FEI is very pleased to be contributing to a larger effort to study and collect data about accountants working in corporate environments. While several data collection efforts are in place to gather information on accountants as students, in firms and companies, and in the academy – interest is growing in a collective effort to create a more comprehensive view of accounting practice.
FEI is beginning our new survey project as part of that important effort. Prompted by developing conversations in the Pathways Commission* addressing the need for more data about accountants working and leading in corporate settings, we have developed a survey of our members that we believe will make a unique contribution to this effort and to understanding of critical issues for the future. The AICPA has long been collecting useful data and reporting on supply and demand of CPAs, and the American Accounting Association will continue collecting information about accounting faculty, programs and students. FEI looks forward to becoming part of expanding this existing data.
While the Pathways Commission continues its work, with plans to make recommendations in the spring of 2012, FEI hopes to have preliminary data to contribute to conversations about next steps in efforts to develop a more comprehensive, and regular, process for gathering and considering data about accounting practice. The 20-question survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and participants will remain anonymous.
*Background on the Pathways Commission:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Advisory Committee on the Auditing Profession (ACAP) identified in its October 2008 report many contemporary forces affecting human capital requirements for the broader accounting profession. Among its findings, ACAP made several recommendations including the importance for the AAA and the AICPA to form a Commission to study the future structure and content of accounting education. The Pathways Commission’s purpose is to fulfill the goals of that recommendation and to consider the other ACAP human capital recommendations. The Commission will identify, explore and establish a national higher education strategy for the accounting profession broadly defined. The Commission’s activities also will be guided by the social purpose of accounting to consider the information right of capital providers, particularly individuals who are the core source of property at risk in the marketplace, as well the economic purpose of accounting, to provide timely information to those who are the decision makers employing and directing the use of such resources.
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