Who We Are
“Fostering an inclusive culture in the accounting profession where everyone can thrive.”
The Center for Accounting Education (CAE) is a think tank committed to the development of an inclusive culture in the accounting profession. We are advocates for diversity, researchers of inclusion, and champions of equity for Black students and professionals. CAE provides innovative initiatives that address recruitment, retention and advancement. Through this objective we support the students and faculty of Howard University and serve as a model for other institutions.
Join the AUD Cohort!
NABA Link
2024 Regional Conference Washington, D.C.
We are thrilled to welcome NABA Link to Howard University’s main campus! No matter who you are or where you are in your career, you can rest assured that the planning committee has gone to great lengths to plan a full day of events that cover a broad spectrum:
Full-Day Business Expo: Connect with companies offering internships, full-time positions, and more opportunities.
Government Contracting Career Spotlight: Gain insights from Black-owned government contractors on how to excel in this field.
Fireside Chats with Industry Leaders: Prepare to be deeply inspired by the personal and professional journeys of successful Black business leaders, igniting your own potential for growth.
Career-Building Student Sessions: Unlock future opportunities with exclusive sessions led by PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte.
Earn CPE Credits: Get credits in areas such as accounting, auditing, finance, IT, and beyond.
CAE wishes you an enjoyable, memorable, and productive time here in Washington, DC, and eagerly anticipates the valuable partnerships that will result from your networking and discussions.
2024 Accounting Scholars Development Program
Community college students spent one-week of the summer exploring Howard University and the Accounting Profession.
CAE welcomed a vibrant, diverse cohort of motivated students to satisfy their curiosity about the profession by engaging with practitioners from the top 10 CPA firms! Students participated in panel discussions, case studies, and group activities. ASDP closes the awareness gap by having community college students address the most pressing questions about the future of accounting.
"Before this program, I was planning to transfer to a 4-year school but wasn't sure if I would major in accounting or another field. Now, I am certain that accounting is the right major for me. Thanks to this program, I learned many things that we can't learn in class and gained hands-on skills through the case study. I used to think tax was hard, but now I am fully confident that I want to be a tax accountant. This program has had a huge impact on my life and career goals. It provided me with practical experience (case study) and allowed me to meet professionals in the field, which was incredibly inspiring. I am grateful for the opportunity and feel more prepared for my future career. Thank you for this amazing experience and for helping me solidify my decision to pursue accounting." - 2024 Accounting Scholar
19th Annual Leadership Skills Development Program | We’re About Success!
Equipping Black accounting professionals to lead change.
The goal of We're About Success! is to expand the leadership capacity of Black professionals in their early career years. The journey to management is challenging without understanding your personal brand, the role of mentors and sponsors, managing up, your bias blind spots, self-awareness, and staying abreast of your emotional well-being. Emerging leaders shared critical takeaways were:
"Reflecting on the program, I've come to understand that the most pivotal conversations often occur in our absence. This realization has been enlightening, emphasizing the power we hold in influencing how we are perceived by others. It serves as a constant reminder to actively shape the narrative of our professional identity. To be known for the qualities we value, we must be intentional, strategic, and authentic in our actions and interactions."
"This was one of the best programs (if not the best) I have attended. I have learned so many skills that I can take back with me. I thank you for allowing me to attend such a prestigious and beneficial program."
"Some key takeaways for me were how important my board of directors are, and how important it is to just stick with profession at least until I reach management level. Also, to get my CPA ASAP!! Lastly, I'd just like to thank Howard University's CAE for putting together such an amazing event that I'll truly never forget. I think this conference was very transformative for me and my career. It was very inspiring to listen to each of the keynote speakers because it let me know that there are no limits to how far I can go in this field."
Featured Program
Leadership Skills Development Program for College Students
We’re About Success! is CAE’s mantra! Our one-day College Program works to bridge the culture and skill gaps between university and the workforce. In partnership with stakeholder and sponsor firms, CAE designs a curriculum that promotes leadership development through essential skills and competencies that are required not only for a successful transition, but a rewarding long-term career. Sessions include:
- Organizational culture – How do you align?
- Building Resilience Along the Way to Becoming a Professional
- Envisioning a You-nique You!
- Establishing Influence in Professional Networks
Email caehusb@howard.edu to learn more.
Publications
Skills Required to Succeed in Public Accounting: Perceptions of Black and White Accountants
We explore an understudied impact of race in public accounting careers: differences in perceptions of the skills necessary to succeed. Based on data collected from surveys of approximately 1,400 public accountants, we find that although the skills perceived as necessary to succeed are the same for all accountants (ie, technical and interpersonal, practice development, social interactions, and academic achievement), practice development and social interactions are perceived as significantly more important to Black accountants.
Do social networks improve the chance of obtaining challenging assignments?
We examine how social networks may influence the likelihood of Black professionals being placed on challenging assignments, which contributes to career advancement. Using a survey of 381 Black accounting professionals, we find that the key factors to obtaining challenging assignments include having access to social networks, the ability to establish social networks, and having a mentor who opens the door to challenging assignments.
Mark Your Calendar
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Presentations
Empowering HBCU Faculty for the Future of Accounting Education
CAE and PwC Join Forces in Atlanta Training Session to Upskill Faculty
The HBCU Faculty Forum engaged accounting professors in hands-on, interactive session that demonstrated the real-world application of AI in classroom settings. The training highlighted practical strategies for incorporating AI tools into course content, empowering professors to begin integrating these technologies immediately to better prepare their students for the digital future of the accounting profession.
2024 American Education Research Association Annual Meeting
Paper Presentation: How Community Colleges Serve as Incubators for the Next Generation of Accountants
The decline in accounting graduates and the increase in accountant retirements are material weaknesses that threaten the economic competitiveness of the U.S. This paper presents a meaningful and effective program that has demonstrated an increased interest in the accounting profession among community college students, which motivated them to transfer to a bachelor’s program. The Accounting Scholars Development Program establishes a partnership between community college students and accounting professionals to provide an immersive learning experience. Outcomes show that participants have a transfer rate of 75 percent, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Programs
High School
CAE hosts the week-long summer residency Accelerated Career Awareness Program (ACAP) for high school students interested in a career in business. Students learn about the expectations of college life and are exposed to various programs of study, including:
- Introduction to basic accounting skills
- Accounting and finance technical sessions
- Develop personal skills in a college
Community College
The Accounting Scholars Development Program (ASDP) aims to increase the awareness of careers in accounting and advance transfer pathways to four-year institutions for community college students.
- Faculty presentations, case studies, and cohort-based learning
- Corporate site visits to understand working environments and establish professional networks
- Transfer coaching
College
College students participate in the We’re About Success! College Programs and the Houston We’re About Success College Program to learn how to succeed and explore who they are in corporate America by enhancing their leadership skills.
These programs identify aspects of organizational culture, mentorship, and networking that could potentially be different from their own, and offer strategies for overcoming those differences.
Professionals
Because of the unique challenges African Americans face when entering the accounting profession, CAE developed the We’re About Success! Program for professionals in their early career years. Further, CAE assists in coordinating and facilitating the Leadership Development Institute for NABA Inc.
The goal of these programs is to increase the confidence of young accountants and help develop the groundwork they need to advance within their firms.
Community Outreach
CAE operates the Howard University Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA offers free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
CAE also offers financial literacy and education programming for residents in DC, MD, and VA. As part of this program, we work with residents to guide them through important things to consider when they receive their tax refunds to help them make the most of the money they expect to receive.
In the News
New CPA Paths Emerge as States Try to Stem Accountant Shortage
National accounting groups unveil alternative to controversial 150-hour requirement for state licenses, but their proposal is raising fresh concerns.
Mentoring and Preparing Students and Young Professionals for the CPA Evolution
Changes to the format of the CPA exam have been part of the AICPA and NASBA initiative to re-develop the CPA exam to meet the demands of the ever-changing accounting profession.
Stakeholders
Partners
