By Jennifer Rieman, CAE, manager, public relations

Election 2016, legislative issues that impact the accounting profession and building the next generation of CPAs were just a few of the topics on CPAs’ minds at the fall Advance hosted by OSCPA President and CEO Scott Wiley, CAE.

Wiley wrapped up the two-week road show last Friday in Columbus.

One of the things that strikes me is just how powerful CPA stories are,” Wiley told the crowd.

OSCPA members from around the state attended Advance, a complimentary member benefit worth four hours of CPE credit. In total, the Advance program offers 12 complimentary hours, with two final hours available this winter via On-Demand videos.

Wiley reviewed Ohio’s business environment and polled attendees about their firms and companies. Talent management continues to raise concerns, as 49% of members answered that they ‘sometimes’ have trouble finding talent while 34% said they often struggle. Just 17% reported not having trouble filling positions.

OSCPA and The Ohio CPA Foundation are working to remedy this problem by increasing outreach to more students to promote the many career doors an accounting degree can open.. A new high school membership and programs specifically geared to younger students are laying the groundwork for a robust and talented pipeline.

“Our focus is not just on graduating accounting majors, it's on getting students into the CPA pipeline,” Wiley said. “Careers like STEM are stealing our thunder. We have to change the narrative around what it means to be a CPA.”

The picture was a bit rosier when Wiley asked how business is going. Forty-four percent of surveyed attendees said that their business is growing, while 40% indicated it’s the same as last year. Only 16% said their business is shrinking.

Advance wouldn’t have been complete without a mention of the new Ben Affleck movie The Accountant. Attendees were treated to the trailer for the movie, and when polled, 81% said they plan to see it.

“Accounting is getting a lot of attention,” Wiley said. “Even Hollywood is focusing on the work you do."

The final installment of Advance is available this winter. Earn two hours of complimentary CPE credit through Quick Byte On-Demand video courses available in January and February. Stay tuned to OSCPA news for details.