ENG26LL01. Shaping the Profession‑Ready Initiative: Member Voices, Real Change

As AI and market forces reshape the accounting profession, workforce readiness has become a critical priority. This session invites members to help shape the future of the profession by sharing input on the skills early‑career CPAs need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

This session is part of the AICPA’s Profession-Ready Initiative, a holistic effort to identify and develop the competencies required as AI and other environmental factors transform the profession. The Initiative team is conducting a profession‑wide analysis, drawing on research and engagement with stakeholders across the profession — and your perspective is essential.

Attendees will hear early research findings and have the opportunity to provide direct feedback that will help bridge skills gaps, enhance workforce readiness, and strengthen the talent pipeline. Join AICPA leaders Carl Mayes, VP of CPA Candidate Quality & Competency, and Mike Decker, VP of CPA Examination & Pipeline, for this interactive lunch‑and‑learn session focused on turning member insight into meaningful change.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify early-career professionals’ technical, professional, and technological strengths and skill gaps.
• Recognize the factors impacting the need for talent transformation within the CPA profession.
• Recall the proactive steps underway to prepare early-career CPAs and aspiring CPAs for success in their roles.