Podcast
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
Hosted by AICPA & CIMA · EN
The Journal of Accountancy podcast discusses the key issues facing the accounting profession.
44episodes
Episodes
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The AICPA's CEO on trust, AI, and the profession's future
2d ago00:19:20Tap to summarizeAICPA President and CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, reflects on his first 18 months in the role, discussing initiatives such as CPA Trust, the return of the print Journal of Accountancy, and the profession's ongoing advocacy efforts. Speaking while at AICPA ENGAGE in Las Vegas, Koziel also shares insights on AI, upskilling, tax transformation, licensure mobility, and the role CPAs can play in a rapidly changing business environment. Koziel explains why he remains optimistic about the profession's future despite ongoing disruption and uncertainty. He also tells the story of being asked long ago for an autograph. What you'll learn from this episode: Why the CPA Trust campaign launched and particulars about the strategy for a commercial about the initiative. What Koziel meant when he said, "We are in the verification business." What member feedback revealed about the need for upskilling and how the Profession Ready Initiative aims to address skills gaps. Why Koziel considers it valuable for members to have the Journal of Accountancy return to printed issues. How AI could reshape tax compliance work and expand opportunities for advisory services. Why he says, "Train's left the station," when asked about changes in CPA licensure pathways. Koziel's assertion that CPAs will continue to thrive amid technological disruption by serving as the "human in the lead."
Transcribe →Midyear advocacy update: STEM, BOI, taxes and licensure
1w ago00:14:18Tap to summarizeWhat advocacy issues should CPAs be watching with 2026 at its midpoint? The latest Journal of Accountancy podcast episode covers numerous topics with Mark Peterson, executive vice president–Advocacy for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA and CIMA. Peterson details efforts to include accounting in STEM education initiatives, what the future might hold for beneficial ownership information reporting requirements, and the profession's role in seeking guidance related to federal tax guidance. Peterson, speaking from AICPA ENGAGE earlier this month, also explains the vital role of state societies' advocacy efforts. He touches on CPA licensure, the Fiscal State of the Nation Act, tariffs, and other policy developments that affect practitioners and their clients. Also, read Peterson's midyear summary in column form. What you'll learn from this episode: Why the AICPA continues to push for accounting to be included in STEM education initiatives, and what progress advocates are making on Capitol Hill. What the future may hold for beneficial ownership information requirements after the pause in BOI reporting enforcement. The critical role that state CPA societies play in licensure modernization and advocacy efforts. Peterson's perspective on how the AICPA is helping to get more clarity around implementation of major federal tax legislation. Why he says that implementation of the massive tax bill has been "lumpy." Peterson's reflection on the rise of Town Hall as a way to quickly get information and perspective to members. Ongoing and emerging policy issues — including tariffs, global mobility, and anti-money laundering efforts — that could affect the profession in the months ahead.
Transcribe →Why mindset may matter more than technology adoption
2w ago00:17:35Tap to summarizeRecorded live at AICPA ENGAGE 2026, this episode of the JofA podcast explores the reasons that mindset and leadership may be even more important than technology adoption as finance and accounting professionals navigate an era of nonstop transformation. Joel Morris, a vice president at Wolters Kluwer, and Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth & Engagement at the AICPA, discuss what separates future-ready organizations from those struggling to keep pace, focuses on AI, workforce development, and strategic thinking. Morris and Hood also explore the human skills, trust, and risk management practices needed to help organizations adapt, innovate, and remain relevant in a rapidly changing profession. One key component mentioned in the conversation is the Rise2040 report and initiative. What you'll learn from this episode: How each speaker defines the "perpetual transformation state." Why Hood says mindset—not technology—may be the biggest factor in future readiness. How Morris distinguishes organizations who are getting "ahead of the wave" from those that say they're too busy to devote time to thinking about growth methodologies. What Morris and Hood see as the biggest barriers to successful AI adoption. The reasons that human skills are becoming more important, not less, in an AI-powered profession. How trust can help accountants and finance professionals navigate ongoing transformation and why Morris calls trust "that through-line into everything that you do."
Transcribe →Why mindset may matter more than technology adoption
2w ago00:17:35Tap to summarizeRecorded live at AICPA ENGAGE 2026, this episode of the JofA podcast explores the reasons that mindset and leadership may be even more important than technology adoption as finance and accounting professionals navigate an era of nonstop transformation. Joel Morris, a vice president at Wolters Kluwer, and Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth & Engagement at the AICPA, discuss what separates future-ready organizations from those struggling to keep pace, focuses on AI, workforce development, and strategic thinking. Morris and Hood also explore the human skills, trust, and risk management practices needed to help organizations adapt, innovate, and remain relevant in a rapidly changing profession. One key component mentioned in the conversation is the Rise2040 report and initiative. What you'll learn from this episode: How each speaker defines the "perpetual transformation state." Why Hood says mindset—not technology—may be the biggest factor in future readiness. How Morris distinguishes organizations who are getting "ahead of the wave" from those that say they're too busy to devote time to thinking about growth methodologies. What Morris and Hood see as the biggest barriers to successful AI adoption. The reasons that human skills are becoming more important, not less, in an AI-powered profession. How trust can help accountants and finance professionals navigate ongoing transformation and why Morris calls trust "that through-line into everything that you do."
Transcribe →How retaliation risk complicates fraud investigations
3w ago00:15:45Tap to summarizeRetaliation — actual or perceived — can make fraud investigations more complex and less effective. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Fred Kohm, CPA/CFF, a partner at Grant Thornton, summarizes insights from the latest FVS Eye on Fraud report and explains how nuanced workplace dynamics can affect whistleblower cases. Kohm shares examples of subtle retaliation and explains how forensic accountants, auditors, and other professionals can recognize retaliation risks and strengthen investigative practices. "Whether you are a forensic accountant, an auditor, or perhaps a CPA in another role …, be aware that retaliation is real," Kohm said. Editor's note: The spring 2026 FVS Eye on Fraud report is available for download at the link above. It becomes exclusive to FVS Section members after July 10. What you'll learn from this episode: Defining "retaliation" in the context of a whistleblower complaint and investigation. Why fear of retaliation can limit the information whistleblowers share. How retaliation can show up in subtle ways, from exclusion to heightened scrutiny. What makes retaliation a complex challenge for forensic accountants gathering evidence. The strategies that Kohm recommends to help organizations reduce retaliation risk. Why awareness and objectivity are critical when evaluating fraud allegations.
Transcribe →The power of active listening in addressing the CPA skills gap
3w ago00:13:37Tap to summarizeRecorded 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.
Transcribe →Aligning with AI: Lisa Simpson on how to overcome sense of overwhelm
Jun 400:19:27Tap to summarizeLisa 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.
Transcribe →What CPA.com's CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession
May 2800:22:42Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →What CPA.com's CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession
May 2800:22:42Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →What CPA.com's CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession
May 2800:22:42Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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