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.

AICPA

AICPA and NASBA sign mutual recognition pact with South African accountants

The American Institute of CPAs and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy have inked a mutual recognition agreement with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

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

February 6
Tax season

An inside look at the 2020 tax season

Top issues and changes for the filing season that’s just begun.

By Roger Russell
Senior Editor

February 6
CPAs

Georgia CPAs mark CPA Day at state capitol

Members of the Georgia Society of CPAs gathered at the state capitol in Atlanta last week to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the accounting profession.

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

February 5
AICPA

AICPA CEO Melancon: CPA licensing under threat

American Institute of CPAs president and CEO Barry Melancon talked about the need for CPAs to learn new skills as hiring of accounting graduates has slowed and the CPA licensing model has come under threat in some states.

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

February 4
AT Think First look: Large SEC filers begin reporting CECL’s impact

CECL’s impact on a financial institution is all about the portfolio makeup.

February 3

Mary Ellen Biery

Abrigo
Financial reporting

SEC proposes changes to financial disclosures

The Securities and Exchange Commission voted to propose amendments to the financial disclosure requirements in Regulation S-K and streamline the Management's Discussion and Analysis disclosures.

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

February 3
Tax season

Squeeze play: Preparers’ most time-consuming early-season tasks

When it comes to getting up to speed for filing season, everyone has a different hurdle.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

February 3

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.