000 members and students worldwide.

Koziel’s appointment is notable for his deep understanding of the challenges accountants face today—particularly in technology, regulatory complexities, and talent shortages. His approach has always focused on bridging gaps between regulators and firms, technology and practice, or seasoned professionals and the next generation of accountants.

Priorities for the future

In his new role, Koziel has outlined clear goals for the organization, emphasizing technological evolution, expanded educational resources, and a renewed focus on attracting diverse talent to the profession. The accounting field is experiencing rapid change, with automation and artificial intelligence transforming many tasks. Koziel's leadership comes at a crucial moment when guidance on how best to navigate these changes is needed more than ever.

One of Koziel's primary objectives is to help accounting professionals not only adapt to but thrive in this evolving landscape. He has indicated that AICPA & CIMA will enhance their efforts to help accountants embrace technology—not as a threat to their jobs, but as a powerful tool to enhance services and deliver greater value to clients. This aligns with Koziel’s long-standing belief that accountants have a unique opportunity to guide businesses through change by acting as strategic advisors, not just number crunchers.

Building a resilient, diverse profession

Attracting new talent and ensuring the profession remains appealing to younger generations are key focuses for Koziel. With shifting workplace dynamics and an increasingly global market for talent, accountants need skills beyond technical knowledge, such as leadership, communication, and adaptability. Koziel aims to expand AICPA & CIMA’s educational offerings to better equip members for these evolving demands.

Diversity and inclusion are also high on Koziel’s agenda. He recognizes that the profession must evolve to reflect the communities it serves, fostering inclusive environments where different perspectives can thrive. This focus on diversity is crucial for the vitality of the industry and its ability to offer nuanced, comprehensive solutions to complex business challenges.

A unified, global vision

A key component of Koziel’s leadership is his commitment to unity within the profession. AICPA & CIMA represent accounting professionals across various regions and specialties, and Koziel’s vision emphasizes collaboration across borders to address global challenges. This unified approach aims to strengthen the voice of accountants worldwide and create a cohesive strategy for tackling issues like economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and technological disruption.

Koziel’s background demonstrates his ability to bring together industry professionals, regulators, and educators to advance the goals of the accounting community. His leadership style, marked by collaboration and clear communication, will undoubtedly help bridge gaps and create opportunities for growth across the profession.

A fresh start with familiar roots

Mark Koziel’s return to AICPA & CIMA as CEO feels like a natural progression for both him and the organization. While he’s a familiar figure, his approach brings a renewed energy that aligns with the profession’s evolving needs. His appointment is a welcome sign for those who believe in the power of innovation, collaboration, and the ongoing professional development of accountants. Under his leadership, the accounting profession is poised to face its challenges head-on, with a focus on adaptability, diversity, and a shared global purpose.

Mark Koziel’s leadership promises to usher in an exciting chapter for AICPA & CIMA—one focused on equipping accountants with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world and reinforcing the value they bring to the businesses and communities they serve.