This book analyzes the schism between accounting practitioners and academics. The book supports the efforts of the Accounting Education Change Commission and other interest groups in their calls for sweeping reforms in accounting education. The authors focus on the division that has separated practitioners from academics before the turn of the century in the United States. This schism evolved from differing views about the best preparation for entry-level professional accountant jobs. Over time, the schism has included many other concerns ranging from arguments about particular accounting techniques to debates over the role of accounting in a free society.