Journal of Accountancy Podcast

Optimism among U.S. CPA decision-makers in February improved when compared with the outlook in November, but overall sentiment remains guarded. That's one conversation topic in the latest Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. In the episode, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, associate director–Management Accounting Research & Development for the AICPA and CIMA, break down the sentiment about the domestic economy, the global economy, and respondents' companies. The discussion also touches on top challenges, hiring plans, and recession expectations. What you'll learn from this episode: The increase in own‑company optimism from the previous quarter.The reasons that both optimists and pessimists cite for their views.The "dance" that inflation and domestic economic conditions have done on the survey's list of top challenges.Projected revenue and profit growth in the coming 12 months.

At several points over the past six years, employee retention has ebbed and flowed. In part, workforce trends have been tied to the COVID-19 pandemic hastening the predominance of remote and hybrid work. And, more recently, economic uncertainty has contributed to employee sentiment. On this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, two Robert Half executives discuss general hiring trends and the outlook for accounting and finance roles. Additionally, they examine the dynamics of promoting from within versus hiring externally. And, in case you missed it, news dropped on publication day that even a Hollywood director might have found interesting: ENGAGE keynote speakers were announced. What you'll learn from this episode: Why nearly 40% of employees say they plan to look for a new job in 2026 and how that compares with recent trends such as "the big stay."Some of the factors employees are considering in their decision to find work elsewhere.Steve Saah's reminder that the demand for accounting and finance professionals remains strong even as hiring managers say it's becoming more challenging to find skilled candidates.Kathy Burton's explanation for why companies should move away from thinking about "diminishing" skillsets.The importance of upskilling and reskilling and why "courageous curiosity" is a valued trait.

Early this month, the AICPA launched its Profession Ready Initiative. In this episode of the JofA podcast, Carl Mayes, CPA, the AICPA's vice president–CPA Candidate Quality and Competency, explained more about the initiative and why a rapidly changing workplace demands new skills from emerging and early-career CPAs. He discussed how automation, AI, and offshoring are reshaping entry-level work — and how Rise2040 research is informing the initiative. Listeners will learn how to get involved, what's planned for ENGAGE, and how the effort benefits both early-career professionals and experienced CPAs. What you'll learn from this episode:

Tammy Thomas, CPA/CFF, CGMA, is a co-author of the most recent FVS Eye on Fraud report, focused on the importance of internal controls preventing employee embezzlement. In this episode, Thomas breaks down how failures in segregation of duties allowed two major embezzlement schemes to persist for years. She explains how small control gaps and role consolidation can quietly erode an organization's defenses. Thomas also outlines how deadline pressure and resource constraints can unintentionally weaken internal control environments. Also, hear the previous Eye on Fraud podcast discussion, about the role of company culture, from July 2025. What you'll learn from this episode: A definition of internal controls and why they function best as a dynamic, ongoing process.How weak internal controls and poor segregation of duties can create openings for employee embezzlement.Why deadline pressure around the month‑end or year‑end close can weaken internal control effectiveness.Practical steps organizations can take to strengthen internal controls, improve oversight, and reduce fraud risk.Why Thomas said it was important to remember that "internal control is not a checklist."

In this episode, Wesley Hartman, co‑author of the Journal of Accountancy's Technology Q&A column, discusses how AI is reshaping work for accounting firms. He explains the difference between generative and agentic AI and why both matter for firm workflows. Hartman also outlines the most pressing AI risks for CPAs, including hallucinations and emerging deepfake‑driven scams, which he wrote about in the February Tech Q&A. He closes the conversation with practical guidance for adopting AI tools methodically while avoiding common pitfalls. Also, here are a few Technology Q&A columns related to the discussion: "How CPAs Can Combat the Rising Threat of Deepfake Fraud," May 1, 2025"AI-Powered Hacking in Accounting: 'No One Is Safe'," Oct. 1, 2025"Creating an AI Agent in ChatGPT," Nov. 1, 2025 What you'll learn from this episode: The ways Hartman uses AI in his own work.The difference between agentic and generative AI.Why "confidently wrong" AI responses can present risks for firms.How inaction or "wait‑and‑see" thinking can create its own form of AI risk.

A new episode of the JofA podcast breaks down the AICPA's updated criteria for stablecoin controls, explaining what issuers and practitioners need to know as regulatory expectations evolve. This episode explores how revised AICPA stablecoin criteria support more consistent reporting, disclosure, and control assessments across a rapidly developing digital asset landscape. What you'll learn from this episode:

In this episode, former AICPA Chair Bill Reeb, CPA/CITP, CGMA, reflects on more than 40 years in the profession and why he believes accountability is the starting point for a successful leadership effort. Reeb, speaking from the Digital CPA Conference in December, discusses how momentum, clarity of direction, and facing fear help leaders navigate today's rapid pace of change. He also addresses technological shifts including the rise of artificial intelligence and explains why a book he wrote about succession planning was not predominantly about succession. What you'll learn from this episode: Reeb's view of CPAs' unlimited career possibilities.What he and his wife learned on a shopping trip about 40 years ago.Why momentum, facing fear, and embracing change are essential elements of strong leadership.How accountability supports effective change management and keeps teams aligned on strategy.How rapid technological shifts have created higher standards but not necessarily time savings.Why the answer to "What is Bill Reeb's succession plan?" is complicated.

On this episode of the JofA podcast, an AICPA executive and regular guest discussed trends from discussions with numerous finance professionals, delving into how AI and hybrid work might affect accounting this year and beyond. "Now we're going to be talking about managing AI agents in finance and accounting," Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, said. "That's going to be a whole different world, and it's going to be exponential in what we can do with it." Hood, the AICPA's executive vice president–Business Engagement and Growth, also explained why CFOs are cautiously optimistic about growth and how the Rise2040 project is helping the profession prepare for long-term change. What you'll learn from this episode: How AI is shifting from simple productivity tools to powerful finance agents — and what that means for accounting professionals.Practical strategies for making hybrid work more effective, including purposeful in-office collaboration.Why CFOs and finance leaders are cautiously optimistic about growth in 2026 despite economic uncertainty.How anticipatory thinking and hard-trend analysis can help accountants prepare for long-term change and disruption.Why trust and integrity remain core accounting values.

Samantha Bowling, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of GWCPA, shares how her firm eliminated busy season, limited hours, and improved morale while still meeting client needs. She also explained how thoughtful use of AI can support advisory services, boost efficiency, and help small firms get "unstuck." This episode of the JofA podcast was recorded at Digital CPA in National Harbor, Md., in December 2025. What you'll learn from this episode: The steps Bowling's firm took to eliminate traditional busy season. How productivity and morale were affected by limiting hours and weekend work. The value the firm has found in "Foresight Fridays." Practical ways AI tools can speed tax research while managing regulatory concerns. How custom AI bots can support internal efficiency. Why clearer communication and accountability helped the firm solve problems it didn't know it had.

Sarah Ference, CPA, an author of the JofA's Professional Liability Spotlight column, returns to the JofA podcast to discuss recent column topics and the advice CPAs can gain from them. In particular, Ference details data security preparedness, the value of engagement letters for tax-compliance services, common audit claims and defenses, and more. Editor's note: This episode is the JofA podcast's last until Jan. 8. n October: Are You Prepared for the Cost of a Data Security Incident? n November: Blocking and Tackling: Engagement Letters for Tax Compliance Services n December: Common Audit Claims and Defenses What you'll learn from this episode: Advice for CPA firms to guard against data security incidents.The ways engagement letters can prevent costly client disputes.The factors that often make audit claims the most expensive type of claims for firms.How to protect your firm when a client faces bankruptcy.

Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast on Tuesday from the Digital CPA Conference, offering context on the most recent government shutdown and on how a potential shutdown early in 2026 could affect IRS services. The interview was conducted one day after the IRS released guidance for health savings accounts. Guidance related to H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was also part of the conversation. In the Q&A, Lauridsen touched on the AICPA's areas of advocacy focus for the new year and why 2025 and 2026 are big tax years. Resources: n The October discussion with Lauridsen n The January discussion with Lauridsen What you'll learn from this episode: Lauridsen's analysis of IRS guidance on new tax provisions in H.R. 1.The impact of the 43-day government shutdown on IRS operations.Concerns about taxpayer service and staffing as the filing season approaches.AICPA advocacy priorities for the year ahead.

What's the view of finance executives about the U.S. economy and their own businesses? And what's the latest from the IRS on new Trump accounts? Find out more in this quick-hitting episode that summarizes several topics, including the December digital edition of the magazine. What you'll learn from this episode: JofAJofAJofA

In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast episode, Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, talks with Matt Gotlin, Choreo's chief investment officer, on trends in investment management and tips for CPAs to advise clients.

This episode of the JofA podcast explores Accounting Opportunities Experience month, a growing nationwide program to inspire students to pursue accounting careers. Liz Burkhalter, the AICPA's vice president–CPA Pipeline, shares how CPAs and volunteers are working to reach 50,000 students through classroom visits and events. She also mentioned resources that can help listeners who want to volunteer. n Specific CPA Pipeline resources for student outreach n This Way To CPA home page n Burkhalter's June appearance on the JofA podcast n The Next Stop: CPA podcast Scott Spiegel, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the chief operating officer of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, discusses his return to Rutgers University and why real-world stories can expose students to the diverse opportunities in the profession. What you'll learn from this episode: The history and growth of Accounting Opportunities Experience month.Burkhalter's summary of participation numbers last year and goals for this year.Resources for accountants interested in speaking to students.Spiegel's motivation for making campus visits.The common questions and misconceptions he hears when talking to students.The importance of in-person outreach and storytelling.

Andrea Millar, CPA/PFS, thought she knew what really mattered. Getting good grades in school and going above and beyond at work were part of her being. But she came to the realization that work was consuming her life, at the expense of other things she cared about. Millar wrote about that experience, and some of the changes she made to create a more fulfilling life, in a recent JofA article. She also joined the JofA podcast to discuss the topic. What you'll learn from this episode: An explanation of how work can "unconsciously" take over our lives.Understanding the "default state" of being and how it can explain why we might overwork.How a shift to the "experiencing stage" allows us to align time and energy differently.Why Millar stresses self-awareness as an important first step of changing habits.The award that Millar's article won in a recent media and publishing competition.

Withum partner Brian Lovett, CPA, CGMA, J.D., is the guest on this week's episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Lovett is scheduled to speak at the AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference in December on industry-specific impacts of new tax provisions in H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He joined the podcast to preview some of those topics and explain the main way he separates fact from fiction when it comes to the details of H.R. 1 provisions. What you'll learn from this episode: What real estate professionals and advisers should know about the expansion of Sec. 179.The PDF on Lovett's computer desktop that is "the one that matters."The topic that is "one of the things we're waiting on most" related to IRS guidance.One real-estate-related provision that could be easily misunderstood.The PTET SALT deduction's effect on real estate companies.

Executive coach and author Nick Robinson illuminates the challenging traits of work colleagues and shares strategies from his book — The 9 Types of Difficult People: How to Spot Them and Quickly Improve Working Relationships — that professionals can employ to improve relationships on the job. Robinson, a speaker at UK & Ireland ENGAGE, explores the interplay between organizational pressures, psychological stressors, power dynamics, and how those factors can influence the development of traits and behaviors that make people difficult to work with. He also shares strategies managers and professionals can explore to help get to the crux of performance issues, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of peers. "When you ask a difficult person why they're doing what they do, they don't think they're difficult," Robinson said. "They're trying to do something that they think is right." The conversation was first published as an episode of the FM podcast. What you'll learn from this episode: Four pressures that can negatively affect our ability to work with others.Three common types of difficult people in the workplace.Advice for managers and employees to navigate challenging relationships and dynamics.Steps for surviving a difficult boss.Tips for "unlearning" bad habits that make you appear more difficult to work with.

“You cannot avoid AI” — but you can and should continue to experiment with it. That’s one key message from consultant and keynote speaker Pascal Finette, who returned to the JofA podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has grown and how the profession is dealing with rapid changes and uncertainty. The conversation revisits topics Finette discussed in 2021 and 2022, and it looks ahead to the Digital CPA Conference, Dec. 7–10 in National Harbor, Md. Resources JofA episode JofA episodeCPA.com’s AI landing page What you’ll learn from this episode:

This week’s podcast guest is Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the CEO of KET Solutions and former AICPA and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants chair. Ellison-Taylor joined the show from the National Association of Corporate Directors 2025 Summit earlier this week, where AI was the main topic of conversation. What else are corporate boards discussing? And how is the accounting profession faring on certain aspects of growing the talent pipeline? Ellison-Taylor has answers, along with a look ahead to AICPA events in November and December. Resources: Global Women’s Leadership Summit (Nov. 10–12, Nashville, Tenn.) Digital CPA Conference (Dec. 7–10, National Harbor, Md.) What you’ll learn from this episode: The priorities and top concerns of corporate boards, starting with AI.How the accounting profession and firms in particular are doing when it comes to “looking inward.”Why Ellison-Taylor says that ambition can be defined different ways by different people.More about her comment that “at some point, we all will be digital CPAs.”

Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast on Tuesday to provide context on the government shutdown and its effect on IRS services, along with discussion on other tax advocacy topics. The interview was conducted the day before the IRS announced that most of its operations were closed and that a plan to furlough employees had begun “for everyone except already-identified excepted and exempt employees.” In the Q&A, Lauridsen also provided background on shutdowns and their effect on filing season. She also explained why the IRS announcement in September that it was phasing out paper checks for tax refunds has generated so much buzz among practitioners. What you’ll learn from this episode: A history lesson on government shutdowns, which previously went by a different name. Why the IRS definition of “filing season” is different than reality for many tax practitioners. Why the IRS announcement about ending tax refunds by paper check has been a popular topic among practitioners. An example of the guidance “trickling in” on new tax provisions. Estimated cost savings for certain businesses as a result of the preservation of the state and local tax deduction for pass-through entities. The filing-season concerns that “get ramped up” because of the government shutdown.