Inspiring the Next Generation of Accountants

Contrary to popular belief, accountants do far more than crunch numbers - they transform financial data into strategic insights that drive businesses and clients toward success.

Despite offering rewarding work and competitive compensation, the profession is facing a looming crisis: 75% of certified public accountants are nearing retirement. As retirements accelerate and demand for accounting services rises, attracting talented students to the field has become increasingly urgent.

For the past two years, the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics has been addressing this issue locally through a partnership with the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants (NHSCPA). The two groups and a dedicated group of alumni host the "Is Accounting Right for Me?" event at Paul College. The event draws over 200 high school students from across New Hampshire - and even a few from Massachusetts - to Paul College for a day filled with networking, hands-on activities and insights into accounting career paths.

Organizers believe that by offering students the opportunity to interact with professionals in an engaging manner, events like this both help students make more informed career choices and contribute to a stronger regional workforce pipeline.

"The goal isn't to make everyone an accountant; we're just trying to provide accurate information so that students have an understanding of the interesting problems they would be solving if they joined the profession," says Jon Nash,an associate professor of accounting at UNH and lead organizer for the event.

UNH Alums Step Up

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 130,800 accounting openings annually over the next decade, and failing to meet this demand will significantly impact both businesses and the public.

Recognizing the importance of attracting new talent to the field, UNH graduates in the profession are stepping up to support initiatives like the high school event at Paul College. For example, Nick Venezia '08, '09G, an assurance partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the event because he believes in the importance of engaging with high school students.

"Frankly, it's something we're always thinking about at my firm and across the industry - how do we excite the next generation of potential accountants? We hope we will make a difference in the long run by engaging high school students early," Venezia says. "I think if we continue doing this, we're going to excite students as they enter college and possibly convert some who weren't initially considering accounting to at least give it a thought."

Robin Houston '94, CEO of the NHSCPA, agrees. Members of the NHSCPA's young professionals committee, which includes many UNH alums, have been visiting high schools across the state. These accountants donate their time to share insights into the transition from high school student to accounting professional and provide perspective related to the challenges that students are likely to face.

"Having young professionals lead these presentations is key - they're relatable in a way that retired executives or people their parents' age might not be," Houston says. "It's powerful for students to hear from someone who lives and works in their state, often in the same area or high school they attend. They can see, 'Hey, that person went to my school and is now building a successful career - I could do that too.'"

Changing Perceptions and Planting Seeds

In addition to organizing the high school event, Nash has spent time visiting high school classrooms to discuss the accounting profession. He views it as an opportunity to connect with students and dispel misconceptions about the field.

"Accounting has a perception problem, because if you ask people to describe an accountant, the most common words are precise, mechanical and boring," Nash says. "People think we add numbers all day, but the job requires collaboration, critical thinking and the ability to make complex decisions."

Houston says the classroom visits and the event at UNH are meant to provide distinct platforms for showcasing the profession and the diverse career opportunities available to accounting students. For example, UNH graduates and NHSCPA professionals are financial planners, auditors, FBI agents, tax attorneys, CEOs, CFOs and analysts.

"With an accounting degree, you work in different roles, but with other business degrees, it's not always as easy to transition," Houston says. "I know business owners who have an accounting degree and CPA license, and it's invaluable for them. They can run their business better because they have a better understanding of their operations. Becoming a CPA opens doors within the accounting profession and provides a solid foundation for working in other roles."

Joseph Lemay '13, '14G, a business and accounting instructor at Pinkerton Academy and former financial accountant, says the UNH event is an opportunity for students to get out of the classroom and engage with working professionals.

"Even if they're not interested in accounting, opportunities like these can spark a broader interest in business or leave students open to taking a few accounting courses in college," Lemay says. "It's about planting seeds - helping students think about their futures, whether that means pursuing a degree, exploring internships or even considering alternative pathways like apprenticeships."

Building Momentum

The feedback from the event's first two years has been overwhelmingly positive, and all parties anticipate that it will continue to grow. Nash says he is particularly grateful for the strong alumni network that has helped make the event a success. UNH alums from Baker, Newman, Noyes; Ernst and Young; and other firms both large and small have provided time, expertise and funding.

"The collaboration is amazing; a lot of people are working together because they're invested in the accounting program at UNH and the future of the profession," Nash states.

Venezia, who serves on the advisory board for the UNH master's in accounting program, says he actively recruits new accountants from UNH because of its students. He believes the quality of the program's graduates is one reason alums remain so invested in the school.

"The accounting industry requires professionals to both mentor and learn from others," Venezia says. "I think the culture of the UNH accounting program and the fact that it prepared us so well make alumni want to come back and give back to the program and the professors who put us in a position to succeed."

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