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.

Tax season

A post-Oct. 15 review: Rating the ‘second season’

Tax preparers share their experiences with the fall deadline.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

November 19
Fraud detection

Technology, strong governance critical to fighting fraud: IMA

The Institute of Management Accountants is helping promote International Fraud Awareness Week, to push financial professionals to do more to ensure fraud prevention and detection are a priority at the companies where they work.

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

November 18
AT Think The professional services seesaw: Balancing project requirements and resources

Until you can find a reliable approach to governing your projects and resources, the dreaded seesaw will continue its ups and downs.

November 18

Lakshmi Raj

Replicon
Accounting standards

FASB makes deferral official for leases, CECL, hedging and insurance standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board officially delayed the effective dates of its accounting standards for leases, credit losses, hedging and long-duration insurance contracts by issuing a pair of accounting standards updates.

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

November 15
AT Think The real reason to amend goodwill accounting

The core issue is its potential for exploitation and fraud, according to Prof. J. Edward Ketz.

November 15

J. Edward Ketz

The Pennsylvania State University
Audit

Florida firm leads in new SEC clients for Q3

A merger put Assurance Dimensions in the lead, while Marcum LLP led among large firms.

By Daniel Hood
Editor-in-chief

November 15
AT Think The nature of women in accounting

The profession needs to make more of a commitment to ensuring women have a seat at the table.

November 15

Sandy Shecter

Rehmann

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.