African-Americans in Public Accounting(1)
While African-American CPAs have experienced some considerable progress in the U.S. Public accounting profession over the past thirty years, their level of participation in the profession remains far below their representation in the general U.S. population. The AICPA reports that less than 1% of the partners from the major firms are African-American accounting professionals. There are a disproportionately low number of African-American accountants in the management pipeline of the major firms. The road to management is a rigorous path for all professionals regardless of race. Many of the few black accountants within the major firms have become discouraged due to lack of key resources for success and search for other professional opportunities.
Recommendations for Aspiring Professionals
*Prepare to take and pass the CPA exam prior to employment.
*Actively manage your career.
*Seek out promotional opportunities both within and outside of your current employer.
*Continue to improve your technical knowledge, leadership skills, and community involvement.
*Aggressively build relationships with key individuals of all backgrounds, including your peers.
(1)Promotion and Retention of African-American Accountants in the 21st Century U.S. Public Accounting Profession: A Summary of Findings and A Call for Action--Louis J. Stewart, Jean Wells, and Frank Ross--Howard University. Click on the link below for the complete study.
Recommendations for Aspiring Professionals
*Prepare to take and pass the CPA exam prior to employment.
*Actively manage your career.
*Seek out promotional opportunities both within and outside of your current employer.
*Continue to improve your technical knowledge, leadership skills, and community involvement.
*Aggressively build relationships with key individuals of all backgrounds, including your peers.
(1)Promotion and Retention of African-American Accountants in the 21st Century U.S. Public Accounting Profession: A Summary of Findings and A Call for Action--Louis J. Stewart, Jean Wells, and Frank Ross--Howard University. Click on the link below for the complete study.
| african_american_study--ross.pdf |
| aicpa_study_on_minorities_in_the_accounting_profession.pdf |
Howard University Study on Retaining African-Americans in Accounting
| howard-u-retaining-african-americans-in-accounting-profession.pdf |