CPA Practice Advisor - 23

AICPA NEWS

Helping CPAs
Earn PhDs

AICPA ENGAGE CONFERENCE
TO BE ALL-DIGITAL THIS YEAR

ENGAGE 2020 will be an all-digital event with the core conference taking
The AICPA is seeking applicants for its expanded Accounting Doctoral
place online from July 20-24. The event, designed for accounting and finance
Scholars program, which identifies currently practicing CPAs interested in
professionals, is sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and
becoming accounting professors. Applications are being accepted through
the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
September 11, 2020. An online application is at www.adsphd.
The AICPA and CIMA decided to forego an onsite version
AICPA News is a roundup of ENGAGE 2020 this year to ensure the safety of attendees,
org/apply.
The program, first launched in 2009, will recruit up to
speakers, and staff in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
40 practicing CPAs who have shown interest and potential of recent announcements agenda has been updated to cover the latest issues impacting
CPAs, clients, management accountants and other finance
in being college professors to attend an all-expenses-paid
and activities by the
conference to learn what it takes to earn a PhD in accounting
professionals during the current crisis.
and to teach and research at a university. Of those, up to 20
"Our team has delivered interactive, high-quality online
American Institute
individuals will be selected to receive a $5,000 stipend to
learning programs for a decade now and we have deep
of Certified Public
support their education, should they ultimately be accepted
expertise in running these events," said Clar Rosso, executive
into one of more than 40 affiliated PhD programs.
vice president of engagement and learning innovation for the
Accountants.
Previously, the Accounting Doctoral Scholars program
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants,
focused on audit and tax accounting. This year, the program
which is comprised of the AICPA and CIMA. "ENGAGE 2020
is expanding to include management accounting, information systems
represents an exceptional learning opportunity, and we've added new
and financial analytics.
features to help enhance interaction and build a sense of community among
The program is intended to help grow the number of CPAs in the
virtual attendees."
classroom and ensure a steady supply of accounting professors. Educators
with recent, relevant workplace experience provide their students with
ENGAGE 2020 will be delivered in three ways:
a greater understanding of what a career in the accounting profession
entails and the value a CPA license adds.
Interactive Solution and Key Initiatives Sessions (June 8-12)
"As the profession continues to evolve, we're hearing from firms and
businesses alike that professional skepticism, critical thinking, and the ability
The Main Event (July 20-24)
to understand how to use data to make decisions are increasingly essential for
Online sessions will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern each day, with virtual
CPAs" said Yvonne Hinson, CPA, CGMA, Ph.D., academic in residence, Assonetworking opportunities during breaks. Defined learning tracks include
ciation of International Certified Professional Accountants AICPA. "What's
Advanced Accounting and Auditing, Advanced Estate Planning, Advanced
more, CPAs with recent professional experience are perfect messengers for
Personal Financial Planning, EDGE Career Development, Practitioners and
the central role technology plays in all areas of today's profession."
Tech+, Tax Strategies for the High-Income Individual and Finance Redefined.
The program, funded by the AICPA Foundation, is one of many Institute
There will be two July 22 keynote sessions:
initiatives to help academia and practice align more closely, including
■ Daymond John, author, founder of the fashion business FUBU, and
putting practitioners on Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
celebrity judge on Shark Tank, will talk about how he built his businesses,
Business accreditation reviews, offering discounts to academics to attend
financial lessons he learned on the way and general observations on
AICPA conferences, and free resources to help academics engage with
entrepreneurship.
practitioners on accounting program advisory boards.
■ A professional update will be given by AICPA President and CEO Barry
To date, more than 108 CPAs who went through the Accounting
Melancon, Sue Coffey, the organization's executive vice president of public
Doctoral Scholars program have completed their PhD, and another 45 are
practice, CPA.com President and CEO Erik Asgeirsson, and AICPA Vice
currently enrolled in PhD programs. ADS candidates selected for funding,
Chair Tracey Golden.
as well as all candidates attending the ADS Orientation Conference and
enrolled in an ADS Participating University, are also eligible to apply for
ENGAGE + (July 27- Dec. 31)
the William (Bill) Ezzel Scholarship.
ENGAGE 2020 All-Access Pass holders also will receive exclusive monthly access
■ CPAs interested in transitioning into an academic career can learn more
to two virtual sessions focused on a range of timely topics.
For more details about conference registration and agenda items, visit
about the program at www.adsphd.org. This year, the program will be
www.aicpaengage.com. ■
hosting a free virtual GMAT bootcamp for the first 60 candidates who
RSVP. More information on the bootcamp is on the program's website. ■

MAY 2020 ■

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