Journal of Accountancy Podcast

Robotic process automation, or RPA, has been a buzzword in the accounting profession for several years. Despite that, many practitioners don't have a great grasp of what RPA is and what it can do for accountants. Wesley Hartman has spent much of the past eight years developing RPA solutions for midsize firm Kirsch Kohn & Bridge, where he is director of technology. In this episode of the JofA podcast, produced in partnership with the Small Firm Philosophy podcast, Hartman shares how he has used RPA, how RPA can help accounting firms address key pain points, and why he and his firm are so bullish on the technology that they have launched an RPA startup.

David Cieslak, CPA/CITP, CGMA, aka Inspector Gadget, has been following technology tools and trends for years. He took time recently to share thoughts on the Journal of Accountancy podcast, explaining how he got his nickname, the "evolutionary" vs. "revolutionary" approach he takes to analyzing technology breakthroughs year to year, and why automation should be embraced by finance professionals.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes several tax provisions, including a corporate minimum tax, a 1% excise tax on stock repurchase by corporations, and increased funding for IRS enforcement efforts. Adam Schrom, CPA, director of product management at Bloomberg Tax, breaks down several aspects of the legislation and provides a history lesson in the process.

The COVID-19 pandemic led many CPAs and their employers to think deeply about mental health in ways they may not have before. Amber Setter, a former accountant and an International Coaching Federation-accredited professional certified coach, talks about signs someone may need to consider speaking with a professional about their mental health and what you can do if you notice these signs in someone else. She also gives advice on finding a mental health professional and suggests ways employers can foster staff's well-being. Editor's note: This conversation was published originally in June 2021.

Tom King, CPA, has worked in corporate America and now is a professor of accounting at Case Western Reserve University. He wrote the book The Numerate Leader in part to help professionals better approach how they share data. If the right data is presented the right way, audiences won't simply nod their heads or completely tune out. King shares advice for how to get more "wow" and fewer yawns in this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast.

Pascal Finette, an entrepreneur, consultant, and keynote speaker, shares innovation lessons from interviews with other leaders, a story about how Pepsi set up a direct-to-consumer business, and why those fortunate enough to work remotely can develop a routine that leads to better quality of life.

Drew Niehaus, CPA, focuses on accounting advisory services and governance, risk, and compliance in his role as managing director of a firm in Texas. He shares knowledge on those and other topics in this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, including where organizations should start with risk management practices, the most significant new accounting standards, and why he advises new accountants, "You're not expected to know everything."

The role shift of the finance function was accelerated by the pandemic, and CFOs and controllers continue to adapt to provide value for their organizations. Few people have more insight on that topic than Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Engagement & Growth for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA & CIMA. Hood is a featured speaker on a skills-focused webinar on Thursday about the Finance Leadership Program. He also leads a group of finance executives from large organizations, and he shared insights from that group — and what it will emphasize in the future — in this podcast conversation. More information can be found on the following topics mentioned: A registration link for the webinar on Thursday. The Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners

IRS service issues are a top concern for firms small and large, according to results of the 2022 AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) CPA Firm Top Issues Survey. But those service issues are not the only concern. Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, AICPA vice president–Firm Services, and Carl Peterson, CPA, CGMA, vice president–Small Firm Interests, take a closer look at the issues and what those issues will mean for firms going forward.

Today's CPA devotes time and energy to focus on areas not even in existence a generation ago. As a result of technology and other changes in business, there is a need for updated testing of the skills needed to become a licensed CPA. Lori Kelly, CPA, lead manager–Exam Content for the AICPA, explains how the 2024 CPA Exam, based on proposed Blueprints, will look; why the changes are being proposed; and why feedback between now and Sept. 30 is vital. Also, here are three links to related resources: The CPA Evolution site. The 2024 CPA Exam exposure draft. Journal of Accountancy coverage of the release of the CPA Exam Blueprints.