Associations continue to play an integral role in the accounting profession. Association members have 53,000 staff, including more than 42,000 professionals, making the combined group larger than any Big 4 firm. As the accounting profession changes, so does the dynamic of the association. The change has gone from just providing technical training and helping produce marketing materials to being a conduit for international referrals.

In the past 30 years, IGAF Worldwide’s growth has been attributed to the commitment to serve its independent members by providing information, solutions and services to assist them in building their business. This commitment has been established by enabling firms to enhance their relationships and exchange information. Today, associations need to bring together members’ collective ideas and identify opportunities for individual firms. As technology and new products develop, associations have to focus on helping their member firms remain competitive while continuing to add value.