Journal of Accountancy Podcasts

Half a life ago, Michael Brody-Waite didn’t think he was going to make it to his 25th birthday. Today, he’s an author, entrepreneur, and leadership coach preparing to deliver the keynote address at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference in May. In the address, he will share details of a leadership framework — using his experience as an addict in recovery as a backdrop. Three principles of the framework relate to authenticity, the ability to let go, and the importance of uncomfortable work. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why he says that most leaders are “addicted to doing.” The three principles of “addictive leadership.” The reasons, according to Brody-Waite, that those principles relate well to the accounting profession. Some of the excuses he made and others he blamed for his substance abuse. Why the advice “don’t be scared” should be avoided. The delegation lessons that can be taken from the principle of “surrendering the outcome.” Why uncomfortable work is different than hard work o

No matter who’s in charge, regulation, legislation, and education remain front and center when it comes to advocacy efforts in Washington, according to Mark Peterson, AICPA & CIMA executive vice president–Advocacy. Also important is understanding how to navigate a new administration’s priorities.  In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Peterson details some of the focus areas of the White House and Congress – tax legislation, an emphasis on government efficiency, and a change in regulatory approach. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Peterson’s overview of AICPA advocacy in Washington. ·         Why “navigate” is an important word for Peterson. ·         What has been normal and not normal in the change of presidential administrations. ·         Peterson’s assessment of the potential path for tax legislation. ·         The “very different environment” related to regulation of public companies. ·         Advice for members in dealing with D.C. uncertainty.

Alex Dorr speaks to audiences and organizations all over about ditching the drama and getting more productivity and engagement from employees and more overall value for companies. His session at Digital CPA in Denver in December 2024 focused on many of those same principles and was tailored to modern accounting firms. On the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Dorr, vice president at Reality-Based Leadership, explained more about how readiness for change can lead to a better work reality for employees and managers alike. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Dorr’s reflection on whether he was a “high-drama” college basketball player. ·         Why the examination of an employee’s or team’s value should include an assessment of “readiness for what’s next.” ·         The “juicy” question Dorr answered about speaking to accounting groups. ·         The importance of validating someone’s experience in the workplace before addressing ways to make it better.

In this Journal of Accountancy-branded podcast, a senior wealth strategist and managing partner share advice on how to initiate conversations with business clients about transition and succession planning.

David Zweighaft, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter’s Eye on Fraud report, focused on financial tracing. Zweighaft joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from his more than 30 years of experience in the field of forensic accounting. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report and mentions an infamous municipal fraud case, which was one topic mentioned in a 2023 JofA podcast episode. Resources n  FVS Section home page n  CFF credential information page n  Eye on Fraud report for the first quarter of 2025 n  Understanding the Forensic Technology Landscape What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Zweighaft’s definition of financial tracing. ·         Why human skills such as interviewing can be differentiators even as technology speeds up some tasks. ·         Some of the core accounting and auditing skills that apply to financial tracing. ·         The difference between direct and indirect financial tracing. ·       

On March 5, the AICPA published a comprehensive set of criteria for reporting on the digital assets known as stablecoins. The criteria are designed to address “the need for consistency, transparency, and trust in the stablecoin environment.” Jay Schulman, CPA, is a principal at RSM, and he’s focused, in his job and his role on AICPA committees, on digital assets. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Schulman explains areas of focus for the AICPA’s Digital Assets Working Group and the group’s attestation subcommittee. That work includes the stablecoin criteria. Resources: n  Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets (practice aid) n  Blockchain Universal Glossary n  Stablecoin Reporting and Assurance landing page What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Schulman’s explanation of the difference between bitcoin and stablecoins. ·         The reasons that an AICPA committee and subcommittee on attestation are focused on stablecoins. ·         Examples that remind Schulman of h

For several reasons, including persistent inflation and concern about the effects of tariffs, CPA decision-makers in business and industry are less optimistic this quarter about the U.S. and global economy and their own businesses. That’s according to the Economic Outlook Survey released on Thursday. On Friday, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to analyze the survey’s latest results. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Witt said, the likelihood of less regulation was one reason for an increase in sentiment. But much of that November enthusiasm has been tempered. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The top challenge for CPA decision-makers’ businesses (it’s not a surprise). ·         The difference in expansion plans based on company size. ·         The percentage of respondents who expect tariffs to have a negative effect on their organizations. ·         What finance executives project re

The AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference begins April 23 in La Quinta, Calif. The co-chairs of the conference planning committee joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss top-of-mind issues for finance leaders and to preview the agenda for the in-person event.   Ted Delgado, CPA, CGMA, and Summer Redmon, CPA, finance executives themselves, shared what they learn from attending the conference each year and explained the ways that the pace of change has affected the CFO role.   Also, Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA’s vice president–Firm Services, joined the show to discuss International Women’s Day, which this year is on Saturday. Resources: n  CFO Conference registration information and agenda. n  Podcast conversations in September and January with not-for-profit CFO Janice Stucke, CPA. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The value of self-awareness and servant leadership for CFOs. ·         Redmon’s explanation of a former boss referring to herself as “CFO-plus.” ·        

Nina Chmura, CPA, a partner at the firm Withum, was a co-presenter with two other CPAs at Digital CPA in Denver on the topic of firms growing their client advisory services (CAS) offerings. The title of the session: “How to Be the CEO of Your CAS Practice.” Speaking from the conference site, Chmura detailed some of the keys to CAS success in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. Chmura also reflected on her career journey. She is a 2012 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy, calling the experience “life-changing.” Chmura also found value in being part of a panel of guest editors for the May 2017 issue of the JofA. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·       The focus on metrics — identification and evaluation of effectiveness. ·       How the CAS advice and themes apply to her role at Withum. ·       The link between satisfied advisory clients and happy employees. ·       Identifying which KPIs are truly key to success. ·       Chmura’s surprise about being asked to be a JofA guest edito

Jennifer Wilson, the CEO of ConvergenceCoaching LLC, co-presented a session at Digital CPA in Denver that addressed talent and leadership differences in remote and hybrid work environments. In this podcast episode, Wilson, who also served as the independent facilitator for the National Pipeline Advisory Group’s (NPAG’s) work in addressing the accounting talent shortage, discussed some of the differing points of view that managers and employees have about remote work. She also emphasized the importance of telling a better story about accounting — one of NPAG’s recommended strategies for rebuilding the pipeline. Also in this episode is a mention of two recent news articles that affect CPAs. First is the news of beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements being in effect again after a court order. Second, the JofA reported on cuts in the IRS workforce. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The “consternation and angst” in discussions about in-office vs. hybrid or remote work. ·       

Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, was less than a week into his tenure as AICPA & CIMA CEO when he joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast for a two-part conversation. In part one, published Thursday, Koziel discussed wanting to hear from members about their challenges and success stories. In part two, he talks about how accountants can work with artificial intelligence tools, why he initially was interested in pursuing work with the FBI, and the value he sees in a hybrid work environment for some firms.  Koziel has invited members to send email to AskMark@aicpa-cima.com and "tell me how the Association can help you, your career, and the profession." What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         The career-related questions Koziel used to ask fellow CPA firm partners. ·         One aspect of Koziel’s preparation to become an accountant that he would have changed. ·         The key things he learned as an employee of the grocery store Wegmans. ·         What he says to students considering a career in account

Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, was officially just a few days into his role as CEO of AICPA & CIMA when he took time to join the Journal of Accountancy podcast for a conversation that will be shared in two parts. Part one is below, and part two will be published in the coming days. Koziel — named in October to succeed the now retired Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA — discussed the importance of hearing about the successes and challenges facing members, how he hopes to create communities, and more in this interview. Koziel also invited members to send email to AskMark@aicpa-cima.com and “tell me how the Association can help you, your career, and the profession.” Related links: n  The news of Koziel’s hiring, succeeding Barry Melancon as CEO. n  Melancon’s words about Koziel in a December podcast conversation. n  Koziel’s previous JofA podcast appearance, as part of a 2022 episode when he was the CEO of Allinial Global. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Three facts for members to know about Koziel, in his

Chris Dyer, whose recent book details seven pillars of corporate culture, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast from the Future of Finance Summit in San Diego to explain some of the ways companies can get culture right — and the ways they get it wrong. For instance, Dyer said that a common approach of individuals and organizations, after a strengths and weaknesses assessment, is to think about the areas where their performance is mediocre.  “They want to … start with the ones they’re OK with,” Dyer said. “I say go after the one where you’re terrible, and you fix that, and your people all of a sudden get excited.” Also, get insight, in the form of a quick-hitting sound clip to close the episode, on how high-level thinking serves a CPA who played in the NFL. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why Dyer got into the exploration of team and corporate culture. ·         Dyer’s assertion that building company culture is more science than art. ·         The value of saying “yes” more often — and strat

It’s not even five weeks into 2025, and already there’s a bevy of news affecting tax practitioners. Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast amid all the tumult to update listeners on several fronts. Lauridsen discussed the latest on beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting and the Supreme Court, how IRS service might be affected by various executive orders, and what aspects of a new tax bill or bills are being followed closely by the AICPA. One bit of related news happened Thursday, one day after recording. The Senate Finance Committee released a discussion draft, the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, which includes provisions the AICPA strongly supports. Resources: Melanie Lauridsen on LinkedIn The AICPA’s BOI resource center JofA coverage of the IRS rescinding some job offers What you'll learn from this episode: A recap of court cases related to beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. The

On LinkedIn, the congratulatory messages poured in for Janice Stucke, CPA, after she completed an Ironman triathlon in October. Those messages all had named authors — her LinkedIn contacts. One message, from a still unknown author, attached to her bike on race day, continues to resonate with Stucke, the CFO of CREW Network. In an earlier podcast episode, Stucke detailed her nontraditional path to becoming a CPA and, later, a CFO. In this conversation, Stucke recaps the obstacles she faced in the race, how problem-solving skills played a role in her crossing the finish line, and why she is thankful for a group of friends she first met at the Future of Finance Summit. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         A recap of Stucke’s “exhilarating” day completing the triathlon. ·         The reason Stucke felt nauseous during the run segment — and strategies she tried to overcome the feeling. ·         The message that inspired Stucke — one that an unknown person put on her bike. ·         The meaningful sup

Risk management, in the words of Sarah Ference, CPA, doesn’t have to be overly complicated or time consuming. “It’s really a mindset,” said Ference, an author of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column and the guest on this week’s episode of the JofA podcast. Ference shares several risk management maxims that have resonated with her – ones that are the focus of the January column, Risk Management Mantras to Add to Your Daily Practice. In addition, Ference details the topics in some previous Professional Liabillity Spotlights: n  October: 10 Tips to Help Avoid Wire Fraud Scams. n  November: Missed Due Dates: Diligence and The Lurking Danger. n  December: How to Not Lose Sleep Over NOCLAR. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Some of the risk management mantras that stand out to Ference. ·         The difference between being friendly and objective with clients. ·         The answer CPAs should give to the question “Who’s your most important client?” ·         Why Ference says th

What’s the future of fully in-office work? What’s the hiring outlook for finance and accounting roles in 2025? Steve Saah, the executive director of the finance and accounting permanent placement practice at Robert Half, tackles those and other questions in this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, recorded in December in San Diego. Saah discusses how companies have to walk a fine line when it comes to requiring in-office minimum hours or days – and how that tightrope can affect the pay they offer new employees. The episode is the first of 2025 and the second from the Future of Finance Summit. In the first summit-focused episode, four CPA leaders looked back on what they learned and ahead to their expectations for 2025. What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Saah’s assessment of the future of fully in-office work. ·         The tie-in between required time in an office and recruiting new hires. ·         How the amount of time agreed upon to spend in the office could affect a new hire

Last week in San Diego, a group of 165 finance leaders convened for the fourth Future of Finance Summit. This JofA podcast episode is a compilation of takeaways from the event and a look at key areas of focus for leaders in 2025. It is the first of several Future of Finance recordings. The speakers for this episode are: n  Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA's executive vice president–Business Growth & Engagement n  Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, the CEO of KET Solutions and former AICPA chair n  Becca Shane, CPA, CGMA, the CFO of Blue Marlin Ventures n  Okorie Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, vice president–Sarbanes Oxley at Kaiser Permanente and former AICPA and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants chair What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         More about Tom Hood's summation that the event "leveled up." ·         The top priorities of finance leaders, based on polling last week at the Future of Finance Summit. ·         Why Kimberly Ellison-Taylor says she’s looking f

It’s no secret anymore: Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, is retiring as CEO of AICPA & CIMA. He was first named CEO of the AICPA nearly 30 years ago, and he leaves the now global organization with a legacy of change. His last official day is Dec. 31, and Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, is his successor. In this episode of the JofA podcast, recorded earlier this week at Digital CPA in Denver, Melancon explains why he’s not counting down the days of his tenure, why there likely will be more recreation in his future, and why he expects he will “still wake up every day and think about the profession.” What you’ll learn from this episode: ·         Why Melancon hasn’t been counting the days until his tenure as CEO ends. ·         His “stellar” assessment of how he will transition into retirement. ·         His relationship over the years with incoming CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA. ·         The “unsettled” nature of the world and how accountants can help. ·         Why Melancon prioritized the profession and the members b

The potential for less regulation is one factor driving optimism among CPA decision-makers in a quarterly survey, according to Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development. Witt joined the JofA podcast to discuss fourth-quarter results of the Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey — statistics that were dramatically different from the third quarter. The executives are mostly optimistic about the domestic economy in 2025. They also have a brighter outlook as it relates to their own organizations, although that increase since the third quarter was more muted. What you’ll learn from this episode: A breakdown of the quarter-over-quarter change in optimism. What challenge returned to its familiar top spot in this quarter’s survey. The reasons that optimists and pessimists feel the way they do, according to Witt’s analysis. The hiring outlook for 2025.