Journal of Accountancy Podcast

Sarah Ference, CPA, an author of the JofA's Professional Liability Spotlight column, returns to the JofA podcast to discuss recent column topics and the advice CPAs can gain from them. In particular, Ference details data security preparedness, the value of engagement letters for tax-compliance services, common audit claims and defenses, and more. Editor's note: This episode is the JofA podcast's last until Jan. 8. n  October: Are You Prepared for the Cost of a Data Security Incident? n  November: Blocking and Tackling: Engagement Letters for Tax Compliance Services n  December: Common Audit Claims and Defenses What you'll learn from this episode: Advice for CPA firms to guard against data security incidents. The ways engagement letters can prevent costly client disputes. The factors that often make audit claims the most expensive type of claims for firms. How to protect your firm when a client faces bankruptcy.

Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast on Tuesday from the Digital CPA Conference, offering context on the most recent government shutdown and on how a potential shutdown early in 2026 could affect IRS services. The interview was conducted one day after the IRS released guidance for health savings accounts. Guidance related to H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was also part of the conversation. In the Q&A, Lauridsen touched on the AICPA's areas of advocacy focus for the new year and why 2025 and 2026 are big tax years. Resources: n  The October discussion with Lauridsen n  The January discussion with Lauridsen What you'll learn from this episode: Lauridsen's analysis of IRS guidance on new tax provisions in H.R. 1. The impact of the 43-day government shutdown on IRS operations. Concerns about taxpayer service and staffing as the filing season approaches. AICPA advocacy priorities for the year ahead.

What's the view of finance executives about the U.S. economy and their own businesses? And what's the latest from the IRS on new Trump accounts? Find out more in this quick-hitting episode that summarizes several topics, including the December digital edition of the magazine. What you'll learn from this episode: A summary of CPA decision-makers' sentiment about the economy and their own businesses. The planned publication schedule for JofA podcast episodes in December and early January. A mention of recent IRS news in the JofA. The future-focused look at the profession and other content in the JofA's December digital edition.

In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast episode, Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, talks with Matt Gotlin, Choreo's chief investment officer, on trends in investment management and tips for CPAs to advise clients.

This episode of the JofA podcast explores Accounting Opportunities Experience month, a growing nationwide program to inspire students to pursue accounting careers.   Liz Burkhalter, the AICPA's vice president–CPA Pipeline, shares how CPAs and volunteers are working to reach 50,000 students through classroom visits and events. She also mentioned resources that can help listeners who want to volunteer. n  Specific CPA Pipeline resources for student outreach n  This Way To CPA home page n  Burkhalter's June appearance on the JofA podcast n  The Next Stop: CPA podcast Scott Spiegel, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the chief operating officer of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, discusses his return to Rutgers University and why real-world stories can expose students to the diverse opportunities in the profession.  What you'll learn from this episode: The history and growth of Accounting Opportunities Experience month. Burkhalter's summary of participation numbers last year and goals for this year. Resources for accountants interested in speaking to students. Spiegel's motivation for making campus visits. The common questions and misconceptions he hears when talking to students. The importance of in-person outreach and storytelling.