In this column, CPA Community members are invited to share their expertise on key topics such as emerging accounting trends, accounting, fintech, and beyond.
In our roles, we face a common challenge: attracting bright, business-savvy talent into our profession has become increasingly complex. While the traditional path to becoming a CPA remains our cornerstone, it is not always the first step taken by promising university graduates exploring opportunities in business and finance.
That is why the Institute developed an initiative we believe is crucial for our collective future: The HKICPA Certificate in Accounting and Business (CAB).
The challenge we all face
Our 2023 research validated what we observe on the ground. Some talented individuals, whether from accounting or non-accounting backgrounds, hesitate to commit to the full CPA journey. They are exploring careers in banking, compliance, consulting & advisory, and entrepreneurship but often lack the foundational accounting acumen that could empower them to achieve long-term success in the business world.
In some sense, we have been losing talented people at the starting line.
Why does the CAB matters to you?
Launched in June 2025, the CAB is not meant to be a "mini-CPA" qualification, but a quality benchmark for employers from the broader business landscape, that offers a flexible pathway for students from various educational backgrounds towards the accounting profession.
After completing the CAB, students with diverse backgrounds, including sub-degree holders and non-accounting majors, can become CPAs by continuing through the QP. This opens the accountancy profession to more talent, helping build a sustainable talent pipeline of accounting professionals.
Beyond setting a new milestone in talent development, CAB equips professionals and aspiring new generations with the key skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business landscape.
CAB provides a flexible learning pathway covering critical knowledge in professional accounting, business management and core enabling skills. It supports those looking to boost career competitiveness, switch to accounting and business, or strengthen their entrepreneurial foundation.
For CPAs and employers, the CAB creates a new, verified tier of talent fluent in accounting and business, enhancing workforce quality.
You might ask, "As a CPA, how does an intermediate certificate affect me?" The answer is clear and impactful:
- A powerful hiring filter: The “CAB” qualification on a CV, especially for entry-level or junior roles, signals a candidate’s verified foundation in accounting and business. This reduces hiring risks and helps you identify those serious about a career in our field. Already, over 1,500 professionals have earned the CAB, creating a growing pool of vetted talent.
- Strengthening the CPA brand: The CAB serves as an accessible, prestigious milestone that attracts a broader audience to the accounting and business sectors. Many CAB holders will recognize our profession’s value and may continue their journey toward full CPA designation, enriching our talent pipeline.
- Better-informed colleagues and clients: The CAB equips professionals in diverse roles such as financial analysts, risk compliance managers, tax advisors, with a solid grounding in accounting knowledge. This enables more strategic, value-added discussions with less time spent on explaining basics, thereby enhancing business opportunities for everyone involved.
Building a stronger profession for a dynamic future
The CAB is more than a certificate; it’s a strategic commitment to strengthen the accounting profession ecosystem. It ensures that the next generation entering CPA firms, financial institutions, and related industries possesses the essential skills and ethics we uphold as CPAs.
This initiative makes our profession more accessible and our industry more attractive. It’s a forward-thinking investment in the future attractiveness and influence of accounting, and I believe it’s a win for all of us.
For a limited time, members can claim the Institute’s CAB at no charge until 30 June 2026. While members will have progressed beyond this stage, displaying the CAB digital credentials on your professional networks helps raise awareness of this important milestone. By doing so, you encourage future talent to pursue the QP and consider joining this dynamic profession. Learn more on the Institute’s website.
