News
The Relevance and Reliability of ESG Reporting: What Are the Roles of the ISSB, the SEC, and the Accounting Profession?
September 27, 2022
Investors, creditors, and other users of financial information are increasingly looking beyond audited financial statements when making investment decisions. The culture in the United States and around the globe is shifting towards environmental and social issues, and reexamining how corporations are addressing these priorities. This and other non-GAAP reporting is expanding, with virtually no generally accepted guidance and little assurance. The reports are not comparable, are prepared using multiple guiding frameworks, and are generally un-audited. The accounting profession must address the relevance of these reports and the reliability of this new information.
6 Ways CPAs Can Strengthen the Financial Outlook for Nonprofits
September 26, 2022
Financial oversight is a key responsibility of nonprofit boards, but many members lack the understanding of finance or nonprofit accounting to effectively perform this duty. As their trusted advisor, a CPA is perfectly positioned to equip board members for this critical task and ensure that their nonprofit maintains strong governance. Here are six ways to get them there:
Looking to buy a wealth management practice?
September 26, 2022
Over the years, the question about buying a wealth management practice has been posed to me by many CPA firms. If you've got a longer time horizon, acquiring a wealth management practice could be a great idea. But the difference between finding a good acquisition versus just any acquisition can be a make-or-break decision. Here are the things to look for in your due diligence process.
Risks and Opportunities for the CPA in Client Bankruptcies
September 26, 2022
Economists warn that a fiscal storm is brewing, with prolonged recession the likely result. Bankruptcy filings seem imminent, and there will be a growing need for CPAs to assist their clients in financial distress. CPAs should be aware of the following key issues and opportunities when their clients face Chapter 11.
Ready to retire? Consider a partner buy-in
September 20, 2022
As more baby boomers retire, more professional CPAs are needed to take over firm leadership nationwide. By 2030, all baby boomers will be over 65. It's been dubbed the Great Retirement and the Silver Tsunami, and it gives up-and-coming CPAs an opportunity for new partners to buy into existing firms. But how?
COVID-Era Evolution of Elder Fraud: Know the Red Flags
September 14, 2022
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 65-and-older population has grown rapidly since 2010, and, according to forecasts, by 2040 the older population in the United States will reach almost 81 million. Subsequently, elder fraud and abuse will increase with the growing demographic. It’s up to all of us to try and stem the tide of exploitation.
Art of Accounting: Terminating your practice
September 13, 2022
Practices are terminated regularly. Some are sold in their entirety, some piecemeal, some are merged, some abandoned and some "stolen." No one can stay in their practice forever, although some accountants think that is the case and make no arrangements whatsoever while others plan with as much detail as they can think of. Here are some alternatives.
Art of Accounting: Selling a practice and still running it
September 06, 2022
Usually when a practice is sold, the seller sticks around long enough to introduce the buyer to the clients and assures the client they will be available if any problems develop or to field calls when necessary.
5 Tips and Tools for Passing the CPA Exam
September 01, 2022
A lot of asset blood, liability sweat andequity tears are shed during every professional’s CPA Exam journey. No journey is the same, but every person is trying to reach the same destination: Pass all four sections of the Exam and become a certified public accountant. There are many methods to the madness, so here are five tips to keep you progressing forward:
AICPA Information Systems Services Update
August 29, 2022
Here are 3 new Q&As on the "Information System Services" interpretation. In addition to the related podcast miniseries, division staff have published these questions and answers to help clarify the revised interpretation.
Conceptual framework toolkit updates
August 29, 2022
Conceptual framework toolkit updates. AICPA has updated the conceptual framework toolkits to align with international role and mindset requirements.
How CPAs solve ethical dilemmas
August 29, 2022
Want to know how to approach an ethical issue as it applies to your CPA credential? The AICPA recently published an article with information on how to think about issues and where to find guidance.
How to Ask Prospective Employers About Mental Health Benefits
August 29, 2022
Mental health is top of mind for everyone. That’s why you shouldn’t shy away from asking potential employers what mental health benefits they have in place for staff.
Can Financial Planning Services Double a CPA’s Income?
August 02, 2022
Not only is it possible for CPAs to double their income by offering financial planning services, more CPAs than ever are implementing this client service to do exactly that.
Licensure and Red Tape Reduction
August 02, 2022
How is the state applying their Red Tape Reduction efforts to licensure? MTCPA met with leaders to find out!
Leadership Pro Tip: Help Employees With ADHD Succeed
August 01, 2022
Diagnosed cases of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder rose during the pandemic, and may have an effect on your remote employees’ productivity. Taking an active interest in their success, while offering flexibility, can help.
Coping With Mental Health Disorders at Work
July 14, 2022
Work-related stress is at an all-time high, and adults with diagnosed mental health disorders may be having a particularly hard time managing their symptoms and maintaining a well-run firm. Although articles on handling stress and burnout abound, it's crucial to make sure wellness initiatives also include those who battle mental health issues and provide a safe space for them.
Avoiding the ‘Retired’ Partner Problem
July 06, 2022
Here’s how to get CPA firm partners destined to hold on until the bitter end to loosen their grip and successfully hand off their firms to the next generation.
Independence Day
July 05, 2022
After we celebrate our nation's independence we should all check on our professional independence.
The Real Problem of Licensing
June 22, 2022
In a recent 1889 Institute blog, one of my colleagues discussed one suggested cure for occupational licensing: universal recognition. Its shortcomings became obvious with a bit of thought: it only helps some consumers (those close enough to the state border to be worth traveling to) and it only helps them a little bit – allowing out of state practitioners to practice in the state doesn’t boost the supply of practitioners to anything like the same degree eliminating the licensing requirements would. Sure, universal recognition makes a certain kind of sense, if you don’t think too hard about the immorality of requiring government permission to sell your labor. After all, why would a hair stylist trained in Oklahoma be lower quality than a hair stylist trained in Kansas?