Accounting

Accounting News & Professional Insight

Accounting Today delivers news, rankings, thought leadership, and analysis for accounting professionals so they can navigate change in standards, firm strategy, technology adoption, talent, and the overall business environment.

Accounting professionals are facing rapid transformation, including shifting professional standards, demographic change, technology disruption, practice consolidation, and changing expectations for advisory services. Our coverage surfaces these strategic dynamics and provides insights and analysis for firms, leaders, and the accounting profession.

Coronavirus

2020 Top 100 People extra: Lessons from the pandemic

As part of this year’s Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, “What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from the pandemic?”

December 1
IASB

IASB plans possible new M&A standards

The International Accounting Standards Board began a consultation process in preparation for possible changes in the accounting standards for mergers and acquisitions.

By Michael Cohn
Editor-in-chief, AccountingToday.com

November 30
EY

Deutsche Bank accounting head probed over EY Wirecard audit

Deutsche Bank AG’s top accounting executive, Andreas Loetscher, is being investigated over his role as the auditor of Wirecard AG while he was with his former firm, Ernst & Young, two people familiar with the matter said.

By Karin Matussek and Birgit Jennen

November 30
PCAOB

House to vote on restricting Chinese firms listed in U.S.

The House is set to vote on bipartisan legislation that would impose restrictions on Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including requiring certification that they’re not under control of a foreign government.

By Billy House
Reporter

November 30
CAS

Case studies: CAS in 2020

Three firms share their experiences offering client accounting services.

By Ranica Arrowsmith
Technology Editor

November 25
ACCA

ACCA chooses new president

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has named Mark Millar, the former head of a hospice in the United Kingdom, as its new president.

By Michael Cohn
Editor-in-chief, AccountingToday.com

November 20
IRS

Inadequate IRS funding is a threat: IRSAC

In its annual report, the advisory council offered recommendations on 26 issues.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

November 20

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

Predicting the next 15 years in accounting

Take a look at what the accountant and the accounting firm of the future will look like with AICPA chief Mark Koziel.

Sponsored by BILL
The changing world of government financial reporting

The serious new pressures facing governments of all sizes are changing their financial reporting, says GASB Chair Joel Black.

Sponsored by Intuit Quickbooks
Special Report Technology and CAS

Handling the compliance work that is the foundation of modern CAS while also creating time and insights for the advisory overlay that really drives its value to clients requires the careful deployment of a suite of technology tools — and that suite is constantly evolving, meaning accountants need a strategy to keep up.

Sponsored by Canopy

Accounting: Key Questions & Analysis

What are the key trends and strategies emerging from accounting industry leaders?

Top leaders are focused on structural challenges facing firms, including succession planning, evolving service mix, and long-term sustainability of traditional models.

How are accounting firms positioning themselves for the profession’s next phase?

Firm leaders are redefining and evaluating their strategy for growth. This includes investing in people and systems as well as rethinking how firms deliver value to address changing client needs and competition.

What role does professional identity play as accounting continues to change?

Debate continues over how accounting defines itself. This is due to accounting expanding into advisory, consulting, and technology-enabled services. These changes can raise questions about standards, training, and long-term credibility.

How are accounting firms managing leadership and succession risk?

Demographic shifts are accelerating in accounting. This means more firms are confronting leadership transitions and ownership succession which can create critical strategic risks that influence growth, culture, and valuation.