I don’t know about you, but when I look at the momentum around accounting enrollment right now, I feel a real sense of optimism. For the third year in a row, the National Student Clearinghouse reported enrollments are up, with undergraduate accounting programs outpacing all other majors last fall. This doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because educators, employers, volunteers and advocates across our profession (in short – YOU) continue to show students what an incredible opportunity accounting is and why being a CPA is the Coolest Profession Around. So, thank you, members!
As encouraging as these trends are, they’ve also highlighted an important reality: securing the future of the profession is about more than getting students in the door. It’s about making sure they’re ready to succeed once they arrive.
Accounting has changed dramatically in just a few short years. Technology, automation, and AI are now part of everyday practice, and that shift has raised expectations for early career CPAs. What we’re hearing from firms, organizations, and educators- is that the gaps aren’t just technical. A recent study conducted by our neighbors at the Illinois CPA Society found these divides are showing up in judgment, communication, adaptability, professional skepticism, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
That’s the backdrop for the AICPA’s newly launched Profession Ready Initiative. This research-based effort is designed to better understand the skills early career CPAs need, identify where gaps exist and determine ways we can help close them. An advisory group representing firms, corporate finance, state CPA societies, academia, and regulators – which includes MICPA board member Matt Kidd, CPA, PFS, Kidd Advisors- will guide the initiative, alongside a third-party research firm by conducting a comprehensive review of job descriptions, firm training and academic curricula in the first half of 2026.
This work moves in tandem with where the MICPA is headed, too. Supporting students, candidates and early career CPAs has been a priority for us, and it’s only growing in importance. You’ll see us continuing and expanding our focus on CPA Exam preparation, licensure pathways and the professional skills that help new CPAs thrive on day one and throughout their careers. I’ll share more on this soon.
In the meantime, one way you can help right now is by participating in the AICPA’s first pulse survey focused on early-career skills and gaps. Your input truly matters, and it ensures Michigan’s perspective is part of this national conversation.
The survey is open through Feb. 16 at www.aicpa-cima.com/professionready.
If we care about the long-term strength, relevance and JOY of this profession (and I know we do!), this is exactly the kind of work we need to lean into together. Let’s mind the gaps, build bridges and keep preparing the next generation of CPAs to succeed in a profession that’s full of opportunity.
All the best,
Bob