Professional Issues

The AICPA released the 2004 edition of its annual report, The Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits ( www.aicpa.org/members/div/career/edu/sagdpar.htm ), which found the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded rose by 6% and master’s degrees by 30% over the prior year while enrollment in accounting programs grew by roughly the same percentages. More than 109,000 candidates sat for the CPA examination—slightly more than in 2003. Hiring increased at single-digit rates and 18% of new employees were members of minority groups. The report predicted long-term growth in hiring of accounting graduates by firms of all sizes.