A Q&A analyzes the latest Economic Outlook Survey results, highlighting guarded optimism, easing recession concerns, and steady hiring needs. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
Corporate finance & treasury management
Optimism, while tempered, is up among finance leaders
Finance decision-makers are more optimistic about the U.S. economy and their own organizations in the first quarter, according to the AICPA and CIMA Economic Outlook Survey.
Looking to land a CFO role? 2025 was a good year
The amount of turnover among CFO seats at big U.S. companies increased last year, along with company preference for promoting from within. An executive search firm’s annual report tracks the hiring trends.
Overall economic view slides, but CPAs feel better about their companies
Nearly 50% more CPA decision-makers are optimistic about their own companies versus the U.S. economy on the whole, according to the quarterly AICPA and CIMA Economic Outlook Survey.
As Finance Duties Shift, CAOs Take On Strategic Role
With CFOs becoming co-pilots of the CEO, chief accounting officers emerge as essential partners in shaping the future.
Promotion opportunities abound for CFO hopefuls
One trend in a report on large company executive turnover: more hiring of internal candidates for vacant CFO seats.
Business outlook brightens somewhat despite trade, inflation concerns
CPA leaders’ optimism about their own organizations remained the same, and projections for revenue and hiring rose slightly, a quarterly survey shows.
The expected salary range for middle-market CFOs
CFOs at middle-market companies can expect a base salary of at least $350,000 a year, according to one recent survey that addressed compensation and career paths.
Appeals court leaves tariffs in place, seeks expedited argument schedule
A federal appeals court extended its stay of a nationwide injunction on tariffs imposed by a trade court and proposed a schedule that would include oral arguments on July 31 in the challenge to the president’s authority.
Economic optimism slides again amid tariff uncertainty
CPA leaders’ optimism declined sharply in the second quarter, as tariff concerns mount and businesses pivot their strategies to accommodate shifting requirements, according to a new AICPA survey.
Tariffs back in force after appeals court ruling
A federal appeals court temporarily restored President Donald Trump’s power to impose tariffs. The Thursday ruling followed a district court’s nationwide injunction Wednesday curtailing that authority.
CFOs express negative economic sentiment
Almost three-fourths of CFOs have a negative view of the current economy and its impact on their organization, according to a survey of emerging and midmarket finance leaders.
Untangling tariffs: Consumers expected to bear the brunt
The majority of companies represented in a survey said they plan to pass along most, if not all, costs created by tariffs to their customers.
How finance can get started with gen AI
Follow these steps to make sure you are on track with this game-changing technology.
Generative AI’s toughest question: What’s it worth?
Finance leaders struggle to determine generative AI’s costs and benefits, but there are suggestions on how to tackle the problem.
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.
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.
Using data to optimize marketing and sales strategies
CPAs who want to drive greater profitability and growth must understand customer acquisition costs and customer lifetime value.
Small ‘signs of strength’ despite continued concern about inflation
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. But, in general, optimism about their own businesses remained steady. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
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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.
