The CPA profession is at a pivotal crossroads, facing a shrinking talent pipeline and a growing need for fresh, innovative approaches. INCPAS is stepping up to guide the profession through these challenges.

In May 2024, INCPAS launched a multi-year strategy by bringing key stakeholders together at Vision 2027 to address these workforce issues head-on. The purpose of the event was clear: we do things better together. Tackling challenges of this scale requires collaboration, drawing on the unique strengths of each organization involved. It requires us to embrace new ideas and seize emerging opportunities. Vision 2027 was a call to action—to create real change, we must begin with real commitment.

Now, more than three months have passed since Vision 2027, and you might be asking yourself, “Why does this still matter?” The answer lies in the fact that Vision 2027 wasn’t just a single event; it marked the beginning of a sustained and collaborative effort to transform the CPA profession. In this article, we’ll explore how INCPAS is driving these efforts forward and why the topics discussed at Vision 2027 are crucial to the profession’s future.

AFFIRMING OUR PATH FORWARD: HOW NPAG CONFIRMS VISION 2027’S IMPACT

In July 2024, the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG) released its strategic report, offering vital validation for the work INCPAS and other stakeholders initiated at Vision 2027. We approached Vision 2027 with confidence, rooted in our long history of workforce development, but we were eager to see if NPAG’s findings would align with our own efforts. Thankfully, the NPAG report didn’t just align with our trajectory—it confirmed that the discussions and initiatives launched at Vision 2027 are critical to shaping the future of the profession.

If you haven’t already reviewed the NPAG report, we encourage you to do so. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the accounting pipeline and offers strategic recommendations that align with the challenges we face. You can access the report at accountingpipeline.org.

Here are the major themes from NPAG’s findings and how Vision 2027 addressed them:

• Diversification: NPAG’s report highlights the urgent need to diversify the CPA profession. With a 17% decline in accounting majors between 2017 and 2022 and significant drops in minority participation in the CPA Exam following the implementation of the 150-hour rule, the profession faces a critical need to broaden its ranks. Vision 2027 confronted this issue head-on, with INCPAS emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the profession reflects the changing demographics of the U.S. Our discussions went beyond identifying the problem; they focused on actionable strategies for fostering diversity.


• Educational Barriers: NPAG identified the time and cost of education as substantial barriers to CPA licensure. More than 57% of business majors who didn’t pursue accounting cited the 150-hour requirement as a primary deterrent. Vision 2027 spotlighted this issue as we discussed the Society’s newly published position statements on pathways to licensure, aligning with NPAG’s recommendation to make accounting education more accessible.
  
  Damian Rivera, president & CEO of ALPFA, explained at Vision 2027: “In a word, ALPFA’s about access—access to scholarships, opportunities and connections. It’s Latino-focused but not Latino-exclusive—it’s about including everyone and having conversations and building that support network.” Vision 2027 spotlighted this issue, aligning perfectly with NPAG’s recommendation to make accounting education more accessible. Our initiatives focus on removing these barriers and making the path to CPA more attractive and attainable for students.


• Expanding Access: NPAG’s report also stresses the need to expand access to underrepresented groups at every stage of the pipeline—this need is present in all six themes. Vision 2027 provided a platform for organizations like ALPFA and NABA, Inc. to showcase their work in expanding opportunities for Black and Latino students. These initiatives—ranging from scholarships to career awareness programs—are helping to create pathways for diverse talent to enter the profession. The event was a collaborative effort to magnify the impact of these programs and bring more voices to the table.

Todd Hurst, Ph.D. – Indiana Institute for Workforce Excellence executive director, Liz Barentzen – CAQ vice president of operations and talent initiatives, and Courtney Kincaid, CAE – INCPAS president & CEO, share challenges and opportunities on pipeline panel.	ALPFA President & CEO Damian Rivera (shown center) with local chapter members.

INCPAS: DRIVING SOLUTIONS FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

INCPAS is not just participating in these discussions—it’s driving the solutions. Vision 2027 demonstrated the Society’s leadership in fostering collaboration to develop a more robust and diverse workforce. This event wasn’t a “flash in the pan,” but rather the launching point for a sustained, multi-year initiative to address the CPA pipeline challenges.

Vision 2027 was all about connecting people—bringing key stakeholders together to engage in meaningful, face-to-face discussions. 

Courtney Kincaid, CAE, president & CEO of INCPAS, emphasized the business imperative behind these efforts, saying: “The issue of diversity, equity and inclusion is often politicized. However, our endeavor is not to align with the left or the right. My endeavor is to align with the needs of the profession. When I look at census data, when I look at the trends outlined in the NPAG report, there is no other solution but to increase participation among Black and Latino communities. I acknowledge that people have and will continue to note their opposition to themes of racial equity. I’m framing this as a business imperative. An added benefit is that closing the well-documented racial wage gap is good for the Hoosier economy.” 

Following this sentiment, Herschel Frierson, NABA board chair and principal at Crowe, echoed the need for a strong support system: “NABA and ALPFA are a steady support system for our people. I can’t tell you how many calls we get from professionals and students saying, ‘I’m not getting supported in my state.’ We’re here for our people, but we need partners.” His words underscore the importance of continued, collective efforts to ensure that diversity remains a priority in the profession.

Here are the key areas where INCPAS is leading the charge and paving the way:

• Strategic Investments in Education: INCPAS is committed to helping partner and drive the research-based work developed by our friends at the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ). Accounting+ aims to engage high school students early on, reshaping the perception of accounting as a dynamic and accessible career and helping Indiana remain competitive in attracting diverse talent. Over the next three years, INCPAS will leverage its credibility and well-earned market influence to help expand the CAQ/EVERFI curriculum throughout Indiana schools. Whenever possible, we aim to help tailor resources to reach educators in schools serving diverse student populations.
  
  
• Focus on Removing Unnecessary Barriers: INCPAS’ three-year strategic plan emphasizes positioning accounting as a profession of opportunity for high school and college students, particularly Black and Hispanic/Latino students. This focus includes enhancing collaborations with Indiana colleges and universities and breaking down barriers to entry. Crucial to this work are efforts at the Statehouse and with the Indiana Board of Accountancy to allow for alternative pathways to licensure, acknowledging—and ultimately removing—inherent barriers identified in the NPAG report.
  
  Camilo Renteria, ALPFA board member and business development manager at Falkbuilt, highlighted the importance of addressing these barriers: “Our collaboration extends beyond mere professional development—it’s about breaking down barriers and opening doors. Hearing everyone’s stories and successes [at Vision 2027] reminded me there are many other potential folks waiting to be connected to INCPAS and ALPFA. So it’s extremely important that I personally keep expanding my reach.” Renteria’s insight captures the essence of INCPAS’ work: removing these barriers isn’t just about equity—it’s about transforming the profession for the better.


• Collaborative Leadership: Vision 2027 underscored INCPAS’ ability to bring together organizations like NABA Inc., ALPFA and the CAQ to build a stronger pipeline. The emphasis on combining resources rather than duplicating efforts reflects INCPAS’ collaborative leadership and commitment to ensuring sustainable change in the profession.
  
  Guylaine Saint Juste, president & CEO of NABA, Inc., highlighted this approach: “You can’t solve problems by staying distant. The traditional way of thinking about the path to and within accounting has to change. We need to work together to comprehensively position ourselves in this changing space.” Her insight speaks directly to the power of collaboration in transforming the accounting profession and creating a more inclusive future.

Vision 2027 was a powerful reminder that the solutions needed to strengthen the CPA pipeline will require ongoing, collective effort. INCPAS has embraced this challenge and is leading the way in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future for the accounting profession.

Students enrolled in the Dr. Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program (BOP) at Purdue University share their thoughts on the 150-credit hour requirement, work-life balance expectations, internship experiences and their future plans.	NABA Inc. President & CEO Guylaine Saint Juste (second from right) with local chapter members.

WHAT’S NEXT: TAKE THE PIPELINE PLEDGE

Vision 2027 set the wheels in motion, but it’s just the beginning. There’s still much work to be done, and INCPAS is calling on everyone to get involved.

If you’re ready to be part of the solution, we encourage you to take the Pipeline Pledge at accountingpipeline.org/Form. By taking the pledge, you can join the effort to strengthen the CPA profession and ensure it reflects the diverse society it serves. Here are some ways you can fulfill your pledge:

• Participate in CPA Week: Help Indiana high school students better understand the career opportunities in the CPA profession. CPA Week, held each fall and spring, allows CPAs to engage with students and share insights into the best parts of their jobs, problem-solving and what to expect in college. Since its inception in November 2021, CPA Week has reached over 7,300 students through 300+ presentations, and we look forward to reaching even more this year. To volunteer, visit incpas.org/CPAWeek.


• Donate to the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation: The Indiana CPA Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides financial assistance for programs designed to encourage accounting careers and promote education-related activities. Your donations help support diversity programs, such as the INCPAS Scholars program for high-potential minority high school students, as well as career awareness initiatives across the state. You can contribute at incpas.org/EdFoundation.


• Become an INCPAS Pipeline Partner: Join the growing list of firms and organizations committed to advancing diversity in the CPA profession. As a Pipeline Partner, you’ll actively engage in mentorship programs, educational initiatives, career awareness events and other programs designed to promote the profession’s workforce. To join, go to incpas.org/Sponsor.


• Serve on the Advisory Board at Your Alma Mater: Lend your expertise by serving on the advisory board of your alma mater, helping to shape the next generation of accounting professionals.


• Connect INCPAS with Your Local High School: Help us expand our reach by connecting INCPAS with local high schools and administrators. To get started, email INCPAS VP – Pipeline & Outreach Ali Tonini, CAE, at atonini@incpas.org.