An AICPA vice president discusses the Profession Ready Initiative and its focus on addressing emerging skills gaps for CPAs. In this podcast episode with Q&A, Carl Mayes, CPA, also answers the question, “Are you a good listener?”
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Professional development
ENGAGE keynote: The thinking behind Costco’s hot dog special
Richard Galanti, CFO and the “voice of Costco” for nearly four decades, dishes on keys to the company’s success to kick off the 10th year of AICPA ENGAGE in Las Vegas.
AICPA launches national campaign championing the CPA profession
CPA Trust aims to boost the profession’s profile via media promotions that highlight the unique brand of trust that CPAs offer.
5 state CPA societies merge
The CPA organizations of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont have approved a merger to form the New England Society of CPAs.
6 top scorers on CPA Exam earn Elijah Watt Sells Award
Of more than 87,000 CPA candidates who sat for the CPA Exam in 2025, a half dozen passed all four sections on their first attempt while recording a cumulative average score above 95.5.
Deregulation’s state of play and the threats it poses to CPA licensure
An AICPA vice president explains why CPA licensure is under pressure from state-level deregulation and what the profession can do to respond. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
How CPAs can show their value on National Accounting Day
An AICPA executive discusses the significance of National Accounting Day and encourages CPAs to share real examples of the value they deliver to clients and communities.
Worrying about what’s next? Take a minute and focus on the present
The keynote speaker for a June AICPA conference explains why focusing on the present can help finance professionals reduce stress and improve performance. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
Are you making the most of LinkedIn?
LinkedIn provides a multifaceted resource to search, network, and post content — but third-party AI tools should be treated with caution.
How to start a CPA practice: Lessons from a firm founder and a risk expert
Thinking of starting your own CPA firm but not sure where to begin? Two experts with deep knowledge on the topic detail what it takes, including a focus on managing risk in the early years. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
A Machu Picchu moment and what it means for aging and retirement
Speaker and author Kelley Long, CPA/PFS, explains the evolving definition of, and approach to, retirement and how CPAs can help clients plan for flexible careers. She also previews her upcoming ENGAGE sessions on retirement strategies and making better use of HSAs. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
The surprising way one CFO grows her network and her knowledge
The latest episode of the JofA podcast looks ahead to key themes from upcoming conference sessions, with a particular focus on the evolving role of the CFO. A finance leader who hosts her own podcast explained how starting that show has served as a business card and enabled her to make new connections. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
Audit report card: More internal audit teams suffered cuts in 2025
The percentage of internal audit leaders reporting staff and budget reductions in 2025 rivaled numbers during the global financial crisis nearly two decades ago. Strategic alignment was linked to sufficient funding for the function, an annual report showed.
Talent shuffle: Why people want to change jobs and how leaders can adapt
Two Robert Half executives share data on what percentage of employees plan to look for new jobs in 2026 and what factors — from burnout to better benefits — are driving a potential shift. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
How CPAs can help close the US financial literacy gap
CPAs are among the professionals best positioned to partner with schools and communities to strengthen financial understanding and improve decision-making across the United States. Learn more in this JofA web exclusive.
Profession Ready Initiative targets gaps in early-career CPA readiness
The AICPA project will collect extensive data, beginning with a survey live now, that will support the development of resources to help employers, academics, and early-career professionals navigate a rapidly evolving workplace.
Teen CPA: Caleb Byers earns his license before age 20
Also a licensed pilot, the 19-year-old Floridian flew through college and the CPA Exam and is now a year into his tenure as an audit associate at a top-10 firm.
Accountability the ‘No. 1 thing’ and other reflections from Bill Reeb
Former AICPA Chair Bill Reeb, CPA/CITP, CGMA, shares how he was drawn to becoming a CPA, along with advice on change management and succession planning. Reeb explains how momentum, the ability to face fear, and the prioritization of long‑term vision over short-term efficiency can shape effective leadership.
Tom Hood on AI, hybrid work, and other 2026 themes shaping accounting
An AICPA executive explains how finance professionals can adapt to change in an AI-driven world and details the thinking behind the Rise2040 project. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
How a CPA beat burnout after strokes, years of depression
After suffering two strokes in four days, the author battled mental health issues before he learned to recognize, address, and prevent chronic stress.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
4 ways solo practitioners can stand out
Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.
From The Tax Adviser
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Current developments in taxation of individuals: Part 2
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