CEO
CPAcon
Kendale King is a CPA, entrepreneur, and industry innovator redefining accounting through creativity, technology, and community-driven initiatives. With over a decade of experience, he integrates gamification, digital assets, and modern financial strategies to inspire the next generation of accountants. As the founder of CPAcon, he envisions an event that celebrates accountants like an NBA All-Star weekend—blending competition, education, and entertainment. Supported by CalCPA and the California Board of Accountancy, CPAcon challenges traditional perceptions of the profession and attracts major brand partnerships. Kendale serves on the CalCPA board and is president of NABA Los Angeles, advocating for diversity, education, and industry growth. His consulting work spans entertainment, digital assets, and tech, helping clients scale sustainably and build generational wealth. A frequent speaker and panel moderator, Kendale brings humor and warmth to topics often considered complex, delivering insights with a “financial partner” approach that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. He holds degrees from Morehouse College and Cleveland State University and continues to lead conversations that bridge finance, technology, and culture; he is committed to modernizing accounting and making it more engaging, inclusive, and future-focused.
With the accounting profession facing a critical talent shortage, firms must adopt innovative approaches to attract, hire, and retain top talent. This session will explore actionable strategies for expanding the talent pipeline, including leveraging internships, tapping into candidates with nontraditional backgrounds, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Attendees will leave this session equipped with best practices to address current hiring challenges, attract a new generation of accountants, and build a workforce ready to meet the demands of the future.
In a world where top talent seeks purpose and play, gamification offers accounting a fresh edge. This session unveils how firms can use game-based tactics—from skill badges to team competitions—to attract and retain engaged, motivated professionals. Discover how CPAcon leverages gamification to make accounting interactive and community-driven. Walk away with actionable ideas to build a vibrant, loyalty-rich culture that not only attracts talent but keeps them for the long haul.
What you’ll learn: