Journal of Accountancy Podcast

Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, explains in this JofA podcast episode why finance decision-makers in the second-quarter Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey are less optimistic now compared with the first quarter. Witt summarizes the survey results, including CPA decision-makers' expectations for revenue and profit increases and the top challenges facing them and their businesses. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why Witt says the outlook this quarter is “mixed.” ·         An overview of respondents’ sentiment about the domestic and global economies. ·         The “signs of strength” in KPIs, including revenue and profit projections for the next 12 months. ·         One metric that Witt will monitor in the third-quarter survey results.

Anoop Mehta, CPA, CGMA, is the chair of the selection committee that will choose the next AICPA & CIMA CEO. Mehta, a former AICPA chair and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants chair, discussed the qualities the organization seeks in its next leader, a planned timeline for the selection committee, and the importance of knowledge transfer. The CEO chosen will replace Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, who on May 22 announced his retirement, effective at the end of the year. Mehta, who recorded the episode at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE, also shared why he thinks prospective CPAs should attend the annual event in Las Vegas and why he expects to continue meeting with accounting students. Resource: AICPA & CIMA CEO job description What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         A planned timeline for hiring the next CEO. ·         The qualities being sought in the next leader. ·         Mehta’s explanation of how a strong leader can balance openness to hearing others’ perspectives with making an unpopular decision. ·         The importance of the Association chair and co-chair in the selection process. ·         The state of talent development and why Mehta says he gets “energized.”

Trisha Nomura, CPA, CGMA, and Abel Soares III, CPA/PFS, don’t live far from each other, but they didn’t know the other’s story until Soares was featured in an AICPA & CIMA Member Spotlight Series video. They joined the JofA podcast recently to discuss how connecting has led to mutual admiration — and opened up new ideas for mentoring. The episode is in recognition of Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and intended to celebrate the diverse voices of the profession. Resources n  AICPA & CIMA home page for diversity, equity, and inclusion n  Full index of the Member Spotlight Series focused on diverse voices: What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         How Nomura and Soares learned that they were essentially neighbors. ·         The background of each CPA and why it matters — particularly this month. ·         Their advice for fellow accountants on being more entrepreneurial. ·         The inspirational emails Nomura has received after speaking to students about accounting. ·         Why Soares wanted to go “beyond the numbers” with his firm’s focus. ·         Their ideas for helping to grow the profession.

Marty Finn, CPA/PFS, J.D., LL.M., is an ENGAGE co-chair, focusing on tax, personal financial planning, and estate planning topics for the event, which begins June 3. Finn got his start on conference committees after meeting Sid Kess, a legendary tax practitioner and mentor who died in September at age 97. The advice of Kess has stuck with Finn, and Finn believes that an emphasis on top-notch speakers and topics is what has made ENGAGE and its predecessor events valuable to CPAs for years. Resources: ENGAGE registration information and agenda A remembrance of Sid Kess, by Andrea Millar, CPA/PFS “Summing Up Sid” podcast episode from September Longtime AICPA CEO Barry Melancon announces his retirement What you’ll learn from this episode: First, a word on the news of the week: AICPA CEO Barry Melancon announces plan to retire. Melancon is scheduled to be at ENGAGE, a signature AICPA event that Finn looks forward to each year. Finn’s explanation of the Sid Kess Rule. The topics that are expected to be addressed in a panel discussion that Finn will moderate. The importance of, and timeline for, the sunset of several key provisions of the legislation known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Why Finn says that the opportunities for tax-focused CPAs in the area of advisory services will continue to grow. One last bit of Kess advice for getting the most out of conference attendance.

Ami Beers, CPA, CGMA, senior director–Assurance & Advisory Innovation for AICPA & CIMA, joins the JofA podcast for this episode to guide CPAs on how to approach the new SEC rule on climate-related disclosures. The SEC adopted the rule March 6. But, about a month later, it put a stay on the rule’s implementation, in response to multiple legal challenges to the rule. Some argued that the SEC overstepped its authority, and others said the SEC didn’t do enough. Either way, it’s likely the rule will affect corporate reporting going forward, despite the lack of clarity now. Beers explains that and more, underscoring the importance of not waiting to understand the rule. Resources n  May 23 webinar mentioned by Beers n  AICPA and Center for Audit Quality summary document n  JofA March 6 article on rule adoption n  JofA March 14 need-to-know summary  What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Ami Beers’ rundown of the recent timeline of sustainability reporting and the SEC’s adoption of its rule on climate-related disclosures. ·         What the data, in multiple surveys from the AICPA and the International Federation of Accountants, shows about companies’ reporting on climate information. ·         What’s next regarding the legal challenges affecting the rule. ·         Why Beers said “there’s a lot to unpack” regarding the rule. ·         Why, despite legal hurdles, Beers believes the rule should remain on CPAs’ radar. ·         The importance of legislation in the European Union and California on climate-related reporting.

Tax filing season can be a marathon, or it can be a sprint to the finish. Either way, the collective sigh of relief is real. Melanie Lauridsen, vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy for the AICPA, reflected on the last filing season and addressed advocacy items to watch in this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Lauridsen, in her third tax advocacy update of 2024, discussed the latest on employee retention credit (ERC) claims, including an eye-popping cost estimate. She also shared advocacy updates and looked ahead to the rest of 2024. In her previous podcast update, Lauridsen focused on clearing up confusion related to beneficial ownership information reporting. What you’ll learn from this episode:  ·         The comparison of tax season to a two-hour marathon. ·         Why this was the first tax season in many years with “a smooth runway” for filing. ·         Lauridsen’s reaction to the comment by IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel about receiving 20,000 ERC claims per week. ·         Advocacy topics of note for this year and beyond. ·         Lauridsen’s analysis of a tax bill now in the Senate. ·         Why it is nearly guaranteed that tax changes are coming, even if the current bill never makes it out of committee.

Roger Kenyanya, vice president of finance at home improvement store Lowe’s, took part in the inaugural AICPA and CPA.com AI Symposium about three months ago in New York. Why did he refer to the event as a “humbling, full-circle moment” in a LinkedIn post? Find out on this episode of the JofA podcast. Kenyanya, a member of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group, shares how both the finance function and overall business are harnessing the power of AI. He also details his career journey and notes how the skill sets of next-generation finance employees will change. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The “significant milestone” in Kenyanya’s career — in his junior year of college. ·         Kenyanya’s path to his current role as a finance leader at Lowe’s. ·         His takeaways from a January symposium about AI. ·         Some of the ways AI is being harnessed at Lowe’s. ·         How the skill set for tomorrow’s finance employees is changing and the three-pronged focus of that shift for Kenyanya and Lowe’s. ·         The peer “platform to collaborate” that Kenyanya said is valuable.

Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA, vice president and head of Analytics & AI for Caseware, had an interesting way to continue her exploration of the ethics of using AI tools in accounting: She asked ChatGPT to give her an answer. The response helped in her assessment of such tools. She shared more about that result — and answered our questions — in this episode of the JofA podcast.  What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         What a well-known generative AI tool had to say about the risks of using large language models in accounting. ·         The surprising thing an early version of ChatGPT said about Supkis Cheek. ·         The top-of-mind AI ethics concerns for the accounting profession. ·         How the development of smaller-scale language models, with accounting specifics, can improve confidence in large language models. ·         An explanation of the MAYA principle as it relates to AI. ·         Thoughts on taking a “measured approach” when it comes to AI auditing.

To Jen Croneberger, it’s easy for many in society to spend a lot of time planning to do big things but not always carrying out those plans. Taking an “if/then response approach” to life prevents accomplishing big goals, and so Croneberger advises people to take big leaps, even if they’re uncertain about having a safety net. That’s one of several leadership concepts discussed on this JofA podcast episode. Croneberger, an author and consultant, is the keynote speaker June 17 at the AICPA & CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference. In this conversation, she previews that session, explains the words behind the acronym BRAVE, and shares the importance of human-focused leadership in an AI-driven world. Croneberger also responds to the topic of a JofA episode from April 2022 about how belief differs from arrogance. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         A preview of Croneberger’s keynote session at the AICPA & CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference in June. ·         Why leadership is “a behavior, not a title.” ·         Some of the ways she applies a sports background to her role as a consultant. ·         Why Croneberger likes the leadership advice “Go before you’re ready.” ·         How we can use digital devices to improve self-care. ·         The importance, in Croneberger’s mind, of speaking openly about topics such as depression.

In the first part of a two-part podcast discussion, Hamza Khan detailed how he was affected by a severe case of burnout about 10 years ago. In this episode, Khan, an author and keynote speaker, shares more about his battle with burnout today. Khan explained some of the reasons burnout can affect women in particular and shared some of the knowledge gleaned from attending two AICPA & CIMA Women’s Global Leadership Summits. He also discussed why having relatively few one-on-one meetings with his boss became a bad thing — and how leaders can make those meetings better. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why Khan wanted to emulate Jay-Z. ·         The CASTLE acronym and it’s tie-in to burnout. ·         Why Khan took one-on-one meetings for granted earlier in his career. ·         The tough questions managers should ask employees in one-on-one meetings. ·         Why the technological disruption in business today is “a time of danger but also a time of opportunity.”  

Hamza Khan believes the four-day workweek to be “an inevitability.” It is the sort of workplace trend that could help to diminish burnout, which is the main topic of this JofA podcast episode with Khan, an author and entrepreneur. This episode is the first of a two-part conversation with Khan, who has given keynote presentations at several AICPA & CIMA events, including the Global Women’s Leadership Summit and the CFO Conference. Khan spoke last year on the JofA podcast about the difference between managing and leading, and he’ll talk on the next episode about how strong leadership should include meaningful one-on-one meetings.

Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth and Engagement at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, has his finger on the pulse of the profession. He’s traveled all over, talking to everyone from corporate CFOs to newly minted accountants and accounting apprentices, and he’s sharing some of the insights gained from those discussions on this episode of the JofA podcast. Hood, who has been in his current role for three years after a long stint as CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs, takes time to reflect on his move to the “global stage,” to explain the issues that most concern finance leaders, and to detail an early apprenticeship success story. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Hood’s reflection on three years in an AICPA & CIMA executive role. ·         The “pre-Internet” computer technology Hood’s company used when he was a CFO. ·         One example of how the power of peers has built the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group. ·         Why the story one bank’s apprentice provides hope in addressing the accounting talent pipeline drought. ·         The top-of-mind issues for finance leaders for this year and into 2025.

Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, explains in this JofA podcast episode why finance decision-makers in the first-quarter Business & Industry Economic Outlook Survey are more optimistic now compared with the end of 2023. Witt summarizes the survey results, including CPA decision-makers’ expectations for revenue and profit increases and the top challenges facing them and their businesses. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         A breakdown of sentiment about the domestic economy and CPA decision-makers’ own organizations. ·         Projected increases in revenue and profits for the coming 12 months. ·         The top challenges facing finance executives. ·         The hiring outlook for the coming year and how it differs by company size.

The AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference begins April 24 in Charleston, S.C. Sandy Sloyer, CPA, CGMA, and Misty Geer, CPA, CGMA are long-time members of the conference planning committee, and they joined the JofA podcast to discuss how priorities have changes for finance leaders over the past few years — and how the conference agenda has been adapted as a result. Here’s a link to the list of conference sessions. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Attendance options for the April conference. ·         How the conference planning committee adapted to the pandemic era. ·         Key issues facing CFOs and the finance function these days. ·         Agenda highlights, along with some of Geer’s favorite speakers from previous years. ·         Sloyer’s feeling every year when the conference ends. ·         Why the event is for current CFOs and aspiring ones.

Melanie Lauridsen, vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy for the AICPA, returns as a guest on the JofA podcast to update listeners on the focus areas of tax advocacy.   Her team is paying close attention to employee retention credit claims, beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements, and IRS contingency plans in the event of a government shutdown.   Resources: January advocacy conversation with Lauridsen on the JofA podcast JofA coverage of the federal court opinion holding the Corporate Transparency Act unconstitutional and the appeal of that court decision Tax Section landing page, with extensive resource library on topics mentioned, including resources specific to the employee retention credit What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Recent developments related to BOI reporting – who has to file reports and who doesn’t. ·         Why BOI reporting often falls to tax practitioners. ·         The differences between BOI requirements and the customer due diligence rule. ·         Why March 22 is important as it relates to government funding. ·         Lauridsen’s analysis of a tax bill now with a congressional committee.

The factors contributing to a decline in the accounting talent pool are many, and so are the strategies to address the issue.  In this podcast episode, Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA’s CEO–Public Accounting, explains what early research has shown about why students are showing less interest in accounting. She also details the steps that multiple entities, including the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), are taking to grow the pipeline. In the interview, Coffey discusses CPA licensure, the 150-hour educational requirement, CPA practice mobility, and other issues important to her and the profession. Resources NPAG survey page: https://www.accountingpipeline.org/survey/ AICPA & CIMA business model transformation tools JofA content: n  Podcast episode with NPAG Chair Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA n  Podcast episode with NPAG independent facilitator Jennifer Wilson n  Podcast episode about including accounting in STEM curriculum with Jan Taylor, CPA, CGMA, and Lauren Pfingstag-Vahey n  Article on the formation of NPAG What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The main goals of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG). ·         Why the recently released NPAG survey is aimed at current professionals and students. ·         What NPAG research is showing about the reasons for a decline in CPA candidates. ·         Coffey’s response on whether the AICPA is being stubborn about the 150-hour education requirement for CPA licensure. ·         The importance of audit transformation in Coffey’s mind. ·         Some of the regulatory agencies she speaks to as part of advocacy efforts.

Wassia Kamon, CPA, was a featured speaker at the Future of Finance Summit in Orlando late last year, and she joined the JofA podcast from the event to discuss how leaders can overcome their own biases to be more inclusive.   Kamon, vice president of finance at the Low Income Investment Fund in Atlanta, points out that with social media and other commonly used applications, it’s very easy for us to choose our own news, friends, and interest areas — or have algorithms choose the focus areas for us. That can be detrimental to people expanding their understanding of the world and learning about others. Kamon also explains a few types of bias and how they can hold people back, and she explains why it’s important to mix progression planning with succession planning. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why we’re now in the “golden age of self-curation,” according to Kamon. ·         The danger of “blocking people” if you’re in a leadership role. ·         An explanation of implicit bias and status quo bias. ·         The meaning of leading in a “roundabout” way — and how it differs from a “traffic light” approach. ·         How Kamon once reacted when approached by a manager about receiving a promotion. ·         The importance of being “receptive to change.”

Bring together three of the top experts in the accounting technology space, and you’re bound to learn something (often, many things) new. That’s been the premise of the JofA Accounting Technology Roundtable since 2011. It held true again in 2024.  After discussing artificial intelligence and automation in Part 1 of the roundtable, published Wednesday, the three panelists — Automata Practice Development’s Wesley Hartman, IntrapriseTechKnowlogies’ Donny Shimamoto, CPA/CITP, CGMA, and Boomer Consulting’s Amanda Wilkie — turned their attention to several other topics, including one that is new to the roundtable — people tech.  What is people tech and why does Shimamoto think it’s going to be a big deal for accounting firms and finance departments this year and beyond? Find out in this episode. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         What "people tech" is and why "HR tech" is not an adequate description ·         Ways accounting firms and finance departments can use the technology “for good” ·         Why AI can’t solve all problems, especially within people tech. ·         Why CPAs should be paying more attention to digital assets than blockchain. ·         The type of cybersecurity plan now required for many firms. ·         Where Web 3.0 stands and why it may be a little behind schedule. ·         A simple reminder about taking small steps when implementing technology.

ChatGPT generates most of the headlines, but it’s only a small part of the big picture when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) in the accounting profession. What is the wider view on AI for accounting firms and finance departments, and how does it all relate to automation making life better for CPAs? Find out from three of the top accounting technology experts in the latest episode of the JofA podcast. Gathered for the JofA’s annual Accounting Technology Roundtable, the panelists — Automata Practice Development’s Wesley Hartman; IntrapriseTechKnowlogies’ Donny Shimamoto, CPA/CITP, CGMA; and Boomer Consulting’s Amanda Wilkie — covered numerous tech topics in a wide-ranging discussion being presented in two parts.  Part 1 features the aforementioned AI and automation discussion. Part 2, scheduled to be published Thursday, delves into topics including “people tech,” blockchain and digital assets, cybersecurity, and more. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         How generative AI is like auto-complete. ·         What a recent announcement has in store for ChatGPT. ·         How AI has been around longer than you might think. ·         The importance of CPAs partnering with technologists to vet AI algorithms. ·         The different levels of automation and the best opportunities for CPAs.

Darryl Bonner of Connecticut-based Liberty Bank is part of a pioneering finance apprenticeship program. He’s in the midst of a rotation through several departments at the bank, and he’s taking steps to receive the CGMA designation as well. Bonner is one of the first apprentices in the AICPA’s Professional Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners program, which in 2022 was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. On this podcast episode, Bonner discusses why he was drawn to Liberty Bank, how he mixes his day job with the CGMA Finance Leadership Program, and what title he seeks to achieve in his career. Resources: n  Liberty Bank’s CFO, Paul Young, CPA, CGMA, joined the JofA podcast 13 months ago to discuss why the bank was interested in taking part in the program and how adding apprentices could help to address a talent gap. n  A short video on the impact of the apprenticeship program: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/video/professional-apprenticeships-are-making-an-impact What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         How Bonner first heard about the finance apprenticeship program. ·         Why he considered his interview process with Liberty Bank to be unique. ·         An explanation of the departmental rotation program at Liberty Bank. ·         Why Bonner says “everyone can’t be coached the same.”