The history and future of Black CPAs [ Journal of Accountancy podcast ]

[get these nets]

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The struggles and triumphs of the first Black CPAs​

Hosted by Courtney Vien

April 5, 2021


In this first part of a two-episode podcast, we take a look at the remarkable accomplishments of Black CPAs in the 20th century, featuring the testimony of two CPAs who witnessed Black CPA history firsthand: Ruth Harris, the first Black female CPA in Virginia, and Frank Ross, one of the founders of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Theresa Hammond, Ph.D., author of A White-Collar Profession: African American Certified Public Accountants Since 1921, adds historical context.
This podcast episode is associated with the Black CPA Centennial Campaign, a yearlong celebration and recognition of the impact of Black CPAs upon the profession.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The societal and structural barriers Black accountants faced when pursuing CPA licensure.
• Ruth Harris’s experience sitting for the CPA Exam as a Black woman in 1962.
• The integral role Black CPA firms and white allies played in helping Black accountants succeed.
• Changes in the 1960s that had a ripple effect throughout the profession.
• How and why NABA was founded.

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[get these nets]

What we can do to increase the number of Black CPAs​

Hosted by Courtney Vien

April 12, 2021


African Americans are still underrepresented in the accounting profession: Only 2% of CPAs are Black. In this second part of a two-episode podcast, we look at what the profession can do to increase the number of Black CPAs.
Guests Ruth Harris, the first Black female CPA in Virginia, and Frank Ross, one of the founders of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), share their experiences as Black CPAs and educators, and Theresa Hammond, Ph.D., author of A White-Collar Profession: African American Certified Public Accountants Since 1921, shares her perspective as an accounting professor and scholar of CPA history.
This podcast episode is associated with the Black CPA Centennial Campaign, a yearlong celebration and recognition of the impact of Black CPAs upon the profession.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why diversity programs at firms can fail to get momentum.
• The importance of sharing data about the demographics of CPAs.
• The role non-Black allies can play.
• Why mentors and sponsors are vital to Black accountants’ success.
• How to increase the visibility of the profession to young people.
• Why having more Black faculty matters.

 

[Amo Husserl]

The key for building black business and black wealth.
Got a couple classes left before I sit for my CPA. Salute.

 

[How Sway?]

Only 2% of class being black is crazy to me.

I think that is even lower than the percentage of black doctors