AICPA Supports Bipartisan Accounting STEM Pursuit Act

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) says it strongly supports the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021 because it establishes the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway and supports long-standing efforts to create more diversity in the future accounting workforce. The legislation is an important step in recognizing the clear and logical connection between accounting and technology.

The bipartisan Accounting STEM Pursuit Act was introduced earlier today by Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN). In a letter of support (attached) to Representatives Stevens and Spartz, the AICPA, Center for Audit Quality, Diverse Organization of Firms, National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. and NAF said, “As the profession continues to evolve to serve in the public interest, the overlap with technology has become more and more prevalent…Our organizations believe that STEM recognition for accounting, coupled with the potential for such educational funding, will help to diversify and build a highly skilled and qualified pipeline of professional accountants in the United States.” 

“The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act signals the importance of expanding the pipeline of a diverse accounting profession that supports industries across the United States. It also reinforces our digital-first efforts to educate, upskill and reskill the profession so the public’s, clients’ and employer’s needs are met,” said Susan Coffey, CPA, CGMA, CEO of Public Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. “The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act will promote more diversity, equity and inclusion in the profession, a goal that we strongly support and that is needed as the profession continues to assist our country’s economic growth and protect its interests.”