Training 1 million accountants in the next five years

Intuit recently announced its new Career Pipeline Program, committing to upskilling 1 million students in the accounting industry over the next five years. As AI transforms the accounting industry, the program is focused on equipping students with the critical digital, data, and advisory skills they need to pursue a career in accounting.

Intuit has long believed that accountants play a critical role in helping businesses succeed. Today, Intuit powers the work of hundreds of thousands of accounting professionals, from the 13,000 tax experts employed on its platform to the more than 350,000 independent firms in the ProAdvisor Program who step in when human judgement matters most. As the industry evolves with the integration of AI and automation, human intelligence remains critical for the future. It's more important than ever to help new and early-career professionals understand how next-generation technologies, including Intuit's all-in-one business platform, enable them to work smarter, not harder.

"The accounting community is an integral part of driving business success, and at Intuit, we want to help ensure the next generation is prepared to carry that torch forward," said Simon Williams, vice president, accountant segment, Intuit. "Our commitment to upskill 1 million students is rooted in listening to our accounting partners, understanding the important role they play as advisors, and building a pipeline that helps their firms and their clients thrive."

Empowering humans in the age of AI

The accounting industry is at a crossroads, navigating a severe talent shortage, compounded by a significant perception gap, as 65% of Gen Z lack career advice about accounting, and 56% have misperceptions about what accountants do. Amidst this talent shortage, today's students are also fearful of AI disrupting entry-level careers in accounting, lowering their interest in pursuing the profession.

Intuit's Career Pipeline Program aims to address these challenges by replacing uncertainty with opportunity. By providing access to on-demand, immersive learning and skills-based training, mentorship, and industry-recognizedcertificates thats modern accounting firms actively use, future professionals build real-world confidence and readiness to excel in the first days of their career, becoming more hireable in an evolving industry.

"At Intuit, we believe fi nancial futures are strengthened when AI and human intelligence work together to expand opportunity and transform lives; that's why AI is designed to amplify the impact of accountants, not replace them," said Dave Zasada, vice president of education and corporate responsibility at Intuit. "By providing free, employer-recognized certifi cations, and access to curriculum and resources that enhance the skills of young professionals, we're building a robust CAS expert pipeline to help ensure the success of the next generation of accountants. We're not just teaching students how to use tools; we're giving them the confidence and credentials to move from the classroom to the conference room on day one."

The program focuses on shifting the narrative for students:

• Evolution, Not Replacement: Students learn that while AI handles routine tasks, they can focus on high-value advisory services and critical thinking.
• CAS Growth: The program prepares students for the Client Advisory Services (CAS) sector, which is projected to grow significantly over the next three years.
• Competitive Advantage: Early career professionals are taught that mastering AI tools will be their greatest competitive advantage in a modern firm.

Program Initiatives and Hands-on Learning

Intuit for Education utilizes immersive, real-world experiences to make accounting engaging for the next generation:

• Career Lab: A virtual event platform designed to inspire students by bringing together industry leaders to discuss shifting career landscapes and the impact of AI.
• The Food Truck Program: A partnership with school districts where students run a business end-to-end—using Mailchimp for marketing and QuickBooks for financial management.
• Simulations and Tools: Students gain access to on-demand simulations focused on AI-enabled workflows and data-driven decision-making.
• Financial Literacy Forum Tour: Events featuring speakers to get students excited about their financial journeys and modern accounting opportunities.
  

Strategic Partnerships

Intuit is actively collaborating with higher education institutions and accounting firms to build a pipeline that meets real-world needs. The program emphasizes skills-based readiness, helping students move beyond theory to practical, day-one expectations. See how Utah Valley University students are learning about client advisory services and reach out to Intuit to see how you can get involved.

Get more information on the Career Pipeline Program, listen to a recent On the Books podcast episode on the program, or find out more about Intuit for Education.