Signing up for the National Pipeline Advisory Group’s Pipeline Pledge is more than adding your name to a list. It’s committing to do what you can to raise awareness of the benefits of accounting careers. It’s also a way to find resources before connecting with students or new accountants.
Once you’ve signed the Pledge, then what? Many people have shared insights into what the Pledge means to them and what actions they plan to take in 2025. We’ve received some truly fascinating responses.
As our pledge community grows, we will periodically highlight the stories individuals share with us about their volunteerism, awareness building, and what accounting careers have meant to them.
To join the community of Pledge takers, go to the NPAG website, sign up, and share your insights.
Here are five quick takes on the power and the people behind the Pledge:
- A page-turning crime thriller. Greg Adams, a CPA and New York-based author, aims to reshape the image of the profession with a page-turning crime thriller, Green Shade$: Accountants Aren’t Supposed to Die This Way, that he published to change the perception of accountants.
“I am hoping the book will enhance the image and brand of CPAs,” Adams said. The book takes public accountants away from the office and straight into the center of an international mystery. Who said accounting wasn’t cool? “We all need to aggressively market the ‘coolness’ and influence of being a CPA,” Adams said.
- A culture of belonging. California-based Melissa Werner, co-chair of SOMOS, Aprio’s Hispanic and Latinx ERG, is working to create a more inclusive accounting profession. She said, “I am taking this pledge [and] firmly believe that fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace is essential not only to individual success but also to organizational growth.” In building that culture, she says, “As a Latina in the accounting profession, I understand the importance of being valued for who you are and the transformative impact it can have on engagement, innovation and retention.”
- Mentoring and inspiring the next generation. Nick Dentice, a career coach at Freed Maxick in New York, takes an active role in shaping the future of accounting through mentoring and advocacy, and he knows first-hand that “the possibilities to make a difference are endless … . Each action contributes to a stronger, more dynamic accounting profession.”
Dentice especially understands the real potential of the profession. “Throughout my career, I have witnessed the incredible opportunities that accounting can unlock, from rewarding and flexible jobs to positions that are in high demand across every industry.”
- Guiding the next generation of accountants. Martha Suez-Sales, an educator for the University of Guam, actively advocates for inclusivity and works to address some of the misconceptions about the profession. Suez-Sales said, “I’m taking the Pipeline Pledge because I am on the frontline of education, actively shaping my students’ learning experiences and professional understanding.” She said it’s vitally important to counter misinformation. “Encouraging young professionals to join our field is essential, but education is just one piece of the puzzle.”
- Imagining the possibilities. Christine Williamson, a partner at CohnReznick and the Virginia Society of CPAs Chair, is working to inspire students with personal outreach. She said, “This is our accounting profession to protect and preserve. … We are setting a goal for our board and committee members at the Virginia Society of CPAs for 115 visits to pre-college students from September 2024 to May 2025. Join us in your organization to set a goal with your colleagues to speak about the opportunities of being an accountant. Imagine the possibilities if we all made a concerted effort.”
The Pipeline Pledge is a grassroots effort geared at attracting more people into the profession. As a participant, you decide what activity best suits you, be it visiting a school, hosting a networking event, mentoring a CPA candidate, or advocating for policy changes.
Sign the voluntary pledge today at Take the Pipeline Pledge – National Pipeline Advisory Group and get started!