Communication skills

TOPICS / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

August 21, 2017

7 tips for managing sideways

CPAs need to focus more on connecting with and influencing their management peers, not just the people above and below them.

July 31, 2017

Make sure your CPA traits are assets and not liabilities

This column discusses how CPAs can let certain characteristics shine to their greatest advantage.

July 20, 2017

Quiz: English expressions that trip up writers

This quiz will give you practice in understanding and using some words or phrases that cause speakers and writers to stumble.

July 17, 2017

How to encourage candor in your office

This column offers tips for creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to speak up and criticism is delivered in respectful ways.

June 26, 2017

Which superheroes would make the best CPAs?

CPAs offer their take on which superheroes would make great accountants and why.

June 19, 2017

5 books for CPAs to read on summer vacation

Several CPAs offer their top picks for the best vacation reads.

June 12, 2017

5 tips for handling gossip in the workplace

This column offers ways for employees, managers, and firms to deal with gossip.

June 12, 2017

How to get the most out of conferences

This article looks at ways to make conference attendance pay off by building connections and expanding your network.

May 25, 2017

How a CPA overcame her fear of public speaking

Elizabeth Pittelkow, CPA, accounting and compliance director at ArrowStream, discusses how her experience with Toastmasters turned her from someone who avoided public speaking to someone who’s made it a key part of her career.

May 22, 2017

6 professional pitfalls of unhealthy living

This column takes a look at the impact not investing in your health and well-being can have on your professional life.

May 1, 2017

What they’re reading

Business and leadership books recommended by this issue’s guest editors can inform and inspire their fellow CPAs.

May 1, 2017

Be your own best ally

Learn ways to advocate for yourself at work—without appearing pushy.

May 1, 2017

How to reduce the pressures at work

Accountants, auditors, and finance professionals can use strategies to tackle productivity challenges and reduce stress.

April 17, 2017

How firms can overcome challenges and develop a diverse workforce

Recruiting a diverse workforce can be a challenge for CPA firms outside the Big Four, but it can be overcome with a commitment to building relationships.

April 10, 2017

6 leadership mistakes to avoid

When it comes to change, you need to lead, follow, or get out of the way.

April 10, 2017

How to succeed in your first accounting job

This column offers tips for young accountants to ease the transition from student to professional.

March 27, 2017

How young CPAs can help save the world

The accounting profession offers altruistically minded Millennials unique advantages in giving back to society.

March 27, 2017

Shaking up the board

It is essential that board makeups represent the customers the company serves.

March 16, 2017

7 onboarding tips for new hires

This column offers ways employees can help ensure their success as they start a job.

March 13, 2017

Great links for increasing your digital knowledge

These recently released publications can help jump-start CPA efforts to remain competitive in the evolving digitized environment.

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.