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.

AT Think GASB 87: State and local gov'ts face special challenges beyond mere accounting

The reporting requirements will be in effect for government entities beginning Dec. 15 for all reporting periods subsequent to that date.

January 2

Mark Koppersmith

LeaseAccelerator
Tax season

Hoping for a smoother tax season

Filing should be easier this time, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to make things better.

By Roger Russell
Senior Editor

January 2
Accounting standards

AICPA drafts guidance on accounting issues for insurers

The two proposals would offer guidance on implementing the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s new standards for long-duration insurance contracts and credit losses.

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

December 31
AT Think Boomer’s Blueprint: The evolution of partner value

The seven characteristics of a strong firm compensation plan.

December 31

L. Gary Boomer

Boomer Consulting Inc.
H&R Block

H&R Block puts virtual prep in Walmart

Customers can upload their documents and get matched with a tax pro.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

December 31
Audit

SEC proposes to relax long-standing auditor independence rules

The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing a set of amendments to the auditor independence rules that have been in place since the early 2000s, allowing firms more leeway in determining conflicts of interest and shortening the lookback period for clients planning to go public.

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

December 30
AT Think What companies need to know about implementing the new CECL standard

Many consumer industry companies extend credit or hold significant financial assets. If yours is one of them, it’s time to gear up for the current expected credit loss (CECL) accounting standard.

December 30

Rich Paul, Jonathan Prejean and Chris Chiriatti

Deloitte & Touche LLP

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.