Journal of Accountancy Podcast

System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports are examinations performed by CPAs in accordance with the AICPA's Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements to evaluate the controls over customer data that service organizations such as cloud providers or payroll processors have in place. SOC reports provide independent assurance to the service organization's customers, aka user entities, that those controls are suitably designed and operating effectively.
The entrance of technology vendors into the realm of SOC reporting has created some efficiencies, but it also has led to promises of "fast and easy" SOC reports that have raised credibility concerns in the marketplace. 
In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Amy Pawlicki, the AICPA's vice president–Assurance & Advisory Innovation, discusses recent developments affecting SOC engagements. The conversation also highlights what CPAs, service organizations, and report users should watch for to protect trust in SOC reporting.
Other resources mentioned in the episode include:
A JofA article on ethics risks related to SOC tool providers.
The AICPA's SOC landing page.
Ethics Staff Insights: Business Arrangements With SOC Tool Providers.
What you'll learn from this episode:
What SOC reporting is — and why a SOC 2 report is not a certification.
How a technology trend is threatening SOC credibility.
The ethical risks related to SOC reporting tool vendors.
The peer review and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct requirements for CPAs performing SOC work.
Where to find AICPA resources for firms, service organizations, and users.

Starting a CPA firm can be both exciting and daunting, with financial, operational, and personal risks along the way. In this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode, Michael Meihaus, CPA, founder of Meihaus CPA, shares what he learned after launching his practice. Alvin Fennell, vice president and senior risk adviser at Aon, adds a risk-management perspective on what new firm owners must plan for from day one. 
Together, they discuss practical steps, common blind spots, and how CPAs can balance growth with protection.
They reference an e-book created jointly by Aon and the AICPA. The e-book's first chapter is unlocked, and readers can access subsequent chapters by supplying their email address.
What you'll learn from this episode:
The market opportunity that was one factor in a CPA deciding to launch a firm.
What Meihaus meant when he said "your strengths and weaknesses are enhanced" as a firm owner.
Some of the many business questions new firm owners should answer early.
Why starting a firm can, according to Fennell, put CPAs in "a vulnerable spot."
Risk-management considerations, including billing practices, engagement letters, and insurance coverage.

Younger generations are rethinking retirement — considering more flexibility and well-timed breaks over a traditional model of holding a job until a certain age and then stopping work. 
Kelley Long, CPA/PFS, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss how modern financial planning is changing. She also explains how health savings accounts can support career flexibility and reduce reliance on employer‑sponsored health insurance later in life.
Long will explore these topics further in June at AICPA ENGAGE, the profession's biggest conference. She is presenting sessions focused on retirement and on health care financial literacy on June 10 in Las Vegas.
What you'll learn from this episode:
A preview of Kelley Long's ENGAGE sessions and a related JofA article.
The factors that are leading younger generations to approach retirement differently.
How "mini‑retirements" can fit into long‑term career and financial planning.
How Long's trip to South America crystallized her views on timing and retirement.
The role of social connections in cognitive health.
Some ways that health savings accounts can support career changes or time off.
How potentially being overinsured can affect financial planning.

Small CPA firms play a critical role in the accounting profession, and new tools are helping them compete, innovate, and grow. In this episode of the JofA podcast, Stephanie Otero, CPA, the AICPA's vice president–Small Firm Advocate, discusses why small firms matter, how AI and automation are leveling the playing field, and where innovation thrives in smaller practices.
She references real-world examples and previews the PCPS Small Firm Success Series, a free, CPE-eligible webcast series for AICPA members.
The conversation also looks ahead to ENGAGE in Las Vegas and the ways AICPA resources and communities help small firm practitioners realize they do not have to go it alone.
Related resources:
Private Companies Practice Section firm membership.
Resources for small firms.
Transforming Your Business Model resources.
April 20 PCPS Overview Session.
Article on small firms' use of AI and automation.
What you'll learn from this episode:
The importance of small CPA firms to the profession and why Otero is passionate about advocating for such firms.
How AI and automation can help small firms compete with larger organizations.
Practical examples of practitioners using technology to build capacity.
AICPA resources can help small firm leaders connect and grow.

Sarah Ference, CPA, a risk control director at CNA, joins the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss recent topics of the JofA's Professional Liability Spotlight column. 
The conversation covers lessons learned from claims involving bankrupt clients, the importance of strong and consistent documentation, and the particular risks associated with serving high-net-worth or high-profile clients. 
The episode also highlights the April column on writing effective engagement letters for client advisory services.
The articles discussed in the episode:
January: "Don't Let a Bankrupt Client Bankrupt You."
February: "Tell a Story With Your Documentation."
March: "Luxury Liabilities: Serving High-Net-Worth Clients."
April: "Tips for Writing CAS Engagement Letters."
What you'll learn from this episode:
The reasons CPA firms can be drawn into litigation when clients face bankruptcy.
How strong client acceptance and continuance practices can help firms identify and manage higher‑risk engagements before problems arise.
Why documentation acts as a firm's voice in a professional liability claim — and how gaps or inconsistencies can weaken defense of a claim.
Why Ference has been told that "celebrities and CPA firms don't mix."
What makes high‑net‑worth and celebrity clients higher risk and why firms should avoid relaxing standard risk management protocols for them.
Why for engagement letters related to CAS, Ference said: "The devil is really in the details of that engagement letter."