Increasing Diversity in the Accounting Profession Pipeline
January 2022
In January 2022, the Center for Audit Quality commissioned Edge Research to learn more about student awareness and perceptions of accounting in an initial study. An updated version of this student was conducted in July 2023. The most recent research can be explored here.
Conducted between March 2021 through September 2021, the CAQ Student Pipeline study included both qualitative and quantitative phases, comprised of 360 degree interviews with adult influencers and recent college graduates, sixteen student focus groups, and a national survey of 3,837 high school and college (four-year and community college) students.
This research provides in-depth understanding of student perceptions of accounting and motivations and priorities for college and career decisions. The research explores three key areas:
College and Career Journey – What are students’ college and career priorities?
Openness to Accounting – What do students think about a potential career in accounting?
Key Influencers and Touchpoints – Who are students influenced by and where do they get their information?
The latest news and
resources from the CAQ.