Journal of Accountancy Podcast

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 a recent JofA article. 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.

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 AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference 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.

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 an episode of the FM podcast. 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.

"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 Digital CPA Conference, Dec. 7–10 in National Harbor, Md. Resources Early 2022 JofA episode (recorded in December 2021). Early 2023 JofA episode (recorded in December 2022). CPA.com's AI landing page. 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.

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: Global Women's Leadership Summit (Nov. 10–12, Nashville, Tenn.) Digital CPA Conference (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."

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 the IRS announced 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.

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.

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: "Form 1065: Pay Attention or Pay Up." n  July: "Professional Liability Risk Stemming From CPA Firm Acquisitions: Part 1." n  August: "Professional Liability Risk Stemming From CPA Firm Acquisitions: Part 2." n  September: "Start Risk Management With Employee Onboarding." What you'll learn from this episode: Why CPA firms should pay close attention to recent changes in tax compliance for partnerships. A summary of the two-part article on professional liability risk related to CPA firm acquisitions. The importance of cultural alignment in firm acquisitions. What "tail coverage" is and why it's essential for post-transaction protection. How a strong onboarding process can serve to mitigate some risks for firms — and why that topic is timely this month.

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 National Tax Conference 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.

Karim Ellis is the keynote speaker at the AICPA Governmental and Not-for-Profit Conference 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.

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.

"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 2019 conversation. 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.

"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.

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."

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.

The podcast is taking a break from full episode posting this week. Listen to previous episodes by visiting the podcast homepage, 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.

"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 a December JofA podcast appearance, 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.

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 a March podcast episode. Resources FVS Section home page CFF credential information page Eye on Fraud report 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.

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 YouTube sensation, 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. 

Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast early Wednesday to provide context on the fast-moving budget bill that was approved by the Senate 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 midyear report to Congress. In a May JofA episode, Lauridsen explained why certain provisions 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.