The North Carolina Association of CPAs

System Selection and Implementation 

OVERVIEW

The North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA) has been a trusted advocate and resource for the accounting profession for over a century. Guided by its board of directors and strategic plans, NCACPA continues to serve its members through advocacy, connections, education, and resources. 

 

To meet the evolving needs of over 30 resource groups and task forces, NCACPA turned to .orgSource for expert guidance in transitioning from a legacy association management system (AMS) to a modern, scalable platform. The goal was to streamline operations and improve member satisfaction while ensuring seamless technology integration. 

The challenge

NCACPA faced several challenges during its AMS transition: 

  • Member-Centric Mission: The association serves as the primary provider of continuing education for CPAs, ensuring members meet licensing requirements. A disruption in service could impact member credentials and satisfaction. 
  • Tight Timelines: The transition had to be scheduled around NCACPA’s professional development calendar, with a major conference occurring during the transition period. Registrations collected in the legacy system needed to be seamlessly migrated to the new platform. 
  • Complex Integrations: The AMS needed to integrate with critical tools, including the website, learning management system (LMS), and the online CPA community, which were vital for member engagement during tax season. 

NCACPA engaged .orgSource to provide oversight, coordination, and strategic advice to ensure the success of this complex initiative. 

The Solution

.orgSource provided expert guidance and oversight throughout the AMS transition, focusing on: 

1. Vendor Selection and Stakeholder Confidence 

  • .orgSource facilitated the evaluation and selection of an AMS provider capable of meeting NCACPA’s current needs while offering scalability for future growth. 
  • Stakeholders were involved in decision-making to ensure alignment with the association’s goals. 

2. Streamlined Implementation Process 

  • Regular meetings were held with implementation groups to monitor progress and maintain focus on the project timeline. 
  • Consultants ensured seamless integrations between the AMS, website, LMS, and online community, which were critical for maintaining member satisfaction. 

3. Member-Centric Approach 

  • The team prioritized uninterrupted access to the education platform and CPA community during the transition, ensuring members could share information and fulfill licensing requirements even during tax season. 

4. Strategic Oversight 

  • Progress was carefully evaluated against .orgSource’s extensive experience to identify and resolve potential gaps. 
  • Problem-solving initiatives kept the project on track, ensuring every phase was fully executed.

The Results

Despite a challenging timeline and ambitious goals, the AMS transition was a resounding success. 

Key Outcomes 

  • Seamless Member Experience: NCACPA maintained uninterrupted services during tax season, preserving member engagement and satisfaction. 
  • Enhanced Integration: The new AMS seamlessly communicated with key platforms, streamlining operations and improving user experiences. 
  • Commitment to Excellence: The NCACPA team demonstrated remarkable dedication, achieving their goals with 110% effort.
     

Merideth Menken, Consultant at .orgSource, reflected: 

“NCACPA’s experience is proof that ambitious goals are achievable with a committed team and adequate resources. Early planning and expert guidance make all the difference in navigating complex transitions.”

Key Takeways

  1. Start Early: Strategic planning and seeking expert guidance can mitigate risks in complex transitions.
  2. Prioritize Members: Maintaining uninterrupted services during technology changes is essential for member satisfaction and trust.
  3. Collaborative Teams: A dedicated team and clearly defined processes are crucial for meeting aggressive timelines. 

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Association to New Heights with a Future-Ready Partner?

Contact .orgSource today to learn how they can help you unlock growth, build resilience, and achieve excellence for your organization.