In 2025 the Association of Chartered Accountants in the United States (ACAUS) reached an important milestone – 45 years of supporting Chartered Accountants living and working in North America.
The original story began in 1980, when Angus McDowell and a small group of Chartered Accountants in New York formed a network to support each other professionally while working in the United States. Over the following decades ACAUS grew into a thriving community, providing networking opportunities, professional education and a strong voice for Chartered Accountants in the US.
Membership expanded steadily across the country and the organisation became a focal point for thousands of Chartered Accountants building careers in the world’s largest economy. Today the network connects over 7,000 Chartered Accountants working across the United States, and increasingly across North America.
To mark the 40-year anniversary in 2020, ACAUS published the book The Association of Chartered Accountants in the United States – The First 40 Years (1980–2020) by Ian Wise, capturing the history and many of the personalities who helped shape the organisation.
Now, as the organisation celebrates its 45th anniversary, the story continues to evolve.
Looking Ahead
From a small gathering of Chartered Accountants in New York in 1980 to a thriving international network today, the organisation continues to evolve alongside the profession it represents.
As we celebrate ACAUS at 45, the focus remains on supporting Chartered Accountants across North America — connecting members, sharing knowledge and ensuring the Chartered Accountant designation continues to stand for excellence in a rapidly changing global economy.
The upcoming ACAUS at 45 publication will capture this continuing story, reflecting on the past while looking ahead to the next chapter of growth for the network and its members.