THE JOURNAL

Community Engagement is Vital to Accounting’s Future

November 27, 2024

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Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to shake things up in the accounting world—to create something fresh, exciting, and long overdue. If you’ve been following my journey, you’ve probably seen me talk about it.

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CPAcon at its core is a vision for what our industry could be—a dynamic, inclusive space that inspires growth, innovation, and connection. But bringing this vision to life has exposed some of the big challenges our profession is facing, challenges that prove exactly why this work matters.

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The Challenge Facing Accounting Today

As I mentioned in a previous article, the accounting profession is at a critical juncture. The talent pipeline problem—a topic I’ve spoken about often—is becoming impossible to ignore. Let's look into the data:

• According to the AICPA - 75% of today’s public accounting CPAs will retire in the next 15 years.

• According to data from The CPA Journal (Published by NYCPA - The New York State Society of CPAs ) - the average age of a CPA is 52-53, with most firms requiring retirement by 65 or 66.

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Pair these data-points with the fact that fewer graduates are entering the field, and you don’t have to be an accountant to see the problem. Without meaningful change, this workforce shift could escalate into a crisis, impacting firms, clients, and the profession at large.

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But why is this happening? Go beyond the numbers and you’ll see that this is a culture problem. For many, accounting feels too rigid, too traditional, and maybe even a little outdated. And for younger professionals—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—the industry doesn’t always feel welcoming.

Industries that struggle to attract and retain diverse perspectives risk stagnation. And in accounting, where technology and client needs evolve rapidly, fresh ideas are crucial to staying relevant.

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This is exactly why I started CPAcon. It’s not just a conference; it’s a call to action. A recent conversation with a potential sponsor brought this into sharp focus. They described CPAcon as “too urban,” a term that carries a heavy history. The implication behind it was clear, and it raised a question I haven’t been able to shake: How can we innovate and diversify the accounting profession if efforts to push boundaries are dismissed or met with resistance?

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We can’t solve the talent pipeline problem by clinging to outdated ideas. Our profession must grow—both in representation and in mindset. And that growth starts with conversations like this one.

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A Key to Unlocking Accounting’s Future

If we’re going to address these challenges, we need to lean into community engagement. This isn’t just my opinion—it’s backed by the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG)’s Accounting Talent Strategy Report.

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Let’s be clear: the type of engagement we need goes beyond surface-level efforts. It’s time to create an environment where every professional feels valued and empowered to contribute.

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Here’s what true community engagement can accomplish:

• Mentorship and Sponsorship: Mentorship can inspire and guide the next generation, but it’s sponsorship—opening doors and creating opportunities—that drives real change. With underrepresented professionals often over-mentored and under-sponsored, we need leaders to actively elevate new voices. This can address the profession’s struggle to attract and retain diverse talent.

• Networking and Community Development: Networking isn’t just about trading business cards or sending LinkedIn requests. It’s about building real relationships that lead to growth and innovation. Think about all the micro-communities in accounting—whether they’re based on identity, specialization, or geography. Imagine what could happen if we brought these groups together to collaborate and share ideas. This could help combat the perception of accounting as stagnant or uninviting.

• Mental Well-being and Burnout Support: Burnout is a persistent issue in accounting, with long hours and high pressure often taking a toll. Community provides a vital support system—a place to share challenges, celebrate wins, and feel understood. It’s made the difference in my career, for sure. And at-large, this could not only improve retention but also foster a culture where professionals can thrive.

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Actionable Change Starts Here

The talent pipeline problem in accounting isn’t going to fix itself—it requires all of us to step up and take action. Solving this challenge starts with engaging the community by creating more inclusive spaces, not just in terms of identity, but also in the range of ideas and perspectives we invite into the conversation.

1. Support Initiatives that Champion Diversity - Invest your time, energy, or resources into programs and organizations that are actively working to bring new voices into the field. If we want change, we have to make it happen.

2. Mentor with Intention - Don’t stop short at advice, create pathways. Offer opportunities, open doors, and provide the kind of guidance that drives real outcomes. Help your mentees remain accountable to their goals.

3. Challenge Assumptions - Take a moment to reflect: Are our workplaces, conferences, and professional spaces designed to help everyone thrive? If not, what can we do to change that?

4. Engage Thoughtfully - Show up. Attend events, share your perspectives, and contribute to the conversations that are shaping the future of our profession.

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The path forward is one of collaboration, innovation, and commitment. Together, we can create an accounting profession that’s not only diverse and inclusive but also ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

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How CPAcon is Leading the Way

CPAcon at the ideal level is an event to start a movement. It’s about creating a platform where professionals from all walks of life can come together to reimagine the future of accounting.

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We offer more than just CPE credits and networking—we offer a space to challenge outdated perceptions and spark meaningful change. I mean it when I say this is the first event of its kind. Collaboration is the heart of CPAcon, and attendees will leave inspired, motivated, and equipped with actionable ideas to move the profession forward.

To the sponsors, speakers, and individuals who have already invested in and helped support CPAcon—I cannot thank you enough. Your support means everything, and I’m honored to have you on this journey.  

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That said, this journey has been a bumpy one. Bias—whether it’s implicit or explicit—continues to challenge our collective progress. But every barrier we face is proof of how much this work matters.

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Let’s Build Together

The profession that I love  is at a turning point. We have an incredible opportunity to reimagine what our industry can be—one that thrives on diversity, innovation, and meaningful collaboration.

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Here’s my question to you: How has community engagement shaped your journey? And what actionable steps can we take to make accounting a more inclusive and dynamic space?

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This is our moment to build something better, together. Let’s keep the conversation going, share ideas, and take the steps needed to create a future we can all be proud of.