The podcast is taking a break from full episode posting this week. Listen to previous episodes by visiting the podcast homepage , or find the show on the podcast app of your choice. Here’s a brief explanation from host Neil Amato about what’s to come on the show later in the summer.
“It feels like we were out at sea. We got washed overboard by a big wave and we’re floating around in life vests, and wave after wave of transformation is washing over us.” Those were the words of a corporate finance leader a few years back to Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth & Engagement for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. The feeling of being knocked back by seemingly nonstop changes in the business environment is a com...
Carey Miller, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter’s FVS Eye on Fraud report, focused on the role of organizational culture in reducing fraud risk. Miller, a partner at the firm J.S. Held, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from her experience as a forensic accountant. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report, including how strong culture can serve to minimize fraud risk, why middle managers are important in such ...
Growing up, Durran Dunn, CPA, had drive and discipline, but he didn’t have any aspiration of using those qualities to become a CPA. He didn’t even know what a CPA was. Dunn, now a partner in Bennett Thrasher's Risk Advisory Services practice, based in greater Atlanta, overcame “whiplash” in the form of two moves – from Jamaica to New York, from New York to Mississippi – and now mentors students on the merits of the profession. In addition to sharing strategies for success, Dunn spoke about the h...
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...
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...
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 ...
One popular discussion topic at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25 is the accounting talent pipeline. Liz Burkhalter, the AICPA’s director—CPA Pipeline, is taking part in those conversations. On this episode of the JofA podcast, Burkhalter shared encouraging news related to the pipeline and reminded CPAs of how using their “circle of influence” can help to grow the profession. Related resources: n National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG) report with recommendations n JofA article on announcement of the P...
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 compa...
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 episod...
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 Ho...
This week’s episode is a mix of CPA-centric news and a Q&A with a leader in the profession. First is a summary of the House Ways and Means Committee’s tax bill , the AICPA’s reaction to some of its provisions, and an update on paths to CPA licensure . Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA, is the guest on the main segment, discussing how accountants can avoid head-spinning dizziness when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) — and why the profession is well suited for technology adoption. Supkis Che...
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 the previous episode focused on Professional Liability Spotlight content, Ference detailed the January topic of risk management mantras . The articles discussed in this episode include: n February: “ Retired Partners: A Liability Risk? ” n March: “ The Risk of Providing Unintentional Financial Advice ” n April...
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 Odysse...
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. ...
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 o...
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...
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 uncomfort...
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 ...
Alex Dorr speaks to audiences and organizations all over about ditching the drama and getting more productivity and engagement from employees and more overall value for companies. His session at Digital CPA in Denver in December 2024 focused on many of those same principles and was tailored to modern accounting firms. On the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Dorr, vice president at Reality-Based Leadership, explained more about how readiness for change can lead to a better work reality for employe...
In this Journal of Accountancy -branded podcast, a senior wealth strategist and managing partner share advice on how to initiate conversations with business clients about transition and succession planning.
David Zweighaft, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter’s Eye on Fraud report, focused on financial tracing. Zweighaft joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from his more than 30 years of experience in the field of forensic accounting. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report and mentions an infamous municipal fraud case , which was one topic mentioned in a 2023 JofA podcast episode . Resources n FVS Section home page ...
On March 5, the AICPA published a comprehensive set of criteria for reporting on the digital assets known as stablecoins. The criteria are designed to address “the need for consistency, transparency, and trust in the stablecoin environment.” Jay Schulman, CPA, is a principal at RSM, and he’s focused, in his job and his role on AICPA committees, on digital assets. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Schulman explains areas of focus for the AICPA’s Digital Assets Working Group a...
For several reasons, including persistent inflation and concern about the effects of tariffs, CPA decision-makers in business and industry are less optimistic this quarter about the U.S. and global economy and their own businesses. That’s according to the Economic Outlook Survey released on Thursday. On Friday, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to analyze the survey’s latest results. ...
The AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference begins April 23 in La Quinta, Calif. The co-chairs of the conference planning committee joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss top-of-mind issues for finance leaders and to preview the agenda for the in-person event. Ted Delgado, CPA, CGMA, and Summer Redmon, CPA, finance executives themselves, shared what they learn from attending the conference each year and explained the ways that the pace of change has affected the CFO role. Also, Lisa Simpso...
Nina Chmura, CPA, a partner at the firm Withum, was a co-presenter with two other CPAs at Digital CPA in Denver on the topic of firms growing their client advisory services (CAS) offerings. The title of the session: “How to Be the CEO of Your CAS Practice.” Speaking from the conference site, Chmura detailed some of the keys to CAS success in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. Chmura also reflected on her career journey. She is a 2012 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy , calling t...
Jennifer Wilson, the CEO of ConvergenceCoaching LLC, co-presented a session at Digital CPA in Denver that addressed talent and leadership differences in remote and hybrid work environments. In this podcast episode, Wilson, who also served as the independent facilitator for the National Pipeline Advisory Group’s (NPAG’s) work in addressing the accounting talent shortage, discussed some of the differing points of view that managers and employees have about remote work. She also emphasized the impo...
Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, was less than a week into his tenure as AICPA & CIMA CEO when he joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast for a two-part conversation. In part one , published Thursday, Koziel discussed wanting to hear from members about their challenges and success stories. In part two, he talks about how accountants can work with artificial intelligence tools, why he initially was interested in pursuing work with the FBI, and the value he sees in a hybrid work environment for some ...
Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, was officially just a few days into his role as CEO of AICPA & CIMA when he took time to join the Journal of Accountancy podcast for a conversation that will be shared in two parts. Part one is below, and part two will be published in the coming days. Koziel — named in October to succeed the now retired Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA — discussed the importance of hearing about the successes and challenges facing members, how he hopes to create communities, and more in this...
