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Navigating the CPA Exam: An Unconventional Guide to Endurance, Dedication and Success

May 02, 2026

The CPA Exam isn’t just a test of book smarts -- it's also a test of grit. It’s about how you manage yourself through the hard times, and there will be hard times. You must ask yourself how willing are you to persist when you’re tired, burnt out, or unsure of success.

  • cpa exam
  • students

Oh, the Places You Can Go (CPA Edition)

April 21, 2026

Earning a CPA license carries significant weight in the accounting field. Beyond signaling expertise and credibility, it distinguishes you from your peers and opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities across public accounting, corporate finance, government and beyond.

  • cpa exam
  • students
  • career

Mentions of AI Skills in Accountant Job Postings Rise 67%

April 09, 2026

The largest year-over-year rise in job mentions that require artificial intelligence or machine learning capabilities is the role of accountant, according to a new report.

  • ai
  • educator
  • students
  • talent
  • technology

Gov. Spanberger Signs Legislation on CPA License Statuses

April 06, 2026

On April 6, 2026, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation into law to establish Inactive and Emeritus CPA license statuses.

  • educator
  • students
  • virginia
  • advocacy
  • vscpa
  • pipeline

6 CPA Exam Study Tips

April 01, 2026

Much of the route to successfully passing the CPA Exam is a mental game. How will you stay on track and stay motivated? Here are some ideas.

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  • students

5 Best Practices for Becoming a CPA

March 12, 2026

The CPA Exam is a test of grit. If you want the rewards, take control. Be politely aggressive. The opportunities are there you -- just have to go get them.

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  • students

Top 6 Reasons to Major in Accounting

March 02, 2026

Despite an evolving business landscape and the rapid rise of automation and analytics, the core reasons for choosing accounting remain stronger than ever — and in many ways, more compelling.

  • educator
  • students

The Mindset That Will Carry You Through the CPA Exam

February 16, 2026

Passing the CPA exam takes more than study hours. It takes a mindset, a way of showing up for yourself when you’d rather quit, when you’re tired, and when no one else understands why you care this much.

  • students

Give Back to Grow Forward: Board Service 101

February 02, 2026

One of the biggest career accelerators for CPAs may be beyond the office. Serving in a volunteer position on a board, whether for a local nonprofit, professional group or other organization, can help you expand your leadership skills, make connections and serve the greater good.

  • leadership
  • students
  • young pros
  • disclosures

Meet VSCPA Scholar Marisa Cooke

February 02, 2026

Every VSCPA scholar carries with them a story of ambition, discovery and the drive to succeed. Meet Marisa Cooke, an undergraduate senior at Virginia Tech and proud VSCPA Foundation scholarship recipient. Her journey into accounting is one of unexpected inspiration, bold decisions, and a growing passion for making a difference through the profession.

  • educator
  • students
  • vscpa
  • pipeline

5 Essential Skills for Aspiring Leaders

December 16, 2025

Inspiration. Integrity. Self-awareness. Respect. Compassion. Resilience. These are all common qualities we think of when determining what a successful leader looks like in our current professional environment. For aspiring leaders within the accounting industry, the logical next question is: How does that translate into skills I need to become a successful leader in my company?

  • leadership
  • students
  • young pros

4 Reasons Why CAS Offers a Compelling Career Path

December 11, 2025

The CPA profession now offers dynamic, technology-driven career paths that extend far beyond traditional tax and audit work. One of the most promising paths is client advisory services (CAS), a rapidly growing niche in which accountants combine financial expertise, technology, and business insight to help organizations grow.

  • educator
  • students
  • young pros
  • career
  • career change

Personal Branding and Networking Strategies for Today’s CPA

December 08, 2025

You need more than a good reputation and proficient performance to differentiate yourself and your brand in accounting organizations where many team members demonstrate exceptional abilities. Establishing a unique personal professional brand (personal brand for short) will enhance your visibility

  • leadership
  • students
  • young pros

Department of Education Should Recognize Accounting as a Professional Degree Program

November 24, 2025

The VSCPA, along with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and other state CPA societies, strongly opposes any proposal that fails to recognize accounting as a professional degree program.

  • educator
  • students
  • advocacy
  • vscpa

A New Era of CPA Licenses: Alternative Pathway and CPA Evolution

November 01, 2025

This article outlines the structure of the alternative pathway and discusses its advantages and challenges, drawing insights from industry professionals and academic experts. It also provides an overview of ongoing alternative pathway adoption efforts across the United States. Finally, it examines the impact of CPA Evolution on CPA Exam pass rates over the past year.

  • cpa exam
  • educator
  • students
  • disclosures
  • pipeline

Meet VSCPA Scholar Juan Chan

November 01, 2025

Every VSCPA scholar carries with them a story of ambition, discovery and the drive to succeed. Meet Juan Chan, an undergraduate senior at George Mason University and 2025 VSCPA Foundation scholarship recipient.

  • educator
  • students
  • vscpa
  • pipeline

Accounting Grad Supply and Demand Are Steady, Report Finds

October 27, 2025

The desire to hire new accounting graduates remains strong among public accounting firms, and signs point to a possible turning of the tide when it comes to supply meeting demand, according to data from the AICPA’s biennial Trends report.

  • educator
  • students
  • map
  • pipeline

STEM Designation for Accounting has Strong Support

October 20, 2025

The AICPA and state societies, including the VSCPA, have pledged strong support for accounting education programs to gain STEM status, and the idea also has backing from the majority of respondents in a new survey.

  • educator
  • students
  • vscpa
  • pipeline

MAP Survey Finds CPA Firm Starting Pay Is Rising

September 10, 2025

Lower starting salaries compared to those in other professions have long been seen as a challenge in recruiting students into the accounting talent pipeline. 2025 MAP Survey results released Wednesday show CPA firms are boosting compensation for new graduates.

  • educator
  • students
  • talent
  • map

CPA Licensing Changes Will Hit Half of All States by Year-End

August 28, 2025

While a growing band of states have passed new CPA licensure laws, employers, universities, students and regulators are just beginning to grapple with how the new rules will work.

  • students
  • talent
  • virginia
  • advocacy
  • pipeline