Not since 2007 have U.S. accountants in industry felt as optimistic about the future of their companies and the state of the domestic economy as they do now. While concerns about regulatory requirements linger, and some companies remain hesitant to deploy cash or hire, those potential obstacles can’t stem the
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Management accounting
Nine ways to improve data security
Many businesses continue to underestimate cyberthreats. An urgent change of mindset is called for, says Florian Stahl, lead information security consultant at MSG Systems in Germany. He offers nine tips to bolster thinking around data security.
ERISA: 40 years later
The 40th anniversary of ERISA’s enactment is a good time to look back at the problems with pensions that the legislation was intended to solve, and the problems that face today’s and tomorrow’s retirees, who increasingly must provide for their own retirement.
COSO transition getting a close look from auditors
The early stages of implementation are over for many companies using the updated internal control framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In 2013, the framework—which had been in use since 1992—was updated to reflect changes in the business environment. U.S. public companies have been
Proposed new guidance outlines 12 principles for internal auditing
Proposed changes to guidance followed by internal auditors include a new mission statement and a set of 12 core principles that highlight what effective internal auditing looks like in practice. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) on Monday announced the proposed changes to the International Professional Practices Framework, which is
Nimble thinking takes the lead
Finance must, in certain cases, spend less time focusing on the past and more time seeking better predictions about the future.
A pipeline for diversity
A professionwide effort to grow the ranks of underrepresented minorities in accounting has been developed by the Howard University School of Business Center for Accounting Education’s Pipeline Working Group, supported by the AICPA. The initiative is focusing on reaching out to high school and community college students in an effort to create a pipeline of talent to the profession.
Technology plays a role in board members’ top two concerns
In a business environment where a damaging Twitter post can have disastrous effects on a company’s financials, reputational risk remains the top nonfinancial concern for corporate directors, according to a new survey report. Another risk rooted in technology—cybersecurity and information technology risk—is rising quickly among directors’ concerns, according to the
Six ways not-for-profits can get value from risk management
Many not-for-profits lack the resources to implement a holistic approach to risk across the enterprise. So it’s no surprise that they often lag behind public companies in implementing enterprise risk management (ERM). Indeed, just 13% of not-for-profits responding to a recently released survey said they have complete formal enterprise-wide risk
How internal audit can meet growing expectations
Broadening duties in a rapidly changing business environment make it imperative for the internal audit profession to evolve, according to a new research report. Although audits of operations still make up the largest portion of internal audit plans for 2014, the percentage of internal audit coverage devoted to operations dropped
CPA Canada: Frequently asked questions on Canada’s accounting profession consolidation
Canada’s accounting profession is undergoing a radical transformation: the consolidation of three accounting credentials into a new, single designation, the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). The abbreviation, which is synonymous with the U.S. certified public accountant designation, raises questions on both sides of the border.
The Sec. 4980H assessable payment for large employers
Know your business’s responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act.
The four D’s of better strategic planning
Instead of approaching business as a series of problems to be solved—say, how to cut down on spending, or how to keep employees from getting bored at work—organizations should take a more appreciative look at themselves.
Health care reform essentials
New health care regulations create many challenges and opportunities for businesses. Here are 10 things CPAs should know about the new rules to help the businesses they serve make wise decisions.
Effective performance management
For a manager, few things are more difficult than delivering honest performance feedback to an employee. And far too many managers don’t give feedback at all. Fortunately, there are ways to address performance review problems. Success lies in the execution of these simple ideas. Define the culture of your
Department of Commerce hasn’t met conflict minerals obligations, GAO says
Although U.S. public companies were required to file their first conflict minerals disclosures earlier this month, a new government report shows that the U.S. Department of Commerce has not met its obligations with regard to new conflict minerals regulations. The department failed to meet a January 2013 deadline to compile
Critical skills needed for finance to cut through complexity
The roles of finance professionals are expanding at a fast pace in a constantly changing global economic environment, new AICPA research shows, creating an urgent need for accounting and finance professionals to grow their skills. An overwhelming majority (85%) of CPAs who participated in a recent survey said the role
Five barriers restricting risk management progress
Organizations continue to be aware of the risks in their midst, yet barriers remain for implementing enterprise risk management (ERM) initiatives. More than half (57%) of companies acknowledge that the volume and complexity of risks has increased “mostly” or “extensively” in the past five years, but the number of mature
Two tips CFOs can use to cut costs
Nearly every industry has had to deal with dizzying changes in business models over the past couple of decades because of the technological revolution that is the internet. The hospitality industry is no exception. Hotels, for instance, once counted on having to pay travel agents a 10% commission for bookings.
Finance professionals are upbeat, but they have staffing concerns
U.S. finance professionals are feeling good on a number of fronts. They are optimistic about the U.S. economy and their own businesses. Most expect to make a higher profit than they did a year ago, and an increasing number say they’d like to hire additional staff. That last part is,
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SPONSORED REPORT
Preparing clients for new provisions next tax season
As the 2025 filing season approaches, H.R. 1 introduces significant tax reforms that CPAs must be prepared to navigate. These legislative changes represent some of the most comprehensive tax updates in recent years, affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers. This report provides in-depth analysis and guidance on H.R. 1.
From The Tax Adviser
October 31, 2025
Recent developments in estate planning
October 31, 2025
Current developments in taxation of individuals: Part 2
September 30, 2025
Current developments in taxation of individuals: Part 1
August 30, 2025
