Kids with a knack for numbers may find a match in a future accounting career. Accounting requires a strong interest in math coupled with an ability to solve problems methodically. With the right credentials, like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation, individuals can pave a solid career path with good pay and opportunities for advancement. Black families, however, may have more of an uphill battle in trying to nudge their children toward this career path. Lack of access or representation in the field can present barriers that feel discouraging. 

Fortunately, today’s climate of digital programs and tools makes it easier than ever for everyone to access educational opportunities. And for Black parents eager to help their children find their footing in accounting, the right resources can make a difference. Read on to discover how parents can support kids interested in accounting careers.

Build Visibility for Accounting Careers

Accounting might not be on any child’s career radar because it’s not an obvious option. Kids see doctors and dentists or shop managers and emergency responders in public spaces. But accountants aren’t a mainstay of daily routines. 

Consequently, Black parents need to make an effort to boost the industry’s visibility for their children. This could mean watching news programs that feature interviews with prominent accountants or stories that show the impact of accounting on global financial systems. Parents can show the relevance of accounting by introducing budgeting concepts to their kids. 

Let kids help set family budget goals for each month. Show them the impact of taxes on this process, or a mortgage payment and utilities. And don’t be afraid to take kids to events connected with accounting organizations, like the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). 

Help Your Child Pursue Educational Opportunities

Accounting careers require deep knowledge of budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting. And that knowledge base starts with an understanding of business protocols, math, and economics. For Black children aspiring to CPA or CIA certifications, they’ll need a sound education to set the foundation for career success. 

Students should carve out time in their high school schedules for accounting classes or upper-level math. Some high schools offer dual-enrollment programs with nearby community colleges. These courses can be an excellent opportunity to introduce more educational rigor, as can Advanced Placement courses. With heavy course loads, however, students will need diligent study habits to keep pace with expectations. Parents should check in on their child’s progress and help them seek tutoring, if needed. 

After a student has taken the necessary coursework to prepare for accounting certifications, they’ll need to weigh the associated costs. Beyond paying registration fees for a CPA exam, for instance, your child will need a review course, either in-person or online, to be prepared for the exam. 

Parents should encourage their children to apply for scholarships from recognized entities, like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Similarly, some colleges will offer stipends to help defray course costs. Further, Black families can look into CPA prep courses from respected companies like Surgent. Families can get Surgent coupons to help save on these valuable test prep resources. 

Prioritize Networking and Internships

Some students may assume that doing well in accounting-focused courses is enough to land them a job. But in today’s competitive job market, gaining other forms of experience can provide an essential boost to the resume. Parents should encourage their children to find mentors, pursue internships, and join professional organizations.

High school or college-age students can use networking sites like LinkedIn to connect with other Black professionals, for example. Many established professionals will welcome the chance to mentor young, aspiring accountants or answer questions. Additionally, specific mentorship programs can offer more structured programs that can help underrepresented populations find industry connections—and inspiration. Joining high school clubs like DECA or Junior Achievement makes a lot of sense, too. These organizations give students exposure to business-focused competitions and instruction. Students can interact with other entrepreneurial students and start to build connections. 

College-age students should focus on finding ways to maximize learning during the summer months, and their college’s career center may be able to help. Students can seek internships with local accounting firms or businesses. Sometimes students may need to volunteer their time to get a foot in the door, but many nonprofits could be eager to have a student bookkeeper’s help for a few months. This experience will look great on a resume, highlighting a student’s sense of initiative and ability to put accounting concepts into practice. 

Focus on Financial Literacy

For many kids, seeing the relevance of a potential career path is critical. In other words, aside from completing someone’s tax returns, what is the point of accounting? Black students are poised to benefit from pursuing an accounting career, but they need to understand why.

Parents should work with their kids to help frame accounting as a practical skill set that can help them achieve financial independence. Accountants have financial literacy, and they know how to manage money responsibly. Accountants can use their skills to help other organizations in need, and they can combine their financial acumen with leadership skills to own an accounting firm one day. Best of all, an accounting career’s lucrative pay potential can help facilitate a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should celebrate the possibilities of accounting and support their child as they pursue this very rewarding career path. Preparing for a CPA exam can feel daunting, as can all of the coursework that goes into an accounting career. But Black parents, in particular, can be a vital component of their child’s success. If a child needs to retake a course or exam, parents should help give them the encouragement to try again and keep going. And when a child achieves a professional milestone, they should cheer them on to their next step. 

Pursuing an Accounting Career

Parents can help their children find a connection with accounting if they start that effort early. By encouraging participation in mentoring programs or internships, parents can help children see the profession’s relevance and potential. And for Black parents, it’s important to tap into resources, like local accounting organizations, that help nurture underrepresented populations through mentorship and scholarship opportunities. With the right support, children can gain the confidence necessary to thrive in this exciting field.