National report strategizes accounting's future

Members of the American Accounting Association and the American Institute of CPAs are looking to improve their profession, primarily through educational efforts at the university level.

"The Pathways Commission, Charting a National Strategy for the Next Generation of Accountants," is a compilation of key recommendations b more than 50 accounting professionals and academics from over two years of discussions.

Released last month and sponsored by the two national accounting groups, the report's seven recommendations include:

* integrating accounting academics, research and practice, similar to the medical profession;

* solving the shortage of professors by creating multiple career paths;

* rewarding high-quality teaching;

* adapting curricula to be flexible to changes in technology and practice;

* attracting high-quality students;

* creating an entity to track information...