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.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition standard forces changes at retailers

The new accounting rules and the explosion in online sales are prompting merchants to change the time at which e-commerce revenue is recognized.

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

January 25
AT Think A realist’s predictions for the accounting profession in 2019

What accountants, controllers and CFOs should keep an eye on this year, based on discussions with peers in different areas of technology and business.

January 23

Mike Whitmire

FloQast
Audit

Ernst & Young sets up an Independent Audit Quality Committee

EY will get advice from luminaries from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Foundation and Vanguard.

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

January 23
Accounting standards

FASB task force reaches consensus on how to account for TV episodes

The costs of shows on broadcast and cable television, along with streaming services, could be affected by the changes.

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

January 23
Analytics

Grant Thornton introduces LeaseCom Analytics

Chicago-based firm Grant Thornton LLP has introduced a new product, LeaseCom Analytics, which uses analytics and machine-learning capabilities to automatically provide a full picture of a company’s lease portfolio.

By Ranica Arrowsmith
Technology Editor

January 23
Accounting fraud

Tesco U.K. CFO cleared in accounting case, ending trials

The grocer's former chief financial officer was acquitted of fraud charges, drawing into question the prosecutor’s methods.

January 23
Government shutdown

IRS user-fee hearing canceled due to shutdown

The service is currently unable to reschedule the event.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

January 22

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

Beyond the Buzz: Moving from AI Hype to Meaningful Impact

Weaving AI into client records, workflows, documents, and billing allows accounting firms increase to by offering client accounting services. Learn why an integrated platform outperforms standalone accounting solutions.

Partner Insights from Canopy
Beyond Research: Unlocking Hidden Value from AI

Generative AI adoption among accounting firms doubled in just one year. But many firms are barely scratching the surface, using AI primarily for tax research rather than to reimagine workflows

Partner Insights from Thomson Reuters
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

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.