Professor of Accounting Theresa Hammond was featured on Bloomberg's Talking Tax podcast, where she discussed her research into why the accounting field still struggles with diversity.
Hammond cited the long history of discriminatory hiring practices at accounting firms, but also current CPA certification requirements, noting that aspiring CPAs must take an additional two to three extra semesters of coursework after graduation - putting people from low-income backgrounds, who may need to start earning income right away, at a disadvantage. Hammond was joined by Shannon Nash, chair of the National Society of Black CPAs, who focuses on reforming the way CPA degrees are awarded and changing the way the African American community views accounting as a profession.