When did you discover the possibilities of an accounting career? According to NPAG’s survey of accounting and business college students, only 13% of respondents learned about the profession before high school. Yet, research consistently shows that middle school is the best time to start exposing students to potential careers. This is when children develop critical thinking and teamwork skills and are more receptive to exploring new interests.
Grassroot efforts to inspire students, support candidates, and engage employees can have a meaningful and measurable impact. That’s why NPAG is calling on everyone in the profession to take the Pipeline Pledge — an individual commitment to participate in activities that will transform and grow the talent pool. While the possibilities are endless, activities could include:
- Visiting a local middle school
- Participating in a high school career fair
- Hosting a networking event for accounting majors
- Mentoring a CPA candidate through the licensure process
- Advocating for policy changes at your workplace
In the short term, the Pipeline Pledge’s success will be measured by tracking the number of participants and, where possible, activities and students reached. A national campaign promoting the pledge in 2025 could help volunteers coalesce around specific goals, timed events, and data-driven messages, while building awareness among a wider audience. As of this writing, nearly 700 people have taken the Pipeline Pledge — and we’re just getting started.
Amplifying successful programs
NPAG’s Accounting Talent Strategy Report highlights a number of programs that are already transforming the profession. Not sure where to start? Getting involved with one of these initiatives is a great way to fulfil the Pipeline Pledge:
- The Center for Audit Quality’s Accounting+: A campaign to engage high school and entry-level college students with dynamic, tailored resources. Through media partnerships, data-driven messaging, and savvy social campaigns, Accounting+ reached more than 110,000 students in 2023.
- NABA Inc.’s Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP): A week-long residency program where high school students can live on campus and learn about accounting careers. Since its launch in 1980, ACAP has helped inspire thousands of students.
- Accounting Opportunities Experience (AOE): A joint outreach effort between the AICPA and state CPA societies. In 2023, more than 900 accounting professionals presented at 690 schools across the country. Armed with presentations, hands-on activities, and training tools, these volunteers were able tell their unique stories to nearly 24,000 students.
NPAG’s hope is that the Pipeline Pledge will encourage more accountants to connect with their communities through these and other programs, reshaping perceptions about the profession one student, parent, or new accountant at a time. To learn more about the profession’s coordinated approach to growing the talent pool, read NPAG’s Accounting Talent Strategy Report.