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.

M&A

Baker Tilly acquires data analytics firm Talavant

The deal will add more talent to the Top 100 Firm's digital practice.

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

March 11
AT Think Will coronavirus create risk or opportunity for your firm?

A proactive approach to the impact of the disease on your clients will make all the difference.

March 11

Bob Lewis

The Visionary Group
Audit standards

AICPA amends auditor reporting standard

The American Institute of CPAs updated its auditor reporting standards to conform them with recently issued auditing standards.

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

March 10
FASB

FASB tweaks CECL and financial instruments standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board made some narrow improvements to different aspects of the financial instruments guidance, including the current expected credit losses standard.

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

March 9
GASB

GASB proposes changes for pension and deferred comp plans

The proposal involves how to define the criteria for the component units in pension plans and deferred compensation plans for state and local government employees.

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

March 9
AT Think Business-mindedness is key to a successful audit practice

Audit firms need to make sure their business makes sense — and that their clients' does, too.

March 9

Alan Anderson and Tyler Anderson

Accountability Plus
Coronavirus

Tax pros prepare for the coronavirus

With new technology, new workflows, and plenty of hand sanitizer, preparers are ready for the disease.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

March 6

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

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
The future of the accounting workforce

While concerns remain about the profession's pipeline of new accountants, Cathy Moy, chief people officer at BDO USA, sees plenty of ways to keep it full.

Sponsored by Intuit Quickbooks

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.