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Oct 9, 2024

To Be an Accountant or Not to Be an Accountant…Unfortunately, That Is the Question!

Sponsored Content provided by Robert Burrus - Dean , Cameron School of Business - UNC-Wilmington

Did you know there is a shortage of skilled labor in the accounting industry?   Accounting practitioners and educators do. The demand for accounting services remains high, but this demand is not being met.  One factor contributing to this shortage is a decline in the supply of new entrants to the profession. 

The “accounting pipeline” refers to the process of attracting, developing, and retaining talented individuals in the accounting profession. This pipeline is crucial for ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals to meet the needs of manufacturers, banks, CPA firms, and government and not-for-profit agencies.  The pipeline begins with attracting high school students to college accounting programs and continues through their transition into professional accounting careers. Here is what the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s (UNCW) Accountancy and Business Law (ABL) Department is doing to increase the supply of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and keep the accounting pipeline flowing!

Accounting 201 Financial Accounting: Off to A Good Start
This first accounting course in the accounting curriculum is required for all students in the Cameron School of Business.  It is our first opportunity to introduce students to the opportunities open to accounting graduates.  Initiatives here include:

  • Top Speakers from the Accounting Profession Leading experts are invited from the accounting field to share their insights and experiences. These guest speakers provide real-world perspectives and valuable knowledge that can be applied in future careers.
  • Expert Faculty The course is primarily taught by top PhDs in the field, ensuring that students are learning from some of the best minds in accounting.
  • Focused Curriculum Course content has been revamped to focus more on how accounting information impacts business decision-making. 
  • Enhanced Lab Experience The lab component of ACG 201 has been updated to include Excel badging credentials. Students are expected to achieve proficiency in many aspects of Microsoft Excel, the preeminent spreadsheet software used by businesses.
These updates all contribute to the message that careers in accounting are rewarding and that UNCW prepares graduates for success.

UNCW’s Beta Alpha Psi: More Than Just Numbers
  • Engaging Activities and Professional Growth Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an international honor society for students and professionals in accounting, finance, and information systems. UNCW’s BAP is recognized as a prestigious “Gold” chapter, reflecting commitment to excellence.  BAP hosts technical meetings led by accounting professionals who share insights about their work and how students can prepare for the most attractive opportunities. BAP also hosts social and community service events that allow members to interact with one another and working professionals in a less formal setting.   
UNCW’s BAP Chapter partners with RSM to offer its members golf lessons and the chance to play in a tournament with faculty and firm professionals.  This unique program combines fun with valuable networking opportunities.  
 
ABL’s Accounting Fairs: Breaking Stereotypes
Each semester, UNCW’s “Accounting Fairs” debunk the myth that accountants are robots consumed with completing tax returns. In a relaxed, social setting, students are invited to engage with accounting professionals on a more personal level. A competitive game of Cornhole or watching a sporting event allows the students to connect with UNCW alumni and CPA firm representatives in a no-pressure setting. 

While accountants often have demanding jobs, they enjoy fulfilling lives outside of work. The fairs allow UNCW students to engage with successful professionals who run ultramarathons, surf, manage farms or breweries, and a host of other outside interests.    Making these connections provides a platform for interactions that go beyond balance sheets and tax filings.
Whether you’re a student exploring career options or an accounting professional looking to share your experiences, ABL’s Accounting Fairs offer a unique opportunity to break the ice and build lasting relationships. 
  
The Path to CPA Licensure at UNCW
Obtaining a CPA license is the gold standard in the accounting industry, significantly benefiting career advancement and salary. However, preparing for and passing this challenging exam can seem daunting for students considering an accounting career. 
  • Introducing the 4+1 B.S./MSA Option
For the first time this fall, UNCW’s accounting bachelor’s and master’s programs are offering a 4+1 B.S./MSA option. This innovative program allows students to complete both degrees in just five years. Qualified undergraduate students can take an accounting course that counts towards both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
 
  • Shortened MSA Program
Additionally, the length of UNCW’s MSA program has been reduced from 10 months to 9 months, covering just the fall and spring semesters. The summer session has been eliminated, saving students both time and money. This reduction in time demands allows MSA students to devote more time to preparing for and taking sections of the CPA exam while still in the program if they chose to do so. The 4+1 option, by reducing the master’s course load, should encourage more graduate students to take sections of the CPA exam during their studies. Furthermore, with the MSA program now ending in May, the summer is available for CPA preparation and examination, depending on work start dates for graduate students.
  • Enhanced CPA Exam Preparation
Changes to UNCW’s MSA program also include more focus on CPA preparation.  In addition to ensuring that all students have access to premier study materials, the MSA program now provides regularly scheduled live study sessions on campus conducted by CPA preparation experts.

These changes to the MSA program reflect UNCW’s commitment to supporting its students in achieving their professional goals and making the path to becoming a CPA more accessible and manageable.
 
Filling the accounting pipeline has its challenges, especially as students perceive opportunities in competing fields that value analytical skills—cybersecurity, business analytics, etc.  However, UNCW’s Accountancy faculty believes that our profession offers some of the best opportunities for career satisfaction and superior earnings.  Our ongoing efforts to spread the word are paying dividends in terms of increasing the flow of talent into the accounting pipeline.   

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