The Kentucky CPA Journal

As careers in marketing, advanced manufacturing and technology rise in prominence, the talent pipeline for accountants is continuing to shrink. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for education Statistics, in 2019, 816 students completed an accounting program in Kentucky. By comparison, in 2023 only 739 students completed an accounting program. Plus, the Kentucky Center for Statistics estimates that there are 3,140 employees that are 55 or older and at risk of retiring soon.

Every business, government and organization relies on accountants. Even with the rise of technology, CPAs are and will continue to be the gold standard for accuracy, ethics and accountability. But many of today’s students and young professionals don’t know the opportunities an accounting degree can unlock throughout their career.

Over the past few decades, a career in accounting has received a skewed reputation. Often perceived as boring, monotonous, or having too many barriers to entry, these perceptions have led less students to pursue a career in accounting. As CPA’s, we all have a responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of our field and our individual businesses. That’s why the Kentucky Society of CPA’s is teaming up with Jefferson County Public Schools to offer new opportunities to help tell the story of an accounting career to students as they are having formative experiences that will direct their career path. There is no one better equipped to talk about the career’s opportunities, stability and growth potential than CPA’s themselves.

The JCPS Academies of Louisville was formed in 2017 to fill growing talent pipeline shortages in the region, retain JCPS students long-term, and help them succeed in fulfilling careers. The Academies of Louisville is an innovative initiative within 15 high schools in JCPS that aligns education with hands-on, career-connected learning in high-demand industries. There are currently 155 Career Pathways, which are selected based on regional labor market data, with more than 20,000 students enrolled and more than 300 local businesses participating in supporting student outcomes.

The success of this model depends on business and professional engagement. While opportunities like internships may not be the best fit for CPA firms given the sensitive nature of the work, firms and individuals can help expose local high school students to the accounting profession early by:

• Visiting classrooms to share their career journey and industry insights
• Hosting students for job shadowing or workplace tours
• Participating in mock interviews
• Tabling at job or career Fairs
• Advising on challenge projects or judge panels
• Becoming a mentor
• Joining advisory councils to guide curriculum development

Interested in learning more about these opportunities and how you can help fill the accounting pipeline shortage? Join us on November 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. for the KyCPA-Member-only Town Hall, where we will discuss opportunities for engagement and answer questions on how to get involved. The Town Hall is free and is a virtual event. Register here.

Ready to get involved with the JCPS Academies today? Email Emily Drexler.

About the author: Emily Drexler, Workforce Development Partnerships Liaison, Greater Louisville Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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