You know a career in accounting is dynamic and can encompass business strategy, data analytics, sustainability reporting, audit and assurance and so much more. Yet, the number-loving stereotype of the accountant still lingers.
This outdated cliché can be laid to rest when high school students hear real-world career insights directly from accounting professionals like you.
High school outreach efforts like Accounting Opportunities Experience — a collection of various events around the country each November — are important to raise awareness among students on the plethora of career opportunities available within the accounting and finance profession.
"The CPA profession is filled with diverse and exciting opportunities, and CPAs have the power to break stereotypes by sharing their journeys," explained Christin Hunter, Senior Manager - CPA Pipeline Student and Candidate Membership at AICPA. "By opening up about their career beginnings, the twists and turns along the way, and the impact they make each day, CPAs can inspire the next generation. The more we connect with students, the more we can spark their interest in a rewarding future in accounting."
State CPA Societies' role in high school outreach
Since the initiative’s inception in 2022, Accounting Opportunities Experience had its most successful year in 2024 thanks to more volunteers giving back to the profession.
Forty-four participating state CPA societies reported that over 1,200 accounting professionals visited and presented at 895 schools across the country. CPA volunteers were able to reach 40,851 students — up 70% from last year.
In 2024, 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 dedicated weeks to whole months.
California’s state CPA society, CalCPA, participated in CPAcon in early December, a Los Angeles-based event aimed at developing top accounting talent through education, panel discussions, friendly competition and networking.
State CPA societies are well positioned to coordinate and collaborate with schools on career and speaking initiatives. To make all speaking engagements successful, AICPA has a variety of CPA pipeline resources available to start student outreach initiatives or augment existing outreach programs including customizable PowerPoints, email templates, surveys, on-demand presentations, games, volunteer trainings and more.
AICPA and 35 state CPA societies launched the pilot Accounting Opportunities Week in 2022. After a successful inaugural year, the initiative dropped “week” from the title to become Accounting Opportunities Experience for the month of November.
Accounting Opportunities Experience: Transform career perceptions
The year-after-year growth of Accounting Opportunities Experience, said Hunter, can be attributed to CPA state societies and their members, plus AICPA members and staff volunteers who are committing their time and efforts to go in and connect with students.
Hunter wants to build on 2024's momentum and expand these career outreach initiatives to reach even more students. "Accounting Opportunities Experience has grown tremendously since its pilot year, creating exciting new possibilities along the way. I love connecting with state CPA societies and their dedicated volunteers to explore ways we can keep this momentum going!"
While November is the target month for Accounting Opportunities Experience initiatives, you don’t have to wait to spread the word on the accounting profession. You can give back to the profession today.
"If you have an opportunity to connect with middle school, high school or college students, there are resources to help support your outreach," said Hunter. "From audience-specific talking points to ready-made PowerPoints, you'll have everything you need to make a meaningful impact."
Your volunteer efforts can transform the perceptions of the profession and showcase to high school students the breadth of career options available. If volunteering with Accounting Opportunities Experience sounds appealing to you, reach out to your state CPA society and explore the many tools and resources that promote the accounting and finance profession.
"There are so many incredible people who are passionate about inspiring students — sharing their journeys, their experiences, and the doors that being a CPA has opened for them," said Hunter. "It's amazing to see the collective impact they make by giving back a little of their time."