Why are there fewer accountants? What the research says

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

The factors contributing to a decline in the accounting talent pool are many, and so are the strategies to address the issue.

In this podcast episode, Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA’s CEO–Public Accounting, explains what early research has shown about why students are showing less interest in accounting. She also details the steps that multiple entities, including the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), are taking to grow the pipeline.

In the interview, Coffey discusses CPA licensure, the 150-hour educational requirement, CPA practice mobility, and other issues important to her and the profession.

Resources

NPAG survey page:

https://www.accountingpipeline.org/survey/

AICPA & CIMA business model transformation tools

JofA content:

n Podcast episode with NPAG Chair Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA

n Podcast episode with NPAG independent facilitator Jennifer Wilson

n Podcast episode about including accounting in STEM curriculum with Jan Taylor, CPA, CGMA, and Lauren Pfingstag-Vahey

n Article on the formation of NPAG

What you’ll learn from this episode:

· The main goals of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG).

· Why the recently released NPAG survey is aimed at current professionals and students.

· What NPAG research is showing about the reasons for a decline in CPA candidates.

· Coffey’s response on whether the AICPA is being stubborn about the 150-hour education requirement for CPA licensure.

· The importance of audit transformation in Coffey’s mind.

· Some of the regulatory agencies she speaks to as part of advocacy efforts.