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.

Risk management

Big Four firms leverage growth in risk services market

The accounting giants are among the consulting firms enjoying growth in the global risk services market, which is set to surpass $80 billion by 2020, according to a new report.

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

November 29
CPAs

AICPA and NASBA consider changes in CPA licensure

The American Institute of CPAs and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy have set up a working group to explore possible changes in how CPAs are licensed and the kinds of skills needed for the license.

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

November 29
Tax season

Like ‘1986 on steroids’

Tax preparers are bracing for a once-in-a-generation filing season.

By Roger Russell
Senior Editor

November 29
Payroll

OnPay launches Partner Program for accountants

Benefits include special pricing, a dashboard for managing clients, and six levels of permissioning.

By Daniel Hood
Editor-in-chief

November 29
Analytics

Have the Big Four lost their advantage?

New research finds that national and regional firms are catching up to the New York giants in terms of technology adoption and deployment in audits.

By Ranica Arrowsmith
Technology Editor

November 28
Accounting firm networks

BDO and Moore Stephens plan to merge in the U.K.

The megamerger would create a powerful rival to the Big Four in the British audit market.

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

November 28
Accounting firm networks

KPMG South Africa names Ignatius Sehoole chief executive officer

The auditing firm new CEO is expected to replace Nhlamulo Dlomu, who will be taking up a global role May 1.

November 28

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

Accounting firm services

Practice management

Consulting
Trusted Advisor 2.0

By Daniel Hood

19m ago
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

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.