How INCPAS is shaping the next generation of CPAs through licensure, education and workforce development.
As leaders of the profession, what responsibility do we have not only to prepare students for today’s jobs, but also shape what the CPA profession will look like for the next generation?
As leaders of the profession, we have a responsibility to model what it means to be trusted advisors and ethical leaders, and ensure students understand the “why” behind our work, not just the “how.” Our efforts must go beyond just helping them pass the CPA Exam (though important!) or get that first job — it means exposing them to technology, analytics, and evolving business models while reminding them of the importance of being ethical, protecting public interests, and developing critical thinking skills so they can adapt as the profession changes and help define what “CPA” means in the future.
Indiana recently passed new CPA licensure legislation. How does this reform strengthen opportunities for students while maintaining the integrity of the license?
The recent changes in licensure strengthen opportunities by creating more flexible pathways into the profession while still preserving rigorous standards. More doors can be opened for more students and career changers to qualify without weakening the competency and ethics expectations tied to the license. This can provide a means to continue protecting the public by keeping the bar for licensure high but also better reflects how and where people can gain relevant skills in a variety of ways.
“As leaders of the profession, we have a responsibility to model what it means to be trusted advisors and ethical leaders, and ensure students understand the ‘why’ behind our work, not just the ‘how.’ ”
As workforce expectations evolve, what skills or experiences do you believe accounting students need most to thrive in today’s profession?
Strong communication skills. Our profession, while data driven and technical in nature, is also very much about relationship building. Technical knowledge is still important, but the responsible use of tools like data analytics and AI are assisting our ability to interpret information, collaborate across disciplines, and bring sound judgment and professional skepticism to rapidly changing situations. Experiences such as internships, client projects, leadership roles and exposure to diverse teams are critical to building those capabilities.
What impact are initiatives like INCPAS Scholars, NABA’s ACAP and campus partnerships having on students entering the CPA profession?
These initiatives intentionally broaden access to the profession. Students are able to see themselves as CPAs long before they even sit for the Exam. These programs provide mentorship, role models and hands on exposure to what CPAs actually do, while some students might not otherwise have those types of connections. This combination of support, representation, and early engagement is exactly what we need to build a more diverse, resilient, and future ready pipeline of CPAs.
