Journal of Accountancy Podcast

AICPA & CIMA
  • 4.0 (74)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 2d ago

    The power of active listening in addressing the CPA skills gap

    Recorded at ENGAGE in Las Vegas, this episode of the JofA podcast features Carl Mayes, CPA, the AICPA's vice president–Ethics & Firm Quality, discussing the Profession Ready Initiative and the evolving skills employers expect from current and aspiring CPAs.  Mayes shares insights from discussions with more than 1,000 members, including concerns about foundational accounting skills, communication abilities, and maintaining professional skepticism in an AI-driven environment.  Mayes, who was also on the podcast in February, reflects in this episode on the profession's responsibility to prepare the next generation of CPAs and the energizing role events such as ENGAGE play in shaping new ideas across the profession. One other resource related to the conversation: the monthly A&A Focus series. What you'll learn from this episode: An early-career lesson for Mayes that underscored CPAs serving as "gatekeepers for the capital markets." What early stages of the Profession Ready Initiative have unearthed after conversations with more than 1,000 accounting professionals. Why communication skills, critical thinking, and skepticism are becoming more important in the age of AI. Why Mayes said, "Active listeners make better leaders." How employers and educators are working to close competency gaps for CPAs. What ENGAGE means to accounting professionals looking for new ideas, stronger connections, and practical innovation.

    14 min

  2. Jun 4

    Aligning with AI: Lisa Simpson on how to overcome sense of overwhelm

    Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, vice president–Firm Services at the AICPA, discusses the evolution of AICPA Town Hall, key takeaways from Town Hall's six years of programming, and how practitioners can navigate rapid change driven by AI. She shares insights on managing "a sense of overwhelm" related to AI and highlights resources that can help firms adapt, including the AICPA and CIMA AI resource hub.  The episode also includes a segment on the latest Economic Outlook Survey results and what they signal about business sentiment, inflation, and hiring. Other resources related to the topics: The CPA.com AI resource page, which includes a vendor evaluation framework. The Town Hall landing page, which includes a registration button. The full Economic Outlook Survey results for the second quarter. What you'll learn from this episode: Lisa Simpson's recap of topics at the recent PCPS Executive Committee meeting. How AICPA Town Hall has evolved to deliver news, analysis, and practice management insights. The common comment that Simpson jokingly says she gets about Town Hall. Why many CPAs feel a sense of overwhelm about AI and how to begin addressing it. Resources, including the AICPA AI hub and CPA.com tools, that can support firm decision-making. What recent Economic Outlook Survey results reveal about inflation concerns and hiring plans.

    19 min

  3. May 28

    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 28

    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

  5. May 28

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (492)

4
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    AICPA & CIMA
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    492
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Journal of Accountancy Podcast

You Might Also Like