FAQs

Learn about the profession-wide effort to tackle the talent shortage and attract more people to a rewarding career in accounting.
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Why was NPAG created?

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) formed the advisory group in July 2023, in response to a resolution passed during the organization’s May Council Meeting. The resolution endorsed the development of a “continuous research-driven national pipeline strategy” focused on attracting more students to the profession.

What is NPAG’s purpose?

The group’s primary goal is to develop a national pipeline strategy that ultimately: 

  • Strengthens the accounting pipeline 
  • Assesses hurdles to earning a CPA license 
  • Maintains the rigor needed to protect the public 
  • Provides flexibility for students of all backgrounds 
  • Focuses on the root causes of pipeline attrition 
  • Engages the entire profession in implementing meaningful solutions 

What data did NPAG consider when developing solutions?

To ensure any recommendations are grounded in data and reflect input from all stakeholders, NPAG pursued a number of research and outreach activities. In addition to conducting a comprehensive review of existing research, NPAG collected insights from a national pipeline survey, focus groups with state societies and firms, and discussions with professional and regulatory bodies. More than 7,900 students and accounting professionals took the national survey, and more than 1,600 people participated in the focus groups and feedback sessions.

What is the timeline for developing solutions?

After a year of extensive research and feedback from the profession, NPAG released its final strategy report in July 2024. Now stakeholders must identify what initiatives they will prioritize and implement, and report on their progress. One venue for driving alignment and accountability will be a September roundtable convened by the American Accounting Association (AAA), the AICPA, NABA, Inc., and the National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion. Roundtable participants will work to capture key efforts and metrics in a holistic strategic roadmap.

Who is overseeing the advisory group’s progress?

A third-party consulting firm, ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, is facilitating the NPAG’s overall agenda, while the AICPA is coordinating operations, meeting logistics, and communicating progress to key stakeholders. A separate, external firm is managing the national survey’s data collection and analysis.  

How can I get involved?

Everyone is invited to take the Pipeline Pledge – an individual commitment to participate in two activities that have the potential to influence and grow the talent pool. Stay tuned for new initiatives aimed at strengthening the accounting pipeline.