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California CPA Magazine

Welcome to your backstage pass to exclusive interviews with industry leaders—plus, the latest updates on tax laws, financial regulations, accounting standards, and game-changing technology that's reshaping the financial and California landscape. 

Belonging

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are pivotal pillars in today’s corporate landscape and for CalCPA, these values are central to our mission and crucial to attracting a diverse range of individuals to a CPA or finance career that will enrich and strengthen the profession. 

May 2024: Belonging

 is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. He is a three-time WSJ bestselling author of 10 books on marketing, innovation, diversity and trends, including his No. 1 bestseller "Non-Obvious Megatrends." Rohit has been invited as a “non-boring” keynote speaker to events around the world and is a monthly columnist for Inc. Magazine and founder of the Non-Obvious Company.

CalCPA’s Members Club Summit on July 31

 as a keynote speaker, where he’ll share strategies on how being a non-obvious thinker can help you and your firm or business thrive. 

You encourage people to shift their perspectives so they can see what others miss and “win the future.” What are some practical ways that we can start doing that?

When you think about gifted detectives from movies and books, they usually solve the case through their ability to see that one detail in a scene or the incongruous moment in a story that everyone else missed. My term for this skill is non-obvious thinking and what I've discovered over the past 10 years of studying this is that it can be taught. 

One practical way to start doing this is to reduce the distractions that often prevent us from seeing this sort of detail. Removing notifications from your phone, choosing to look around and making a mental commitment to pay attention to things that most people walk past unknowingly are other great ways to start doing this. For example, challenge yourself the next time you're walking from one point to another (especially if it's a common route for you) to mentally catalogue everything that is blue. The next day, pick yellow. This sort of mental game is perfect for training your brain to stop skipping over the things that you may always have dismissed as unimportant background details. 

Tell us about your recommendation to use unexpected resources, such as magazines, to keep a broad perspective and “step into someone else’s world.” 

Yes, I do love magazines as a way to create empathy for someone not like yourself. They are printed celebrations of a niche passion, and you can learn the most when you choose to buy and flip through one about a topic or category you never would otherwise be interested in. Some of my favorites, aside from Teen Vogue, are Monocle, Modern Farmer and The Walrus. 

The other key thing, particularly important for professionals like CPAs who have a deep expertise in a specific area, is to consume media from outside your own industry. Read updates on luxury retail or cloud computing or makeup and fashion. Anything you choose to read that opens your perspective is always a good use of time, even if that little voice in the back of your head keeps insisting it's not relevant. 

How did you realize that seeing the unexpected was unique and something you should start teaching people about?

There are daily examples of people who are unable to see beyond the world they inhabit. It's not because they are bad people. It just takes work to escape the algorithm that keeps your perspective locked into a certain frequency. The more we hear the same ideas over and over, the cheaper each of those insights feel. And so we get frustrated by the sameness of what we consume and feel like originality is harder to find. That feeling was what started me down this path to try and put more original thinking into the world. I want to challenge my audience to see things they haven't seen before. And the more I teach this method, the more fulfilling it is when people come to me and share all the new ideas and energy they have as a result of breaking themselves out of their fixed thinking. 

What motivates your mission to inspire non-obvious thinking in the world?

I feel there's a danger in the world that with ease of content generation and all the people who want to capture our attention and use it for their own benefit, we will no longer be able to think for ourselves and separate fact from lies. To some degree, that is already happening. It would be nice to create some sort of technology solution to filter out the noise. Unfortunately, this will never be good enough. The only real solution is for all of us to build our own skills to be able to consume media more intelligently, think for ourselves and refuse to be manipulated. To me, that's the most important part of this mission to teach and inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. I want everyone to have the confidence to think for themselves, form their own beliefs and refuse to be easily manipulated. 

Does this mission ever feel like a burden? 

I'm not sure I would use the word burden, but it can feel overwhelming. The more stories we see or actions that seem to push the world toward disaster, the harder it can feel to maintain a sense of optimism and believe that positive forces can win. Sometimes the evidence doesn't really support that belief. What helps me most are the conversations I have with amazing people who are doing something to move the world in a more positive direction. They need support, funding and for their story to be told to the world. No one wakes up every morning wanting to feel outraged or hopeless. These positive stories and the people behind them are what give me hope, but it can still feel like an overwhelming challenge to get them out in the world. 

What are your favorite topics to think about at the moment?

I do a lot of trend research and one of the most exciting areas of development here is in the world of immersive storytelling. The ability for people to live inside a story, experience something in a mind-altering way (with or without the aid of psychedelics!) and the push to create these types of experiences is exciting. This encompasses everything from Google's recent release of the digitally upscaled and remastered Wizard of Oz film at the Sphere in Las Vegas to the popular music show in London featuring digital avatar versions of the legendary ‘70s Swedish rock band ABBA. The future of how we will not just be entertained, but the crossover between this sort of entertainment and travel, financial literacy, education, retail and health care is fascinating. 

Can you give us a sneak peek of what you’ll talk about at 

My goal is to inspire members to bring non-obvious thinking into their practices and the way that they approach their work and life daily. I believe we all have the capacity to be more open minded and evolve our mindsets. Particularly when you are a successful person, this is even more important because it helps you get to the next level in your work and as a person. I’ll share stories of why this matters, how to navigate the noisy media ecosystem of today, what impact AI will really have on the world that we live and work in, and specifically the four habits of non-obvious thinkers that can help you win in the future. The future belongs to non-obvious thinkers. I can't wait to share some insights on how to use this thinking to succeed in 2025 and beyond. 

Register today for CalCPA's Members Club Summit and hear more from Rohit during his session, Keynote Session: 7 Non-Obvious Trends Shaping the Future Normal

Anticipating the Future

Rohit Bhargava is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world—and he'll be bringing his insights to CalCPA's Members Club Summit on July 31 as keynote speaker, where he’ll share strategies on how being a non-obvious thinker can help you and your firm or business thrive. 

Rohit Bhargava Members Summit Q&A

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of college students about accounting careers. The session started at 8 a.m. on a Saturday and I braced myself for a quiet and sleepy crowd. But when I walked in, I was met with a packed hall full of energized, curious accounting majors, eager to learn and ready to engage. It was a moment that reminded me why I'm so optimistic about the future of our profession.

While we face issues like outdated images of the accounting career, and a smaller pipeline of candidates than we actually need — the reality is accounting is an exciting, fulfilling career path that continues to play a vital role for consumers from Main Street to Wall Street.

Today's CPAs aren't just number-crunchers who pop up during tax or audit season. They're strategic advisers who help organizations big and small navigate uncertainty, drive innovation and make smarter, data-backed decisions. With a strong ethical core and technical expertise, CPAs see the full picture — and help businesses make sense of what's next.

You'll find CPAs in every corner of the business world—from advising small, family-owned companies to guiding Fortune 500 giants. They hold C-suite roles in businesses and nonprofits, uncover financial wrongdoing, and keep markets trustworthy by providing reliable data. They're at the forefront of innovation, leveraging new technologies and leading the way in areas like sustainability reporting, AI and cybersecurity.

The demand for accountants and auditors is still going strong—despite the noise about the profession's supposed decline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in these fields are expected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031—that's over 81,000 openings each year in the U.S. alone. With market needs expanding and seasoned professionals retiring, we can expect these numbers to remain high.

Meanwhile, a new generation is stepping up to fill that demand. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports a 12 percent jump in accounting enrollments for Fall 2024 compared to Fall 2023—the highest level since Fall 2020.

As the need for trusted experts grows, there are challenges to tackle. We need to tell a better story about what CPAs really do. We need to address the time and cost it takes to get licensed. We need to support those in the profession so they can succeed and thrive in their careers.

We know this isn't a challenge that "others" need to address, which is why CalCPA is responding to these challenges head-on. Through various programs and partnerships, we are working to shift the identity of the profession, inspire diverse and talented individuals to become CPAs, and empower them to thrive within the profession.

We're visiting schools to show students just how versatile and meaningful a CPA career can be. Whatever you're passionate about, you can shape your accounting path to match your interests and become an expert in what you love, from tech to sustainability to entrepreneurship.

 so everyone sees us for what we are: the trusted advisor, the forward-thinker, the leader behind the scenes. The CPA story is a compelling one—and it's time we told it boldly.

We're also paving the way for national efforts to 

modernize the process for entering the profession

. Together with regulators, we created a modernized CPA licensure blueprint that aligns with today's realities and market demands. This plan simplifies licensing requirements and offers more inclusive, flexible pathways that we believe will welcome aspiring CPAs while maintaining the high standards essential to public trust. We are pleased to see that these efforts are gaining traction as states across the country work to implement them.

And we're lifting up forward-thinking CPA leaders who are reimagining the workplace—raising salaries, embracing technology, and creating vibrant environments where professionals can grow and thrive. This is the kind of profession that excites Gen Z—and it's the one we're building, together.

The CPA profession is evolving, and like any transition, there are bumps along the way. And we're tackling the challenges head-on because we believe today's investments will build a new generation of talented, passionate CPAs who will shape the profession and drive our collective success.

The CPA profession is alive, evolving and thriving—and that's good news for everyone.

The Accounting Profession is Alive and Well

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of college students about accounting careers. The session started at 8 a.m. on a Saturday and I was met with a packed hall full of energized, curious accounting majors. It was a moment that reminded me why I'm so optimistic about the future of our profession.

May 2025: The Accounting Profession is Alive and Well

In recent years, the accounting profession, like many others, has found itself in the midst of discussions surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. While these efforts aim to create more inclusive workplaces, they have also faced significant pushback from various quarters. As the profession grapples with these challenges, it's essential to understand the nuances, confront the criticisms and chart a path forward toward resilience.

Critics have raised valid concerns about the potential drawbacks of these initiatives, citing fears of undermining meritocratic principles and questioning the legality and morality of certain approaches. Legislative actions in several jurisdictions have added further complexity, casting doubts on the future of DEI implementation. Moreover, resistance to these efforts can take various forms, from outright denial of structural inequalities to disengagement.

Despite these hurdles, the accounting profession has much to gain from embracing DEI wholeheartedly. Research consistently demonstrates that companies with diverse workforces and inclusive cultures outperform their counterparts financially. Moreover, such organizations tend to attract and retain top talent, particularly from younger generations who prioritize diversity and inclusion in their workplace choices.

To build resilience, accounting firms must take proactive steps to address concerns and strengthen their commitment to diversity and belonging. Here are some suggestions for navigating these challenges:

: Firm leaders must demonstrate unwavering support for these initiatives. This commitment should be communicated clearly and consistently across all levels of the organization, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in achieving the firm's goals and values.

: Implement comprehensive DEI training programs for all employees, including leadership teams, that focus on raising awareness about unconscious biases, fostering empathy and providing practical tools for creating more inclusive work environments.

: Establish transparent processes for tracking and reporting progress on DEI initiatives. Set measurable goals and hold leaders accountable for achieving them. Regularly review and assess the effectiveness of DEI efforts, making adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

: Create safe spaces for open and honest conversations about diversity and inclusion. Encourage employees to share their experiences, perspectives and concerns, and actively listen to their feedback. Foster a culture of respect and empathy, where everyone feels valued and included.

: Collaborate with industry peers, professional associations and community organizations to share best practices, resources and insights. By working together, accounting firms can leverage collective expertise and drive positive change on a broader scale.

: Actively promote diversity in leadership positions within the firm. Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs to support the development and advancement of under-represented groups. By cultivating diverse leadership teams, firms can better reflect the communities they serve and foster innovation and creativity.

: Stay informed about evolving trends, research and best practices in DEI. Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to adapt strategies and approaches based on new insights and feedback. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where experimentation and innovation are encouraged.

While navigating DEI challenges in the accounting profession may seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity for growth and transformation. By embracing diversity and inclusion, and taking proactive steps to address concerns and strengthen commitment, accounting firms can build resilience and create more inclusive and thriving workplaces for all employees.

Belonging: Building Resilience

To build resilience, accounting firms must take proactive steps to address concerns and strengthen their commitment to diversity and belonging. Here are some suggestions for navigating these challenges.

Building Resilience

Assembly Bill 1175, which enhances and modernizes CPA licensure requirements by creating more inclusive, flexible and affordable pathways for aspiring CPAs to demonstrate the necessary competency for licensure, passed out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee April 8. The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, then on to the Assembly Floor, before heading to the Senate for a similar process.

, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). 

The changes outlined in the bill better align with market needs and consumer demands and will help ensure the profession remains a trusted voice and provider of consumer services. Importantly, this is achieved while maintaining essential consumer protection provisions.

Demand for CPA services continues to rise, yet the number of candidates entering the profession remains flat while the number of those retiring from the profession is increasing. This growing gap puts pressure on current CPAs, affects client service and ultimately impacts the public interest. 

To address these challenges, stakeholders across the country—including CalCPA and the CBA—are working to attract and retain more CPA candidates by reducing barriers without compromising the profession’s integrity.

AB 1175 is the product of more than a year of thoughtful work by the CBA. It would allow aspiring CPAs to earn a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration, pass the CPA Exam and complete two years of general accounting experience—with the option to substitute a qualifying master’s degree or certificate for up to one year of experience. This flexible approach gives candidates multiple affordable options toward licensure.

To support these changes and minimize disruptions for consumers and those working in the profession, AB 1175 also updates and strengthens CPA interstate practice privileges that support CPA mobility across state borders. These updates enable CPAs to serve clients and meet consumer needs effectively and efficiently across state lines.

Lastly, AB 1175’s modernization approach is already influencing similar efforts in other states and is proposed for inclusion in the Uniform Accountancy Act—positioning California as a national leader in shaping the future of CPA licensure, expanding career pathways and meeting evolving consumer needs.

If passed, AB 1175’s mobility provisions would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, with licensure updates following on July 1, 2026.

You can find out more information about the development of AB 1175 on the 

CalCPA Supports AB 1175: A Modern Pathway to CPA Licensure

California Assembly Bill 1175, which aims to enhance and modernize CPA licensure requirements by creating more inclusive, flexible and affordable pathways for aspiring CPAs, recently passed out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee this morning with unanimous support.

CalCPA Supports AB 1175

Despite the IRS staffing shake-up, tax refunds are still generally arriving on time and most people who file electronically receive theirs within three weeks. For those filing paper returns, it could take up to eight weeks. 

, CalCPA member Jen Bogart, CPA, says clients are anxious but not seeing major refund delays.

“I have heard more clients coming in wanting to file as soon as possible when they're expecting refunds to make sure that they get the refunds because they're nervous about that, but I have not been seeing or hearing that anything has actually been delayed so far,” said Bogart, who also is a member of the CalCPA Committee on Taxation.

The story is a little different, she said, when it comes to impacts being felt when dealing with business returns that have already been subjected to years of delays. Most notably, those involving the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

“Those are the ones that can be large dollar amounts for some businesses, and [the IRS] stopped processing them for a while due to concerns about fraudulent claims, and they've started slowly reprocessing them, but very slowly, like, 18-plus months out, the people are waiting for refunds,” Bogart said.

IRS Staffing Shake-Up Could Spell Delays Down the Road

In an interview with ABC 10, CalCPA Committee on Taxation member Jen Bogart says clients are anxious but not seeing major refund delays given the IRS shake-up. But impacts are being felt when dealing with business returns.