Journal of Accountancy Podcast

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.

Instead of worrying about failure when undergoing a change initiative, why not ask, “What happens if we succeed?” That is summarized sentiment from a discussion with Al Dea, admittedly a glass-half-full guy, on the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Dea, a leadership development consultant and founder of the organization The Edge of Work, is the keynote speaker at the Aug. 12–14 Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference. In this episode, Dea explores pain points for dealing with almost constant change, how the last five years have affected our ability to manage change, and more. The virtual conference has an early-bird discount of $150 for attendees who register by Saturday. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why humans tend to seek a “steady state.” ·         One exercise Dea recommends for professionals worried about what change might bring. ·         Why it sometimes may be impossible to have a playbook or manual for a change initiative. ·         The concept of being “sturdy” for others and how it can make a difference amid volatility. ·         Why it’s OK to not have all the answers for how to navigate change.

In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast, hosted by Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, experts discuss how to help clients, especially high-net-worth ones, navigate growing and changing challenges in seeking proper insurance coverage.

Jody Grunden, CPA, stands out for more than his brightly colored Hawaiian shirts at accounting conferences and events. Grunden was one of the first firm leaders to embrace remote work, and he remains a proponent of it. His firm also was one of the first to offer outsourced CFO services. In this JofA podcast episode, Grunden reflects on his firm’s growth, explains how cultures can mesh during a merger, and predicts where the future lies for CPAs. Hint: It’s not in delivering financial statements to clients. In an earlier JofA interview, Grunden discussed not feeling fear when trying something new and explained why Monday is his favorite day of the week. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The evolution of outsourced CFO service offerings. ·         Why Grunden says remote work “is the way to go.” ·         How off-site retreats helped grow postmerger culture. ·         What “remaining independent” means to Grunden. ·         The future of client advisory services. ·         Why a client’s “graduation” should be celebrated.

Liz Burkhalter, Director of CPA Pipeline at AICPA, shares insights on the accounting talent landscape. She highlights how artificial intelligence is transforming job opportunities in accounting, making them more appealing. Burkhalter is excited about the recent surge in student enrollment and discusses effective outreach to inspire high school students. Moreover, she emphasizes the crucial role seasoned accountants can play in mentoring the next generation and enhancing the profession through their networks.

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. ·         Changes in the list of top challenges facing CPA decision-makers. ·         The “big topic” in this quarter’s survey. ·         An assessment of the impact of tariffs on respondents’ business planning. ·         A summary of respondents’ 12-month projections for revenue, profits, and spending.

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.