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.

Audit

Sports Direct slumps as retailer delays results on auditing

Sports Direct International Plc shares headed toward a seven-year low after the U.K. sports-apparel retailer delayed publishing its results as auditors increase their scrutiny of its accounting.

July 15
AT Think Are non-financial institutions ready for CECL?

Much of the focus has been on banks and credit unions, but others may be hit by the new standard, too.

July 15

Scott Dietz

Moody's Analytics
Audit standards

PCAOB offers more guidance on CAMs

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board released two new documents and a video to provide more information to investors and audit committees about the CAMs requirements.

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

July 11
Audit standards

AICPA issues auditing standards for employee benefit plans and annual reports

The American Institute of CPAs’ Auditing Standards Board has released a pair of SASs on ERISA audits and auditor responsibilities.

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

July 11
Financial crimes

SEC charges accountant in $6.2M insider trading scheme

A San Diego investment fund owner was arrested and charged with running an insider-trading ring that made more than $6 million from illegal tips about Illumina Inc.

July 11
Accounting firm networks

Mazars creates North American alliance

The Paris-based firm has expanded beyond its Mazars USA base in New York and is partnering with BKD, Dixon Hughes Goodman, Moss Adams, Plante Moran in the U.S. and MNP in Canada.

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

July 11
Revenue recognition

HSBC key target prone to manipulation by managers, auditors said

HSBC Holdings Plc’s auditors cautioned top executives that pressure to meet earnings targets gave managers an incentive to massage their numbers.

July 11

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.