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.
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TOPICS
Professional development
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.
AICPA, state CPA societies nominate accounting for STEM designation
A letter asks the Department of Homeland Security to add accounting to its STEM Designated Degree Program List in an effort to bolster talent acquisition.
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.
Melancon: Supreme Court decisions are ‘big deal’ for tax pros
Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA’s CEO, said the decisions will create uncertainty for a profession that craves certainty.
‘Time is of the essence’: Next steps after the NPAG report release
The chair of the National Pipeline Advisory Group explains some of the next steps for the profession in addressing accounting pipeline concerns. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
Switching to mastery-based college accounting classes
How do you go from teaching and testing material in a set time to providing students time (and multiple testing opportunities) to gain 100% mastery of the material? Find out in this Academic Update article.
Pipeline plan of action: Read the Accounting Talent Strategy Report
One year after its formation, the National Pipeline Advisory Group published its recommendations for improving the talent pipeline.
Midsummer update: CPA licensure program continues to add students
Experience, Learn and Earn, a program designed to ease attainment of the final 30 hours of the education requirement for CPA licensure, has 94 summer-session students representing more than 50 employers. The deadline for the fall semester is Thursday.
What is cannabis rescheduling? And how might it affect CPAs?
A cannabis industry expert looks ahead to the August AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference and comments on the legal and regulatory landscape. Read the Q&A or listen to the podcast episode.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
Tax season quick guide
Get ready for tax season with the JofA’s annual filing season quick guide, an easy-to-use compilation of dollar thresholds, tax tables, standard amounts, credits, and deductions. Download and print for quick reference this tax season.
From The Tax Adviser
December 31, 2025
Practical tax advice for businesses as a result of the OBBBA
November 30, 2025
Digital asset transactions: Broker reporting, amount realized, and basis
October 31, 2025
