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University accounting faculty press Kansas Board of Accountancy for caution on AICPA/NASBA "Pathway" and IT exam proposals
Summary
Faculty from eight Kansas universities told the Kansas Board of Accountancy they had "deep concerns" about the AICPA/NASBA proposed CPA Pathway, debating whether to create a separate IT exam or integrate IT into the uniform exam and whether education requirements should include more IT; Board representatives will attend a NASBA regional meeting and gather further feedback.
Accounting faculty from multiple Kansas universities joined the Kansas Board of Accountancy on June 15, 2018, to discuss the AICPA and NASBA proposed CPA Pathway and voiced concerns about how information-technology skills should be assessed and taught.
Representatives included John Rich and George Durler from Emporia State; Charlie Gnizak from Fort Hays State University; Brett Wilkinson from K-State; Lisa Ottinger and Mark Best from the University of Kansas; David O’Bryan from Pittsburg State; Kanalis Ockree from Washburn University; and Michael Flores from Wichita State. Board representatives in the meeting included Chair John R. Helms and Executive Director Susan Somers; representatives of the Kansas Society of CPAs attended as well.
Faculty and Board members discussed whether the proposed pathway should create a separate exam tailored to IT-focused candidates or instead incorporate IT content into the existing uniform CPA exam. Speakers emphasized protecting the public and ensuring that candidates possess both technical IT knowledge and the accounting competencies required for licensed practice. Several presenters also raised the possibility of adjusting education requirements to include more IT coursework.
Mr. Helms requested feedback from the Kansas Society of CPAs; Ms. Natasha Schamberger and Mr. Chad Allen said their organization had not yet made a decision and reported that KSCPA board members shared the same concerns as the Kansas Board of Accountancy. Mr. Helms and Ms. Somers said they planned to attend the NASBA regional meeting in the near future and would report back on momentum and any contacts for written feedback.
Why this matters: Changes to the CPA pathway or exam structure could alter education and licensure requirements for accounting students and applicants, affecting university curricula and candidate preparation.
The Board heard the comments and will await further input following the NASBA regional meeting.
