Accounting Industry Decline: Analyzing Enrollment and Retention Challenges

Within the accounting industry, there have been rising concerns about the decline in student enrollment along with accountants leaving the profession. Employee turnover is one of the most heavily studied and discussed topics in accounting. Additionally, the profession does not obtain the highly respected reputation that it once did, and university accounting programs are one place where this issue is clearly seen. This study uses enrollment data to establish this decrease across universities as well as retention data across CPA firms. A survey is administered to students, faculty and staff throughout several universities. Industry professionals are interviewed to gain perspective within the profession. The data analysis revealed that the CPA Licensure is one of the most significant factors contributing to the decline. These findings are a great resource to provide recommendations to administrators and the AICPA.