The CPA Journal is a publication of the New York State Society of CPAs, and is internationally recognized as an outstanding, technical-refereed publication for accounting practitioners, educators, and other financial professionals all over the globe. Edited by CPAs for CPAs, it aims to provide accounting and other financial professionals with the information and analysis they need to succeed in today’s business environment. The path became clear after a conversation with Paul Young, CPA, CGMA, senior executive vice president and CFO of Connecticut-based Liberty Bank. Young was the first to sign on for the new registered apprenticeship program for finance business partners that the U.S.

Taxation

This is particularly valuable in specialized areas like tax compliance, where firms using advanced automation can handle more returns during tax season without increasing staff size. The resulting capacity allows firms to maintain service quality during peak periods without the traditional stress on personnel and systems. IPA adoption also has important talent implications, especially among younger professionals less interested in the repetitive work that has traditionally made up much of a young accountant’s workload. By automating mundane tasks, firms create more engaging roles centered on problem-solving and client interaction, making accounting careers more attractive. What makes IPA particularly attractive for accounting professionals is its ability to execute the judgment-intensive processes that characterize modern accounting work.

  • 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.
  • As the pipeline dries up, 83% of senior leaders report a talent shortage this year, up from 70% in 2022, with 10% this year saying it’s worsening, according to a CFO Pulse report released on Aug. 6 by accounting solutions provider Personiv.
  • “But over 15 or more years, pay stagnated; accounting salaries went from being the highest or among The highest to below the median,” said Taylor, an NPAG member.
  • The July webcast explored proposed revisions to the fraud auditing standard, evolving frameworks for AI assurance, and recent developments affecting not-for-profit financial reporting.
  • Researchers determine the real difference that generative AI can have on the average accountant in terms of time spent on routine data entry versus time available for client support and billable hours.

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. 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. The organizations, on behalf of CPAs, responded to a request for feedback from the California Air Resources Board with recommendations related to guidance on the reporting and assurance requirements of recent legislation. An author of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column explains why the answer to the question “Should I disclose my use of generative AI to clients?

  • The system can recognize changes in tax law and client circumstances, suggesting adjustments accordingly.
  • Jason Marx, CEO, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, offers advice for firms looking to grow their business.
  • 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.

AICPA & CIMA Business Resilience Toolkit — levers for action

Commissioner Billy Long explained his management philosophy at the 2025 Tax Summit of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, where he said IRS employees will be able to implement the OBBBA’s tax provisions. In a notice issued Tuesday, the IRS said it intends to partially withdraw proposed regulations and issue revised proposed regulations. The already growing firm agrees to a “significant minority investment” from New Mountain Capital, an active player in the growing world of private-equity investment activity among large firms.

Calculating AI’s impact on CPAs: New study quantifies time savings

Engaging a CPA to conduct a SOC 2 examination is one of the most effective ways to mitigate risk and protect sensitive information. Accounting firms and finance departments can implement an IPA solution that combines RPA with machine-learning capabilities to transform the audit workflow. The system can automatically retrieve client financial data from various sources (e.g., ERP systems, banking platforms, and spreadsheets), normalize it, and perform preliminary analytical procedures.

accounting articles

AICPA unveils new QM resources to help firms meet Dec. 15 deadline

Automated processes follow consistent protocols, reducing the likelihood of human error in calculations or regulatory filings. Improved audit quality will support auditors in meeting GAAS and PCAOB standards, while also helping their clients or employers better comply with GAAP requirements. These improvements not only protect firms and companies from potential liability but also enhance client and executive confidence in the reliability of financial information.

Discover how a one-day University of Memphis program empowers nontraditional accounting students to stick with their major and embark on accounting careers. The bipartisan bill would make accounting part of STEM, a federally funded program for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. An AICPA leader focused on the accounting talent pipeline reminds established CPAs of their role in helping to grow the profession. This implementation can reduce compliance penalties and help the tax department shift from reactive filing to proactive planning.

While mean starting salaries for majors like computer science and mathematics and statistics increased about 20% and 26%, respectively, accounting bachelor’s degree holders’ mean starting salaries rose about 16%. During the same period, the Consumer Price Index climbed 19.8%, meaning that accounting graduates saw a decline in earning power. Two Boise State University accounting professors created a podcast series to attract new talent by taking students on professional journeys. Interest accounting articles globally is also rising, according to a survey of nearly 300 business schools. U.S. companies rank ahead of the pack when it comes to obtaining assurance but behind the pack when it comes to depending on audit firms.

At Connecticut-based Liberty Bank, Paul Young, CPA, CGMA, senior executive vice president and CFO, decided to establish a new, unconventional pathway at the bank to attract and retain talent interested in an accounting and finance career. Starting salaries that are not competitive are among the biggest contributors to the talent shortage in accounting. NPAG’s national survey identified raising starting salaries as the most effective tactic to encourage people to choose an accounting career — 84% of professionals and 85% of students agreed. For multinational corporations, an IPA solution can help with continuous monitoring of changing tax and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

The AICPA updated its SQMS No. 1 practice aid, released a new resource on monitoring and remediation, and is hosting live webcasts to help firms implement the new quality management standards by Dec. 15. Key features of the 2025 practice aid on complying with SQMS No. 1 include expanded discussions, tailored guidance for firms of all sizes, and tools for documentation, evaluation, and effective compliance. A Globally, the trend most likely to impact how firms achieve their revenue growth goals centers on the pace of technology advancements and digital transformation.