Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Proclaims November as Accounting Opportunities Month

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has declared November 2025 as Accounting Opportunities Month in Tennessee.

During this important month, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy are highlighting the important services currently provided by Tennessee’s 12,356 licensed certified public accountants (CPAs) while outlining a new way to licensure for professionals starting in 2026.

“Licensed certified public accountants play an essential role in fostering the growth of Tennessee’s robust economy through their work for individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities,” said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “I encourage students who might be looking at possible future career fields to learn more about the important role that certified public accountants play in our communities.”

Founded in 1913, the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy regulates licensed certified public accountants and registered accounting firms throughout the State of Tennessee. The Board is part of TDCI’s Division of Regulatory Boards which licenses and regulates over 337,000 Tennesseans in their professions and businesses through 26 regulatory programs. These programs ensure that individuals meet established professional standards while addressing complaints promptly and offering consumer education on regulated professions and industries.

The Less Is More Act introduced a second pathway to initial licensure in Tennessee. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, candidates can choose from two pathways to licensure as a certified public accountant.

• A minimum of 120 hours and two years of experience, as defined in Board rule or;
• A minimum of 150 hours of education and one year of experience, as defined in Board rule.

All candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam and the AICPA Professional Ethics exam.

“Thanks to Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, the Less is More Act will bolster Tennessee’s economy by offering Tennesseans a new way to achieve their licensure while also meeting rigorous state standards for education and training,” said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Boards Reid Witcher.

Tennessee's gubernatorial proclamation coincides with national and state accounting societies who are calling attention to accounting as a career this month.

“During this month, I join the over 9,000 members of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants in saluting the important work that accountants across the country perform for industry, government, and individuals,” said Board Executive Director Gin Binkley. “Both accountants and consumers should always remember they can contact me or my team with their accountancy-related questions at their convenience.”

Before hiring any professional licensed by TDCI, consumers should first visit TDCI’s Verify licensing database in order to verify that the individual is properly licensed to work in Tennessee. The status of a professional’s license, how long the individual or company has been licensed, when their license expires, and additional helpful information can all be found at Verify.

To file a complaint, consumers should visit our website at tn.gov/commerce.

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