Four state CPA societies have joined forces to launch Five Storm Systems, a technology company focused on professional learning and competency in the accounting profession.
The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA), Montana Society of CPAs (MSCPA) and South Carolina Association of CPAs (SC.CPA) formed the company to explore how emerging technology can support professional development and lifelong learning.
Its first initiative, CLARKE (Captured Learning and Reasoning Knowledge Engine), is an AI-enabled system being developed to capture structured, traceable evidence of professional learning that occurs during day-to-day work. The system is designed to document learning tied to authoritative sources and professional activity rather than relying solely on time spent in formal educational programs.
CLARKE is intended to complement existing CPE, firm training and regulatory processes rather than replace them. Employers, organizations and regulators could use the evidence it captures as part of their review, while decisions about whether learning receives formal recognition would remain outside the platform.
“CPAs learn every day as they research complex issues, interpret changing standards and apply professional judgment on behalf of clients and organizations,” said Shelly Weir, president and CEO of FICPA. “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.”
Five Storm Systems has also established an advisory council that includes representatives from accounting firms, professional learning organizations, regulatory bodies and public policy. Members include leaders from Baker Tilly, Warren Averett, CLA and Kaufman Rossin, as well as current and former state lawmakers and accountancy board officials.
The company plans to continue working with firms, educators, regulators and other industry stakeholders as CLARKE moves through development and pilot collaborations.
