This month, the Pathways Commission, a new commission on accounting higher education, will hold its first formal meeting to begin charting “a national higher education strategy for the next generation of accountants.” This commission is a joint effort of the American Accounting Association (AAA) and the AICPA. The commission is
Professional development
Make Training Grants Work for You
The U. S. job market remains hobbled as many employers delay hiring. But economically trying times offer opportunities to prepare for future growth. The AICPA has identified resources for training and assistance to help financial executives meet these challenges. Training must evolve from an agreement between the employer and a
AICPA Establishes PFP Conference Scholarship
The Institute has established the P. Thomas Austin Personal Financial Planning Division Scholarship in honor of the CPA who has chaired the Advanced Estate Planning Conference for three decades. The scholarship will cover the registration fee and travel expenses of a young CPA to attend the conference each year beginning
Developing Your Personal Brand Equity
Building a reputation in the accounting profession takes time, but is critical to success. Traditionally, partners built their reputation, or personal brand, by pushing information out to clients, prospects and friends. The timeworn mantra “it’s not what you know, but who you know” has been a fundamental building block for
Retaining Top Talent Still a Requirement for Firms
For years, finding and retaining staff were the top two concerns of management at public accounting firms. But when the economy soured, client retention quickly became the top issue for CPA firms of all sizes, according to the 2009 PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey, a biennial survey of public
CPA Exam to Undergo an Evolution
The CPA exam is undergoing its largest overhaul since moving from paper and pencil to computers. Jan. 1, 2011, will mark the launch of what people behind the exam are calling CBT-e (Computer-Based Testing evolution). While news of these changes is obviously important for those who plan to take the
Test Your Knowledge of International Standards
More than 100 countries around the world, including all major U.S. trading partners, now use or have committed to adopting IFRS. Nearly as many use international auditing and assurance standards and international ethics standards developed by independent standard-setting boards under the International Federation of Accountants. To ensure that CPAs have
AICPA Extends Contract With CPA Exam Partners
The AICPA, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and Prometric have extended until 2024 their contract to jointly offer the CPA Examination in the U.S. The agreement represents a 10-year extension of the exam contract. Under the partnership, the AICPA is responsible for developing and scoring the
How to Get Experience in M&A-Related Disputes
Editor’s note: This is a sidebar to “The CPA’s Role in Quantifying Post-Acquisition Dispute Damages,” March 2010. Most CPAs with an accounting and auditing background have advised a client who has acquired or sold a business or business interest. Disputes may arise related to the M&A transaction as outlined
Breaking Into Business Valuation
An aging population, increased regulation and the move toward fair value reporting have led to increased demand for valuation services in recent years. As baby boomers approach retirement and start thinking about succession and estate planning, the first step is often valuing the family business. Changes to the tax code
Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program Picks Second Crop
Quality remains high in the second batch of future accounting Ph.D.s participating in the Accounting Doctoral Scholars (ADS) program, say program officials. Thirty applicants for enrollment in fall 2010 were selected to receive the program’s annual stipend of $30,000 for up to four years while pursuing a doctorate in accounting
All the World’s a Stage
With 93 member and correspondent firms and more than 30,000 total staff in 76 countries, RSM International is the sixth largest global network of independent accounting and other professional services firms. One force helping unify that constellation of laws, languages and cultures is Jean M. Stephens, a CPA who originally built
PCAOB, CAQ Offer Academic Research Funds
The PCAOB and the AICPA-affiliated Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) are offering funds to support academic research on auditing and oversight topics. The PCAOB’s Academic Fellowship Program is seeking an experienced accounting researcher and academic, with an active interest in auditing and oversight matters, to serve as an academic fellow at the
Community Service in Down Economic Times
The stress of economic hardship can cloud corporate priorities. As a result, corporate citizenship activities may suffer at a time when the help is most sorely needed. Accounting firms and other businesses may lose sight of the fact that these volunteer activities make a positive difference in the community at
Get Credentialed in Forensics
Dr. Robert L. O’Block is the founder of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI), an independent scientific and professional association providing education, certification and representation for forensic examiners worldwide. This Q&A was prepared by AICPA Editor-at-Large Rick Telberg. What makes forensic accounting such a hot career choice right
Best Remedy for Recession is Education
Tom Vucinic, CPA, is the president of Becker Professional Education, a global leader in professional education, serving the accounting, finance and project management professions. This Q&A was prepared by AICPA Editor-At-Large Rick Telberg. What are the key trends and issues impacting CPAs today? And, what should CPAs be doing to
NABA: Forty Years of Growth
From seeds sown 40 years ago this month in a gathering of accountants in the living room of CPA Frank Ross, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) has grown to more than 50 professional and 150 student chapters nationwide. To succeed, it has had to reach consensus on its
Another Perspective on CFO Prerequisites
“CFO 101: Five Prerequisites” (Sept. 09, page 38) was a great article! In fact I am going to redo my resume to specifically identify these skills in my background. I think you hit the nail on the head in regards to what skills a CFO needs but find that many
Reigle Receives Beta Alpha Psi 2009 President’s Award
Dennis Reigle, the AICPA’s director of Academic & Career Development, received the President’s Award from Beta Alpha Psi. The award is given to an individual who has had a significant impact on Beta Alpha Psi over many years. Reigle was Beta Alpha Psi president in 2002 and 2003 and is
Auditing at the Speed of Change
Henry Keizer is the global head of audit for KPMG International and U.S. vice chair of audit for KPMG LLP. He also is a member of the AICPA board of directors. He spoke with JofA Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Joanne Fiore following the AICPA’s board of directors meeting in August and
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How to find the right CAS clients
The key to success with CAS is selecting the best clients. Tools like ideal client profiles (ICPs), buyer personas, and even artificial intelligence can help identify the businesses that best fit each CAS practice.
