As an accounting educator, my core mission has always been to prepare accounting students for the evolving demands of the profession. Reflecting on my own experience graduating with an accounting degree in 1985, I recall that personal computers and spreadsheet software were missing from the classroom. We learned traditional accounting methods but had little exposure to the tools that would soon transform the profession.

Fast forward to today, Nicholas, my co-author, agrees that the landscape of accounting education has changed dramatically. Technology, particularly cloud-based platforms and the internet, has revolutionized the way we teach and how students learn. Microsoft Office tools, like Excel and Word, are now essential components of the curriculum. Data analytics, artificial intelligence and specialized platforms, like Power BI and Tableau, have become powerful additions to our teaching arsenal. Textbook publishers have enhanced learning with interactive tools and assignments, and major software companies, such as SAP and CaseWare, have developed academic partnerships that give students hands-on experience with industry-standard tools.

Despite these advancements, there is a growing expectation for students to enter the workforce with a strong command of tools like QuickBooks, Excel and Google Workspace. These are no longer optional skills; they are essential for day-one readiness.

A recent article by CPA Credits outlined the top 10 skills aspiring CPAs need:

1. Analytical skills
2. Attention to detail
3. Communication skills
4. Ethical judgment and integrity
5. Organizational skills
6. Technology proficiency
7. Problem-solving skills
8. Interpersonal skills
9. Project management
10. Knowledge of accounting standards and regulations

These skills align closely with both academic programs and employer expectations. Jake Galan, CPA, senior manager at CBIZ (and a Stockton University alumnus), notes that the qualities he values most in new CPAs are attention to detail, ethics and integrity, communication skills and time management. He emphasizes that these must be cultivated during college and refined through internships. Today’s CPAs are no longer just providers of financial data; they must analyze and interpret the numbers and communicate their insights clearly and persuasively.

This shift is echoed by staffing firm Robert Half in a 2023 article, which states that “CPAs must know how to present information in a clear, concise and compelling manner — especially to nontechnical audiences.”

Edward G. O’Connell, CPA, CGMA, CFF, CFE, partner at Withum, offers another critical perspective: CPAs operate in a world of constant learning. One recent example, he says, is the need to understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in real-world scenarios. His message underscores the importance of technology agility — the ability to adapt quickly to new tools and innovations without fear.

Jeffrey A. Wilson, CPA, managing director at Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi, emphasizes the value of a strong foundation in traditional accounting practices, while also keeping up with emerging standards, client expectations and technologies. He maintains it is no longer enough just to be technically skilled; students must also be flexible and forward-thinking.

Yet, alongside these technical expectations, one area remains a challenge: communication and people skills. Research by Edeigba (2022) highlights how many students, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, have struggled with soft skills due to reduced classroom interaction. With online and hybrid learning here to stay, educators must find new ways to help students engage, collaborate and grow socially and professionally.

Promoting group projects, leadership opportunities and student organization involvement can help fill this gap. These activities teach collaboration, leadership and real-world communication — skills that are just as vital as any technical tool. At Stockton University, for example, our active Accounting and Finance Society offers students leadership roles and hosts events that prepare them for the profession, including sessions with practicing CPAs on topics like interview etiquette and workplace expectations.

While universities may not always have the resources to keep up with the fast pace of industry innovation, we can and must focus on teaching students how to manage change. By fostering technological agility, we help students develop the confidence to embrace recent technologies, not shy away from them.

Accounting education must continue to evolve. It is no longer just about recording transactions; it’s about developing a balanced set of technical and interpersonal skills and the flexibility to thrive in an ever-changing profession. Educators and practicing CPAs have the opportunity and responsibility to guide students on that journey.