Grant Thornton’s Q2 2024 CFO survey found that 58% of CFOs are optimistic about the U.S. economy — the highest level of optimism since the third quarter of 2021. Plus, a rising percentage of CFOs expect profits to grow in the next 12 months.
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Leadership
Melancon to retire as CEO of AICPA
The longest-serving leader in the AICPA’s history will depart Dec. 31 after 29 years at the helm.
Longtime CPA leader: ‘An amazing time to be in the profession’
A state society CEO shares some of the reasons he was drawn to a career in accounting and details the importance of early exposure for the profession. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
Insights from ENGAGE: You don’t have to like people to lead people
A learning development adviser shares perspective on the qualities that truly matter for great leadership. Here’s a hint: You don’t have to be a “people person” to thrive.
Maximizing the ENGAGE experience: A co-chair’s guidance
An ENGAGE co-chair explains the reasons he enjoys returning to the conference each year, with a nod to the past and a legendary tax presenter. Hear the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
New AICPA chair: ‘We need to promote the cool work we do’
Family influence, personal drive, and a commitment to excellence distinguish AICPA Chair Carla McCall’s professional accomplishments and her vision to empower future generations of accountants.
AICPA gives Gold Medal Award of Distinction to Kueppers
The AICPA presented Bob Kueppers, CPA, with the 2024 AICPA Gold Medal Award of Distinction, the organization’s highest honor.
CEO Melancon, ‘passionate advocate’ for the profession, to retire
AICPA & CIMA leader’s tenure includes the creation of the CGMA designation and creation of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
‘Go before you’re ready’: Advice for leaders in all walks of life
On the latest episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, a consultant explains the words behind the leadership acronym BRAVE and details why she needs to listen more to her own advice. Hear her words or read the Q&A.
Cautious optimism: CEOs confident in their businesses, the economy
Large-company CEOs in a KPMG survey are confident in the U.S. economy despite multiple risks. Also, the CEOs seem to be changing their thinking about a permanent return to in-office work, with more envisioning a hybrid model.
The win-win of effective well-being initiatives: 5 steps for leaders
Happy employees are productive employees, but simply offering well-being programs won’t get the job done. The key to success? A companywide commitment that delivers real results in the eyes of current and potential employees.
Comfort in the uncomfortable: One-on-one meeting strategies that work
A keynote speaker and author discusses a leadership role model, how he’s now “flirting with burnout,” and why managers have to be ready to ask tough questions in one-on-one meetings — and keep those meetings on the calendar. This is the second of a two-part conversation. You can listen here to the first part.
How financial services companies are responding to employee demands
If you’re a CFO struggling to retain talent, it may be time assess whether you’re keeping up with the competition in terms of offering a flexible work schedule and adequate compensation.
Risk concerns remain for CFOs, but they see improvement ahead
Three in five finance leaders say “now is not a good time” to take greater risks, according to Deloitte’s first-quarter North American CFO Signals survey, partly because of expected upcoming interest rate cuts.
The CFO agenda: Hybrid work, cybersecurity, career development and more
CPA leaders discuss lessons learned from previous events and share agenda highlights for the 2024 AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
Psychological safety: Creating a workplace where all thrive
Can your team voice disagreement or admit mistakes without fear of termination? Learn how leaders can create a psychologically safe environment.
Q&A: Melancon warns of threats to CPA licensure
The CEO of AICPA & CIMA also addresses AI, private-equity investments in firms, and business model transformation.
Bubble trouble: How leaders can identify and escape their biases
A finance leader and keynote speaker explains how one “sneaky” bias can limit leaders — and how a focus on progression planning instead of traditional succession planning can build stronger teams. Read the Q&A or listen to the podcast episode.
C-suite goal: Keep up with new technology
Keeping up with new technology is the top personal challenge for executives, followed closely by balancing career and personal life, and embracing change and innovation, according to a new survey.
What it’s like to be a finance apprentice
An accounting apprentice, laying the foundation for a future leadership role, explains how he’s advancing through the AICPA’s finance apprenticeship program in this podcast episode with transcript.
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Flip out with the latest Tech Q&A
The September Technology Q&A column shows how to create dynamic to-do lists with Excel's checkboxes and also how to set up multifactor authentication texts that don't rely on phones. Flip through both items and view a video walkthrough in our digital format.
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