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Denise LeDuc Froemming , CPA , CAE , MBA President & CEO CalCPA and CalCPA Education Foundation
Diversifying the Profession
There are numerous layers to addressing an issue as complex , important and wide-ranging as diversity , equity and inclusion . And fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment in the profession is a shared responsibility .
Our efforts elevated in 2021 , when we partnered with the Institute of Management Accountants to produce and release Diversifying U . S . Accounting Talent : A Critical Imperative to Achieve Transformational Outcomes . The study looked at the composition of the accounting profession and confirmed that much more should be and can be done to attract , retain and promote diverse talent .
That report was followed in 2022 by Diversifying Global Accounting Talent : Actionable Solutions for Progress , which outlined several specific steps to help promote DE & I in the profession that range from implementing communication and awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of accounting careers to hosting community events that illustrate accounting ’ s value to businesses and communities to providing scholarships to diverse students .
You can find both reports at calcpa . org / diversity .
Which brings us to today and our most recent efforts partnering with the Institute of Management Accountants , the American Accounting Association , NABA Inc ., the Center for Audit Quality and Gleim Exam Prep to improve awareness , access and preparation for Black and African
American persons to energize them to choose accountancy and empower them to leverage accounting to thrive in their careers and lives .
Combining our resources to reach Black and African American students and faculty in California , the program includes four tracks that will propel participants to be successful :
• Certified Management Accountant track ( students ): Will map out a career in management accounting and ready participants to become CMAs ;
• CPA track ( students ): Will map out a career in public and private accounting and ready participants to become CPAs ;
• Leadership track ( students ): Help participants become business leaders by providing a tailored leadership development plan , mentoring and networking ; and
• Faculty track : Will include faculty development and assist in the practitioner-to-faculty transition .
If you are interested — or know someone who could be interested — visit nabainc . org / diversifying-the-accountancypipeline-program for a gateway to this future .
As I ’ ve mentioned and continue to believe , the best way to address diversity , equity and inclusion is to be curious ; have open and direct conversations ; remember it ’ s a journey , not a destination ; and focus on attaining measurable results . www . calcpa . org MARCH / APRIL 2023 CALIFORNIA CPA 3