AT Think

Alex Malley, the chief executive of CPA Australia, a professional organization for accountants in the Land Down Under, has gotten a high-profile new gig: hosting a Sunday morning TV series on a top TV network there.

EY recently announced that its internationally-focused Vantage Program, which sends professionals abroad to support entrepreneurs in emerging markets at no fee, is expanding its global reach for 2016. This year, the program will increase its support by working in new countries including Indonesia and Pakistan, along with new cities in South American countries.

Full-service CPA firm Citrin Cooperman recently announced a new program for women taking a maternal leave from the workforce. The "Leaning Out" program will offer more women flexibility in the workforce by placing an emphasis on "off-ramping" - namely, keeping those taking a career break from raising or having children to still be involved with the firm by keeping them connected to its resources.

The heads of three CPA firms, EisnerAmper, Grassi & Co., and GBQ, discussed some of the trends they have been seeing in the profession, and the struggles they have experienced at their firms at the Winning Is Everything conference in Las Vegas last week.

Accounting students from Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship are offering free help preparing tax returns for MSU students and individuals who made less than $58,000 last year, the University announced on Wednesday.

I know some of you will be able to relate to this. These last two weeks - between tax season, basketball games, and life, we have had take-out or just grabbed “whatever” for dinner every night of the week. My kids know it’s tax season because the evening texts start with “When are you coming home?” and “What’s for dinner?”

The younger generation is beginning to gain more influence at accounting firms.

Crowe Horwath has announced firmwide changes to its dress code (echoing other firm policies), as well as a new mobile working strategy. Rolled out in December, the two policies were designed for attracting and retaining talent both old and new.

Accountants may work with the treasury management function at some corporations, and being able to share information across functions can help executives make better decisions about investments.

A team representing St. John Fisher College claimed 1st place at the Deloitte FanTAXtic case study competition, held Jan. 15-17 at Deloitte University, Deloitte’s campus for learning and leadership development. The winning team presented the best analysis on a complex, issues-driven business tax case.