CPA Evolution Task Forces at Work

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Four task forces appointed by NASBA and the AICPA are working to develop high-level model curricula topics and learning objectives for the sections of the January 2024 Uniform CPA Examination, which will form the platform for the CPA Evolution. The task forces’ goal is to have their work completed by June 2021, with the final design of the Examination to be completed by January 1, 2023. The task forces are:

• Core Task Force – Objective: Advise on and assist with the development of a high-level model curriculum with topics and learning objectives for an academic core, emphasizing integration of emerging technology while considering existing course contents. After the launch of the model curriculum, identify resources needed to fill gaps in curricula (leveraging gap analysis), curating existing AICPA resources and identifying resources to be developed or procured by AICPA.

Members of the Core Task Force include: Rick Reisig, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Company, PC – Co-Chair; Wendy Tietz, Kent State University, Co-Chair; Markus Ahrens, St. Louis Community College; Billie Brink, Miami University of Ohio; Sheri Erikson, Minnesota State University; Jim Franklin, Western Governors University; Chris Groves, KPMG; Kim Koch, Moss Adams; Tracie Miller-Nobles, Austin Community College; Vikki Nunn, Porter Muirhead Comia Howard; Ola Smith, Western Michigan University.

• Information Systems and Controls Task Force – Objective: Advise on and assist with the development of a high-level model curriculum with topics and learning objectives for the Information and Systems Controls discipline, emphasizing integration of emerging technology while considering existing course content. After the launch of the model curriculum, identify resources needed to support faculty with respect to the Information Systems and Controls discipline, including whether sample syllabi are needed. Curate existing AICPA resources and identify resources to be developed or procured by AICPA.

Members of the Information Systems and Controls Task Force include: Nadia Rogers, Virginia Tech – Co-Chair; Audrey Katcher, Rubin Brown – Co-Chair; John DeMelis, Iona College; Troy Fine, Schneider Downs; Holly Hawk, University of Georgia; Jan Taylor Morris, Sam Houston State; Nadia Rogers, Virginia Tech; Donny Shimamoto, Intraprise TechKnowledgies; Godson Sowah, EY; Steve Ursillo, Cherry Bekaert; Torpey White, Wipfli.

• Business Analysis and Reporting Task Force – Objective: Advise on and assist with the development of a high-level model curriculum with topics and learning objectives for the Business Analysis and Reporting discipline, emphasizing integration of emerging technology while considering existing course content. After the launch of the model curriculum, identify resources needed to support faculty with respect to the Business Analysis and Reporting discipline, including whether sample syllabi are needed. Curate existing AICPA resources and identify resources to be developed or procured by AICPA.

Members of the Business Analysis and Reporting Task Force include: Shelly Stromp, KPMG – Co-Chair; Kim Church, University of Missouri – Co-Chair; Danielle Cheek, PKF; Virginia Collins, Berdon; Ann Dzuranin, Northern Illinois University; Guido Geerts, University of Delaware; Betsy Gordon, Temple University; Kari Olsen, Utah Valley University; Simon Petravick, Bradley University; Chris Spraberry, Deloitte; Randa Vernon, Hogan Taylor; Jerry Weinstein, John Carroll University.

• Tax Compliance and Planning Task Force – Objective: Advise on and assist with the development of a high-level model curriculum with topics and learning objectives for the Tax Compliance and Planning discipline, emphasizing integration of emerging technology while considering existing course content. After the launch of the model curriculum, identify resources needed to support faculty with respect to the Tax Compliance and Planning discipline, including whether sample syllabi are needed. Curate existing AICPA resources and identify resources to be developed or procured by AICPA.

Members of the Tax Compliance and Planning Task Force include: Stephanie Saunders, Saunders & Saunders – Co-Chair; Annette Nellen, San Jose State University – Co-Chair; Hughlene Burton, University of North Carolina- Charlotte; Ann Cohen, University of Buffalo; Diana Falsetta, University of Miami; Maggie Gilmore, BDO; Lori Luck, CLS Financial Advisors; Damien Martin, BKD; Janine McDonald, PWC; Thomas Purcell, Creighton University.

Providing staff support for these task forces are: Dan Dustin, Anna Howard and Carl Mayes.

The CPA Evolution initiative’s timeline calls for the model curriculum to be available for faculty in 2021; the Uniform CPA Examination’s blueprint to be exposed for public comment in mid- 2022; and the new Examination to launch in January 2024. In early 2021, the CPA Exam Transition Task Force is scheduled to circulate to the State Boards its recommendations for candidate transition into the new Examination.

In November 2020, the blueprints for the material to be covered in the Uniform CPA Examination as of July 1, 2021 were released. That examination will continue to have the four parts of: Auditing and Attestation; Business Environment and Concepts; Financial Accounting and Reporting; and Regulation. The July 2021 Exam’s blueprints call for more knowledge of data management and relationships, and understanding of System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports. Differences between IFRS and US GAAP will no longer be tested, nor will knowledge of estate taxes and trusts.