The quarterly survey of U.S. business and industry leaders shows a decline in optimism about the next 12 months related to the domestic economy. Respondents also were asked about the effect of election uncertainty on business forecasting and about the effect of a potential lowering of interest rates. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
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Leadership
Decline in economic and organizational optimism among CPA leaders
Finance decision-makers in a quarterly survey say they have concerns on several fronts. As a result, business and industry executives have lower revenue and profit projections.
Chasing the right things: Keynote speaker’s keys to contentment
A keynote speaker explains why wanting to win an argument is a losing proposition and why he looks forward to speaking to a government and not-for-profit audience Oct. 28. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
CFO opportunities on the rise: Key trends for aspiring leaders
A noteworthy number of women landed CFO roles in the first half of 2024, but things headed in the right direction for all prospective leaders around the world seeking a shot at the highly coveted position.
Lessons learned, future in focus: Melancon looks back and ahead
Barry Melancon’s retirement as CEO is effective at the end of the year. In the second of two parts, Melancon discusses challenging times, lessons learned, what he’s most proud of, and a continued emphasis on trust. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
A matter of trust: Melancon reflects on nearly 30 years as CEO
Barry Melancon’s retirement is effective at the end of the year. He joined the JofA podcast for the first of a two-part conversation that looks back on his tenure and the skills he picked up during nearly three decades as a leader. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
CFO optimism reaches highest level in 3 years, new survey shows
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.
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.
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