The National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG) recently released its Accounting Talent Strategy Report, a comprehensive analysis of the root causes of the accounting talent shortage, based on feedback from nearly 8,000 accounting professionals and students nationwide, including those in Colorado. 

The NPAG report outlines actionable next steps to address the shrinking talent pool within the profession, organized into six key themes:

1. Make the academic experience more engaging
2. Address the time and cost of education
3. Grow support for CPA Exam candidates
4. Prioritize strategies to expand access for underrepresented groups
5. Enhance the employee experience by evolving business models and cultures
6. Tell a more compelling story about accounting careers

In light of these findings, NPAG has issued a profession-wide call to action, in which it asks all accounting professionals to sign the 2024 Pipeline Pledge to help the profession more effectively tell its story and implement key business changes. By signing the pledge, you commit to participating in at least two activities each year that will contribute positively to the accounting talent pool.

The COCPA Can Help You Fulfill Your Pledge

Here are some upcoming – and ongoing – ways in which you can team with the COCPA to fulfill your pledge and make a difference:

• Participate in career fairs: Represent the accounting profession at local middle and high school career fairs.
• Volunteer at the Colorado Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA) state-wide conferences: This spring, connect with student competitors from across the state and discuss career paths in accounting. 
• Attend college career events: Help represent the COCPA and the accounting profession at college events. 
• Mentor future leaders: Join our mentor program, beginning each October and lasting a year, and provide guidance to CPA candidates and recent scholarship winners. 

To participate in any of the above opportunities and help us learn more about your areas of interest, please complete the COCPA’s Get Involved Form. Once you’ve submitted your form, someone from the COCPA team will reach out to you directly. 

• Support future accounting students: Contribute to the COCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund to help aspiring accountants achieve their goals.

Let Others Know of Your Commitment

Once you’ve signed the pledge, be sure to download and begin sharing your Pipeline Pledge badge to let others know of the difference that you’re making, whether as a participant, employer, or educator.

Be sure to share your efforts to address the pipeline with our social media community by using #PipelinePledgeCOCPA. 

Together, we can make a significant impact on the accounting pipeline. Let’s work collaboratively to nurture the next generation of accounting professionals!