In an era of rapidly evolving industries and technological advancements, it has become increasingly important to equip high school students with real-world insights into potential careers as certified public accountants (CPAs). The Accounting Opportunities initiative is a collaboration among state CPA societies and AICPA & CIMA to raise awareness of accounting career opportunities among high school students. The career awareness event aims to demystify the world of accounting, provide students with valuable insights into the profession, and encourage them to consider accounting careers as a viable and rewarding path.
Building on the success of the 2022 inaugural year, and with feedback from participating state CPA societies, Accounting Opportunities Week was retitled “Accounting Opportunities Experience” in 2023 and expanded to encompass the full month of activities planned in November.
"Engaging with students during CPA Month was an incredibly fulfilling experience,” said Rachel Glasser, CPA, Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA) member and chair of TXCPA’s Branding and Community Outreach Committee. “Being able to share my passion for accounting and mentor future professionals is truly rewarding. Collaborating with these students not only allows us to promote the accounting profession but also fosters a sense of community and inspires the next generation of CPAs. This was a great opportunity to impart knowledge, offer guidance, and ignite a passion for the diverse career opportunities in the world of accounting."
Based on reporting from 42 participating state CPA societies, collaboration in the event increased in 2023, with 914 accounting professionals and CPAs presenting at 690 schools across the country. In total, nearly 24,000 students heard about the benefits of a career in accounting and becoming a CPA.
Upasana Prasad, Manager of Academic and Career Development at the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPAs), reported that the Accounting Opportunities Experience in Massachusetts exceeded all expectations.
"With the dynamic involvement of 32 dedicated volunteers, we successfully reached out to 21 schools, delivering 23 impactful presentations that left a lasting impression on over 460 students. Our passionate members, fueled by their expertise, played a pivotal role in establishing meaningful connections with the Gen Z demographic. The event served as a valuable platform for our members to narrate their life journeys, highlighting the profound influence of accounting on various aspects of their lives."
Reflecting on the event, Victoria Shen, CPA, Analyst III ESG Finance at Ahold Delhaize USA, and a graduate of MassCPAs’ 2018 Accounting Careers Experience (A.C.E.) program shared her joy in speaking at her alma mater, Quincy High School, where she had the opportunity to recount her academic and career journey in accounting.
"Discovering accounting in high school marked the beginning of my journey, and returning to speak in the same classroom where I first found my passion for accounting felt like a full-circle moment! In high school, I faced the challenge of understanding suitable career options, and the Accounting Opportunities Experience significantly addressed that for other students in the same situation by bringing in accounting professionals to share their career journeys with students."
Student engagement continues to be a key initiative under the AICPA Pipeline Acceleration Plan and the expanded Accounting Opportunities Experience invites year-round collaboration opportunities between the AICPA Academic and Student Engagement team and state CPA societies.
Some objectives of the initiative include:
Highlighting Career Paths in Accounting
The event shed light on the various career paths within the accounting field. CPAs shared their career journeys, discussing the various accounting specializations, and highlighting the day-to-day challenges and rewards of the profession. Students were surprised to learn about the versatility of the profession and the potential for specialization in areas such as forensic accounting, sustainability reporting, and technology-driven roles.Breaking Down Stereotypes
Accounting has often been misunderstood and stereotyped as a monotonous profession centered around numbers and spreadsheets. The event sought to dispel these misconceptions by bringing real-life CPAs into high school classrooms. These professionals shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the diverse and dynamic nature of their work, while students learned about the creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and ethical considerations that are integral to the accounting profession.Offering Interactive Sessions
One of the highlights of the events was the interactive sessions that allowed students to actively engage with the CPAs. Students were able to ask questions, gain insights into different career paths within accounting, and understand the skills needed to thrive in the profession. The goal was not only to inform but to inspire, allowing students to envision themselves in the shoes of these professionals.Promoting Diversity in Accounting
The accounting profession, like many others, benefits from diversity. The initiative actively seeks to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in accounting. By featuring a diverse group of CPAs as role models, the initiative aims to break down stereotypes and inspire students from all walks of life.
The presentations were well-received by the students, who had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from professionals in the field. This gave the students a unique insight into the accounting profession, which they can use to make informed decisions about their futures.
How to get involved
If you’re interested in inspiring the next generation of CPAs, then consider speaking with high school students in your area. When you’re ready to get started, connect with your local state CPA society, and be sure to review the resources available. You’ll find the following:
A customizable PowerPoint presentation, complete with presenter notes and optional activities for student engagement.
Volunteer training resources, including a video review of the PowerPoint template; volunteer talking points; and tips on how, as CPAs, your stories can help fill the pipeline.
Resources for firms and universities to foster student engagement and encourage exam success.
State CPA societies also have great resources to share with CPAs who want to reach students, so be sure to check your state society’s website too.
The Accounting Opportunities Experience Initiative has the potential to significantly impact the career trajectories of high school students. By fostering a deeper understanding of accounting and providing valuable mentorship, the initiative empowers students to make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.