Journal of Accountancy Podcast

AICPA & CIMA

The Journal of Accountancy podcast discusses the key issues facing the accounting profession.

  1. 6d ago

    What CPA.com's CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession

    In this episode, Erik Asgeirsson of CPA.com looks back and looks ahead — to the next weeks and months and also to the future of AI in the accounting profession. Asgeirsson explains how AI's acceleration in tax, audit, and client advisory services builds on lessons learned during the cloud computing transformation. He outlines where firms are seeing the biggest opportunities, why tax is emerging as a key area for innovation, and how new AI capabilities are reshaping workflows and insights.  The conversation also covers practical steps for firms to get started with AI, along with the risks to manage and the long-term shift toward higher-value advisory services. Asgeirsson was one of the creators of AICPA Town Hall back in spring of 2020. He talked about Town Hall's guiding principles, which have shaped the show and resonate with its thousands of viewers today. Resources mentioned in the episode: CPA.com's AI resource page. AICPA ENGAGE agenda. Digital CPA Conference in December. What you'll learn from this episode: How lessons from the rise of cloud computing and client advisory services can guide firms' AI strategies. Why tax is emerging as a leading area for AI-driven transformation, from research to new preparation tools. What recent advances in AI models mean for CPAs, including stronger data analysis, automation, and integration into everyday tools. How small and midsize firms can get started with AI. Why embracing AI can lead to expansion for firms into higher-value advisory work, even as they manage risks such as data security and governance. Asgeirsson's reflection on the growth of AICPA Town Hall from a pandemic-era resource to a high-production platform shaping firm strategy and responding directly to member questions. One JofA-related highlight that Asgeirsson is looking forward to at ENGAGE.

    23 min

  2. 6d ago

    What CPA.com's CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession

    In this episode, Erik Asgeirsson of CPA.com looks back and looks ahead — to the next weeks and months and also to the future of AI in the accounting profession. Asgeirsson explains how AI's acceleration in tax, audit, and client advisory services builds on lessons learned during the cloud computing transformation. He outlines where firms are seeing the biggest opportunities, why tax is emerging as a key area for innovation, and how new AI capabilities are reshaping workflows and insights.  The conversation also covers practical steps for firms to get started with AI, along with the risks to manage and the long-term shift toward higher-value advisory services. Asgeirsson was one of the creators of AICPA Town Hall back in spring of 2020. He talked about Town Hall's guiding principles, which have shaped the show and resonate with its thousands of viewers today. Resources mentioned in the episode: CPA.com's AI resource page. AICPA ENGAGE agenda. Digital CPA Conference in December. What you'll learn from this episode: How lessons from the rise of cloud computing and client advisory services can guide firms' AI strategies. Why tax is emerging as a leading area for AI-driven transformation, from research to new preparation tools. What recent advances in AI models mean for CPAs, including stronger data analysis, automation, and integration into everyday tools. How small and midsize firms can get started with AI. Why embracing AI can lead to expansion for firms into higher-value advisory work, even as they manage risks such as data security and governance. Asgeirsson's reflection on the growth of AICPA Town Hall from a pandemic-era resource to a high-production platform shaping firm strategy and responding directly to member questions. One JofA-related highlight that Asgeirsson is looking forward to at ENGAGE.

    23 min

  3. 6d ago

    What CPA.com's CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession

    In this episode, Erik Asgeirsson of CPA.com looks back and looks ahead — to the next weeks and months and also to the future of AI in the accounting profession. Asgeirsson explains how AI's acceleration in tax, audit, and client advisory services builds on lessons learned during the cloud computing transformation. He outlines where firms are seeing the biggest opportunities, why tax is emerging as a key area for innovation, and how new AI capabilities are reshaping workflows and insights.  The conversation also covers practical steps for firms to get started with AI, along with the risks to manage and the long-term shift toward higher-value advisory services. Asgeirsson was one of the creators of AICPA Town Hall back in spring of 2020. He talked about Town Hall's guiding principles, which have shaped the show and resonate with its thousands of viewers today. Resources mentioned in the episode: CPA.com's AI resource page. AICPA ENGAGE agenda. Digital CPA Conference in December. What you'll learn from this episode: How lessons from the rise of cloud computing and client advisory services can guide firms' AI strategies. Why tax is emerging as a leading area for AI-driven transformation, from research to new preparation tools. What recent advances in AI models mean for CPAs, including stronger data analysis, automation, and integration into everyday tools. How small and midsize firms can get started with AI. Why embracing AI can lead to expansion for firms into higher-value advisory work, even as they manage risks such as data security and governance. Asgeirsson's reflection on the growth of AICPA Town Hall from a pandemic-era resource to a high-production platform shaping firm strategy and responding directly to member questions. One JofA-related highlight that Asgeirsson is looking forward to at ENGAGE.

    23 min

  4. May 21

    Deregulation's state of play and the threats it poses to CPA licensure

    James Cox, an AICPA vice president, explains why efforts to weaken professional licensure are gaining traction in state legislatures. He discusses the role of the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) and the risks that deregulation could pose to CPAs and the public. The episode also highlights how organizations and professionals can stay informed and engaged as debates about professional licensing evolve. What you'll learn from this episode: Why Cox says that "attacks" on CPA licensure have expanded to new fronts in recent years. How state budget pressures and political trends are fueling deregulation efforts. How weakening licensing standards could reduce trust in financial reporting and other services. What polling shows about public and business support for professional licensure. Cox's recommendations to CPAs to stay vigilant and work with state societies.

    13 min

  5. May 19

    How CPAs can show their value on National Accounting Day

    Today is National Accounting Day. To mark the occasion, Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA's CEO–Public Accounting, joined the podcast for a special edition to discuss celebrating the day and maximizing the profession's broader impact. She explains how the CPA Trust campaign aims to highlight the value CPAs bring to businesses, individuals, and communities. Coffey shares examples of trust in action, from financial reporting to tax planning and advisory support. Coffey also details what practitioners can expect from ENGAGE in June. What you'll learn from this episode: The significance of National Accounting Day to Coffey. A preview of the AICPA's CPA Trust campaign. Real-world examples of how trust in action is demonstrated by CPAs with clients and communities. Why CPAs are encouraged to share their impact publicly through social media. What makes ENGAGE a key event for learning, networking, and industry insights.

    7 min

  6. May 14

    Worrying about what's next? Take a minute and focus on the present

    A conversation with leadership and workplace mental health expert Morra Aarons-Mele explores why focusing on the present can improve performance, reduce stress, and strengthen decision-making. Aarons-Mele is the keynote speaker June 15 at the AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference in National Harbor, Md. Aarons-Mele, also an author and podcaster, explains how leaders in high-pressure roles can balance necessary forward planning with short, purposeful pauses, which can improve clarity and team dynamics.  The discussion examines how organizations can apply mindfulness practices to build resilience and maintain focus in fast-moving environments. What you'll learn from this episode: Why Aarons-Mele emphasizes a focus on the present. The practice that she says has been "the single most healing, restorative, renewing thing I've done." Why the strategy of "take a minute and pause" can be effective during periods of disruption. What research says about the benefits of such pauses. Why Aarons-Mele warned against letting anxiety about the future drive decision-making. The effect that having "too many tabs open" can have on focus and performance at work.

    16 min

  7. May 7

    The Auditing Standards Board's priorities for 2026 and beyond

    Halie Creps, CPA, chair of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, joined the JofA podcast to  discuss the ASB's refreshed 2026–2030 strategic plan and its focus on responsiveness, collaboration, and technology. She also explained why taking part in AICPA committees and boards is important to her and mentioned the link that members can visit to explore volunteer opportunities.  Creps highlighted current projects, including proposed updates to attestation standards, sustainability assurance, confirmations, and fraud. She also explained how practitioner feedback and international standard‑setting influence the board's work. What you'll learn from this episode: Why Creps said that serving on the Auditing Standards Board helps make her a better auditor. A mention of the numerous types of volunteer opportunities for members. How the ASB's 2026–2030 strategic plan reflects stakeholder feedback. What proposed changes to attestation standards could mean for practitioners. How sustainability assurance fits into the ASB's broader standards framework. The status of and comment deadlines for exposure drafts on confirmations and fraud. How technology and global collaboration are shaping future audit standards.

    18 min

  8. Apr 30

    The risks of quick‑turn SOC engagements and what CPAs should know

    System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports are examinations performed by CPAs in accordance with the AICPA's Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements to evaluate the controls over customer data that service organizations such as cloud providers or payroll processors have in place. SOC reports provide independent assurance to the service organization's customers, aka user entities, that those controls are suitably designed and operating effectively. The entrance of technology vendors into the realm of SOC reporting has created some efficiencies, but it also has led to promises of "fast and easy" SOC reports that have raised credibility concerns in the marketplace.  In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Amy Pawlicki, the AICPA's vice president–Assurance & Advisory Innovation, discusses recent developments affecting SOC engagements. The conversation also highlights what CPAs, service organizations, and report users should watch for to protect trust in SOC reporting. Other resources mentioned in the episode include: A JofA article on ethics risks related to SOC tool providers. The AICPA's SOC landing page. Ethics Staff Insights: Business Arrangements With SOC Tool Providers. What you'll learn from this episode: What SOC reporting is — and why a SOC 2 report is not a certification. How a technology trend is threatening SOC credibility. The ethical risks related to SOC reporting tool vendors. The peer review and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct requirements for CPAs performing SOC work. Where to find AICPA resources for firms, service organizations, and users.

    15 min
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4
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

The Journal of Accountancy podcast discusses the key issues facing the accounting profession.

Information

  • Creator
    AICPA & CIMA
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    490
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Journal of Accountancy Podcast

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