Designed to broaden opportunities

The Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) provides education and awareness around the breadth of career opportunities in accounting and finance to college and university students. ASLW seeks to inspire the next generation of accounting and finance professionals and expand the pipeline of talent for the profession.

What to expect at ASLW

Students learn strategies for networking, developing a personal brand, and creating a path to their dream career.

Experts from around the country offer guidance and share insights about their academic and career journeys and licensure options.

ASLW attendees also have an opportunity to seek mentors and ask questions in one-to-one conversations with professionals who attend our Accounting Inclusion & Impact Symposium, which runs concurrently with the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop.

The AICPA Foundation and other event sponsors cover the cost of student attendees’ including transportation to/from the workshop location, hotel accommodations, training experience, and meals.

SAVE THE DATE for 2026 ASLW

Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop
Oct. 14–16
Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center
246 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30346

Past ASLW Event Highlights

See ASLW highlights and reflections from the 2023 event here.

2024 event photos below;

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW), applicants must:

• Be a first-time ASLW attendee. Students who have previously attended ASLW are not eligible to participate again.

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited community college, college, or university, as applicable.

• Be an accounting major or have demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career in the accounting profession.

• Be a student who is still exploring career opportunities within the accounting and finance profession who has not accepted or committed to a full-time permanent position either currently, or following graduation. Students may be employed while pursuing their degree, including through internships or entry-level roles, to provide early career experience and help fund their education.

• Be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), F-1 Visa holder, or otherwise have legal authorization to study and participate in the United States.

• Be an AICPA Student Affiliate Member. Membership is free and may be obtained at any time before participation.

To successfully apply, applicants must be able to do the following:

• Provide an unofficial transcript.

• Provide the name and email address of a faculty member, or professional who has agreed to provide a recommendation.

• Demonstrate involvement in campus and community activities.

The ASLW is an equal opportunity program that does not exclude anyone from consideration based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Preferences or quotas are strictly prohibited.

The ASLW complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and selected participants with disabilities. In the event an applicant is selected for participation in the ASLW program and needs a disability-related accommodation to ensure the individual can fully participate in the program, the AICPA & CIMA Diversity and Inclusion Team will work with individual to provide any necessary accommodations in accordance with applicable law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, please contact diversity@aicpa.org for assistance.

Student applications for 2026 ASLW will be accepted March 1 – June 15, 2026.

Why it all began

The AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) was created more than two decades ago with the aim of raising awareness and educating students about the broad career opportunities available in the accounting and finance profession. Additionally, the event is designed to provide students with the skills they can use to succeed, grow and develop once they enter the profession. By providing an opportunity for professionals to network with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, the event also strengthens the profession’s talent pipeline.

Sponsored by the AICPA Foundation and other organizations, this exciting and unique annual event is enriching for all who attend, and the benefits of are far-reaching.

Contact diversity@aicpa.org with any questions about the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop.

Perspectives from ASLW Alumni:

Yi Xia, Southern Connecticut State University

The ASLW is extremely beneficial. Connecting with professionals and also students. I made great friends there. I also loved the stories about that not everyone’s journal is easy. People fail all the time, but the most important thing is never give up. CPA exam is hard, as long as we study hard, we will pass it even though you may fail a couple of times.

Erin Hardin, University of Alabama at Birmingham

The event was very beneficial! The people I connected with truly are amazing. If I could do the event again, I will!!

What I enjoyed the most was the building your brand session, growing up we have an image of what our brand should look like while that is not true! Your brand is you! You have to be yourself at all times. You cannot transform into anyone else!

Ryan McKelvey, University of Texas Tyler

The ASLW actually changed my outlook on this profession. I decided to become a CPA because I fell in love with accounting. Now that I am at the point in my collegiate journey that I am looking for internships, I had been feeling like I don’t have a future in accounting leadership because I hadn’t seen other minorities in management positions in local firms. Coming to the ASLW and listening to and learning from so many minority leaders and scholars inspired me to pursue all of my dreams no matter how large. I hope that one day I can give a future minority accounting student that same inspiration.

James Do, California State University, Fullerton

ASLW was an awesome opportunity for me to meet and build relationships with top students from all over the US, top leaders from accounting firms, and professionals from American institutions. I have been greatly inspired by their stories, successes, and accomplishments.

Each person has a different personality and different background, but all of them are present at the event with the same goal of self-development, connection, influence together, and promoting a stronger accounting industry. What impressed me and stuck in my mind was their leadership mindset and networking skills. They are always willing to take pictures with bright smiles and always willing to connect and help me on my way to success.

Devan Cotton, a Junior at Santa Monica College

Attending the AICPA and CIMA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop was an incredible experience I will cherish forever. I loved connecting with fellow scholars and professionals from across the country, and the networking opportunities were invaluable. One of my highlights was the business dinner etiquette course, which was informative and fun. This workshop has significantly impacted my professional development, giving me the confidence to refine my communication skills and better prepare for my career aspirations in accounting. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and excited to apply what I’ve learned.

Mary Whiting, a graduate student at California State University San Bernadino

The event provided a great blend of insightful presentations and hands-on activities that helped me expand my knowledge of accounting and leadership skills.

Additionally, the dinner etiquette session was both fun and helpful. What resonated most with me was the emphasis on emotional intelligence and adaptability as critical leadership traits.

One of the most unexpected but valuable aspects of this event was the sense of community among the participants. It was encouraging to meet others who are passionate about accounting and to hear about their diverse backgrounds and experiences. The event created an environment where we could share ideas freely, and I walked away with new perspectives and a renewed sense of motivation to continue developing my skills.