In January 2024, the redesigned CPA Exam took effect, transforming the accounting licensure model to recognize the rapidly changing skills and competencies the practice of accounting requires today. The new exam, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), aligns professional licensure to three core areas: Tax Compliance and Planning, Business Analysis and Reporting, and Information Systems and Controls. Each candidate also selects a specialty discipline to demonstrate deeper expertise.
Eastern Washington University (EWU) incorporated these changes into its online Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) program to keep graduates current and exam-ready. The curriculum refresh ensures students build the technical depth and technology fluency that the modern accounting profession now demands.
Core + Discipline: Building the Skills the Redesigned CPA Exam Requires
EWU faculty made curriculum adjustments to ensure students who enroll in the program graduate as prepared as possible for the new CPA exam model and structure. That work focused on understanding the goals of the AICPA as the organization prioritized skills and knowledge bases with an eye toward the profession’s future needs.
The redesigned exam, known as the Core + Discipline model, tests technology knowledge and skills across all sections, not just specialized disciplines. Keeping coursework current became essential to that mission. Faculty sought every opportunity to engage students with various examples of software in the field, like IDEA or Tableau, and incorporated a course on Accounting Information Systems (AIS) to give students the ability to manage and track data for decision-making. This skill set is critical for success in leadership roles across public and private accounting.
The updated curriculum covers all three exam discipline areas. CPA candidates select one discipline in addition to completing the three shared core sections, resulting in a four-part exam that leads to full licensure. The changes impact not only MPAcc enrollees but also undergraduate coursework and students who enroll in the online Graduate Certificate – Professional Accounting program as they prepare to sit for the updated exam.
Technology and the Accounting Profession: The Future Is Now
The increase in computing power over the last decade drove a sea change within the accounting field. For example, continuous auditing now allows for more comprehensive fraud investigations, a capability once just theoretical that is now standard practice for sophisticated firms.
Likewise, incorporating relational databases offers unprecedented speed and accuracy of research as companies gain new and enterprising ways to access information. The benefit: Companies can respond to volatile markets and ever-changing economic factors with greater agility. According to Rightworks, technology-mature accounting firms earn 23% more revenue per employee, representing a clear incentive for firms to hire graduates who arrive with strong digital competencies.
The new CPA Exam highlights this development, with technology requirements now spanning all core sections. The updated exam tests candidates on skills such as transforming data for decision-making, verifying source data completeness and accuracy, and leveraging automated tools and visualizations. This shift reflects how prominently analytical and tech-enabled responsibilities have moved to the forefront of accounting practice, even early in a CPA’s career.
The advent of new technological tools gives accountants greater computing power and data processing capabilities. Still, at its core, accounting remains rooted in a foundation of trust and collaboration. That means the essential work of managing past expenditures and directing future goals remains focused on real client needs and relationships, regardless of a firm’s size.
Accounting Career Outlook and Job Demand: A Growing Field for Prepared Graduates
As the marketplace continues to expand for all industries, so does the landscape for accounting professionals. Students worldwide take the CPA exam, engaging in the field from diverse backgrounds including finance and information sciences. As a result, graduates face a more competitive environment than previous generations.
While competition is substantial, the profession’s job outlook remains strong for well-prepared graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of accountants and auditors to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average across all occupations, with approximately 124,200 openings projected each year. As accounting analytics and advanced automation reshape the profession, demand is especially intense for professionals who can interpret data-driven insights and take on more strategic roles.
Curriculum Built for the Accounting Evolution: EWU’s Commitment to Staying Current
EWU continues to invest significant resources in curriculum development to meet its program goals. The faculty engage in an ongoing process of curricular transformation, reviewing and updating coursework regularly to keep pace with a profession that continues to evolve.
As accountants take on greater decision-making responsibilities, communication skills are more vital than ever to enhance the collaborative process between accountants and business leaders. The future of accounting involves harnessing information to develop corporate business strategies, and EWU continues to refine its curriculum to build that knowledge base.
Developing the skills to operate at the intersection of technology, strategy and finance requires rigorous, current training aligned with the profession’s evolving standards. Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Professional Accounting program prepares graduates with the technical expertise, data fluency and ethical grounding they need to earn CPA licensure and advance in a demanding field.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Professional Accounting program.
