The AICPA Minority Initiatives Committee (MIC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary in several ways. Key activities include releasing a free e-book showcasing accomplished CPAs, hosting a leadership workshop and receiving an award for excellence. By communicating these successes, the MIC hopes to increase diversity in the profession and promote the CPA credential to young minority students.

Diversity in the Profession

According to the AICPA's 2009 Trends in the Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits, accounting enrollments reached more than 213,000 students across all degree programs, up almost five percent from the previous year. Minorities comprised 26 percent of bachelor's enrollments: 12 percent Black/African American, seven percent Asian, six percent Hispanic/Latino, and one percent American Indian/Alaskan Native. It is well known among business leaders that diversity is an integral part of achieving success, growing relationships and expanding business globally. Particularly in the accounting profession, minorities are represented in increasing numbers. Talented minority CPAs work in a multitude of positions at numerous organizations, from Wall Street to the Big Four to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

In 1969, the AICPA launched the Minority Initiatives Committee (MIC), recognizing the need to support, encourage and recruit minorities into the profession. Since then, the Committee has focused on bringing greater numbers of minorities into the CPA profession.

Accomplishments of Individuals

In honor of its 40-year anniversary, the committee has published “CPAs of Color: Celebrating 40 Years,” a free e-book illustrating the professional accomplishments of minority CPAs. A primary goal of the e-book is to demonstrate the strength of diversity to those who currently do not realize they have a seat at the table, and to also enhance engagement of minorities within the AICPA and the CPA profession by increasing numbers in conferences, training and leadership seminars.

The new e-book shares the stories of 41 minority CPAs who chronicle the challenges and hurdles they overcame on the way to CPA certification and offer advice for aspiring CPAs.

“Before coming to the United States, I worked for one of the biggest international shipping companies. My CPA boss encouraged me to go back to school and learn accounting, so I did — and he paid for my tuition. He inspired me to become a CPA. I followed in my first CPA boss’ footsteps,” said Vee Cristobal, CPA.

“I learned through my professors and membership in the National Association of Black Accountants that being a CPA was critical to being successful and recognized as a leader in the profession. This encouraged me to pursue my CPA certification, as well as credentials such as the Certified Information Technology Professional, to demonstrate my ongoing commitment to growth and development,” said Hubert D. Glover, Ph.D., CPA, member of the AICPA Board of Directors.

Tomorrow’s Leaders

With the increasing number of minorities entering and advancing in the profession, it’s important to recognize minority leaders who are role models for young students aspiring to success. As part of its 40th anniversary, the MIC hosted the 2009 Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop in Peachtree City, GA. The workshop, entitled "CPAs: Embracing a New Era," emphasized the opportunities the profession provides and confirms the Institute's commitment to attracting a diverse pool of talent to a profession that is vital to the world's economy.

"I am especially proud of this year's workshop participants and presenters," said Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA, chair of the MIC. "The AICPA, through its Minority Initiatives Committee and solid relationships with strategic partners, has committed to promoting diversity within the CPA profession throughout the years. Revisiting exceptional leaders past and present to inspire today’s youth into becoming the business leaders of tomorrow is a vital component to ensuring the success of this and future generations." Genevia Fulbright discusses the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop and other MIC activities, in this Journal of Accountancy video.

An Award-Winning Program

The primary mission of the AICPA's diversity programs is to assist minorities in becoming CPAs and encourage their advancement within the profession. Over the past 40 years, the AICPA has distributed more than 10,000 scholarships and awards worth more than $14 million to minority accounting students. The AICPA’s MIC was recently named the recipient of the 2009 Diversity Section Excellence Award from the American Accounting Association. The AICPA's MIC was honored for demonstrating a long-standing commitment in the effort to assist underrepresented minorities in becoming CPAs through a myriad of programs including student scholarships, leadership development programs and advertising campaigns.

For more information about AICPA Minority Initiatives, visit the program’s Web site at aicpa.org/diversity.

Click here to download “CPAs of Color: Celebrating 40 Years,” the MIC’s free e-book.