The accounting profession is evolving fast, and the expectations for new CPAs are shifting right along with it. This episode unpacks the AICPA's Profession Ready Initiative, a major research-backed effort to identify the skills that early-career CPAs need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. The discussion explores what employers are seeing on the ground when it comes to skill gaps at the entry level, how automation and technology are reshaping day-one expectations, and what the profession is doing to close those gaps through a new Skills and Competency Framework, planned learning solutions, and deeper academic collaboration.
Whether you are still in school or just getting started in your career, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what it means to be truly profession ready in today's landscape.
Hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) with guest Carl Mayes (VP of Ethics & Firm Quality, AICPA).
Interested in the AICPA Profession Ready Initiative? To learn more or explore opportunities to get involved, reach out to professionready@aicpa-cima.com.
For additional resources:
STUDENTS
- Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
- First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form.
- Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships!
- Check out AICPA student webinars here.
- Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.
CANDIDATES
- Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
- Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
- Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.
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