Key takeaways from the AICPA & CIMA Conference

Dec 16, 2025

Scott Feely and Kevin Vaughn, both seasoned professionals from PwC, discuss key insights from the recent AICPA conference. They highlight SEC Chair Paul Atkins' vision to streamline IPO disclosures and upcoming rulemaking priorities. The discussion touches on emerging trends in AI and cryptocurrency, with a focus on stablecoins and their accounting implications. They also address the impact of the recent government shutdown on SEC activities, and share practical advice for year-end reporting while emphasizing the importance of international standard-setting collaboration.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Regulatory Push To Make IPOs Easier

Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized making IPOs attractive again by reducing disclosure overload and focusing on materiality.
He signaled fast rulemaking ahead and urged stakeholders to be prepared and engage in the process.

INSIGHT

AI Is Pervasive And Governance-Critical

Generative AI was pervasive across sessions and seen as transforming preparers, auditors, and investors.
Panelists warned to maintain controls and governance when AI is used in financial reporting processes.

INSIGHT

Greater International Engagement, Funding Worries

The SEC is engaging more internationally to leverage other standard-setters' work rather than seeking perfect convergence.
Stable funding for international standard setters remains a concern affecting collaboration.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode, we debrief the 2025 AICPA Conference in Washington, DC, highlighting key takeaways including perspectives from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and other regulatory leaders. Topics include the SEC’s rulemaking priorities for 2026, trends in capital formation, and emerging issues such as AI and cryptocurrency. We also explore practical reminders for year-end reporting and insights into international standard setting collaboration.

In this episode, we discuss:

6:42 – SEC Chair keynote: “Making IPOs great again”
12:51 – Emerging issues: AI, crypto, and international standard setting
25:08 – SEC shutdown impacts and capital markets backlog
32:06 – Rulemaking outlook and year-end reminders
47:08 – PCAOB oversight, inspections, and audit standard-setting themes

For more, read our In depth, 2025 AICPA & CIMA Conference: Current SEC and PCAOB Developments.

Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

About our guests

Kevin Vaughn is a PwC National Office partner specializing in SEC reporting matters. Kevin leverages his extensive experience to support PwC public company and pre-IPO clients on accounting and SEC reporting matters. Prior to joining PwC in 2023, Kevin spent over 18 years at the SEC, most recently serving on the leadership team in the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant where he focused on technical accounting consultations, SEC rulemakings, and standard setting matters.

Scott Feely is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience supporting clients as they address the SEC and financial reporting implications of their capital markets and merger and acquisition-related activities.

About our guest host

Kyle Moffatt is PwC’s Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.