The Howard University School of Business’s Center for Accounting Education recently held a weeklong program to improve the retention and advancement of young African American accountants and increase the numbers passing the CPA Exam early in their career.
Major accounting firms including the Big Four and leading minority firms sent more than 120 of their promising young African American associates to the special program, known as “We’re About Success!”
In the five-day intensive program, held near Washington, D.C., the young accountants attended sessions led by senior partners at major firms, along with other industry leaders, including educators. The sessions focused on topics such as skills and tips for career advancement, and advice on developing a personal strategy to take and pass the CPA exam.
“Accounting firms across the nation, eager to diversify their ranks, know they must make every effort to ensure that the talented minorities they hire will remain committed to the profession and passing the CPA Exam,” said CAE director Frank Ross (pictured) in a statement. “Minorities have traditionally had a low rate of passing the exam and moving up the ladder to senior positions in accounting firms. The ‘We’re About Success!’ program is designed to increase the return on investment for accounting firms that have hired African-American associates and want to help them succeed.”
