Why Diversity Matters | Top
The VSCPA understands that committing to diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a profitable business strategy. A diverse and inclusive workforce facilitates community, but also drives innovation and creativity. A recent study found that 85 percent of those surveyed reported that diversity is a key component to fostering innovation.
The business case for advancing diversity and inclusion is also clear for the accounting profession. Data from the AICPA shows that minorities represent only one in six professionals at accounting firms nationwide, yet by 2044, minorities will become the majority of the U.S. population. By increasing the CPA profession’s diversity, employers will be poised for the future by capturing the best talent to ensure organizational growth and success.
Professional Resources | Top
Featured Learning
- VSCPA Diversity Seminars (from CPE catalog search)
- VSCPA Unconscious Bias Members-Only Webinar recording
- VSCPA Virtual Interchange: Overview of AICPA Trends Report recording
- AICPA Diversity and Inclusion Webcasts
Toolkits & Assessments
- CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion
- AICPA PCPS Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit
- AICPA Inclusion Maturity Model
- AICPA Recruitment and Retention Toolkit
- Harvard Implicit Bias Test
Other Resources
- Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities — nonprofit with consulting services, keynote speakers, organizational assessments and training resources
- AICPA Trends Report — trends in the supply of accounting graduates and demand for public accounting recruits
- AICPA Inclusion Solutions — free monthly e-newsletter of diversity and inclusion news from Wall Street Journal, Diversity Inc, Diversity Executive and other leading sources
- CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion — directory of programs and actions by employers worldwide
- Catalyst — resources on gender equality
- Include — sample diversity and inclusion policies, research based
- Google Re:Work — unconscious bias guides, resources and training
Articles & Podcasts
- D&I Initiatives: A Strategic Imperative — By Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, AICPA president and CEO
- Honoring a CPA Pioneer: Dr. Ruth Coles Harris, CPA — feature from 2019 July/August VSCPA Disclosures magazine
- Steps toward closing the gender pay gap for female accountants
- What leaders can do to foster a sense of belonging
- Sponsorship is a key part of the advancement process
- Technology increasingly supports diversity, inclusion
- 15 ways to turn diversity goals into reality
- VSCPA Leading Forward Podcast
- HBR Women at Work Podcast
- Tech Inclusion Podcast
- The Will to Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity and Inclusion
Awards & Scholarships
- VSCPA Ruth Coles Harris Advancing Diversity & Inclusion Award — awarded annually
- AICPA PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship & Internship — deadline is November 1; select 5 firms and 5 students selected for up to $100,000 in scholarships
Pipeline Resources | Top
Scholarships
- VSCPA Educational Foundation Minority Undergraduate Scholarship
- AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
- AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students
- National Association of Black Accountants Scholarship Program
- Association of Latino Professionals in Finance & Accounting Scholarship Program
Programs
- Volunteer for the VSCPA's student programs aimed at increasing diversity in the CPA pipeline:
Resources
- VSCPA student resources
- VSCPA educator resources
- VSCPA My Path to CPA videos
- ThisWaytoCPA.com — for college students, recent graduates and CPA candidates
- StartHereGoPlaces.com — for high school students interesting in accounting careers
- AICPA Accounting Education Pipeline Resource Guide
- AICPA Student Engagement Toolkit
- AICPA Materials for Accounting Educators
- AICPA Trends Report — trends in the supply of accounting graduates and demand for public accounting recruits
- List of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic Serving Institutions that are AACSB and ACBSP accredited for accounting
These initiatives and resources are just the beginning of the VSCPA's diversity and inclusion efforts through our Center for Innovation. If you are interested in getting involved with VSCPA programs or have resources to add to this page, please contact VSCPA Innovation & Leadership Director Laura Cobb.