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News: Four state CPA societies form Five Storm Systems to help shape the future of the CPA profession

August 31, 2026

New collaborative technology company introduces CLARKE, an AI-enabled evidence system designed to support the future of professional learning


ATLANTA — [Aug. 31, 2026] — The accounting profession is entering one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history. Recognizing both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with that change, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA), Montana Society of CPAs (MSCPA) and South Carolina Association of CPAs (SC.CPA) today announced the formation of Five Storm Systems, LLC, a collaborative technology company dedicated to advancing innovation in professional learning.

Bringing together the four organizations' combined experience in professional education, advocacy, regulation and member service, Five Storm Systems was established to explore how emerging technologies can responsibly strengthen professional competency, lifelong learning and the continued value of the CPA profession.

The company's first initiative is CLARKE (Captured Learning And Reasoning Knowledge Engine), an AI-enabled evidence system being developed to capture structured, traceable evidence of professional learning as it occurs during real professional work. Rather than replacing existing education or regulatory processes, CLARKE is designed to organize evidence that can be reviewed by employers, organizations and, where appropriate, regulators while preserving professional judgment and external authority. Final recognition decisions remain external.

"Technology is transforming virtually every aspect of the accounting profession, and professional learning should evolve alongside it," said Shelly Weir, President & CEO of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. "CPAs learn every day as they research complex issues, interpret changing standards and apply professional judgment on behalf of clients and organizations. Five Storm Systems was created to explore how technology can help make that learning more visible, more evidence-based and more valuable to the profession."

Unlike approaches that primarily measure time spent in educational activities, CLARKE is being developed to organize evidence of learning grounded in authoritative sources and attributable professional activity. The platform is intended to complement – not replace – existing professional education, firm training and regulatory oversight by providing structured evidence that can support informed external review.

"Throughout the history of our profession, advances in technology have changed how CPAs work and how they learn," said Chris Jenkins, CEO of the South Carolina Association of CPAs. "Our responsibility is to explore those opportunities thoughtfully while keeping competency, quality and public protection at the center of every decision."

Allen Lloyd, CEO of the Montana Society of CPAs, said the pace of change across the profession makes collaboration and innovation more important than ever.

"Our profession has always adapted to new challenges, new technologies and new ways of serving clients," Lloyd said. "Five Storm Systems represents four state CPA societies coming together to help shape that future. By exploring new ideas responsibly, and in collaboration with firms, regulators and the profession, we can strengthen how CPAs learn, grow and continue earning the trust of the public."

Boyd Search, CEO of The Georgia Society of CPAs, said the creation of Five Storm Systems demonstrates what is possible when state CPA societies unite around a common vision.

"The opportunities and challenges facing our profession are shared across the country," Search said. "By bringing together four leading state CPA societies, we're creating a platform for responsible innovation that no single organization could build alone. Just as importantly, we're committed to developing these ideas in collaboration with the firms, educators, regulators and policymakers who will ultimately help shape the future of the profession."

Advisory Council to Guide Product Development

To help guide the development of CLARKE, Five Storm Systems has established an inaugural Advisory Council representing accounting firms, professional learning leaders, regulatory experts, public policymakers and the broader CPA profession.

Initial members include:

  • South Carolina Representative Shannon Erickson, Chair of the South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee
  • David Knight, Former Georgia State Representative
  • Julie Kirsch, Talent Development, Baker Tilley x Berkowitz Pollack Brant
  • Mindy Rankin, Partner/Member, Warren Averett, and former member of the Florida Board of Accountancy
  • Rick Reisig, Past Chair, NASBA and Past Chair, Montana Board of Accountancy
  • Eric Robinson, Managing Partner, Robinson, Gruters & Roberts, CPAs, and former member of the Florida Board of Accountancy
  • Yuliya Salostsina, Learning & Development Director, Kaufman Rossin
  • Roger Scarborough, former Executive Director of the Florida Board of Accountancy
  • Beth Spencer, Director of Licensure & CPE, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

"The composition of this Council is intentional," Weir said. "If we're going to explore new approaches to documenting professional learning, we want the people responsible for protecting the public, developing professionals and shaping policy involved from the very beginning. We want their questions, their expertise and their scrutiny built into the development process – not after it's complete, but while it's being built."

Five Storm Systems will continue engaging accounting firms, educators, state CPA societies, regulators and other leaders across the profession as CLARKE advances through development, pilot collaborations and broader industry engagement.

For more information, visit www.fivestormsystems.com.

About Five Storm Systems, LLC

Five Storm Systems, LLC, is a collaborative technology company formed by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Society of CPAs, Montana Society of CPAs and South Carolina Association of CPAs. The company develops technology solutions designed to strengthen professional learning, competency and the long-term value of professional licensure.