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. 

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.

Community Outreach

VITA Program Connects Campus to the Community

Trained Volunteer Tax Preparers are standing by to prepare basic tax returns for Washington, DC area residents. Particularly for those living on low to moderate income or on a fixed income of $64,000 or below.

When: By appointment only on Tuesdays 5pm-8pm, Thursdays 5pm-8pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm

Where: Howard University School of Business – 2600 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059 (Corner of Georgia Ave NW and Fairmont St NW)

What to Bring (Required):

• Unexpired Photo ID for you (and your spouse if filing jointly)
• Social Security Cards, Social Security Statement, or ITIN letter for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents
• Important letters from the IRS or healthcare marketplace (Form 1095-A, IP Pin letter if the IRS issues you an Identity Protection Pin, or any letters from the IRS or state tax agency)
• W-2, 1099-G, 1099-NEC, 1099-R, 1099-SSA and all other tax forms for all income received (If you do not receive a document by the end of January, please contact your employer/payer)
• If you paid for child care expenses that were not reimbursed, bring the tax ID, name, address and phone number of the provider(s) and the total expenses paid
• Copy of last year’s tax return if you have it

To schedule an appointment or for questions: Call 202-838-7798 or email HowardUniversityVITA@gmail.com

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.

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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.

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