Journal of Accountancy Podcast

A Baltimore-based economist joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss interest rates, labor market trends, artificial intelligence, and other forces shaping the U.S. economy. Anirban Basu, Ph.D., scheduled to speak at both the National Tax Conference in November and the Construction & Real Estate Conference in December, explains why the economic outlook is more nuanced than many headlines suggest and what business leaders should be watching in the months ahead.
What you'll learn from this episode:
Why interest rates remain one of the biggest economic storylines, according to Basu.
How AI is affecting jobs, productivity, and professional services.
What labor market data say about layoffs and employment.
Why simple narratives often miss the complexity of the U.S. economy.
How Basu prepares to connect with conference audiences.
The meaning behind his phrase "play like a Raven."

Finance leaders can become consumed by today's challenges, but long-term thinking is essential to staying competitive and relevant. 
In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, hear from former AICPA chair Okorie Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, on how the Rise2040 initiative identifies key forces shaping the profession, why embracing change is critical, and how trust can remain a powerful advantage for CPAs.
Ramsey, speaking from the Future of Finance Summit in National Harbor, Md., also discussed the purpose of the AICPA Foundation and why he enjoys being part of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group.
What you'll learn from this episode:
A framing of the Rise2040 initiative and how it can help finance leaders think beyond this week's task list.
Ramsey's comment on Rise2040 including the statement from accountants that "our biggest threat is us."
Why embracing change is a critical skill for the profession.
The reason trust is particularly important now in Ramsey's mind.
His focus areas as vice president of the AICPA Foundation.

Tiffany Willis, a former Starbucks finance executive, spoke recently at the Future of Finance Summit, presenting real and challenging boardroom scenarios for the audience.
In a podcast interview, she expanded on those ideas, sharing practical advice for handling high-pressure moments, communicating with executives, and presenting financial insights effectively. 
Willis explained why preparation, audience awareness, and composure are critical skills. She also discussed the leadership lessons behind her book, Own Your Narrative, and the importance of authenticity in building successful teams.
What you'll learn from this episode:
Why the "meeting before the meeting" can minimize surprises in the boardroom.
How to tailor financial insights and data presentations for different audiences.
Ways to maintain composure and credibility when your work is challenged.
How finance leaders can bridge gaps between organizational goals and financial realities.
Her emphasis on authenticity.
Why Willis said she's "still developing" as a leader.

Employers continue to face headwinds when it comes to landing and retaining accounting and finance talent — with AI, demographic shifts, and evolving skills needs reshaping the hiring landscape.
This episode, a conversation with Robert Half executive Steve Saah, explores what leaders can do to attract and keep professionals, prepare future managers, and build teams equipped for the future of finance.
Saah — speaking at the Future of Finance Summit in National Harbor, Md. — also explains one of the ways that artificial intelligence is slowing down the hiring process, comments on insights from the Rise2040 initiative, and notes the role that workplace flexibility plays in the pursuit of talent.
What you'll learn from this episode:
Why accounting and finance talent remains in short supply.
The estimated number of Baby Boomers retiring each day.
How AI-generated résumés are changing the hiring process.
Some of the ways leaders can balance staffing needs and employee burnout.
The skills that professionals need to stay marketable in an AI-driven future.
Best practices for succession planning and leadership development.

Melissa Furman, a leadership coach and consultant, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address Oct. 19 at the AICPA Governmental and Not-for-Profit Conference in Dallas. She joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to preview her session, touching on the challenges organizations face in dealing with multiple generations in the workforce.
She explained how differences in communication and technology preferences and workplace expectations can lead to conflict but also can create learning opportunities for employers.
Furman singled out her own generation as both "the problem and the solution" and made a college football-related comparison to the generation's communication style. She also advised professionals to learn more about colleagues and direct reports instead of relying on generational stereotypes.
What you'll learn from this episode:
Why five (or more) generations in the workforce create both challenges and opportunities.
How communication preferences differ across generations and affect workplace relationships.
Why Melissa Furman calls Generation X the "Heisman generation."
What millennial and Gen Z workers want from employers when it comes to flexibility, leadership access, and technology.
A parting thought to leaders: "Get out there" and "learn your people."