The accounting profession is experiencing a major shift as baby boomers retire and Gen Z students jump into the field in droves. This unexpected trend is giving the traditionally “boring” career a much-needed image makeover. Gen Z students are recognizing the potential for lucrative six-figure careers and real-world impact through a career in accounting, viewing balance sheets as tickets to success. These young professionals are stepping up to fill the talent void left by retiring boomers and burned-out millennials.
Gen Z students like Alana Kelley and Tristan Klascius are proving that accounting is not just about crunching numbers in a cubicle. Kelley, a third-year accounting and biohealth science major, is helping everyday Americans get money back through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Klascius helped a woman access much-needed Social Security payments, showing the real-world impact accountants can have. By participating in programs like VITA, these students are reshaping the narrative around accounting and demonstrating the potential for making a difference in people’s lives.
Despite accounting traditionally being viewed as a dull occupation, Gen Z students are redefining the profession as a means to change lives and secure high-paying jobs right out of college. The hands-on experience gained in initiatives like VITA is paying off, with students at institutions like California State University, Northridge (CSUN) helping low-income Americans claim millions in tax refunds. The success of programs like VITA is attracting more young people to consider accounting as a viable career path, emphasizing the importance of real-world application in education.
The financial rewards of a career in accounting are significant, with OSU accounting graduates seeing high job placement rates and potential salaries of up to $200,000 as CPAs. Despite the lucrative opportunities, the accounting profession is facing challenges in replenishing its pipeline of talent. The number of accounting degrees awarded has been steadily declining, posing a potential shortage of skilled professionals in the future. Educators and industry experts emphasize the need to dispel outdated stereotypes about accounting and highlight the evolving nature of the profession, which now includes utilizing AI-powered tools and strategic decision-making.
As Gen Z students value job stability over flexibility, experts believe that the tide is turning in favor of the accounting profession. The success of initiatives like VITA indicates a growing interest in the field among young people looking for meaningful and impactful careers. With the ongoing funding challenges faced by the IRS, the next generation of accountants is not just prepared to take on the work but is already actively engaged in making a difference. By showcasing the potential for high earnings, real-world impact, and job stability, Gen Z students are reshaping the future of the accounting profession and ensuring its continued relevance in the changing landscape of the business world.
