Professional development news and resources

TOPICS

November 8, 2024

How a hands-on project changes students’ minds about auditing

A university community outreach project offers accounting students a real-life audit experience and three local churches a service they otherwise might not be able to afford.

November 7, 2024

Driving better savings discipline and loving the work you do

An author and speaker on the topic of retirement plans – saving for them, designing them, auditing them – has a message that goes beyond the theme of saving. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

October 31, 2024

Reinforcing DEI accountability

Even as the climate for diversity, equity and inclusion remains volatile, the near- and longer-term impacts of DEI on the accounting profession amplify shared accountability.

October 29, 2024

How students use — and don’t use — ChatGPT

A study involving 390 students suggests a preference for using ChatGPT as a supplement to traditional resources, such as class notes and textbooks, to complete accounting assignments.

October 24, 2024

Advice for future CFOs: One communication skill that sets you apart

The co-managing director of an executive search firm details the skills companies desire in their next CFO and how candidates can get that experience. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A with Scott Simmons of Crist Kolder Associates.

October 21, 2024

New fellowship honoring Melancon will support doctoral students

Barry C. Melancon Professional Accounting Research (PAR) Fellowship recognizes the legacy of the retiring CEO and will support research in public and management accounting.

October 18, 2024

How firms can score the right talent mix

Want to build an employee roster that hits all the right notes? These 3 tips are key.

October 17, 2024

Public sector talent shortage: Unique challenges require unique solutions

Serious concerns facing accounting in the government space can be solved only by a multistakeholder commitment to improved conditions, an AICPA/NASACT report finds.

October 16, 2024

Mark Koziel to become CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, has been named as the next CEO for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Koziel will begin the role in January 2025. He currently leads Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and advisory firms with $6 billion in collective revenue.

October 7, 2024

‘Majority moves’ in tech: Finance leaders reveal popular practices

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.

October 4, 2024

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.

October 3, 2024

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.

October 1, 2024

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.

September 30, 2024

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.

September 27, 2024

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.

September 26, 2024

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.

September 24, 2024

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.

September 19, 2024

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.

September 16, 2024

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.

September 12, 2024

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.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

4 ways solo practitioners can stand out

Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.