Optimism about the U.S. economy rebounded significantly among finance decision-makers, according to a new AICPA & CIMA survey. Revenue and profit forecasts are up, along with expansion and hiring plans.
Advertisement
TOPICS
Management accounting
More return-to-office mandates? Report looks beyond the headlines
While some large companies have recently made news by making their employees return to the office, another trend is making bigger gains across the employment landscape.
A new top 10 firm? Two top 15 firms band together
CBIZ completed its acquisition of Marcum, a deal that creates a team of 10,000-plus and revenue that could land CBIZ in the top seven.
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.
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.
Shorter supply chains: US companies set sights on the Americas
Most senior executives are pleased by the impact of moving their supply chains closer to home, according to a KPMG report. Learn four keys to considering whether a change would benefit your company.
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.
Increasing appetite for M&A, AI driving growth, survey finds
Leaders at private and newly public companies are optimistic about growth opportunities, although many view the pivotal role that artificial intelligence plays to be a double-edged sword.
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.
Sustainable services: CPAs positioned for burst in opportunities
As mandatory regulations related to reporting on and assurance of sustainability data begin to take hold, now is the time for CPAs in a variety of roles to position themselves to take advantage.
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.
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.
Improving enterprise risk management: 5 steps to success
The results of an annual survey found that organizations have made minimal gains in risk oversight over the past five years despite an increasingly threatening risk landscape.
CFO optimism reaches highest level in 3 years, new survey shows
Grant Thornton’s Q2 2024 CFO survey found that 58% of CFOs are optimistic about the U.S. economy — the highest level of optimism since the third quarter of 2021. Plus, a rising percentage of CFOs expect profits to grow in the next 12 months.
5 ways to support LGBTQ+ employees
Organizations are encouraged to foster an inclusive work environment and create a culture of safety and belonging.
EY makes big investment in accounting profession
The Big 4 accounting firm announced that it will invest $1 billion over three years in talent and technology. The investment includes a commitment to improve pay for early-career professionals.
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.
Finance execs waver on economy, remain neutral on their own businesses
The percentage of respondents optimistic about the U.S. economy dropped since the first quarter. Own-organization optimism remains for about 50% of CPA decision-makers in a new AICPA & CIMA survey.
Features
SPONSORED REPORT
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.
From The Tax Adviser
February 28, 2026
CPA firm M&A tax issues
February 18, 2026
Why LIFO, why now?
February 10, 2026
Navigating safe-harbor rules for solar and wind Sec. 48E facilities
January 31, 2026
