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.

Accounting firm networks

BDO sees global revenue exceed $8B

BDO reported Thursday its global revenues grew 8 percent to $8.1 billion in fiscal year 2017 across its network of firms as its headcount grew 9.04 percent.

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

December 7
Accounting fraud

Steinhoff rocked as accounting probe claims retailer’s CEO

Steinhoff International Holdings NV plunged after its chief executive officer resigned amid accounting irregularities, rocking a company that’s rapidly expanded from its roots in South Africa into a retail empire spanning Australia, Europe and the U.S.

December 6
Change management

Melancon: Accountants must commit to change

The profession will need to adapt much more quickly to technology and other disrupters than it has in the past.

By Daniel Hood
Editor-in-chief

December 6
Audit software

CaseWare and CPA.com announce attest solution

The cloud-based OnPoint software will help firms with preparation, compilation and review engagements.

By Daniel Hood
Editor-in-chief

December 5
Accounting standards

Standard-setters making adjustments as needed

Accounting standard-setters are tweaking the rules for the standards taking effect in the next few years, according to officials.

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

December 5
CPAs

Virginia Society of CPAs holds 2017 Leadership Academy

Young professionals from across the state took part in the annual meeting focused on sharing best practices.

By Sean McCabe
Senior Editor

December 5
Accounting standards

SEC eyes implementation of rev rec and lease standards

Officials with the Securities and Exchange Commission are keeping a close watch on how companies are adjusting to the new revenue recognition and leasing standards.

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

December 4

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.