A new era of accounting education
Professor David Waite of UVU, along with ProAdvisors Dan Luthi and Brittany Brown, saw the writing on the wall. Not only is traditional accounting education failing to entice new students, focusing on GAAP and tax accounting can leave students unprepared for the growing demand in Client Advisory Services (CAS). According to the CAS Benchmark Survey, growth in CAS is outpacing growth in the profession as a whole. It speaks to a bold new future that requires a unique blend of technical skills, strategic thinking, and advisory expertise—competencies that aren’t typically emphasized in academic programs.
To better prepare students for the future of the profession and address the talent shortage at its source, Luthi, Brown, and Waite pioneered a first-of-its-kind course in CAS that launched in spring 2025 and now required for all accounting majors at UVU. The trio’s vision was for a course that went far beyond theory and numbers, teaching the technical and soft skills that are integral to success in CAS. According to Professor Waite:
“When students think about careers in accounting, all they see is tax and audit. But once they saw how much more exciting and dynamic CAS can be, it was like a switch flipped.”
As part of the course, Professor Waite issued each student a QuickBooks Online trial account through the Intuit for Education Portal which is powered by Intuit for Education, and made ProAdvisor Academy’s Intuit Bookkeeping and QuickBooks Online Level 1 Certification a requisite to pass. Beyond ensuring hands-on, practical training in the most widely used accounting software worldwide, the trio also packed the curriculum with real-world case studies and day-to-day workflows, tech-forward discussions, and lessons in communication skills and efficiency, all while teaching students how to add strategic value through advisory insights.
A few highlights of the course include:
- Guest lectures from Dan Luthi and Brittany Brown to provide invaluable real-world insights.
- The “In the Know” video series to facilitate product knowledge and training.
- Hands-on case studies to practice real-world accounting scenarios in QuickBooks.
- Completion of the Intuit Bookkeeping Certification and QuickBooks Online Certification Level 1 through ProAdvisor Academy
In support of their endeavor, the ProAdvisor team provided free training and certifications, along with supplemental learning and teaching materials.
The results? The program sparked immediate interest, attracting 75 students who went on to receive 150 QuickBooks’ certifications. And 15-20% of those students are already working in accounting-related roles as bookkeepers, clerks, or accounting assistants. By integrating Intuit’s cutting-edge technology and learning platforms directly into the classroom, we are ensuring students gain the practical experience and certifications firms are looking for, while preparing the next generation of accounting professionals to hit the ground running from day one. As Dan Luthi says:
“The biggest lesson from this program is that students are ready for change. They’re looking for more than traditional accounting roles—they want to be problem-solvers, advisors, and tech-savvy professionals. As we continue to develop coursework that reflects the dynamic nature of the profession, we can attract more talent from diverse backgrounds and create a future generation of accountants who are deeply engaged in their work and excited about the impact they can make.”
A future-ready workforce
UVU’s modern, tech-forward approach to accounting education is a beacon of hope. When we heard about the visionary work Professor Waite was pushing forward in partnership with Dan and Brittany, we jumped at the opportunity to get involved. This collaboration is a shining example of our commitment to our ProAdvisor community and to the profession as a whole. Our goal is to refine and expand it, bringing in more educators, professionals, and organizations to help shape the future of accounting education. Without exposure to CAS, students may miss out on rewarding career opportunities. And without the talent they need to grow, firms struggle to scale their services.
But this effort isn’t just about filling job openings; it’s about fostering dreams, strengthening the profession, and ensuring the long-term success of small businesses and accounting firms. We’re always thrilled to help create excitement and power prosperity for those who want to pursue a career in accounting—whether traditional, advisory-based, or something altogether new.
“This course catapulted me into a career in CAS I never knew existed. I’ve found my calling.” —Cameron Morgan, student at Utah Valley University.
If we want lasting change, we need to take an active role in redefining what it means to be an accountant and ensuring the next generation sees this profession for what it truly is: dynamic, impactful, and full of opportunity. When we invest in education, we invest in the future.
Be part of the change
If you’d like to learn more about this initiative and how you can get involved, please let us know by filling out this form.
