The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) and the FICPA Scholarship Foundation are dedicated to promoting the profession and strengthening the talent pipeline. Of course, our efforts are only possible thanks to the continued support of our members and donors.
Together, we can close the talent gap and open the door to accounting. This is our 5-Point Pipeline Promise.
Reaching K-12 Students
Providing Scholarships and Support
Pairing Employers with Talent
Expanding Access to Licensure
Cultivating Future Leaders
Reaching K-12 Students
The FICPA supports national programs that increase awareness of the endless possibilities a career in accounting can provide.
Accounting Opportunities Week
As a national collaboration between state CPA societies and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Accounting Opportunities Week grants thousands of students across the country the chance to ask CPAs what a future career in accounting and finance looks like. Each year, FICPA members visit schools across the state, spreading awareness of the CPA profession and informing students of the limitless potential of the CPA license. Read more.
Accounting+
The FICPA is proud to financially support the Center for Audit Quality's Accounting+ initiative. The program has already generated more than one billion digital impressions in its campaign to reach a diverse, young audience and attract students to accounting. Learn more.
Providing Scholarships and Support
Getting students excited about a career in accounting or finance is not the only hurdle we face when building the talent pipeline.
Many students lack the financial and instructive support they need to meet educational requirements successfully.
The FICPA Scholarship Foundation develops strong relationships with educators across the state and provides financial support to fourth-year, fifth-year and graduate-level students.
The FICPA Scholarship Foundation’s mission and vision to provide support, foster success and attract and cultivate talent for the accounting profession in Florida is integral to growing awareness of the profession and assisting future CPAs to attain their career dreams.
In 2023, the FICPA Scholarship Foundation awarded more than $185,000 in funds to 67 scholars at 26 Florida colleges and universities.
Included in the Class of 2023 were 27 first-generation students.
Exam Prep Scholarship
In addition to our activities described above, the FICPA Scholarship Foundation also partners with leading CPA Exam prep providers to award free four-part, full-course study materials to eligible applicants each year.
Pairing Employers With New Talent
To match firms with some of the most promising prospects in our state, the FICPA hosts annual events that give employers the chance to recruit future accounting professionals before they graduate.
Student Field Day is a unique opportunity for students to begin their professional journey and network with accounting firms. The program allows students to visit local offices and experience all an accounting career has to offer.
Topgolf Networking and Recruiting events take place around the state and match firms with local accounting students. This is a casual introduction that can lead to successful matches for both students and firms.
The Accounting Scholars Leadership Symposium offers firms an opportunity to showcase themselves to students who are eager to fine tune their professional skills and explore the benefits of licensure.
Scholarship Nights provide firms with first-hand access to the top prospects in our state. We get to honor our scholarship recipients, and you get to enjoy face time with your next five-star recruit.
Expanding Access to Licensure
The FICPA is working to craft solutions that both strengthen the pipeline and protect the integrity of licensure.
Bridge to CPA: 30 Hours. Zero Cost.
The FICPA, Nova Southeastern University, and three South Florida accounting firms – Berkowitz Pollack Brant, Kaufman Rossin and PAAST – have unveiled a pilot program, Bridge to CPA, that will give eligible candidates the opportunity to fulfill their fifth-year requirements without having to navigate the cost and access barriers that can dissuade potential CPAs from obtaining their license. Learn more.
Florida Leading the National Conversation
FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir is a member of the AICPA's National Pipeline Advisory Group and its Experience, Learn and Earn (ELE) task force, ensuring the FICPA plays a leading role in shaping the future of the profession. The National Pipeline Advisory Group’s work is part of a multi-pronged approach aimed at combating the CPA profession’s ongoing talent shortage. The ELE task force seeks to create a bridge between accounting students and accounting firms on the path to licensure.
Working With Our State Partners
In September, the Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA) approved extending the validity of CPA exam scores from 18 months to 30 months. The FICPA is values our strong partnership with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and was proud to advocate on a behalf of this change that will benefit CPA candidates.
Cultivating Future Leaders
Of course, talent discussions aren't only about recruitment. We are likewise committed developing Young CPAs and assisting firms with retention.
Leadership Academy
The FICPA Leadership Academy is a selective, high-impact program for CPAs age 35 and under who are looking to grow as leaders. Candidates who are nominated by their employers are chosen to attend sessions, where they learn valuable leadership skills to bring back and implement in the office. Learn more.
Talent Accelerator
We've partnered with Jeremy Wortman, Ph.D., and HRD Initiatives to present the FICPA Talent Accelerator: our official culture-enhancement program. As one of the nation’s leading talent management consultants for the accounting profession, Jeremy works with firms of all sizes to explore management strategies, build talent, implement solutions and coach individual leaders. Learn more.
Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners
The FICPA is pleased to partner with the AICPA on an apprenticeship program benefitting our colleagues in corporate finance. This program will enhance the Florida talent pipeline through instruction leading to a profession-recognized credential, on the job training and mentorship. Learn more.
You Can Help Ensure the Future of the Profession
There are many ways you can get involved and have a hand in keeping the accounting profession vibrant in the state of Florida.
- Join our Pipeline Working Group by emailing FICPA Administrative Coordinator MacKenzie Millet at emergpro@ficpa.org.
- Donate to the FICPA Scholarship Foundation.
- Sponsor an upcoming Fundraising or Recruitment event.
- Volunteer to visit a high school as part of Accounting Opportunities Week or host a group of potential recruits during Student Field Day. Contact emergpro@ficpa.org. to get involved.
Additional Resources
Taxfyle is a real-time tax filing app that seamlessly matches taxpayers with more than 7,200 CPAs and enrolled agents. With freedom and flexibility, this is freelance work for CPAs!
Miles Talent Hub is dedicated to transforming the accounting industry and addressing the global shortage of skilled professionals, pioneering pathways for Indian accountants in the United States.