Legislation to boost tax education and diversify the profession |
Legislation that would allow K-12 educators to use federal grants for accounting education is being endorsed by the AICPA. Jan Taylor, senior director and academic in residence for AICPA's academic and student engagement, believes this legislation would not only create highly skilled tax practitioners but also diversify the profession. The perception of accounting as a profession needs to change, as technology has transformed the role of accountants, automating many tasks and opening up avenues for more creative work. The bills, H.R. 3541 and S. 1705, would establish accounting as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) career pathway and improve access for underrepresented students. By recognizing accounting as a STEM field, more students will be exposed to the profession and have greater opportunities for success. The legislation aims to strengthen the accounting pipeline, drive economic opportunity, and ensure future leaders are prepared to meet evolving needs.