FILLING THE PIPELINE
GOAL
Provide financial assistance to students from historically marginalized populations at all levels of post high school education
INITIATIVE
Since 2019, 1/3 of the Foundation’s scholarship dollars have supported students from historically marginalized populations. The selection process was updated to be more equitable, thanks to input from key member group.
“Every voice has the power to help a student and expand the accounting profession for the future.”
– Dr. Lisa Owens-Jackson, CPA
Accounting & Finance Chair at North Carolina A&T State University
NCACPA is in a unique position to reach aspiring professionals to join the accounting pipeline and better reflect the world.
Doing things differently than they’ve been done before
Change doesn’t happen by doing everything the same as it’s always been done. The NCACPA community and staff is committed to filling the pipeline with people who represent a different, more diverse, accounting future.
NCACPA’s Pipeline Fingerprints
Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space for present and future accounting professionals
We make better decisions when we embrace, involve, and seek to understand those with different backgrounds than ourselves.
That’s why NCACPA is committed to…
Educators
- NCACPA created a unique accounting educator membership that makes involvement with NCACPA more affordable and provides a special community where they can share resources.
- Consulting academic programmers for relevancy
- The Association is working to connect Business Leaders and Educators through various events
- NCACPA created an Education Resource Group whose primary objective is to support the accounting pipeline.
- Hosting CPA Evolution roundtables with open discussion about hot topics, knowledge sharing, collaboration, learning and more
Financial Assistance
- Awarded $110,000 in scholarships to 51 students from 15 schools in North Carolina.
- Received a generous contribution of $50,000 from NCACPA Board of Directors in continued recognition of the Foundation’s efforts of addressing the pipeline and its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Continued partnership with the NC State Board of CPA Examiners now totaling 35 students from 15 different schools receiving vouchers covering CPA exam fees. Four (4) of our original voucher recipients have passed all four parts and 21 additional students have submitted their applications to sit for a section of the exam.
- 100% contribution participation from both NC CPA Foundation and NCACPA Boards of Directors for the 5th year in a row.
- Continued our demographic data collection efforts to both better understand our applicant pool, as well as assist in future Foundation programs.
Data Trends
- On a monthly basis, NCACPA makes efforts to continuously collect demographic data at the association and NC State Board of CPA Examiners level. Understanding the demographic composition of the profession will allow for continuous evolution that will broaden the talent pipeline and aid in identifying progressions, challenges, and trends.
- NCACPA has expanded our demographic options related to race/ethnicity and gender, in hopes of gaining a better understanding about those in our community.
Demographic Data Collection
Following the opening of membership renewals, we received questions regarding the new process, including the collection of demographic data. We are asking for demographics to gain a fundamental understanding of the membership’s composition, which enables the Association to better serve everyone, thereby creating a more inclusive environment. These FAQs represent questions received and by sharing it, our goal is to ensure everyone has the same insight into the Association’s intent.
Why does NCACPA need to collect demographic data?
Data collection helps to understand the composition of both current and future professionals. A strategic focus for NCACPA has been, and continues to be, the pipeline. Students matriculating through school, and those looking for a second career in the accounting profession, are more diverse than ever before. As their professional membership association, we want to ensure the organization is open to, and inclusive of, everyone. Collecting data allows us to make informed decisions about programming, products, services, and benefits.
How does information like religion and sexual orientation inform decisions?
Our focus is to promote inclusion that can help cultivate a positive member experience enjoyed by all. Understanding what religious holidays and observances are recognized by members aids staff in scheduling both educational and networking events that can be attended by all. It is also important for members to have the ability to self-identify, which promotes inclusion. Our goal is to reflect and honor the diversity of our community, including those who have been historically excluded.
Do I have to complete the information?
If you are not comfortable providing the information, or simply do not want to share, there is an option in the drop-down window for “Prefer not to answer.” Again, our goal is not to be intrusive, rather to have a greater understanding of the individuals we serve.
How will NCACPA use the data and with whom will my data be shared?
We will use the data to create effective strategies and identify gaps and overlaps. This data will be shared only with NCACPA staff and remain in NCACPA-related databases. Per our privacy policy, NCACPA never sells data to any third party. Aggregate data will be used to prepare anonymous reports, which may be shared with staff and the public.
Advocacy
- NCACPA advocates for the designation and promotion of accounting as part of the STEM curriculum in North Carolina secondary schools under the field of Technology. We have asked legislators to build on the state’s existing financial literacy initiatives by expanding accounting course offerings through grade 12 and target resources toward students who are underrepresented in the profession.
- NCACPA supported and secured cosponsors for H.R. 3541, the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act, and S. 1705, the STEM Education in Accounting Act. These federal bills would designate accounting as STEM and allow Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants to be used for increasing access to high-quality accounting courses for students who are members of groups underrepresented in accounting careers.
- NCACPA supported and secured cosponsors for H.R. 1477/S. 722, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. This legislation would help make obtaining a CPA license more affordable by expanding eligible uses of 529 savings plans to include fees and expenses required for postsecondary credentials. NCACPA is a member of the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which consists of more than 560 organizations united in support of this bill.
Students
One of NCACPA’s goals is to attract and support high-quality students with diversified backgrounds to the accounting profession. We implemented initiatives to help overcome the current talent shortage and provide resources and opportunities to support students in their accounting journey!
High School
Initiatives
Summer Leadership Conference
Education Resource
Group
More information coming soon!
Free conference focused on pursuing an accounting career!
This volunteer-based group identifies and supports the needs of educators and students.
Accounting Opportunities Week
NCACPA is part of a collaborative effort of 37 other state CPA societies and the AICPA’s National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion and Student Recruitment Committee. These organizations are partnering to make a meaningful impact on high school students, while also encouraging them to explore a future career in accounting.
From November 7-11, 2022, seven NC high schools participated in Accounting Opportunities Week. Presentations, outreach, and support materials provided by NCACPA members who volunteered raised awareness of the accounting profession and explained the exciting and challenging roles that CPAs play in their business and local communities.
If you are interested in participating in the Spring 2023 Accounting Opportunities Week, please reach out to Lorrie Gold at [email protected]!