The American Institute of CPAs, in collaboration with State CPA societies, has completed the Institute’s most successful annual Accounting Opportunities Experience initiative yet, the organization announced. In November 2024, thousands of CPA volunteers and high school students nationwide participated in presentations, activities and mentorship opportunities aimed at providing students a clear pathway to a rewarding profession.
The Accounting Opportunities Experience initiative is a combined effort between the profession, state CPA societies, state governments, and high schools to dispel stereotypes about a career in accounting and show students how successful they can be in the profession. This year, 44 participating state CPA societies sent more than 1,200 volunteer accounting professionals to 895 schools across the country. CPA volunteers were able to reach 40,851 students, up 70 percent from last year.
“A career in accounting opens so many doors, and can offer interesting, fulfilling work while at the same time offering high earning potential,” said Christin Hunter, senior manager, CPA pipeline student and candidate membership, at AICPA. “CPA volunteers for the Accounting Opportunities Experience were able to share practical insights into how they navigated their way into the profession, as well as the impact they make each day. It’s important for young people to see examples of who they can become – the more we connect with students, the more we can inspire them to explore this great career.”
Governors from 11 states — Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — made proclamations to increase awareness and participation in Accounting Opportunities Experience initiatives, including the dedication of specific weeks and months to the program and the CPA profession.
“CalCPA is proud to support the Accounting Opportunities Experience Initiative, helping to inspire the next generation of accounting professionals. Through our partnership with the University of Southern California and the AOE movement, we have welcomed over 200 students from South El Monte, Burbank, and Alhambra high schools into an immersive exploration of the accounting profession,” said Denise Froemming, president and CEO of the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA). “Over the past two years, industry leaders from Deloitte (2023) and EY (2024) have shared invaluable insights alongside USC Leventhal School of Accounting students, giving participants a firsthand look at the dynamic opportunities within the profession. The enthusiastic response from students and educators highlights the power of this initiative in shaping future CPA talent and fostering a deeper understanding of the impact accountants have in today’s world.”
Students have the chance to provide feedback after the presentations, and 80 percent of survey respondents reported that the presentation enhanced their interest in accounting, with many indicating a significant increase.
“The Accounting Opportunities Experience initiative introduces high school students to the diverse world of accounting — beyond just numbers. It breaks misconceptions, highlights career paths and showcases the many ways to become a CPA,” said Upasana Prasad, manager of academic and career development at the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPAs). “Since 2022, MassCPAs has doubled its outreach, with 36 CPAs visiting 24 schools this year, delivering 30 presentations and impacting over 600 students. Our members openly share their career journeys, helping students relate to their experiences and see themselves in similar roles. Seeing students engaged reinforces AOE’s impact in shaping the profession’s future and ensuring the next generation views accounting as a rewarding career.”
While November is the target period annually for Accounting Opportunities Experience initiatives, accountants give back to their communities year-round. Accountants wishing to know more about how they can participate in inspiring the next generation, and for students interested in learning more about the profession, explore the tools and resources available to promote the accounting and finance profession on the This Way to CPA website.
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Tags: Accounting
