Journal of Accountancy Podcasts

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) report with recommendations n  JofA article on announcement of the Pipeline Pledge n  NPAG Pipeline Pledge landing page n  This Way to CPA landing page n  Next Stop: CPA podcast home page n  AICPA Student YouTube channel 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

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. This quarter, that percentage dropped to 37% — and it’s not the only area in which there is a decline. Related resources: n  JofA article on how finance leaders are countering tariff volatility. n  The AICPA and CIMA’s tariff resource center. n  The previous quarter’s podcast discussion 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. ·         Chang

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 two sessions 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.

It’s been a dizzying few months since Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, last appeared 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 the AICPA is urging that deduction be preserved. 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

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 tax bill, the AICPA’s reaction to some of its provisions, and an update on paths to CPA licensure. 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 amount of drama 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 im

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 the previous episode focused on Professional Liability Spotlight content, Ference detailed the January topic of risk management mantras. The articles discussed in this episode include: n  February: “Retired Partners: A Liability Risk?” n  March: “The Risk of Providing Unintentional Financial Advice” n  April: “Should I Disclose My Use of Gen AI to Clients?” In addition, Ference described the May column topic and several upcoming topics. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·       The importance of considering the client’s perspective related to disclosure of generative AI use. ·       An explanation of the concept of apparent authority. ·       Why guardrails are needed for retired partners who might still maintain an office at a firm. ·       How casual conversations with clients can expose a firm to risk. ·       A t

The latest Journal of Accountancy podcast episode is a wide-ranging conversation with two likely familiar names to listeners. April Walker, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA lead manager–Tax Practice & Ethics, and author John Garrett joined the show to discuss employee engagement in the hybrid and remote era, the importance of sharing and asking about hobbies, and why they are less likely these days to carry business cards to events such as conferences. Walker is the host of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast and the Reimaging Your Tax Practice webcast series. She has also been a host of tax-focused episodes on the JofA podcast. Garrett is a speaker, corporate consultant, and former Big Four accountant-turned-stand-up comedian. In previous episodes of the podcast, he has shared presentation tips and explained why our passions are essential to work success. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Reviewing the concept of “bringing your whole self to work.” ·         Why, in Garrett’s mind, employers shoul

Author, speaker, and presidential pickup game basketball player Ben Nemtin makes a return visit to the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Four years after his first appearance, he’s focused these days on the impact of purpose on longevity, well-being, and employee engagement. As the keynote speaker June 9 at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25, Nemtin will share about the road trip with friends he took nearly 20 years ago that spawned a book, a reality show, and the accomplishment of so many lofty goals. In this episode, Nemtin updates listeners on the status of his bucket list and explains why taking just 15 minutes to focus on one goal can be beneficial. Note: Early-bird registration for ENGAGE ends Thursday. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         A refresher on the concept of The Buried Life. ·         Nemtin’s focus on “energy-driven living.” ·         Addressing the notion that it’s selfish to focus on personal well-being. ·         The value of connecting to purpose – for individuals and organizations.

Very few people will be imprisoned the way Sam Goodwin was — for nine weeks in a harrowing situation six years ago. Goodwin says we can all be “held hostage” by any number of things and that our response to life’s challenges is what sets us apart.   Goodwin, an author and tech startup founder, will deliver the keynote address June 16 at the AICPA & CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference in National Harbor, Md.   Learn more about Goodwin’s message and story in the latest episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast.   What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Goodwin’s “Winning Through Uncertainty” theme for the June keynote address. ·         The worldwide travel quest that landed him in a hostage situation in Syria. ·         Goodwin’s explanation about feeling a sense of “survivor’s responsibility.” ·         His work overseas in the technology and not-for-profit sectors. The reason Goodwin says “uncertainty is a horrible thing to waste.”

As the demands on modern CPAs change, so also does the CPA Exam. Updates in the design and focus of the CPA Exam have been in effect for about a year now, and two AICPA experts joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss the changes, address misconceptions, and offer reminders on best practices. Any preparation for the CPA Exam should include a look at the CPA Exam Blueprints, according to Joe Maslott, CPA, director–Examinations. Mike Decker, vice president–CPA Exam and Pipeline offers insights into the changes and reminds candidates that the CPA Exam should be respected but not feared. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Maslott’s review of why the CPA Exam was redesigned for the start of 2024. ·         Decker’s comments on misconceptions about the new exam. ·         The “relief valves” now offered for CPA candidates in exam timeframes. ·         Best practices and strategies for approaching the new sections of the exam. ·         Why pass rates are expected to rise.

Half a life ago, Michael Brody-Waite didn’t think he was going to make it to his 25th birthday. Today, he’s an author, entrepreneur, and leadership coach preparing to deliver the keynote address at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference in May. In the address, he will share details of a leadership framework — using his experience as an addict in recovery as a backdrop. Three principles of the framework relate to authenticity, the ability to let go, and the importance of uncomfortable work. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why he says that most leaders are “addicted to doing.” The three principles of “addictive leadership.” The reasons, according to Brody-Waite, that those principles relate well to the accounting profession. Some of the excuses he made and others he blamed for his substance abuse. Why the advice “don’t be scared” should be avoided. The delegation lessons that can be taken from the principle of “surrendering the outcome.” Why uncomfortable work is different than hard work o

No matter who’s in charge, regulation, legislation, and education remain front and center when it comes to advocacy efforts in Washington, according to Mark Peterson, AICPA & CIMA executive vice president–Advocacy. Also important is understanding how to navigate a new administration’s priorities.  In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Peterson details some of the focus areas of the White House and Congress – tax legislation, an emphasis on government efficiency, and a change in regulatory approach. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Peterson’s overview of AICPA advocacy in Washington. ·         Why “navigate” is an important word for Peterson. ·         What has been normal and not normal in the change of presidential administrations. ·         Peterson’s assessment of the potential path for tax legislation. ·         The “very different environment” related to regulation of public companies. ·         Advice for members in dealing with D.C. uncertainty.

Alex Dorr speaks to audiences and organizations all over about ditching the drama and getting more productivity and engagement from employees and more overall value for companies. His session at Digital CPA in Denver in December 2024 focused on many of those same principles and was tailored to modern accounting firms. On the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Dorr, vice president at Reality-Based Leadership, explained more about how readiness for change can lead to a better work reality for employees and managers alike. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Dorr’s reflection on whether he was a “high-drama” college basketball player. ·         Why the examination of an employee’s or team’s value should include an assessment of “readiness for what’s next.” ·         The “juicy” question Dorr answered about speaking to accounting groups. ·         The importance of validating someone’s experience in the workplace before addressing ways to make it better.

In this Journal of Accountancy-branded podcast, a senior wealth strategist and managing partner share advice on how to initiate conversations with business clients about transition and succession planning.

David Zweighaft, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter’s Eye on Fraud report, focused on financial tracing. Zweighaft joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from his more than 30 years of experience in the field of forensic accounting. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report and mentions an infamous municipal fraud case, which was one topic mentioned in a 2023 JofA podcast episode. Resources n  FVS Section home page n  CFF credential information page n  Eye on Fraud report for the first quarter of 2025 n  Understanding the Forensic Technology Landscape What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Zweighaft’s definition of financial tracing. ·         Why human skills such as interviewing can be differentiators even as technology speeds up some tasks. ·         Some of the core accounting and auditing skills that apply to financial tracing. ·         The difference between direct and indirect financial tracing. ·       

On March 5, the AICPA published a comprehensive set of criteria for reporting on the digital assets known as stablecoins. The criteria are designed to address “the need for consistency, transparency, and trust in the stablecoin environment.” Jay Schulman, CPA, is a principal at RSM, and he’s focused, in his job and his role on AICPA committees, on digital assets. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Schulman explains areas of focus for the AICPA’s Digital Assets Working Group and the group’s attestation subcommittee. That work includes the stablecoin criteria. Resources: n  Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets (practice aid) n  Blockchain Universal Glossary n  Stablecoin Reporting and Assurance landing page What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Schulman’s explanation of the difference between bitcoin and stablecoins. ·         The reasons that an AICPA committee and subcommittee on attestation are focused on stablecoins. ·         Examples that remind Schulman of h

For several reasons, including persistent inflation and concern about the effects of tariffs, CPA decision-makers in business and industry are less optimistic this quarter about the U.S. and global economy and their own businesses. That’s according to the Economic Outlook Survey released on Thursday. On Friday, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to analyze the survey’s latest results. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Witt said, the likelihood of less regulation was one reason for an increase in sentiment. But much of that November enthusiasm has been tempered. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The top challenge for CPA decision-makers’ businesses (it’s not a surprise). ·         The difference in expansion plans based on company size. ·         The percentage of respondents who expect tariffs to have a negative effect on their organizations. ·         What finance executives project re

The AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference begins April 23 in La Quinta, Calif. The co-chairs of the conference planning committee joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss top-of-mind issues for finance leaders and to preview the agenda for the in-person event.   Ted Delgado, CPA, CGMA, and Summer Redmon, CPA, finance executives themselves, shared what they learn from attending the conference each year and explained the ways that the pace of change has affected the CFO role.   Also, Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA’s vice president–Firm Services, joined the show to discuss International Women’s Day, which this year is on Saturday. Resources: n  CFO Conference registration information and agenda. n  Podcast conversations in September and January with not-for-profit CFO Janice Stucke, CPA. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The value of self-awareness and servant leadership for CFOs. ·         Redmon’s explanation of a former boss referring to herself as “CFO-plus.” ·        

Nina Chmura, CPA, a partner at the firm Withum, was a co-presenter with two other CPAs at Digital CPA in Denver on the topic of firms growing their client advisory services (CAS) offerings. The title of the session: “How to Be the CEO of Your CAS Practice.” Speaking from the conference site, Chmura detailed some of the keys to CAS success in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. Chmura also reflected on her career journey. She is a 2012 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy, calling the experience “life-changing.” Chmura also found value in being part of a panel of guest editors for the May 2017 issue of the JofA. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·       The focus on metrics — identification and evaluation of effectiveness. ·       How the CAS advice and themes apply to her role at Withum. ·       The link between satisfied advisory clients and happy employees. ·       Identifying which KPIs are truly key to success. ·       Chmura’s surprise about being asked to be a JofA guest edito

Jennifer Wilson, the CEO of ConvergenceCoaching LLC, co-presented a session at Digital CPA in Denver that addressed talent and leadership differences in remote and hybrid work environments. In this podcast episode, Wilson, who also served as the independent facilitator for the National Pipeline Advisory Group’s (NPAG’s) work in addressing the accounting talent shortage, discussed some of the differing points of view that managers and employees have about remote work. She also emphasized the importance of telling a better story about accounting — one of NPAG’s recommended strategies for rebuilding the pipeline. Also in this episode is a mention of two recent news articles that affect CPAs. First is the news of beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements being in effect again after a court order. Second, the JofA reported on cuts in the IRS workforce. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The “consternation and angst” in discussions about in-office vs. hybrid or remote work. ·