Black Visionary Kendale King Aims To Revolutionize Accounting With Gamified CPA Convention

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What comes to mind when you hear the word “accountant?” If you search for images using that term, you’ll likely see white male hands hovering over calculators, fanning dollar bills, or scribbling with a pen over spreadsheets—all against the backdrop of a black suit and tie.

This stereotype highlights a significant challenge for the accounting industry: attracting fresh talent while retaining seasoned professionals amid evolving career expectations and workplace dynamics.

The perception of accounting as monotonous often deters young, ambitious individuals who seek more engaging and impactful careers. Many are unaware of the vast and diverse opportunities available within the accounting profession. From forensic accounting to advisory roles, the field offers rewarding pathways in entertainment, technology, and finance. Yet, the industry’s image problem persists.

Meanwhile, existing professionals face burnout and dissatisfaction driven by a lack of engagement, recognition, and ongoing learning opportunities. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, professionals must continually upskill, but traditional continuing professional education (CPE) frameworks often fall short of addressing these demands.

This is where Kendale King comes in. The visionary Chief Financial Officer behind the explosive growth of RDCWorld’s Dream Con is now setting his sights on the accounting field, bringing his innovative ideas and relationships to CPAcon. Scheduled for Dec. 3 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, CPAcon promises to push the boundaries of what a career in accounting can be. “As someone who has seen how conventions can evolve into something truly special, I’m excited to bring those lessons to the accounting world,” says King.

Supported by the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), CPAcon is not your traditional accounting conference. The one-day event will bring together students, aspiring CPAs, and seasoned professionals for a mix of educational workshops, networking, and competitive challenges aimed at highlighting the exciting aspects of being a CPA. King’s goal is to revolutionize how the profession is viewed, attracting more diverse talent into the pipeline and retaining top-tier professionals who are eager to grow in this dynamic field.

A highlight of CPAcon will be the “Accounting All-Star” Challenge, a competition designed to support continuous learning by aligning with CPE requirements. Through collaboration, the challenge fosters a vibrant community of professionals, encouraging mentorship, shared growth, and innovation in areas such as fintech, sustainability, and ethical finance. This interactive component is just one of many ways CPAcon will break away from traditional conference models.

“CPAcon offers a dynamic and innovative approach to professional development,” says Denise Froemming, president and CEO of CalCPA. “It’s exactly what the industry needs to inspire and connect the next generation with the vast possibilities within our profession.”

Ultimately, CPAcon’s mission is to reframe the accounting profession as a space where creativity, innovation, and exciting opportunities abound—paving the way for the next generation of CPAs to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

For more information about CPAcon, including registration details and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.thecpacon.com or press@thecpacon.com

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