Imagine a young accounting graduate in Indiana, eager to start their career but facing financial barriers because of outdated certification processes that require additional schooling to sit for the CPA Exam. The student might ultimately decide to take their career in another direction, costing the state’s businesses valuable accounting talent. Sadly, this issue is not isolated — in fact, it reflects a broader challenge in the profession.
Fortunately, the State of Indiana is taking proactive steps to address this issue, jumpstarting the accounting profession in the process. Last month, a landmark bill was signed into law introducing a new pathway to earning the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Set to take effect on January 1, 2027, this innovative approach modernizes the CPA career landscape by adding another way to earn a CPA license beyond the traditional 150-hour academic requirement. This change will help people and businesses in Indiana thrive.
“This change removes the financial barrier of additional schooling, making the CPA profession more accessible and appealing to a broader range of candidates.”
The 150-hour rule, which requires an additional 30 hours of academic credits, has posed a financial challenge for aspiring CPAs, in addition to a year of work under a CPA and the successful completion of the CPA Exam. The new law provides college students with the option to forgo extra academic credits and instead gain two years of practical experience, working under a CPA, and passing the CPA Exam to obtain their license. This change removes the financial barrier of additional schooling, making the CPA profession more accessible and appealing to a broader range of candidates.
Importantly, this additional pathway sustains quality by accelerating engagement with professionals as well as the technology, like AI, that is shaping the profession’s future. It’s a win-win and Indiana deserves credit for its leadership as it was one of the first 10 states to enact this reform.
Why the urgency? Talent shortages are not yet an issue for the Big 4 accounting firms, but they are affecting our economy and capital markets. In the first half of last year, nearly 600 U.S.-listed companies reported material weaknesses related to personnel, and S&P Global analysts warned that many municipalities could have credit ratings downgraded or withdrawn because of delayed financial disclosures. These are issues that affect all of us.
The role of CPAs extends beyond financial reporting. They play a critical role in helping public and private companies, governments, investors, and taxpayers understand the financial health of organizations. Historically, accounting has been a foundation for strategic insight and a launchpad for influential careers. From legacy industry titans like John D. Rockefeller to contemporary leaders like Nike co-founder Phil Knight, the accounting profession has counted among its ranks visionaries who have been a catalyst for success and innovation.
Creating additional pathways to earning a CPA license is just one part of the solution, however. To reinvigorate interest in the profession, we must also embrace technology, innovate the work environment, and highlight the rewarding aspects of a CPA career.
MythBusters: Accounting Edition
An unfortunate myth about the accounting profession is that it is a mundane field. This myth is no longer valid — if it ever was. Today, CPAs are at the forefront of using cutting-edge tools such as AI, data analytics, and automation to revolutionize how we operate. For example, at KPMG, engagement teams use KPMG Clara, a secure, AI-enabled audit platform that brings together collaboration, workflow, automation and analytics in one place. Additionally, tools like Microsoft’s CoPilot allow teams to reduce manual work and focus on deeper, value-added tasks.
Another myth is that public accounting doesn’t offer enough career opportunities or compensation to attract new talent. In fact: salaries for CPA candidates have increased significantly over the past few years, a trend that is anticipated to continue, and demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. Today, recent graduates increasingly seek out flexible work arrangements, work that is purpose driven and career advancement opportunities. Public accounting delivers on all those fronts.
“Given the state’s booming economy driven by industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and healthcare, aspiring CPAs in Indiana have an unparalleled opportunity to make an immediate impact.”
In Indiana, we’re seeing top-tier candidates choose CPA pathways not only for the financial rewards but for the strategic impact they can make on businesses large and small. Given the state’s booming economy driven by industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and healthcare, aspiring CPAs in Indiana have an unparalleled opportunity to make an immediate impact.
Cultivating the Next Generation of CPAs
Indiana’s reform provides yet another pathway for top talent to earn their CPA, and this development combined with other efforts will enable the profession to attract the next wave of visionary leaders into the marketplace and grow our economy.
Our profession has always thrived when adapting to new trends while preserving the integrity and trust that CPAs are known for. By investing in talent, embracing technology, and offering additional pathways to the profession, we can ensure the future is bright for CPAs everywhere.
Let’s seize the opportunity.