Finance leaders are increasingly being asked to devise plans that use new technologies to improve the bottom line. Recent survey results highlight the most common approaches leaders are taking.
Professional development
Best way to teach adults? Scenario-based learning
College professors teach young adults, who require a different approach than children. Learn more in this Academic Update feature article.
The value of connection: Reflections of an advocate for women
A principal at Crowe reflects on how women’s initiatives have helped diversify leadership ranks and why such changes are important to her. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
Key skills for CPAs in business and industry
Leaders from corporate finance and the profession share their advice for upskilling and reskilling for the next era of management accounting.
CPA licensure update: Uniform Accountancy Act changes proposed
The AICPA and NASBA seek comments on changes that would allow states to adopt the proposed CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway.
New AICPA apprenticeship program expands accounting talent opportunities
The Registered Apprenticeship for Accounting and Finance Associate program pairs employers and entry-level employees. It expands the AICPA’s apprenticeship offerings.
Never give up: A CFO tackles tech implementation and triathlons
A finance leader in the final preparation stage for a big race next month explains how being comfortable with the uncomfortable has benefited her career and her training. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
CPA Exam update: Core sections to offer more testing windows in 2025
The Core sections of the newly designed CPA Exam were graded quarterly during the testing model’s first year, but 16 grading periods are scheduled for next year.
JofA highlights: Tackling accounting’s talent shortage, ChatGPT tips
The JofA’s editor-in-chief highlights the news, features, and advice that CPAs will find useful in recently published and upcoming issues of the magazine. Listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript.
More organizations are turning to AI in the finance function
Research finds a significant increase in the percentage of companies leaning into finance AI, even as many struggle to develop sufficient talent to oversee execution.
AICPA chair: Why change is good, and needed, for the profession
A major firm leader, a few months into her one-year term as AICPA chair, detail how leaders around the world are achieving success by improving workplace culture and embracing emerging technologies. Learn about the impact of McCall’s extensive travels by listening to the episode or reading the Q&A.
AICPA, NASBA propose a new pathway to CPA licensure
The CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway offers an additional option for CPA candidates. Comments on the proposal are being accepted through Dec. 6.
What replaced inflation as the top challenge for finance leaders
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.
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.
Rewriting accounting’s employment narrative
Firms and finance departments implement changes to improve the employee experience and create more career accountants.
How academia is tackling the accounting talent shortage
Tactics include second-chance test taking, expanded curricula, extra help for at-risk students, and more. Early results are encouraging.
How CPAs can bring order to a disorderly world
A tech-savvy vision will help accountants use their skills to generate data, analyze problems, and instill order that begets trust.
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.
Features
SPONSORED REPORT
Preparing clients for new provisions next tax season
As the 2025 filing season approaches, H.R. 1 introduces significant tax reforms that CPAs must be prepared to navigate. These legislative changes represent some of the most comprehensive tax updates in recent years, affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers. This report provides in-depth analysis and guidance on H.R. 1.