growth over the past seven decades, with several states experiencing population declines, and even more pressure seen recently as the retirement of baby boomers was accelerated during the pandemic. In light of the demographic shifts in the population, it is more important than ever to focus on high school and college initiatives, to encourage more students to consider accounting as a profession, and to find new ways to support students through graduation and into the workplace. Now Is the Time for the Profession to Unite and Take Action NPAG is made up of members from academia, the regulatory community, business and industry, accounting firms of all sizes, and State CPA Societies, with the intent of representing a diverse set of perspectives and insights into the complex talent shortage issue. However, the solution will require the awareness and participation of accountants, CPAs, academics, and others throughout the profession on a broad scale. We all have a role to play. In partnership with State CPA Societies and AICPA, NPAG conducted a national survey of those in the profession and an additional survey of students to help prioritize potential strategies, gathering 1,600 poll results from around the country. The results indicate that many people feel an accounting career is more challenging than other professions due to the perception of a high volume of work and long hours. Poll results also reveal concerns over salaries, the difficulty of the CPA Exam, and the requirements for CPA licensure, including inconsistency over the additional 30 hours required. Polling also indicated that pipeline solutions should prioritize high school, college, and the graduation journey. NPAG’s website, AccountingPipeline.org, should be your first stop for information. While you’re there, be sure to sign the Pipeline Pledge to make an individual commitment to participate in at least two activities annually that will positively impact the talent pool. The accounting pipeline shortage has reached a critical point, and now is the time to act. In the coming years, the accounting profession will benefit from positive changes in areas including academia, the workplace, licensing, and government oversight— and NPAG is hoping you’ll join in shaping this next chapter. Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, is chairman of the National Pipeline Advisory Group. She is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader for Aprio and is a member of the board of directors of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). Reprinted with permission of The Georgia Society of CPAs. See checklist on next page. LET’S CHAT! We work hand in hand with business buyers and sellers in locating or preparing a business for sale. Results Business Advisors 12020 Shamrock Plaza #200 Omaha, NE 68154 402.913.9080 www.resultsba.com Scan the QR code to watch the Building a Strong Management Team video. https://www.resultsba.com/build-a-strongmanagement-team/ Omaha CPA firm is looking for a CPA or accountant with 1-5 years of experience with a small- or medium-sized CPA firm who will be trained to competently provide accounting, bookkeeping, consulting, payroll, and tax services to our clients. Communication skills and strong computer skills are necessary. There is very little overtime required. Put some fun back into your life! Please contact Tony Buda at (402) 330-9927 or tony@tbudapc.omhcoxmail.com. TONY D. BUDA, P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT 23 nescpa.org
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