Professional liability risks related to Form 1065, CPA firm acquisitions
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
Release Date: 09/25/2025
Lessons in internal control lapses from major fraud cases
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
Tammy Thomas, CPA/CFF, CGMA, is a co-author of the most recent FVS Eye on Fraud report, focused on the importance of . In this episode, Thomas breaks down how failures in segregation of duties allowed two major embezzlement schemes to persist for years. She explains how small control gaps and role consolidation can quietly erode an organization’s defenses. Thomas also outlines how deadline pressure and resource constraints can unintentionally weaken internal control environments. Also, hear the previous , about the role of company culture, from July 2025. What you’ll learn from this...
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Differentiating agentic and generative AI — and more with a Tech Q&A author
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
In this episode, Wesley Hartman, co‑author of the Journal of Accountancy’s Technology Q&A column, discusses how AI is reshaping work for accounting firms. He explains the difference between generative and agentic AI and why both matter for firm workflows. Hartman also outlines the most pressing AI risks for CPAs, including hallucinations and emerging deepfake‑driven scams, which . He closes the conversation with practical guidance for adopting AI tools methodically while avoiding common pitfalls. Also, here are a few Technology Q&A columns related to the discussion: “,”...
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Why stablecoin controls create a solid foundation in an evolving environment
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
A new episode of the JofA podcast breaks down the AICPA’s updated criteria for stablecoin controls, explaining what issuers and practitioners need to know as regulatory expectations evolve. This episode explores how revised AICPA stablecoin criteria support more consistent reporting, disclosure, and control assessments across a rapidly developing digital asset landscape. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why the AICPA developed updated criteria for stablecoin controls and how they complement existing presentation and disclosure criteria. How the criteria help issuers and auditors...
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Accountability the ‘No. 1 thing’ and other reflections from Bill Reeb
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
In this episode, former AICPA Chair Bill Reeb, CPA/CITP, CGMA, reflects on more than 40 years in the profession and why he believes accountability is the starting point for a successful leadership effort. Reeb, speaking from the Digital CPA Conference in December, discusses how momentum, clarity of direction, and facing fear help leaders navigate today’s rapid pace of change. He also addresses technological shifts including the rise of artificial intelligence and explains why a book he wrote about succession planning was not predominantly about succession. What you’ll learn from...
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Tom Hood on AI, hybrid work, and other 2026 themes shaping accounting
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
On this episode of the JofA podcast, an AICPA executive and regular guest discussed trends from discussions with numerous finance professionals, delving into how AI and hybrid work might affect accounting this year and beyond. “Now we're going to be talking about managing AI agents in finance and accounting,” Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, said. “That's going to be a whole different world, and it's going to be exponential in what we can do with it.” Hood, the AICPA’s executive vice president–Business Engagement and Growth, also explained why CFOs are cautiously optimistic about growth...
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Getting unstuck by rethinking processes, people, and AI
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
Samantha Bowling, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of GWCPA, shares how her firm eliminated busy season, limited hours, and improved morale while still meeting client needs. She also explained how thoughtful use of AI can support advisory services, boost efficiency, and help small firms get “unstuck.” This episode of the JofA podcast was recorded at Digital CPA in National Harbor, Md., in December 2025. What you’ll learn from this episode: The steps Bowling’s firm took to eliminate traditional busy season. How productivity and morale were affected by limiting hours and weekend work. The...
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Are CPA firms ready for the next wave of data security threats?
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
Sarah Ference, CPA, an author of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column, returns to the JofA podcast to discuss recent column topics and the advice CPAs can gain from them. In particular, Ference details data security preparedness, the value of engagement letters for tax-compliance services, common audit claims and defenses, and more. Editor’s note: This episode is the JofA podcast’s last until Jan. 8. n October: n November: n December: What you’ll learn from this episode: Advice for CPA firms to guard against data security incidents. The...
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Why 2026 is another ‘big tax year’
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast on Tuesday from the Digital CPA Conference, offering context on the most recent government shutdown and on how a potential shutdown early in 2026 could affect IRS services. The interview was conducted one day after the IRS released . Guidance related to H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was also part of the conversation. In the Q&A, Lauridsen touched on the AICPA’s areas of advocacy focus for the new year and why 2025 and 2026 are big...
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Where CPAs stand on economic sentiment, what’s next for the JofA podcast
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
What’s the view of finance executives about the U.S. economy and their own businesses? And what’s the latest from the IRS on new Trump accounts? Find out more in this quick-hitting episode that summarizes several topics, including the December digital edition of the magazine. What you’ll learn from this episode: A summary of CPA decision-makers’ sentiment about the economy and their own businesses. The planned publication schedule for JofA podcast episodes in December and early January. A mention of recent IRS news in the JofA. The future-focused look at the profession and other...
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JofA branded podcast: Investment management at the intersection of tax and wealth services
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast episode, Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, talks with Matt Gotlin, Choreo’s chief investment officer, on trends in investment management and tips for CPAs to advise clients.
info_outlineSarah Ference, CPA, an author of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column, returns to the JofA podcast to discuss recent column topics and the advice CPAs can gain from them. In particular, Ference details some of the risks for CPA firms engaging in mergers and acquisitions, the subject of a recent two-part series.
The articles discussed in this episode are:
n June: “Form 1065: Pay Attention or Pay Up.”
n July: “Professional Liability Risk Stemming From CPA Firm Acquisitions: Part 1.”
n August: “Professional Liability Risk Stemming From CPA Firm Acquisitions: Part 2.”
n September: “Start Risk Management With Employee Onboarding.”
What you’ll learn from this episode:
- Why CPA firms should pay close attention to recent changes in tax compliance for partnerships.
- A summary of the two-part article on professional liability risk related to CPA firm acquisitions.
- The importance of cultural alignment in firm acquisitions.
- What “tail coverage” is and why it’s essential for post-transaction protection.
- How a strong onboarding process can serve to mitigate some risks for firms — and why that topic is timely this month.