Future CPAs + Students

In advance of the updated CPA Exam launching in January 2024, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy has provided the chart below showing the deadlines established by each U.S. jurisdiction for applying to take the current BEC section as well as the first day applications will be accepted for new CPA Exam disciplines (BAR, ISC, TCP).

A lack of accountants and auditors has left several municipalities without credit ratings. Here are a few ways to tackle this problem.

Forensic accounting is a specialized field that uses accounting, auditing and investigative skills to investigate and examine financial statements and records to uncover irregularities or fraudulent activities and identify and analyze financial data patterns, providing valuable insights to legal professionals.

Accounting and finance departments are hoping to diversify their workforce, especially with the ongoing shortages of young accountants joining the profession, but one segment of the population that's often left out of the discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion is "neurodiverse" or "neurodivergent" people.

Perhaps it would be helpful for students, families and businesspeople to refresh their understanding of the many unique benefits of accounting education, as well as related professional experience. A career in accounting is not for everybody; however, one should make an informed choice among careers, especially at the key early stage of one's growth after college.

Accountants speak the language of numbers, they’re especially skilled in evaluating financial statements, and experts in determining how to drive profits for a company. Aside from becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), people who hold a master’s degree in accounting can enter other unique roles, or increase their earnings by going into leadership positions—which can lead to the C-suite roles of chief financial officer (CFO) or even chief executive officer (CEO).

If you’re wondering what you can do with an accounting degree, rest assured it’s a valuable asset. In fact, renowned billionaire investor Warren Buffet once called accounting the language of business. An accounting degree prepares you to speak and understand that language, whether you pursue accountancy, auditing, sales management, advising or one of the many other accounting career paths. In this article, we overview what an accounting degree is, various accounting concentration areas available and ten jobs you can get with an accounting degree.

If you’re a detail-oriented person with a knack for numbers and a strong sense of ethics, you may enjoy a career in auditing. Auditors examine companies’ records, processes and systems to ensure accuracy and compliance, as well as to identify and manage risk. The auditor career path is straightforward, beginning with a bachelor’s degree and progressing through on-the-job training, further education and optional certifications. We’ll explore how to become an auditor in detail below, along with information about this diverse profession and its job outlook.

The future of accounting education has been a topic of concern for the profession’s leaders for years in the light of demographic shifts, competition for talent, and declining enrollments. The authors, following up a previous article on the subject, take another look at trends in enrollment, hiring, and sitting for the CPA exam. The authors fear that without major changes—more flexibility in education and licensing, higher salaries, and greater work/life balance—these trends will continue in a negative direction and imperil the future of the profession.

The recent CPA Evolution Project represents the accounting profession’s attempt to transform the CPA licensure model to fit the skills and competencies that new CPAs will require today and in the future. It marks the most significant change to the Uniform CPA Examination in many years. This article describes the changes to the structure and content of the exam, assesses the likely impact of the changes, and discusses how universities will need to adapt their curricula to new exam.