Captivating someone’s attention through careful description will determine how a story is remembered. As accountants we often shy away from telling the “real story” about our role or the truth about how accountants, for example, advocate for small businesses and guide them to become successful companies. These heroic stories are what many accountants don’t share, but when we do, we inspire others. Accounting entails much more than bookkeeping, but rather invaluable strategic guidance for making financial decisions. The younger generation understands that the accounting profession is rewarding and is searching for stability and lifelong careers. We just need to tell our stories more.

Stability & Flexibility

In the current state of the world, there are an extensive number of variables when determining how someone’s career and future will progress. An accounting degree has been proven to be one of the most stable professions offered at most public colleges and universities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting profession is outpacing the average job, at 6% year over year compared to other careers averaging at 4%. As accounting continues to adapt to an ever-changing financial climate, students are realizing that having a stable job that offers the ability to branch out into different client advisory positions is attractive.

In my journey, I chose accounting because I wanted a career where I would have a choice in what I did, and how my skills would be used. I planned on working with my father at his mechanical shop but quickly learned that I enjoyed the business, more specifically, the professional aspect of work instead of the manual labor. I decided I would study accounting because it provided a strong foundation in financial principles and analytical skills as well as allowing for greater flexibility in finance or business administration instead of trying to pivot into accounting later from a different career path. Accounting offered me flexibility while being able to build my professional and personal skills.

When I ask students at Ramapo College, my alma mater, why they chose accounting, they often express their interest in being able to pursue almost any career because of the broad opportunities offered; accountants are well-versed in finance, economics and business management. Because accounting jobs are in every industry, students are realizing that they can have a versatile and rewarding career. When starting Nike, co-founder and chairman emeritus Phil Knight hired from two kinds of professions who were proven to have "sharp minds" — accountants and lawyers. He felt these professionals “…had at least proved that they could master a difficult subject.” The ability to utilize the information given to us and help produce a product or service that has value is an accountant’s superpower.

Purpose & Ethics

Beyond stability and flexibility, Generation Z cares deeply about ethics and regulations. They are quick to identify unethical behavior and demand transparency. Similarly, ethics is an enormous part of being an accountant, especially for those interested in pursuing the CPA designation. Accountants are held to high ethical standards, integrity and honesty when providing support to the public interest. Gen Zers not only embrace these values but are also willing to continue to uphold and nurture ethical behavior as they see fit. I find that many students are eager to contribute to the profession because of the deep-rooted understanding of the need for probity; they want to provide their viewpoints on critical ethical guidelines CPAs must uphold.

Students are inspired by our stories, our accounting knowledge and our skills. Articulating our values, perceptions and strategic analysis in ways that students can understand allows them to apply their own narratives to this profession. Accounting, after all, is the core of the business world. Acquiring an accounting degree delivers on the promise of a rewarding and stable career.