Journal of Accountancy Podcast

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 1099-K reporting threshold. ·         The top concern from a survey of members just after tax filing season. ·         What Lauridsen means by “fractures.”

Danielle Supkis Cheek, Senior VP of AI, Analytics, and Assurance at Caseware, discusses the evolving role of AI in accounting. She emphasizes how accountants can leverage AI to streamline operations while maintaining professional skepticism. Supkis Cheek explores the concept of the 'curation age', underlining the importance of effective information synthesis amidst digital noise. She also reflects on the balance between human talent and automation in CPA practices, and provides insights on navigating workplace dynamics and the public expectation gap in auditing.

Sarah Ference, CPA, is the risk control director at CNA and an author renowned for her insights on professional liability. In this discussion, she explores the implications of AI use in CPA practices and the necessity of transparent client communication. She delves into the liability risks posed by retired partners, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and guidelines. Additionally, she highlights the dangers of unintentional financial advice in casual client interactions, making a compelling case for proactive risk management strategies.

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 should “value the worker as much as you value the work.” ·         Should you start a virtual team meeting with an icebreaker question? Why Walker says “yes.” ·         The speakers’ opinions on business cards. ·         Words that could create “stronger and deeper connections” on a business card. ·         Why we should “shine a light” on outside interests.

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. ·         Three ways to maintain accountability when it comes to setting and reaching goals.

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 or difficult work. Brody-Waite’s message to conference attendees.

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.