ACCOUNTING
ACCOUNTING
Accountants Strategize to Attract Next Generation to Profession
Compiled by Diane C . Walsh
There ’ s a reboot occurring in the accounting profession . The continual decline of students choosing and pursing the career has industry leaders strategizing over how to reverse the trend . Aiysha “ AJ ” Johnson , the new CEO and executive director of the NJ Society of Certified Public Accountants ( NJCPA ) refers to it as the “ pipeline challenge ” and she is making it a priority of her administration .
The complex issue has its root in the course study needed to become an accountant and the certification process . While there have been reforms in academia and the testing process . More work is needed in other areas , such as the upward mobility within the profession ’ s ranks , office culture , benefits and even perceptions about accounting . Zack Cohen , the chair of a NJCPA task force , strongly advocates measures that will quash the stereotypical image of accountants as stodgy and boring . He is working on programs and outreach to make certain that accountants are respected as trusted advisors , who play vital roles in their community and society , at-large .
At COMMERCE , we asked accounting firms to discuss what strategies are being used in the workplace . We wanted to know what they are doing to improve their office culture as a way to attract and maintain the next generation of accountants . Here is what we learned :
Aprio , LLP Adam Venokur Northeast Regional Leader , Tax Partner
Aprio is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive culture that enhances our ability to deliver superior client service and attracts and retains the next generation of accountants , tax professionals and business advisors . We practice activating our culture daily by living Aprio ’ s 31 Fundamentals . Examples include ‘ be relentless about improvement ,’ ‘ embrace change ,’ and ‘ celebrate success .’ Our firm is focused on upward mobility and career growth within the walls of Aprio and , more broadly , in support of the profession . In conjunction with firm leadership , Aprio ’ s Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging ( DEIB ) Council recently launched national Employee Resource Groups ( ERGs ), just another way we are driving intentional professional development and creating engaged communities . Further , we have incorporated a flex work environment that embraces the hybrid model in support of various stages of life and career needs for our team members .
Citrin Cooperman Advisors , LLC Robert Slootmaker Assistant Office Managing Partner
For modern professional services firms , rapid advancements in technology , along with evolutions in the overall business landscape , are driving change . To keep pace , Citrin Cooperman continues to offer flexible and hybrid work environments , foster personal and professional development through individual and team coaching , provide comprehensive health and wellness programs , and invest in a supportive and inclusive workplace culture . Even the firm ’ s physical presence is changing as we modernize our offices to support hoteling and shared workspaces to match our employees ’ lifestyles .
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of cloud-based accounting software as well as a move toward automation and artificial intelligence . The Citrin Cooperman team has responded with a heightened focus on interpreting complex data , offering strategic insights , and making well-informed decisions . Our cloud-based accounting software , video conferencing capabilities , and modern digital tools allow our professionals to access real-time data and analytics from anywhere in the world , enabling them to make better decisions and provide more accurate guidance for the firm ’ s clients . Citrin Cooperman ’ s continuing growth reflects our ability to understand the unique requirements of our employees and clients as well as our proactive approach in building the structure and work environment necessary to accommodate their changing needs .
CLA ( CliftonLarsenAllen LLP ) Molly Lockwood People Solutions Director
One of the significant challenges the accounting profession faces is building and attracting the next generation of diverse talent . To help make CLA one of the top choices for new accountants and those seeking a forever firm , we are working to make culture a competitive advantage . Some of the ways that CLA is creating a positive and inclusive office culture , include :
◾ Creating opportunities within the firm for inspired careers , and outside of the firm by supporting community programs that further education , employment , and entrepreneurship .
◾ Emphasizing work-life integration by offering structured work arrangements and time off policies that support employees ’ needs , helps make the firm a place where people can achieve their career goals and thrive by creating a culture that values their and their family ’ s wellbeing .
◾ Fostering a culture of continuous improvement by regularly seeking feedback from all levels through a variety of sources including our CLA Family Engagement App , employee engagement surveys , and regular employee check-ins and implementing changes based on that feedback .
◾ Investing in adding dozens of new wellness opportunities to allow our people to live well and be happy . CLA ’ s Wellness platform is built around four dimensions of life : physical , financial , social and emotional .
CohnReznick , LLP Steven C . Schinella , CPA Roseland Office Managing Partner
Creating opportunities for our people is central to our purpose at CohnReznick . And with a hybrid workplace strategy now in full force at the firm , we are continually looking for new ways to build an inclusive culture that attracts and retain the next generation of accounting professionals . To that end , here are two recent initia‐
Continued
Many accounting firms are making diversity , equity and inclusion an integral part of hiring and retaining trained , capable employees .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Cecilie _ Arcurs
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