FICPA recently featured Kaufman Rossin's Kirsten Spano as the first graduate of the organization's Bridge to CPA program, a new initiative designed to help aspiring CPAs complete their remaining educational requirements at no cost. The article highlights how Spano, a full-time Kaufman Rossin team member, earned her Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from Nova Southeastern University through the program's combined support from the school, the FICPA Scholarship Foundation, the Florida DBPR, and participating firms.
The feature shares Spano's reaction to the opportunity and the impact it had on her career. "This was never something I imagined," she says. "The program helped me solidify what I already wanted to do, but it made it so much easier for me to achieve it." Kaufman Rossin Chief People Officer Joy Bateen noted how quickly Spano embraced the opportunity, describing her as an example for others pursuing the CPA credential.
For clients and firm partners, Spano's achievement reflects a broader effort within the accounting profession to develop future CPAs and strengthen the talent pipeline. As licensure requirements evolve, programs like Bridge to CPA help firms support professional growth, advance audit readiness, and build long-term capacity.
Read the full article in FICPA.