The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has welcomed the introduction of the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act in the US Senate that classifies accounting as part of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education.
The bill, S. 3784, was introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Jacky Rosen.
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It would recognise accounting as a STEM career pathway and is intended to expand access to accounting programmes for students.
Under the proposal, the Every Student Succeeds Act would be amended so that K–12 grant funding can support accounting education programmes.
The Senate measure follows identical legislation introduced in the House of Representatives last spring by Young Kim and Haley Stevens.
The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act would add accounting education to the permitted uses of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant programme, a funding source aimed at widening educational opportunities in public schools.
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By GlobalDataAccording to the proposal, this change would enable schools to familiarise pupils with basic accounting skills at an earlier stage and emphasise the profession’s place in a technology-driven marketplace.
The AICPA has for an extended period pressed for accounting to be treated as a STEM curriculum area, pointing to what it describes as a clear and logical link between accounting and technology.
AICPA president and CEO Mark Koziel said: “Accounting is a technology-powered profession, and STEM recognition simply reflects today’s reality.
“Accounting today sits at the intersection of data, technology and critical thinking – and that’s exactly what STEM is all about.
“Recognising accounting as a STEM pathway will help schools introduce these skills earlier, expand access for students in every community and build a stronger pipeline of future CPAs and finance leaders.
“This is a practical step to ensure the profession continues to serve the public interest and power economic growth in an increasingly digital world.”
The organisation has also highlighted public backing for the initiative, noting that a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on its behalf found that nearly 74% Americans believe accounting courses should be designated as STEM education programmes.
