AICPA Chair Talks Retention

AICPA Chair Leslie Murphy says the shortage of accounting professionals is likely a long-term situation and told firms they need to be more pro-active when it comes to holding on to their staffs. As a profession, accounting "has to do more to make it inclusive and attractive if we're going to successfully compete with other career options available," he told the CCH User Conference in Boca Raton last week.

Noting that in 14 years 75 percent of AICPA members will be approaching retirement, Murphy said accounting firms need to be more in-tune with younger workers and their hot-button issues - things like work-life balance, corporate culture and flexibility in the workplace.

At the same session, CCH's Mike Sabbatis outlined the results of CCH's Young Accounting Professionals Survey and said firms need to better understand the accounting workforce. "They must look at career paths and implement development programs that keep good employees eager to work for their firm."


AICPA Chair Details Staffing Strategies in Tight Job Market [SmartPros]
Survey: Young CPAs Say Firms Fail to Deliver on Key Attributes [SmartPros]