Intuit this week introduced its new Career Pipeline Program, which is committed to upskilling 1 million students in the accounting industry over the next five years.
The program is focused on equipping students with the critical digital, data, and advisory skills they need to pursue a career in accounting as artificial intelligence transforms the profession.
“Intuit has long believed that accountants play a critical role in helping businesses succeed,” the Mountain View, CA-based company said in a Jan. 28 media release. “Today, Intuit powers the work of hundreds of thousands of accounting professionals, from the 13,000 tax experts employed on its platform to the more than 350,000 independent firms in the ProAdvisor Program, who step in when human judgement matters most. As the industry evolves with the integration of AI and automation, human intelligence remains critical for the future. It’s more important than ever to help new and early-career professionals understand how next-generation technologies, including Intuit’s all-in-one business platform, enable them to work smarter, not harder.”
The accounting community is an integral part of driving business success, and Intuit wants to help ensure the next generation is prepared to carry that torch forward, said Simon Williams, vice president of the accountant segment at Intuit.
“Our commitment to upskill 1 million students is rooted in listening to our accounting partners, understanding the important role they play as advisors, and building a pipeline that helps their firms and their clients thrive,” he said in a statement.
According to Intuit, 65% of Gen Z lack career advice about accounting, and 56% have misperceptions about what accountants do. Amidst a talent shortage in the profession, today’s students are also fearful of AI disrupting entry-level careers in accounting, lowering their interest in pursuing the profession, the company said.
The Career Pipeline Program aims to address these challenges by “replacing uncertainty with opportunity.”
“By providing access to on-demand, immersive learning and skills-based training, mentorship, and industry-recognized certificates modern accounting firms actively use, future professionals will build real-world confidence and readiness to excel in the first days of their career, becoming more hireable in an evolving industry,” Intuit said.
Intuit is kicking off its new Career Pipeline Program with an inaugural virtual event, Career Lab: Skills for the new era of accounting, on Feb. 3 and 4. This immersive event is designed to inspire the next generation of accountants by bringing together industry thought leaders to discuss the shifting landscape of accounting careers, the impact of AI on fintech and client advisory services, and the essential skills employers are looking for right now, the company said.
In addition, students will be provided with free tools and resources at the event to obtain the ProAdvisor QuickBooks Certification.
“At Intuit, we believe financial futures are strengthened when AI and human intelligence work together to expand opportunity and transform lives. That’s why AI is designed to amplify the impact of accountants, not replace them,” said Dave Zasada, vice president of education and corporate responsibility at Intuit. “By providing free, employer-recognized certifications and access to curriculum and resources that enhance the skills of young professionals, we’re building a robust CAS expert pipeline to help ensure the success of the next generation of accountants. We’re not just teaching students how to use tools; we’re giving them the confidence and credentials to move from the classroom to the conference room on day one.”
More information on the upcoming Career Lab and how to access free certification resources can be found here.
Photo credit: Devdatt Golwala via LinkedIn
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