Focusing on Accounting's ‘Social Role’

Tracey J. Niemotko, JD, CPA, CFE, FSA

A focus on sustainability in academia seems to go a long way in helping younger students overcome the stereotype of isolated accountants crunching numbers. Students view sustainability concerns as a component of accounting that focuses on societal goals and priorities, which leads to a more favorable view of the accounting profession. This more desirable “social role” for the accounting profession appeals to Millennials and Generation Z. Sustainability may expand the accounting pipeline by attracting future accounting professionals. The challenge is that change is not readily embraced, especially by academic faculty.