In my recent article for Accounting Today, I discuss how the shortage of accountants is negatively impacting businesses and how the educational requirements for becoming a CPA make the problem worse. As accounting professionals, we need to support standards that both promote excellence and encourage more people to enter our field.

The Minnesota CPA Society’s newly introduced bill offers alternative CPA pathways—bachelor’s plus two years of work experience or master’s plus one—while preserving the 150-hour route. A House companion bill is expected soon.