Journal of Accountancy Podcast

In about two months, Corey Ciocchetti will deliver a keynote session at the AICPA & CIMA Governmental and Not-for-Profit Training Program. He previewed that session in this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. In the conversation, Ciocchetti discusses how he chose what law school to attend, why his more recent presentations mention the importance of civil discourse, and what he remembers about a speech by the founder of a prominent mutual fund company. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why he thinks people have a hard time prioritizing friendships and pursuing a sense of contentment. ·         His decision on where to attend law school and that decision’s link to a different keynote speaker at an AICPA & CIMA event. ·         What the phrase “real rabbits” means to Ciocchetti. ·         Ciocchetti’s recall of one early student interaction that changed how he viewed audience engagement.

On this episode of the JofA podcast, Melanie Lauridsen, vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy for the AICPA, explains some of the tax-related repercussions of recent Supreme Court decisions. One case could have a dramatic effect on future rulemaking, and the other could have a decades-long retroactive effect. On June 28, the Supreme Court overturned its decision in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984), holding that the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires courts to exercise their independent judgment in determining the meaning of statutory provisions, and courts may not defer to an agency's interpretation of the law just because a statute is ambiguous (Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, No. 22-451 (6/28/24)). On July 1, the Supreme Court decision expanded the time frame to sue federal agencies, holding that the six-year statute of limitation for lawsuits challenging regulations does not start to run until a plaintiff is injured by final agency action (Corner Post, Inc. v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, No. 22-1008 (7/1/24)). What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Background on the Loper Bright and Corner Post decisions. ·         Why Lauridsen said that one of the rulings was unexpected. ·         Why Sec. 6045 broker regulations could now be “vulnerable.” ·         The reasons that, according to Lauridsen, the Loper Bright decision will not likely affect beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. ·         How legislators on Capitol Hill have reacted to the decisions.

Barry Melancon, a seasoned leader of the AICPA, reflects on his impactful career and the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. He discusses the tumultuous periods following major scandals and how trust remains vital. Melancon emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation and the importance of evolving competencies, especially within an AI-driven future. He argues that viewing passion as central to the profession can drive innovation and collaboration, while also predicting significant changes in job roles due to technology.

Barry Melancon, a respected leader in the accounting profession, reflects on nearly 30 years as the CEO of AICPA and CIMA. He shares his remarkable journey from rural Louisiana to prominent global platforms. Melancon emphasizes the evolution of the accounting industry and the necessity for adaptability. He discusses the critical role of trust, highlighting that the world is increasingly devoid of it, and explores how effective leadership hinges on nurturing transparency and collaboration.

The National Pipeline Advisory Group published its final report on talent solutions for the accounting profession, and the group’s chair, Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, joins the Journal of Accountancy podcast to hit on the high points. Kessler is AICPA vice chair and also mid-Atlantic leader for the firm Aprio. In this episode, she shares next steps for the profession. What you'll learn from this episode: An overview of the six major themes of the report. How a “plethora of perspectives” came together to address solutions for the pipeline issue. Details about addressing the time and cost of education. An explanation of the three E’s that represent the components of CPA licensure. What’s next as the recommendations move from paper to practice. How CPAs and educators can take the Pipeline Pledge.

Tom Vartanian, an executive director at the Financial Technology & Cybersecurity Center and former federal banking regulator, dives into the rush of technology adoption. He warns of the irrational euphoria surrounding these advances and stresses the importance of returning to the internet's original purpose. Vartanian discusses the critical vulnerabilities in cybersecurity, especially with threats like Vault Typhoon, and calls for strong leadership to navigate these challenges. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in the face of rapid tech evolution.

The AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference starts Aug. 12 in Aurora, Colo. Rachel Gillette will be one of the event’s front-and-center speakers and moderators. Gillette joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast recently to discuss some of the trends and issues affecting the industry from a legal and regulatory perspective. Gillette, a Denver-based attorney, also explained how she ended up in this niche practice area. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Background on the proposed rescheduling of cannabis and why it matters for the industry and for accountants who advise cannabis businesses. ·         Gillette’s opinion of what might happen with cannabis-related legislation. ·         Why potential cannabis rescheduling could mean that certain businesses are no longer subject to Sec. 280E. ·         How the potential changes could affect CPAs. ·         What Gillette looks forward to about the AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference. ·         How a decision more than 15 years ago led Gillette to her current area of legal practice.

Melanie Lauridsen, vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy for the AICPA, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast earlier this month to discuss the latest developments related to several items of note for tax practitioners. Lauridsen shared data from a survey of members about IRS performance during tax filing season. She also analyzed recent IRS proposed regulations related to interest recapture on excess COVID-19 credits.   In her previous podcast update, Lauridsen focused on IRS data related to its performance during filing season. Lauridsen said that detailed information will be coming soon on the Tax Section Odyssey podcast related to the employee retention credit. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Updates related to employee retention credit (ERC) claims. ·         Why ERC claims labeled “medium-risk” by the IRS are on hold. ·         Lauridsen’s analysis of proposed regulations released by the IRS earlier this month. ·         The focus of a Maryland opinion on beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements. ·         The “awareness issue” related to BOI reporting. ·         Why Lauridsen said that the sentiment of tax practitioners is not in alignment with that of the IRS when it comes to IRS performance during filing season. ·         The “safe harbor” that could be offered by a congressional bill. ·         Updates on AICPA advocacy work with several entities.

Tony Nitti, CPA, discusses a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that some observers viewed as having the potential for wide-ranging changes in tax law. In the end, the decision was a narrow one, but the details of what was addressed and what wasn’t make for an interesting conversation on this collaborative podcast episode. Nitti, partner–National Tax at EY, joins April Walker, CPA, CGMA, lead manager–Tax Practice & Ethics at AICPA & CIMA, for this episode, jointly produced by the JofA and the Tax Section Odyssey podcast. On June 20, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Sec. 965 transition tax in a narrow opinion that applies only to passthrough entities (Moore, No. 22-800 (U.S. 6/20/24)). The Court found it was not required to address whether it is a constitutional requirement that income must be realized before it can be taxed. Nitti and Walker discussed the ruling in a late June recording. Resources: n  The unabridged version of the Walker and Nitti conversation on the Tax Section Odyssey page. n  Journal of Accountancy news coverage of the June 20 Supreme Court ruling. n  A November 2023 conversation about the Moore case. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Details of the Supreme Court vote and the facts of the Moore case. ·         Why Nitti said that an expected “showdown” didn’t happen. ·         What Nitti observed about the case from its oral arguments in late 2023. ·         How the case could open up further discussion on the taxation of unrealized gains and the constitutionality of a wealth tax. ·         The value, in Nitti’s eyes, of reading the dissenting opinions.

Calvin Harris, CPA, knew he wanted to be an accountant well before he got to college. He had several mentors who helped him make that decision. It’s one reason he believes that accountants need to reach students early and tell a better story about the profession. Harris was first on the JofA podcast in February 2022, when he was CFO of the National Urban League. Today, he’s CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs and keenly aware of some of the profession’s issues related to available talent. He discussed some of the ways accountants can help attract candidates to the profession and commented on the draft recommendations in the recently published report by the National Pipeline Advisory Group. What you’ll learn from this episode: How technology has energized Harris and how it’s empowering young CPAs. How Harris’s mother, a former high school teacher, influenced his career choice. The crucial role diversity and inclusion can play in the future of the profession, according to Harris. Why telling a better story — and telling it early and often — is a must to address accounting pipeline concerns. How Harris, later in life, added the New York City Marathon to his list of accomplishments.