Journal of Accountancy Podcast
The Journal of Accountancy podcast discusses the key issues facing the accounting profession.
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The Auditing Standards Board’s priorities for 2026 and beyond
05/07/2026
The Auditing Standards Board’s priorities for 2026 and beyond
Halie Creps, CPA, chair of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, joined the JofA podcast to discuss the ASB’s refreshed and its focus on responsiveness, collaboration, and technology. She also explained why taking part in AICPA committees and boards is important to her and mentioned the link that members can visit to explore . Creps highlighted current projects, including , , confirmations, and . She also explained how practitioner feedback and international standard‑setting influence the board’s work. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why Creps said that serving on the Auditing Standards Board helps make her a better auditor. A mention of the numerous types of volunteer opportunities for members. How the ASB’s 2026–2030 strategic plan reflects stakeholder feedback. What proposed changes to attestation standards could mean for practitioners. How sustainability assurance fits into the ASB’s broader standards framework. The status of and comment deadlines for exposure drafts on confirmations and fraud. How technology and global collaboration are shaping future audit standards.
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The risks of quick‑turn SOC engagements and what CPAs should know
04/30/2026
The risks of quick‑turn SOC engagements and what CPAs should know
System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports are examinations performed by CPAs in accordance with the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements to evaluate the controls over customer data that service organizations such as cloud providers or payroll processors have in place. SOC reports provide independent assurance to the service organization’s customers, aka user entities, that those controls are suitably designed and operating effectively. The entrance of technology vendors into the realm of SOC reporting has created some efficiencies, but it also has led to that have raised credibility concerns in the marketplace. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Amy Pawlicki, the AICPA’s vice president–Assurance & Advisory Innovation, discusses recent developments affecting SOC engagements. The conversation also highlights what CPAs, service organizations, and report users should watch for to protect trust in SOC reporting. Other resources mentioned in the episode include: A JofA article on related to SOC tool providers. The AICPA’s . . What you’ll learn from this episode: What SOC reporting is — and why a SOC 2 report is not a certification. How a technology trend is threatening SOC credibility. The ethical risks related to SOC reporting tool vendors. The peer review and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct requirements for CPAs performing SOC work. Where to find AICPA resources for firms, service organizations, and users.
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How to start a CPA practice: Lessons from a firm founder and a risk expert
04/23/2026
How to start a CPA practice: Lessons from a firm founder and a risk expert
Starting a CPA firm can be both exciting and daunting, with financial, operational, and personal risks along the way. In this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode, Michael Meihaus, CPA, founder of Meihaus CPA, shares what he learned after launching his practice. Alvin Fennell, vice president and senior risk adviser at Aon, adds a risk-management perspective on what new firm owners must plan for from day one. Together, they discuss practical steps, common blind spots, and how CPAs can balance growth with protection. They reference an . The e-book’s first chapter is unlocked, and readers can access subsequent chapters by supplying their email address. What you’ll learn from this episode: The market opportunity that was one factor in a CPA deciding to launch a firm. What Meihaus meant when he said “your strengths and weaknesses are enhanced” as a firm owner. Some of the many business questions new firm owners should answer early. Why starting a firm can, according to Fennell, put CPAs in “a vulnerable spot.” Risk-management considerations, including billing practices, engagement letters, and insurance coverage.
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A Machu Picchu moment and what it means for aging and retirement
04/16/2026
A Machu Picchu moment and what it means for aging and retirement
Younger generations are rethinking retirement — considering more flexibility and well-timed breaks over a traditional model of holding a job until a certain age and then stopping work. Kelley Long, CPA/PFS, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss how modern financial planning is changing. She also explains how health savings accounts can support career flexibility and reduce reliance on employer‑sponsored health insurance later in life. Long will explore these topics further in June at , the profession’s biggest conference. She is presenting sessions and on on June 10 in Las Vegas. What you’ll learn from this episode: A preview of Kelley Long’s ENGAGE sessions and a related JofA article. The factors that are leading younger generations to approach retirement differently. How “mini‑retirements” can fit into long‑term career and financial planning. How Long’s trip to South America crystallized her views on timing and retirement. The role of social connections in cognitive health. Some ways that health savings accounts can support career changes or time off. How potentially being overinsured can affect financial planning.
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What small firms are getting right about tech and why they're not alone
04/08/2026
What small firms are getting right about tech and why they're not alone
Small CPA firms play a critical role in the accounting profession, and new tools are helping them compete, innovate, and grow. In this episode of the JofA podcast, Stephanie Otero, CPA, the AICPA’s vice president–Small Firm Advocate, discusses why small firms matter, how AI and automation are leveling the playing field, and where innovation thrives in smaller practices. She references real-world examples and previews the PCPS , a free, CPE-eligible webcast series for AICPA members. The conversation also looks ahead to in Las Vegas and the ways AICPA resources and communities help small firm practitioners realize they do not have to go it alone. Related resources: Private Companies Practice Section . for small firms. Transforming Your Business Model . April 20 . Article on small firms’ . What you’ll learn from this episode: The importance of small CPA firms to the profession and why Otero is passionate about advocating for such firms. How AI and automation can help small firms compete with larger organizations. Practical examples of practitioners using technology to build capacity. AICPA resources can help small firm leaders connect and grow.
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Liability lessons on documentation, high-profile clients, CAS engagement letters
04/02/2026
Liability lessons on documentation, high-profile clients, CAS engagement letters
Sarah Ference, CPA, a risk control director at CNA, joins the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss recent topics of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column. The conversation covers lessons learned from claims involving bankrupt clients, the importance of strong and consistent documentation, and the particular risks associated with serving high-net-worth or high-profile clients. The episode also highlights the April column on writing effective engagement letters for client advisory services. The articles discussed in the episode: January: “.” February: “.” March: “.” April: “.” What you’ll learn from this episode: The reasons CPA firms can be drawn into litigation when clients face bankruptcy. How strong client acceptance and continuance practices can help firms identify and manage higher‑risk engagements before problems arise. Why documentation acts as a firm’s voice in a professional liability claim — and how gaps or inconsistencies can weaken defense of a claim. Why Ference has been told that “celebrities and CPA firms don't mix.” What makes high‑net‑worth and celebrity clients higher risk and why firms should avoid relaxing standard risk management protocols for them. Why for engagement letters related to CAS, Ference said: “The devil is really in the details of that engagement letter.”
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The surprising way one CFO grows her network and her knowledge
03/26/2026
The surprising way one CFO grows her network and her knowledge
Wassia Kamon, CPA, returned as a guest on the Journal of Accountancy podcast to preview her sessions at the and . Kamon also discussed the growing expectations placed on today’s CFOs and how those expectations helped shape one of her conference sessions. Kamon also reflected on how launching her podcast, , has expanded her network and grown her knowledge. What you’ll learn from this episode: Kamon’s summary of her session with Paul Young at the CFO Conference in April. Why she says her podcast “is almost like a business card.” The importance of a true reset and how a reset is different from rest. What she’s most looking forward to at ENGAGE in June. Why sessions related to artificial intelligence will be particularly relevant this year.
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Ancient Greece to AI: The past and future of bank fraud
03/19/2026
Ancient Greece to AI: The past and future of bank fraud
David Stone, CPA, CFE, MBA, is the author of the most recent FVS . In this episode, Stone, senior manager–Financial Services Practice Group at BerryDunn, shares insights from the report, which focuses on internal and external fraud risks facing financial institutions. Stone explains how long‑standing schemes — from misuse of dormant accounts to persistent check‑fraud activity — continue to evolve even as institutions strengthen their controls. Stone, a graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy, also describes emerging, technology‑driven threats such as deepfakes, more sophisticated ransomware, and the potential impact of quantum computing on systems once considered secure. Previous Eye on Fraud-focused episodes: What you’ll learn from this episode: David Stone’s explanation of perhaps the first recorded case of bank fraud. Defining internal and external fraud, both of which are focus areas in the March Eye on Fraud report. Why dormant accounts offer opportunities for fraudsters. The fraud stat that “astounded” Stone. How deepfakes and enhanced ransomware tactics are reshaping the threat landscape for financial institutions. What quantum computing could mean for the future of fraud prevention.
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Tax advocacy: AICPA experts on new bills shaping tax preparer rules
03/12/2026
Tax advocacy: AICPA experts on new bills shaping tax preparer rules
Two AICPA tax experts from the Washington, D.C., office joined the JofA podcast to discuss a recent on paid tax return preparers and why its findings matter during a busy filing season. Melanie Lauridsen, vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, and Todd Sloves, director–Congressional & Political Affairs, break down bipartisan legislation in Congress — including the TAS Act — and explain how . The conversation also highlights the SAFE Act and its aim to simplify the task of filing extensions for taxpayers and practitioners. The Q&A also outlines where broad consensus exists in the tax community and why this moment could be pivotal for long‑awaited tax administration reforms. What you’ll learn from this episode: What the statistics in a GAO report on paid tax return preparers show. How minimum professional standards could strengthen IRS oversight, and why the AICPA supports establishing competency and regulatory guardrails for all preparers. Provisions in the TAS Act recently introduced in the Senate, including reforms shaped by bipartisan work and those aimed at improving taxpayer service. Lauridsen’s explanation of how the SAFE Act would simplify filing extensions, reducing the need for complex estimates. A reminder of the particulars of the “mailbox rule.” The factors Sloves cites in his belief that the discussed legislation has a path to passage.
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Summing up economic sentiment and concerns about inflation, recession
03/05/2026
Summing up economic sentiment and concerns about inflation, recession
Optimism among U.S. CPA decision-makers in February improved when compared with the outlook in November, but . That’s one conversation topic in the latest Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. In the episode, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, associate director–Management Accounting Research & Development for the AICPA and CIMA, break down the sentiment about the domestic economy, the global economy, and respondents’ companies. The discussion also touches on top challenges, hiring plans, and recession expectations. What you’ll learn from this episode: The increase in own‑company optimism from the previous quarter. The reasons that both optimists and pessimists cite for their views. The “dance” that inflation and domestic economic conditions have done on the survey’s list of top challenges. Projected revenue and profit growth in the coming 12 months.
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Talent shuffle: Why people want to change jobs and how leaders can adapt
02/26/2026
Talent shuffle: Why people want to change jobs and how leaders can adapt
At several points over the past six years, employee retention has ebbed and flowed. In part, workforce trends have been tied to the COVID-19 pandemic hastening the predominance of remote and hybrid work. And, more recently, economic uncertainty has contributed to employee sentiment. On this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, two Robert Half executives discuss general hiring trends and the outlook for accounting and finance roles. Additionally, they examine the dynamics of promoting from within versus hiring externally. And, in case you missed it, news dropped on publication day that even a Hollywood director might have found interesting: were announced. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why nearly 40% of employees say they plan to look for a new job in 2026 and how that compares with recent trends such as “the big stay.” Some of the factors employees are considering in their decision to find work elsewhere. Steve Saah’s reminder that the demand for accounting and finance professionals remains strong even as hiring managers say it’s becoming more challenging to find skilled candidates. Kathy Burton’s explanation for why companies should move away from thinking about “diminishing” skillsets. The importance of upskilling and reskilling and why “courageous curiosity” is a valued trait.
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Inside the AICPA’s effort to enhance the skills of early-career CPAs
02/19/2026
Inside the AICPA’s effort to enhance the skills of early-career CPAs
, the AICPA launched its . In this episode of the JofA podcast, Carl Mayes, CPA, the AICPA’s vice president–CPA Candidate Quality and Competency, explained more about the initiative and why a rapidly changing workplace demands new skills from emerging and early-career CPAs. He discussed how automation, AI, and offshoring are reshaping entry-level work — and how research is informing the initiative. Listeners will learn how to get involved, what’s planned for ENGAGE, and how the effort benefits both early-career professionals and experienced CPAs. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why the AICPA launched the Profession Ready Initiative. How Rise2040 research informed the approach to improving entry-level CPA skills. The ways automation, AI, and offshoring are reshaping the first years of CPA careers — and what new competencies employers say they need as a result. The initiative’s multifaceted approach, including research, new learning solutions, academic collaboration, and state-level engagement. Ways that CPAs, educators, and firms can participate. How the effort will benefit both early-career professionals and experienced CPAs.
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Lessons in internal control lapses from major fraud cases
02/11/2026
Lessons in internal control lapses from major fraud cases
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 episode: A definition of internal controls and why they function best as a dynamic, ongoing process. How weak internal controls and poor segregation of duties can create openings for employee embezzlement. Why deadline pressure around the month‑end or year‑end close can weaken internal control effectiveness. Practical steps organizations can take to strengthen internal controls, improve oversight, and reduce fraud risk. Why Thomas said it was important to remember that “internal control is not a checklist.”
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Differentiating agentic and generative AI — and more with a Tech Q&A author
02/05/2026
Differentiating agentic and generative AI — and more with a Tech Q&A author
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: “,” May 1, 2025 “,” Oct. 1, 2025 “,” Nov. 1, 2025 What you’ll learn from this episode: The ways Hartman uses AI in his own work. The difference between agentic and generative AI. Why “confidently wrong” AI responses can present risks for firms. How inaction or “wait‑and‑see” thinking can create its own form of AI risk.
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Why stablecoin controls create a solid foundation in an evolving environment
01/29/2026
Why stablecoin controls create a solid foundation in an evolving environment
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 evaluate controls over tokens in circulation and the related reserve assets. How the guidance aligns with regulation, including federal guidelines in the GENIUS Act. Who can use the criteria and how practitioners can apply them in assurance engagements involving stablecoins. What work the AICPA Attestation Subgroup is planning for digital asset-related controls and auditing guidance.
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Accountability the ‘No. 1 thing’ and other reflections from Bill Reeb
01/22/2026
Accountability the ‘No. 1 thing’ and other reflections from Bill Reeb
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 this episode: Reeb’s view of CPAs’ unlimited career possibilities. What he and his wife learned on a shopping trip about 40 years ago. Why momentum, facing fear, and embracing change are essential elements of strong leadership. How accountability supports effective change management and keeps teams aligned on strategy. How rapid technological shifts have created higher standards but not necessarily time savings. Why the answer to “What is Bill Reeb’s succession plan?” is complicated.
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Tom Hood on AI, hybrid work, and other 2026 themes shaping accounting
01/15/2026
Tom Hood on AI, hybrid work, and other 2026 themes shaping accounting
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 and how the is helping the profession prepare for long-term change. What you’ll learn from this episode: How AI is shifting from simple productivity tools to powerful finance agents — and what that means for accounting professionals. Practical strategies for making hybrid work more effective, including purposeful in-office collaboration. Why CFOs and finance leaders are cautiously optimistic about growth in 2026 despite economic uncertainty. How anticipatory thinking and hard-trend analysis can help accountants prepare for long-term change and disruption. Why trust and integrity remain core accounting values.
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Getting unstuck by rethinking processes, people, and AI
01/08/2026
Getting unstuck by rethinking processes, people, and AI
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 value the firm has found in “Foresight Fridays.” Practical ways AI tools can speed tax research while managing regulatory concerns. How custom AI bots can support internal efficiency. Why clearer communication and accountability helped the firm solve problems it didn’t know it had.
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Are CPA firms ready for the next wave of data security threats?
12/17/2025
Are CPA firms ready for the next wave of data security threats?
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 ways engagement letters can prevent costly client disputes. The factors that often make audit claims the most expensive type of claims for firms. How to protect your firm when a client faces bankruptcy.
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Why 2026 is another ‘big tax year’
12/11/2025
Why 2026 is another ‘big tax year’
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 tax years. Resources: n The n The What you’ll learn from this episode: Lauridsen’s analysis of IRS guidance on new tax provisions in H.R. 1. The impact of the 43-day government shutdown on IRS operations. Concerns about taxpayer service and staffing as the filing season approaches. AICPA advocacy priorities for the year ahead.
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Where CPAs stand on economic sentiment, what’s next for the JofA podcast
12/04/2025
Where CPAs stand on economic sentiment, what’s next for the JofA 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 content in the JofA’s December digital edition.
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JofA branded podcast: Investment management at the intersection of tax and wealth services
12/02/2025
JofA branded podcast: Investment management at the intersection of tax and wealth services
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.
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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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