03/02/2026
There’s a big difference between doing accounting… and understanding why it matters.
In our recent Public Policy & the CPA Profession class, we were reminded just how much the profession impacts the bigger picture - not just individual businesses, but economic development across Arkansas.
A stat that made the room pause:
Arkansas has approximately 6,200 accountants.
Only 724 are licensed CPAs in public accounting.
That’s not just a number — that’s a workforce gap and a major opportunity for the next generation.
We had the privilege of hearing from Daryl Bassett, Cabinet Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, who challenged students to think beyond debits and credits.
When businesses consider where to locate, they evaluate workforce pipelines — education outcomes, long-term talent development, even what middle school students are learning. That’s how deeply connected our profession is to economic growth.
He also addressed the question on everyone’s mind:
Yes, AI is here.
Yes, it will change the profession.
But it cannot replace:
• Professional skepticism
• Ethical judgment
• Complex negotiations
• Interpreting gray areas
And today’s businesses aren’t just looking for tax preparers.
They’re looking for:
• Forensic accountants
• Financial analysts
• Cash flow strategists
• Internal auditors
• Strategic advisors
At Bell, we see that shift every day. Our role goes far beyond compliance. It’s about helping businesses think ahead, grow wisely, and navigate complexity with confidence.
The profession is evolving, and the need for skilled CPAs has never been greater.
