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.

Financial reporting

Assurance News

Highlights of the previous month in audit and attest

September 1
Accounting standards

PCAOB Finds Problems with Audits of Broker-Dealers

First round of Dodd-Frank-mandated inspections suggests deficiences may be widespread

September 1
Accounting standards

AICPA Extends Deadline for Commenting on Changes to Professional Standards

The American Institute of CPAs has extended the deadline for comments on the significant changes it is proposing to professional standards.

August 27
Financial reporting

Accounting Ethics Standard-Setter Recommends Changing How to Respond to Illegal Acts

An ethics standard-setter for the accounting profession is suggesting changes in how accountants should respond when they suspect illegal acts are being committed by a client or employer.

August 22
Tax practice

SEC Shuts $600M Online Pyramid/Ponzi Scheme

On Friday, the Securities and Exchange Commission leveled charges and an emergency asset freeze on the perpetrators of an alleged $600 million Ponzi scheme that was on the verge of collapse.

August 19
Audit

PCAOB Adopts New Auditing Standard, Amendments

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board on Wednesday adopted Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees, which establishes requirements that enhance the relevance and timeliness of communications between the auditor and audit committee, in addition to amendments to other PCAOB standards.

August 15
Audit

IAESB Proposes Changes in Education Standards for Audit Engagement Partners

The International Accounting Education Standards Board has drafted a proposed revision of its standards for the professional development of audit engagement partners.

August 9

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.