Accounting Educator Barometer 2026

About the Barometer

The Accounting Educator Barometer is a survey of how accounting educators feel about their work and the profession they teach. It first ran in summer 2026 and drew 652 responses from across the world, from educators in universities, colleges, schools, professional body programmes and workplaces.

It was designed and analysed by Toby York, Stuart Pedley-Smith and Paul Jennings, and run by Accounting Cafe.

On Friday 23 October they previewed the findings with educators from four continents. Stuart Pedley-Smith’s challenge to the room: “you’ve got to have something to say.” Read the write-up of what we heard and what they asked.

The headline findings

1. Educators are driven by purpose1
2. Happy in the classroom while unsure about the future2
3. Positive about the work but gloomy about the direction3
4. Engagement depends on what learners want4
5. There’s no mechanism for keeping up with practice5
6. Assessment doesn’t measure what matters6
7. Educators are on their own with AI7
8. What is an accounting degree for?8
9. We disagree on what purpose accounting serves9

What’s to be done about it

1. AMeaningful exchanges between education and practiceWhat if… every educator spent a few weeks in practice every three years?
2. BAI, assessment and examsWhat if… the final exam were a client conversation?
3. CDifferent routes to accounting masteryWhat if… universities competed on mid-career courses, not exemptions?

Get the full report

The report is free to download. Enter your details for access. We will send you Barometer updates and an invitation to take part in next year’s. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We only add you to our mailing list for news, events and education resources if you tick the box at the end of the form. We never share your data. Read our privacy policy.

Would you like us to speak at your event?

The authors are available to speak at conferences, staff development days and professional body events about what the Barometer found and what it means for the future of accounting education.

If you’re interested in the data and basis of findings, they’d be happy to have a more detailed conversation.