Journal of Accountancy Podcast
The Journal of Accountancy podcast discusses the key issues facing the accounting profession.
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Accelerating accounting outreach, a CPA leader’s campus return
11/20/2025
Accelerating accounting outreach, a CPA leader’s campus return
This episode of the JofA podcast explores Accounting Opportunities Experience month, a growing nationwide program to inspire students to pursue accounting careers. Liz Burkhalter, the AICPA’s vice president–CPA Pipeline, shares how CPAs and volunteers are working to reach 50,000 students through classroom visits and events. She also mentioned resources that can help listeners who want to volunteer. n Specific n home page n Burkhalter’s n The Scott Spiegel, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the chief operating officer of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, discusses his return to Rutgers University and why real-world stories can expose students to the diverse opportunities in the profession. What you’ll learn from this episode: The history and growth of Accounting Opportunities Experience month. Burkhalter’s summary of participation numbers last year and goals for this year. Resources for accountants interested in speaking to students. Spiegel’s motivation for making campus visits. The common questions and misconceptions he hears when talking to students. The importance of in-person outreach and storytelling.
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Want to stop work from consuming your life? First, learn self-awareness
11/13/2025
Want to stop work from consuming your life? First, learn self-awareness
Andrea Millar, CPA/PFS, thought she knew what really mattered. Getting good grades in school and going above and beyond at work were part of her being. But she came to the realization that work was consuming her life, at the expense of other things she cared about. Millar wrote about that experience, and some of the changes she made to create a more fulfilling life, in . She also joined the JofA podcast to discuss the topic. What you’ll learn from this episode: An explanation of how work can “unconsciously” take over our lives. Understanding the “default state” of being and how it can explain why we might overwork. How a shift to the “experiencing stage” allows us to align time and energy differently. Why Millar stresses self-awareness as an important first step of changing habits. The award that Millar’s article won in a recent media and publishing competition.
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Real estate tax changes that advisers need to understand
11/06/2025
Real estate tax changes that advisers need to understand
Withum partner Brian Lovett, CPA, CGMA, J.D., is the guest on this week’s episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Lovett is scheduled to speak at the in December on industry-specific impacts of new tax provisions in H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He joined the podcast to preview some of those topics and explain the main way he separates fact from fiction when it comes to the details of H.R. 1 provisions. What you’ll learn from this episode: What real estate professionals and advisers should know about the expansion of Sec. 179. The PDF on Lovett’s computer desktop that is “the one that matters.” The topic that is “one of the things we’re waiting on most” related to IRS guidance. One real-estate-related provision that could be easily misunderstood. The PTET SALT deduction’s effect on real estate companies.
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3 types of difficult people — and how to work better with them
10/30/2025
3 types of difficult people — and how to work better with them
Executive coach and author Nick Robinson illuminates the challenging traits of work colleagues and shares strategies from his book — The 9 Types of Difficult People: How to Spot Them and Quickly Improve Working Relationships — that professionals can employ to improve relationships on the job. Robinson, a speaker at UK & Ireland ENGAGE, explores the interplay between organizational pressures, psychological stressors, power dynamics, and how those factors can influence the development of traits and behaviors that make people difficult to work with. He also shares strategies managers and professionals can explore to help get to the crux of performance issues, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of peers. “When you ask a difficult person why they're doing what they do, they don't think they're difficult,” Robinson said. “They're trying to do something that they think is right.” The conversation was first published as . What you’ll learn from this episode: Four pressures that can negatively affect our ability to work with others. Three common types of difficult people in the workplace. Advice for managers and employees to navigate challenging relationships and dynamics. Steps for surviving a difficult boss. Tips for “unlearning” bad habits that make you appear more difficult to work with.
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Reflecting on AI’s rise in accounting, looking to what comes next
10/23/2025
Reflecting on AI’s rise in accounting, looking to what comes next
“You cannot avoid AI” — but you can and should continue to experiment with it. That’s one key message from consultant and keynote speaker Pascal Finette, who returned to the JofA podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has grown and how the profession is dealing with rapid changes and uncertainty. The conversation revisits topics Finette discussed in 2021 and 2022, and it looks ahead to the , Dec. 7–10 in National Harbor, Md. Resources Early 2022 (recorded in December 2021). Early 2023 (recorded in December 2022). . What you’ll learn from this episode: The accelerated pace of AI adoption between December 2023 and December 2024. The role of curiosity and experimentation in embracing new technology. The best-of-both-worlds approach some companies are taking as it relates to hybrid work. An explanation of the World Uncertainty Index and how it is now higher than pandemic-era levels. What to expect from the Digital CPA Conference.
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AI, succession, the talent pipeline, and defining ‘unapologetic’ ambition
10/16/2025
AI, succession, the talent pipeline, and defining ‘unapologetic’ ambition
This week’s podcast guest is Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the CEO of KET Solutions and former AICPA and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants chair. Ellison-Taylor joined the show from the National Association of Corporate Directors 2025 Summit earlier this week, where AI was the main topic of conversation. What else are corporate boards discussing? And how is the accounting profession faring on certain aspects of growing the talent pipeline? Ellison-Taylor has answers, along with a look ahead to AICPA events in November and December. Resources: (Nov. 10–12, Nashville, Tenn.) (Dec. 7–10, National Harbor, Md.) What you’ll learn from this episode: The priorities and top concerns of corporate boards, starting with AI. How the accounting profession and firms in particular are doing when it comes to “looking inward.” Why Ellison-Taylor says that ambition can be defined different ways by different people. More about her comment that “at some point, we all will be digital CPAs.”
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Shutdown concerns, the quest for tax guidance, the future of IRS service
10/08/2025
Shutdown concerns, the quest for tax guidance, the future of IRS service
Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast on Tuesday to provide context on the government shutdown and its effect on IRS services, along with discussion on other tax advocacy topics. The interview was conducted the day before that most of its operations were closed and that a plan to furlough employees had begun “for everyone except already-identified excepted and exempt employees.” In the Q&A, Lauridsen also provided background on shutdowns and their effect on filing season. She also explained why the IRS announcement in September that it was phasing out paper checks for tax refunds has generated so much buzz among practitioners. What you’ll learn from this episode: A history lesson on government shutdowns, which previously went by a different name. Why the IRS definition of “filing season” is different than reality for many tax practitioners. Why the IRS announcement about ending tax refunds by paper check has been a popular topic among practitioners. An example of the guidance “trickling in” on new tax provisions. Estimated cost savings for certain businesses as a result of the preservation of the state and local tax deduction for pass-through entities. The filing-season concerns that “get ramped up” because of the government shutdown.
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Car talk: M&A, AI and EVs changing the dealership landscape
10/02/2025
Car talk: M&A, AI and EVs changing the dealership landscape
Jimmy Robinson, CPA, CGMA, the national chair of the AICPA Dealership Conference, and his co-presenter and co-worker Jesse Stopnitzky joined the JofA podcast to preview discussion points of their conference session later this month. Their expertise is industry-specific, but some of the topics are applicable to a broader audience. Robinson, a former dealership CFO, shared the key traits of strong finance leadership, and Stopnitzky offered advice for better succession planning. What you’ll learn from this episode: The aspect of M&A deals that is, to Stopnitzky, more art than science. How merger activity has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Robinson’s list of the key traits of strong finance leaders. Why succession planning involves far more than naming a successor. Disruptive events and key shifts in the automotive industry.
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Professional liability risks related to Form 1065, CPA firm acquisitions
09/25/2025
Professional liability risks related to Form 1065, CPA firm acquisitions
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 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: “.” n July: “.” n August: “.” n September: “.” 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.
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‘We’re still the thinkers’ — a reminder for tax pros in the AI era
09/18/2025
‘We’re still the thinkers’ — a reminder for tax pros in the AI era
In her professional career, Annette Nellen, Esq., CPA, CGMA, cannot recall a time when there was more misinformation in the realm of taxes than today, as practitioners wade through H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She believes an overreliance on artificial intelligence tools in analyzing the budget law is one reason. “You still have to review it,” said Nellen, a past chair of the AICPA Tax Executive Committee. “These AI tools — they’re tools. We're still the thinkers. We’re the responsible party involved here.” In this JofA podcast episode, Nellen mentioned several provisions of note in H.R. 1, including those where guidance is still needed. She also mentioned the value of the in November — where new tax provisions will be a central topic in sessions and individual conversations. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Some previously temporary tax provisions that are now permanent. · New tax provisions of note to Nellen. · A selection of provisions for which guidance or technical corrections may be needed. · IRS rulings and tax-related court cases Nellen has been following. · The response of one website creator when Nellen told the creator that some dot-gov sites are not properly updated.
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Strong storytelling helps speakers deliver ‘medicine’ without the aftertaste
09/11/2025
Strong storytelling helps speakers deliver ‘medicine’ without the aftertaste
Karim Ellis is the keynote speaker at the in October in Las Vegas. The early-bird registration deadline for the event is Friday. For Ellis, the qualities of a strong speaker are similar to the ones needed in a strong leader: empathy, preparedness, adaptability, and excellent storytelling skills. In this conversation, Ellis shares how he prepares for speaking, some of the rookie mistakes he made decades ago, and why the experience of taking some foul-tasting cough syrup has stuck with him. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The meaning for Ellis of the phrase “iron sharpens iron; rust sharpens rust.” · Why a speaker’s preparation is like baking a cake. · How Ellis adapts if he senses his message is failing to resonate with an audience. · An example from his childhood that illustrates the power of good storytelling. · His advice for conference attendees’ choice of seats for his session.
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Summing up economic sentiment and concerns about inflation and tariffs
09/04/2025
Summing up economic sentiment and concerns about inflation and tariffs
Sentiment about the U.S. economy improved slightly — but not nearly enough to be considered a positive outlook — in the latest quarterly Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey by the AICPA and CIMA. For a breakdown of the results, the JofA podcast welcomed back Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, associate director–Management Accounting Research & Development. He discusses finance decision-makers’ views on tariffs and inflation and the 12-month projections for revenue and profit. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The “softening” related to domestic economic conditions — and why that’s not enough to overcome mainly negative sentiment. · The percentage of executives who foresee a recession this year or next. · Finance leaders’ approaches in response to tariffs. · The top challenges beyond inflation facing survey respondents. · How respondents feel about the state of the global economy.
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Take a bold leap instead of a tentative step
08/29/2025
Take a bold leap instead of a tentative step
“Maybe I never will change the whole world. But every day, I can change my world.” Those are the words of profession leader Lindsay Stevenson, CPA, CGMA. She’s back on the JofA podcast, this time in person from her house in South Dakota. Stevenson discussed technology adoption, how her firm approaches remote work, and why keeping a journal at least for part of the year is important to her. Stevenson, chief transformation officer at the firm BPM, also addressed how she views fear as it relates to career moves — and how she thought about that differently in a . What you’ll learn from this episode: The reason her firm has geographical regions and a virtual region. Why unplugging is difficult but necessary for Stevenson. Why she likes an at-home vacation more than a big trip. Her approach to overcoming fear and how that approach has changed in the past six years. AI: its danger, its potential, and how she is using it. The gratitude-based journaling practice she recommends.
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Mark Koziel Q&A: Talent, sense of community, profession opportunities
08/28/2025
Mark Koziel Q&A: Talent, sense of community, profession opportunities
“We’re not short on things to do.” Those are the words of Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and president and CEO of the AICPA. He’s been in that role since the start of the year and traveled all over the world hearing from members. Summer’s end seemed like a good time for a progress report on a variety of fronts from Koziel, who at the time of publication was visiting Asia. This is a special edition of the podcast, published jointly on the Journal of Accountancy and FM channels. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Koziel’s ideal walkup song, nearly a year after his introduction included Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” · The skills gap affecting businesses around the world. · Global influence on accounting and standard setting. · Advocacy success, specifically in the United States. · The significance of preserving the passthrough entity tax deduction. · Examples of the perseverance that helped deliver that advocacy victory. · An update on CPA licensure efforts.
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Loving your work, leaving work behind, and returning refreshed
08/21/2025
Loving your work, leaving work behind, and returning refreshed
Jen Wilson admittedly loves her work. As partner and co-founder at ConvergenceCoaching LLC, she’s on the road often, advising accounting firms and profession leaders. Sometimes, that travel and love of work can give her colleagues cause for concern. “It troubles them if they can't see me unplug,” Wilson said. This episode of the JofA podcast, the second of a three-episode Midwest series focusing on summer travel, features Wilson talking about the value of time away. It was recorded in person, at her house in Bellevue, Neb. Wilson discussed the benefits of a two-week, end-of-year closure and why despite understanding the importance of a refresh, she sometimes takes work with her on vacation. Additionally, as the independent facilitator for the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), Wilson is plugged in to the talent issues facing the profession. She provided an update on where things stand with accounting talent with 2026 about four months away. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Wilson’s background as a longtime resident of Nebraska. · The reasons she travels often for work in the summer. · Why Wilson sometimes takes work with her on vacation – and her family’s reaction to that decision. · The benefits of an extended, full-company closure. · Her assessment of the accounting talent pipeline. · The meaning she finds in the quote, “Your direction is more important than your speed.”
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The power of a digital detox and the value of committee volunteering
08/14/2025
The power of a digital detox and the value of committee volunteering
For Carrie Kruse, CPA, CGMA, mental clarity is one goal of going on vacation. Also, Kruse likes to be tested while away from her job as economic development administrator for Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. In Kruse’s words, she loves “to be challenged in ways outside of my professional sphere.” Recently, that challenge was a hike of more than 100 mountainous miles in Europe. That challenge also meant she unplugged from work for two weeks, which helped to ensure she returned to Iowa refreshed. This conversation is the first of a three-episode road trip to the Midwest with a theme of summer travel and the importance of taking time away. Episodes with finance leaders in Nebraska and South Dakota are coming later in the summer. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The particulars of Kruse’s economic development role. · Why she says that Des Moines punches above its weight. · The type of vacation Kruse takes depending on the time of year. · How a recent trip to Europe underscored the importance of unplugging. · The value of serving on the Government Performance and Accountability Committee.
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JofA podcast summer hiatus
08/01/2025
JofA podcast summer hiatus
The podcast is taking a break from full episode posting this week. Listen to previous episodes by visiting the , or find the show on the podcast app of your choice. Here’s a brief explanation from host Neil Amato about what’s to come on the show later in the summer.
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Summer surfing reminders to avoid a transformation wipeout
07/24/2025
Summer surfing reminders to avoid a transformation wipeout
“It feels like we were out at sea. We got washed overboard by a big wave and we’re floating around in life vests, and wave after wave of transformation is washing over us.” Those were the words of a corporate finance leader a few years back to Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth & Engagement for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. The feeling of being knocked back by seemingly nonstop changes in the business environment is a common one — so common that it’s a recurring theme for a group of finance leaders Hood formed about five years ago. In this episode, Hood explains more about the “learn to surf” mantra and the top challenges facing finance leaders today. In , he summarized the fourth Future of Finance Summit. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The best way to handle the “intense” waves of transformation. · How a philosopher’s words have helped Hood and colleagues work with hundreds of corporate finance teams on transformation. · Some of Hood’s favorite summer leisure activities. · The top challenges facing finance leaders. · His advice for creating more engaging LinkedIn posts. · A shout-out to a retiring colleague.
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Mitigate or exacerbate fraud risk? Culture’s critical role
07/15/2025
Mitigate or exacerbate fraud risk? Culture’s critical role
Carey Miller, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter’s FVS Eye on Fraud report, focused on the role of organizational culture in reducing fraud risk. Miller, a partner at the firm J.S. Held, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from her experience as a forensic accountant. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report, including how strong culture can serve to minimize fraud risk, why middle managers are important in such culture, and indicators that a company’s culture is more likely to allow fraud. The first-quarter FVS Eye on Fraud report, focused on financial tracing, was detailed in . Resources FVS Section CFF credential for the second quarter of 2025 What you’ll learn from this episode: · The multiple business aspects affected by a company’s culture. · Why a weak or unethical corporate culture might permit employees to commit fraud. · Five drivers of high-performance culture. · The important role of middle managers in building or affirming organizational culture. · Three points of the fraud triangle. · How leaders can balance employee autonomy with a system of checks and balances that mitigates fraud risk. · Indicators of a fraud-prone culture.
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From Jamaican track star to CPA: A firm leader’s unlikely career path
07/09/2025
From Jamaican track star to CPA: A firm leader’s unlikely career path
Growing up, Durran Dunn, CPA, had drive and discipline, but he didn’t have any aspiration of using those qualities to become a CPA. He didn’t even know what a CPA was. Dunn, now a partner in Bennett Thrasher's Risk Advisory Services practice, based in greater Atlanta, overcame “whiplash” in the form of two moves – from Jamaica to New York, from New York to Mississippi – and now mentors students on the merits of the profession. In addition to sharing strategies for success, Dunn spoke about the high-profile-yet-anonymous role he had at a Major League Baseball stadium. He was a social media and , even though his identity was hidden by a full bodysuit. What you’ll learn from this episode: Dunn’s introduction to the accounting profession. The cultural whiplash he experienced, twice, upon leaving his native Jamaica. The running role Dunn performed for about seven years at a Major League Baseball stadium. Dunn’s path from not knowing what a CPA was to becoming a firm partner. Details of Dunn’s service on the AICPA’s Board of Examiners. Why he is passionate about volunteering and mentoring young accounting candidates. His emphasis on discipline – a message he shares with student groups.
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AICPA tax priorities and wins in the budget bill now with the House
07/02/2025
AICPA tax priorities and wins in the budget bill now with the House
Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast early Wednesday to provide context on the fast-moving on Tuesday and is being discussed in the House today. Lauridsen detailed some tax-related priorities of the AICPA and state societies. She also explained the aspects of the Senate bill that are most likely to face opposition in the House. On a topic separate from the budget bill, Lauridsen summarized the key points of the national taxpayer advocate’s . In a May JofA episode, Lauridsen explained why were being prioritized by the AICPA. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The latest on the Senate version of the massive budget bill, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. · Lauridsen’s thoughts on the bill being approved by the House for the president’s signature by the July 4th holiday. · What tax-specific provisions from the Senate-approved version of the bill are most likely to be examined by the House. · Highlights of the national taxpayer advocate’s midyear report to Congress.
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Change for the better: How your attitude can make all the difference
06/26/2025
Change for the better: How your attitude can make all the difference
Instead of worrying about failure when undergoing a change initiative, why not ask, “What happens if we succeed?” That is summarized sentiment from a discussion with Al Dea, admittedly a glass-half-full guy, on the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Dea, a leadership development consultant and founder of the organization The Edge of Work, is the keynote speaker at the Aug. 12–14 Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference. In this episode, Dea explores pain points for dealing with almost constant change, how the last five years have affected our ability to manage change, and more. The has an early-bird discount of $150 for attendees who register by Saturday. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Why humans tend to seek a “steady state.” · One exercise Dea recommends for professionals worried about what change might bring. · Why it sometimes may be impossible to have a playbook or manual for a change initiative. · The concept of being “sturdy” for others and how it can make a difference amid volatility. · Why it’s OK to not have all the answers for how to navigate change.
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JofA branded podcast: The evolving insurance market for high-net-worth clients
06/26/2025
JofA branded podcast: The evolving insurance market for high-net-worth clients
In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast, hosted by Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, experts discuss how to help clients, especially high-net-worth ones, navigate growing and changing challenges in seeking proper insurance coverage.
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A trailblazing CPA on managing a merger and why it’s OK to lose clients
06/18/2025
A trailblazing CPA on managing a merger and why it’s OK to lose clients
Jody Grunden, CPA, stands out for more than his brightly colored Hawaiian shirts at accounting conferences and events. Grunden was one of the first firm leaders to embrace remote work, and he remains a proponent of it. His firm also was one of the first to offer outsourced CFO services. In this JofA podcast episode, Grunden reflects on his firm’s growth, explains how cultures can mesh during a merger, and predicts where the future lies for CPAs. Hint: It’s not in delivering financial statements to clients. In an earlier JofA interview, Grunden discussed not feeling fear and explained why Monday is his favorite day of the week. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The evolution of outsourced CFO service offerings. · Why Grunden says remote work “is the way to go.” · How off-site retreats helped grow postmerger culture. · What “remaining independent” means to Grunden. · The future of client advisory services. · Why a client’s “graduation” should be celebrated.
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A trailblazing CPA on managing a merger and why it’s OK to lose clients
06/18/2025
A trailblazing CPA on managing a merger and why it’s OK to lose clients
Jody Grunden, CPA, stands out for more than his brightly colored Hawaiian shirts at accounting conferences and events. Grunden was one of the first firm leaders to embrace remote work, and he remains a proponent of it. His firm also was one of the first to offer outsourced CFO services. In this JofA podcast episode, Grunden reflects on his firm’s growth, explains how cultures can mesh during a merger, and predicts where the future lies for CPAs. Hint: It’s not in delivering financial statements to clients. In an earlier JofA interview, Grunden discussed not feeling fear and explained why Monday is his favorite day of the week. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The evolution of outsourced CFO service offerings. · Why Grunden says remote work “is the way to go.” · How off-site retreats helped grow postmerger culture. · What “remaining independent” means to Grunden. · The future of client advisory services. · Why a client’s “graduation” should be celebrated.
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Accounting talent pipeline: What’s the buzz from ENGAGE?
06/12/2025
Accounting talent pipeline: What’s the buzz from ENGAGE?
One popular discussion topic at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25 is the accounting talent pipeline. Liz Burkhalter, the AICPA’s director—CPA Pipeline, is taking part in those conversations. On this episode of the JofA podcast, Burkhalter shared encouraging news related to the pipeline and reminded CPAs of how using their “circle of influence” can help to grow the profession. Related resources: n National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG) n JofA article on n NPAG n This Way to CPA n Next Stop: CPA n AICPA Student What you’ll learn from this episode: · Two hot topics at ENGAGE related to accounting talent, according to Burkhalter. · The link between artificial intelligence and more attractive accounting opportunities · “Exciting” news related to student enrollment in accounting. · The reminder that established accountants can play a key role in helping address talent issues. · A summary of resources to assist members who want to get involved.
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Pessimism, tariff tremors prominent in CPA execs’ sentiment
06/05/2025
Pessimism, tariff tremors prominent in CPA execs’ sentiment
Sentiment about the U.S. economy and CPA decision-makers’ organizations continues to decline in 2025. Second-quarter results released Thursday by the AICPA and CIMA show a rising percentage of pessimists and more concern about the affects of tariffs. To analyze the results further, the JofA podcast welcomed back Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, associate director–Management Accounting Research & Development. In last quarter’s Economic Outlook Survey, half of respondents were optimistic about their company’s outlook for the next year. , that percentage dropped to 37% — and it’s not the only area in which there is a decline. Related resources: n JofA article on . n The AICPA and CIMA’s . n The previous quarter’s with Witt. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The declines in domestic economic sentiment and own-company optimism. · Where optimism about the global economy stands. · Changes in the list of top challenges facing CPA decision-makers. · The “big topic” in this quarter’s survey. · An assessment of the impact of tariffs on respondents’ business planning. · A summary of respondents’ 12-month projections for revenue, profits, and spending.
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Seek first to understand: How a finance leader manages global teams
05/29/2025
Seek first to understand: How a finance leader manages global teams
Jennifer Reilly, CPA, CGMA, values listening. She enjoys the collaboration with fellow finance leaders as part of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group, and she has made a habit of emphasizing listening in guiding teams from around the world. Reilly, scheduled to be part of at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25, explains the importance of listening, developing through broad and niche roles, and more in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The value of collaboration with finance peers. · How finance’s expanded role changes the way finance professionals are evaluated. · A summary of Reilly’s “broad” and “niche” roles. · Strategies for better engagement with a globally dispersed team. · The benefits of a wide-ranging listening tour for Reilly in her current role. · One pillar of corporate culture that stood out to her from a Future of Finance Summit presentation.
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Why the PTET SALT deduction is the AICPA’s ‘No. 1 priority’
05/21/2025
Why the PTET SALT deduction is the AICPA’s ‘No. 1 priority’
It’s been a dizzying few months since Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, on the Journal of Accountancy podcast. In fact, just the past week has been chock full of tax-related developments, mainly in Washington. Reflecting the news, this episode is publishing the same day it was recorded. In the Wednesday morning conversation, Lauridsen details the AICPA perspective on several aspects of the budget bill that could be voted on soon by the full House of Representatives. She goes into detail about the passthrough entity tax/state and local tax deduction, also known as the PTET SALT deduction, and why . What you’ll learn from this episode: · The status of the House budget bill. · An explanation of the PTET SALT deduction — what it stands for, why it’s complex, and why it’s the AICPA’s “No. 1 priority.” · Some of the “wins” in Lauridsen’s mind related to Sec. 529 accounts and the Form 1099-K reporting threshold. · The top concern from a survey of members just after tax filing season. · What Lauridsen means by “fractures.”
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The ‘robot uprising’ and you: A CPA leader’s view on harnessing AI
05/15/2025
The ‘robot uprising’ and you: A CPA leader’s view on harnessing AI
This week’s episode is a mix of CPA-centric news and a Q&A with a leader in the profession. First is a summary of the House Ways and Means Committee’s , the to some of its provisions, and an update on . Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA, is the guest on the main segment, discussing how accountants can avoid head-spinning dizziness when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) — and why the profession is well suited for technology adoption. Supkis Cheek, senior vice president–AI, Analytics and Assurance at Caseware, also discusses how organizations can use AI to scale operations. Finally, citing a set of criteria from Digital CPA speaker — and JofA podcast guest — Alex Dorr, Supkis Cheek rates the she brings to the workplace. What you’ll learn from this episode: · A summary of top JofA news items from earlier this week. · Why conference speakers on AI topics have a hard time providing timely slides for sessions. · The importance of the evergreen nature of accounting standards. · Supkis Cheek’s explanation of professional skepticism’s role in harnessing AI. · Detailing the public expectation gap as it relates to audits and technology. · Why Supkis Cheek considers the AI era a curation age instead of a technology age.
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