AICPA tax priorities and wins in the budget bill now with the House
Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast early Wednesday to provide context on the fast-moving budget bill that was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and is being discussed in the House today. Lauridsen detailed some tax-related priorities of the AICPA and state societies. She also explained the aspects of the Senate bill that are most likely to face opposition in the House. On a topic separate from the budget bill, Lauridsen summarized the key points of the national taxpayer advocate’s midyear report to Congress. In a May JofA episode, Lauridsen explained why certain provisions were being prioritized by the AICPA. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The latest on the Senate version of the massive budget bill, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. · Lauridsen’s thoughts on the bill being approved by the House for the president’s signature by the July 4th holiday. · What tax-specific provisions from the Senate-approved version of the bill are most likely to be examined by the House. · Highlights of the national taxpayer advocate’s midyear report to Congress.
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Change for the better: How your attitude can make all the difference
Instead of worrying about failure when undergoing a change initiative, why not ask, “What happens if we succeed?” That is summarized sentiment from a discussion with Al Dea, admittedly a glass-half-full guy, on the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Dea, a leadership development consultant and founder of the organization The Edge of Work, is the keynote speaker at the Aug. 12–14 Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference. In this episode, Dea explores pain points for dealing with almost constant change, how the last five years have affected our ability to manage change, and more. The virtual conference has an early-bird discount of $150 for attendees who register by Saturday. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Why humans tend to seek a “steady state.” · One exercise Dea recommends for professionals worried about what change might bring. · Why it sometimes may be impossible to have a playbook or manual for a change initiative. · The concept of being “sturdy” for others and how it can make a difference amid volatility. · Why it’s OK to not have all the answers for how to navigate change.
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JofA branded podcast: Helping clients become properly insured
In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast, hosted by Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, experts discuss how to help clients, especially high-net-worth ones, navigate growing and changing challenges in seeking proper insurance coverage.
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Pessimism, tariff tremors prominent in CPA execs’ sentiment
Sentiment about the U.S. economy and CPA decision-makers’ organizations continues to decline in 2025. Second-quarter results released Thursday by the AICPA and CIMA show a rising percentage of pessimists and more concern about the affects of tariffs. To analyze the results further, the JofA podcast welcomed back Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, associate director–Management Accounting Research & Development. In last quarter’s Economic Outlook Survey, half of respondents were optimistic about their company’s outlook for the next year. This quarter, that percentage dropped to 37% — and it’s not the only area in which there is a decline. Related resources: n JofA article on how finance leaders are countering tariff volatility. n The AICPA and CIMA’s tariff resource center. n The previous quarter’s podcast discussion with Witt. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The declines in domestic economic sentiment and own-company optimism. · Where optimism about the global economy stands. · Changes in the list of top challenges facing CPA decision-makers. · The “big topic” in this quarter’s survey. · An assessment of the impact of tariffs on respondents’ business planning. · A summary of respondents’ 12-month projections for revenue, profits, and spending.
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Seek first to understand: How a finance leader manages global teams
Jennifer Reilly, CPA, CGMA, values listening. She enjoys the collaboration with fellow finance leaders as part of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group, and she has made a habit of emphasizing listening in guiding teams from around the world. Reilly, scheduled to be part of two sessions at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25, explains the importance of listening, developing through broad and niche roles, and more in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The value of collaboration with finance peers. · How finance’s expanded role changes the way finance professionals are evaluated. · A summary of Reilly’s “broad” and “niche” roles. · Strategies for better engagement with a globally dispersed team. · The benefits of a wide-ranging listening tour for Reilly in her current role. · One pillar of corporate culture that stood out to her from a Future of Finance Summit presentation.
South Africa