The practice of accounting is increasingly tied to technology, the T in the acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). That tie-in is one reason the AICPA is advocating for accounting to be federally recognized as a STEM education field.

Two AICPA leaders join this episode of the JofA podcast to discuss the STEM topic: Jan Taylor, CPA, CGMA, academic in residence and senior director–Academic & Student Engagement, and Lauren Pfingstag-Vahey, director–Congressional & Political Affairs.

Resources

AICPA & CIMA resource page, Accounting is STEM

JofA coverage of AICPA support for STEM-focused legislation in fall 2023

What you’ll learn from this episode:

· Tracing STEM’s history to the 1950s space race.

· The educator who came up with the acronym used today.

· Why accounting should be considered a STEM education field.

· How a STEM designation could help grow the accounting talent pipeline.

· The number of co-sponsors for a House bill focused on accounting as STEM.

· How members can support advocacy efforts.

Why accounting deserves STEM status, and how you can help