Become One Of The Black CPAs To Raise The 1% Bar: Here’s How!
Did you know that of all the Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the U.S., only 1% are black? Believe it or not, it’s true. It has been the trend for decades, since John Wesley Cromwell Jr.
Now, you may be wondering who is this Cromwell Jr. dude? Well, let me tell you — he was the first black CPA in America.
Remember I said the 1% has been a trend? Here’s why:
Cromwell Jr. had to fight to achieve his CPA. The story goes that the Dartmouth University grad was knowledgeable in accounting (taught it to himself, actually) but wasn’t allowed to sit the exam in Washington, Virginia, or Maryland.
Why? Well, the year was 1921 so do the Math. This young man had to travel to New Hampshire where he took the exam and successfully became a CPA.
In 2021 it will be 100 years since this has happened. So why not, as a black individual, celebrate Cromwell Jr’s historical victory by raising the 1% bar? You can join other blacks and strive to become a successful CPA!
This time around though, you won’t need to teach it to yourself as he did. Instead, find an organization (of black members) that’ll help you prepare for the CPA exams. Mind you, it’s not only about preparing for and passing the exam, but you’ll also need support after you would’ve achieved your certification.
In your search, here are four benefits or forms of support that should be available:
- Advocacy — Find you an organization that will work with local, state, and federal legislative arenas to address the issues that can affect you as a black CPA.
- Community — An ideal organization would be one that provides networking and community service opportunities to advance you as a black CPA.
- Professional Development — Find an organization that can provide you with up to date info and guidance on accounting standards. This they can do through workshops, CPE sessions, and helping you to grow your business and advance your career.
- Professional Certification — Finally, get into an organization that will provide you with the resources necessary to prepare you for the CPA exam and help you along the way afterward.
There may also be an organization that provides support in the form of pre-recorded black CPA/professor accounting sessions, weekly CPA exam review sessions that are led by Black CPAs, application and test fee support, and individual mentorship.
So, if you want to help raise that 1% bar then it’s important to work alongside an organization that is keen on increasing the number of black CPAs. Go for it!
