Journal of Accountancy Podcast

Pascal Finette, an entrepreneur, consultant, and keynote speaker, shares innovation lessons from interviews with other leaders, a story about how Pepsi set up a direct-to-consumer business, and why those fortunate enough to work remotely can develop a routine that leads to better quality of life.

Drew Niehaus, CPA, focuses on accounting advisory services and governance, risk, and compliance in his role as managing director of a firm in Texas. He shares knowledge on those and other topics in this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, including where organizations should start with risk management practices, the most significant new accounting standards, and why he advises new accountants, “You’re not expected to know everything.”

The role shift of the finance function was accelerated by the pandemic, and CFOs and controllers continue to adapt to provide value for their organizations. Few people have more insight on that topic than Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Engagement & Growth for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA & CIMA. Hood is a featured speaker on a skills-focused webinar on Thursday about the Finance Leadership Program. He also leads a group of finance executives from large organizations, and he shared insights from that group — and what it will emphasize in the future — in this podcast conversation. More information can be found on the following topics mentioned: A registration link for the webinar on Thursday. The Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners

IRS service issues are a top concern for firms small and large, according to results of the 2022 AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) CPA Firm Top Issues Survey. But those service issues are not the only concern. Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, AICPA vice president–Firm Services, and Carl Peterson, CPA, CGMA, vice president–Small Firm Interests, take a closer look at the issues and what those issues will mean for firms going forward.

Today’s CPA devotes time and energy to focus on areas not even in existence a generation ago. As a result of technology and other changes in business, there is a need for updated testing of the skills needed to become a licensed CPA. Lori Kelly, CPA, lead manager–Exam Content for the AICPA, explains how the 2024 CPA Exam, based on proposed Blueprints, will look; why the changes are being proposed; and why feedback between now and Sept. 30 is vital. Also, here are three links to related resources: The CPA Evolution site. The 2024 CPA Exam exposure draft. Journal of Accountancy coverage of the release of the CPA Exam Blueprints.

Tim Keefe, CPA, CGMA, is continuing a family tradition in the profession. His grandfather, father, and two siblings have been accountants. Keefe has worked in several industries over the course of his career, and he found value in the mentorship of several people along the way. Keefe is curious by nature, and he likes to see new places. That’s one reason he’s in the middle of traveling to every U.S. state, where he’s trying to see a professional sporting event in each. He’s also hoping to visit all the current Major League Baseball stadiums. Keefe, the subject of the Journal of Accountancy June issue’s Last Word feature, shared highlights of recent travels, why he thinks listening is so important, and more. Also, get a summary of recent IRS news coverage by Paul Bonner on two topics: A report that shows delayed screening of IRS new hires put taxpayer data at risk A letter from the AICPA that calls for further measures to address the IRS backlog.

Risk management came to the forefront for many organizations during the Great Recession. Now, in the midst of the Great Resignation and other highly disruptive events, risk management continues to be vital. An annual report on the state of risk oversight takes a closer look into where organizations stand and what they can learn about their own gaps. Mark Beasley, CPA, Ph.D., a professor at North Carolina State University and director of the school’s ERM Initiative, explains more in the latest episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Click here for the report’s most recent edition, and for more resources, visit this page.

Harvard Business School professor and author Ranjay Gulati says that sentiment is growing among business leaders that companies have a larger role to play than simply providing shareholder value. This episode is a rebroadcast of Gulati’s appearance on the FM podcast to discuss that topic and others highlighted in his recent book, Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies.

Aaron Beam became a millionaire in the 1980s as a corporate CFO, but his story is a cautionary tale. In this episode of the podcast, Beam discusses his tenure at HealthSouth, the fraud that occurred, and the advice he has for students and leaders to avoid repeating his mistakes.

In her role at the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Kristy Illuzzi, CPA, CGMA, works with small and midsize entities, including CPA firms. Her conversations with those organizations around the world have brought to the surface some of the ways in which the Great Resignation is affecting the accounting profession. In this episode, Illuzzi offers advice for organizations on flexibility, technology, and more. Also, catch up on news related to these topics: A PCAOB release on amended standards that apply to audits involving multiple firms. The Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case related to an FBAR penalty dispute. An IRS announcement about the use of voice bots for setting up tax payment plans.