A new report from the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS), titled The Readiness Divide, explores the disconnect between how early-career accounting and finance professionals view their skills and how their managers assess their readiness. Geof Brown, president and CEO of ICPAS, discusses the report’s findings, including gaps in communication, critical thinking, problem solving and even tech skills – and what these gaps mean for the accounting profession. Topics discussed:* Overview of the report and why it was created* The disconnect between self-awareness and employer expectations* Risks if gaps in communication, critical thinking and problem-solving are not addressed* Practical steps to close the divide* Final takeaways Resources:* The Readiness Divide: How Next-Gen Accounting Talent Measures Up* Career Development Knowledge Hub (https://njcpa.org/career)* Employee Management Knowledge Hub (https://www.njcpa.org/hub/employeemanagement)