CPA Conversations podcast

Matthew May, founder and vice president of sales and marketing for Acuity CFO Online Bookkeeping Accounting and Business Tax, joins us to talk small-business compliance with standards and regulations. In particular, May stresses the role CPAs can play in making the process easier.

The research and development (R&D) tax credit is available to many organizations to help reduce their tax liability and overall financial expenditures. Unfortunately, many organizations don’t know everything they need to know to fully take advantage of the credit. To help educate these organizations, as well as the CPAs who represent them, we spoke with Ashley Chikes, director of operations for R&D experts EPSA USA, about steps CPAs can take when advising a client about the R&D credit, the ins and outs of the Pennsylvania R&D credit, and more.

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In a wide-ranging discussion about professional ethics, “Ethics Sage” Steven Mintz, professor emeritus with California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., highlights professional and personal behavior that would be considered injurious to the profession. Mintz also touches on how the current societal landscape can challenge CPA ethics as well as the positives and negatives of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.

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Kathy Brunner, founder, CEO, and president of Acumen Analytics, joins us to explore the basics of blockchain. She sheds light on the four different types of blockchain networks, how blockchain is currently being applied in business environments, opportunities for CPAs, and more.

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In this episode of CPA Conversations, Jonathan Zigman, senior CPA content developer for UWorld LLC, provides an update on the current status of CPA Exam and the CPA Evolution initiative. He touches on what the CPA Exam is now and what the AICPA and NASBA hope it will become, the immediate benefits of the new proposed model, the advantages for would-be CPAs looking to move into specializations, and much more.

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Accounting work, like so many other fields of business, has been drastically changed by the coronavirus pandemic. Many CPAs are working from home and seeing no measurable drop in their productivity and efficiency. However, when it comes to auditing, John Mulcahy of FMC Corporation in Philadelphia says there is no substitute for working in tandem with your client in their office. In this podcast, get more details on the primary benefits of in-person auditing, why issues get overblown when auditing remotely, and more.

To read the full transcript, click here.

Eighteen months after the release of the Paycheck Protection Program, it is fair to say the program has been generally successful. However, one giant drawback is its susceptibility to fraud. According to our guest, Allison Greenfield of Forensic Resolutions Inc., the fraud is widespread enough to raise red flags. Get her view on who is responsible for monitoring for PPP fraud, why time lags may be preventing us from getting a full picture of the deception, and more in this CPA Conversations podcast.

To read full transcript, click here.

In a look behind his feature for the winter 2022 Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Mike De Stefano, chief financial officer for RKL in Lancaster, Pa., discusses how CFOs can better engage colleagues on financial details via a management discussion and analysis, or MD&A, report. He explores the sorts of illuminating information that should go into an MD&A: financial, nonfinancial, and more.

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Nicholas Ring, controller at Pine Ridge Construction Management in Williamsport, Pa., joins us to discuss how COVID-19 has challenged governments and government CPAs, how you define transparency as it relates to government CPAs, and more. This podcast complements his column in the winter 2022 Pennsylvania CPA Journal.

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Nothing can be more injurious to a CPA firm’s reputation – not to mention its bank account – than a client introducing a large malpractice claim. Based on her article for the Journal of Accountancy by Sarah Ference, CPA, risk control director for the accountants program at CNA Insurance, explores the signs that a large malpractice claim could be on the horizon as well as potential damages that can take place if the situation is not handled in a brisk manner.

To read the full transcript, click here.

The accounting internship is one of the many aspects of the CPA experience that has been changed dramatically by COVID-19. Still, it remains a great way to set a would-be CPA’s career on the path to success, whether it is conducted virtually or in-person. Get tips for ensuring an internship becomes a full-time offer and learn about skills that can be acquired during an internship from our guests, Eryn Conard and Tara Heller of Baker Tilly US LLP.

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Joseph Ragan, professor of accounting and Edward G. Sutula chair in accounting at Saint Joseph’s University Erivan K. Haub School of Business, joins us to talk sustainability reporting and environmental, social, and governance measures. Specifically, he details why businesses are looking at these issues more closely, the specific role CPAs have to play in conservation efforts, and what colleges and universities need to do to prepare students for these changes in the business world.

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Ane Ohm, cofounder and CEO of LeaseCrunch, checks in with an update on lease accounting implementation. She walks us through readiness for compliance, issues affecting debt covenants, and lease modification and concession implications. Does that all get your anxiety up? Don’t worry: Ohm also looks to ease the mind of those stressed out by the approaching implementation deadline.

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Debra S. Friedman, a labor and employment attorney with the Philadelphia law firm Cozen O’Connor, joins us to provide the latest information on OSHA guidelines related to COVID. A few items she highlighted for consideration include inquiries about vaccination status, legality and growth of mandatory vaccines, and continuing rules for masking and social distancing.

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The evolution of the accounting profession requires new and innovative ways to teach aspects of accounting that may have previously received little exposure. One of these that is of growing importance is data visualization. Our guests – PICPA member Michael Ozlanski, associate professor and accounting department chair for Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa., and Suzanne Seymoure, associate professor of accounting at North Central College in Naperville, Ill. – have made data visualization engaging for their students and received an honor from the AICPA for their efforts. We sat with them to learn more about their approach as well as the award they received.

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Michael Fischer, CFP, director and wealth adviser for Round Table Wealth Management, provides an in-depth exploration of the preliminary proposal recently presented by U.S. House Democrats to fund President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending package. As part of his examination, Fischer looks at the impact it could have on the tax landscape for individuals, retirees, businesses, and more.

To read the full transcript, click here.

For many small and medium-sized firms, a consultation with a “high-value” firm can be a nerve-wracking experience that takes them out of their element. In this episode of CPA Conversations, Loren Fogelman, price and profit coach for Business Success Solution, provides tips on the focal points to drive home when delving into the CPA sales process.

To read the full transcript, click here.

Ira Rosenbloom, chief executive officer of Optimum Strategies LLC in Spring House, Pa., joins us to examine the signs that it might be time for a CPA firm to think about a strategic merger. Among the signs he points to are weak new business, clients getting restless, and referrals beginning to run low.

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Kemberley Washington, CPA, a tax analyst with Forbes Advisor, joins us to discuss the monthly child tax credit. She goes in depth into who qualifies to receive it, whether taxpayers have to repay it, how eligibility is determined by the IRS, and more.

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In this podcast related to his column in the fall 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Barry Groebel, senior tax consultant for Herbein + Company in Reading, Pa., details his experience working on a private letter ruling request with the IRS during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. He provides context on what a private letter ruling request is, discusses how common it is for CPAs to handle such a task, and goes step-by-step into the process.

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Dave Wagaman, emeritus professor in accounting at Kutztown University, sits down with Jerry Maginnis, retired KPMG Philadelphia office managing partner and current executive in residence for Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., to talk about Maginnis’s new book, Advice for a Successful Career in the Accounting Profession: How to Make Your Assets Greatly Exceed Your Liabilities. The book covers critical career components, such as work-life balance; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and giving back to the community.

To read the full transcript click here. 

While the U.S. Supreme Court did not choose to hear arguments in the case of New Hampshire v. Massachusetts, it does not mean that the disagreement between the two states will have no impact on the tax landscape. Jennifer Karpchuk, shareholder with the law firm Chamberlain Hrdlicka, joins us to discuss the background of New Hampshire v. Massachusetts, its relevance to the tax structures of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, and the possible effects on Pennsylvania’s “convenience of the employer” interpretation.

To read the full transcript click here. 

The climate for mergers and acquisitions in the accounting industry was already a bit balmy before COVID-19, but the onset of the pandemic turned the temperatures up even higher. In this podcast, John Warrillow, author of The Art of Selling Your Business: Winning Strategies and Secret Hacks for Exiting on Top and president of The Value Builder System, delves into current merger and acquisition trends, the best ways for driving up the price, and determining the right time to notify your employees of a possible sale.

To read the full transcript click here.

Paul McVoy, principal with KBKG, discusses research and development tax credits in Pennsylvania and at the federal level. He delves into which expenses qualify, what types of activities are excluded, and the process for claiming the credits.

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As a follow-up to a presentation at our most recent PICPA School District Conference, Jacqueline Stefkovich, EdD, JD, professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University, joins us to discuss codes of ethics for CPA personnel working with schools and approaches for navigating ethical dilemmas.

To read the full transcript click here.

In this podcast, Amy Lewis, a partner with Maher Duessel in Pittsburgh, hopes to dispel some of the fears surrounding the path to partnership held by younger accounting professionals. She addresses such worries as whether it’s too stressful, how much personal time a high-level CPA might have to surrender, and, yes, how smart one has to be.

To read the full transcript click here.

For mid-career CPAs experiencing feelings of burnout, it can be natural for a “grass is greener on the other side” perspective to take hold. However, there are options for professionals looking to temper burnout without heading for the exit. To discuss those options, we met with Bobbi Kelly, director-in-charge, human resources advisory, for Kreischer Miller in Horsham.

To read the full transcript click here. 

James Lange, CPA, is a principal and financial adviser with Lange Financial Group LLC in Pittsburgh and author of The IRA and Retirement Plan Owner’s Guide to Beating the New Death Tax. He joins us to discuss the factors leading to a higher tax environment and what CPAs can do to get their clients ready.

To read the full transcript click here.

Roger Philipp, CPA, CGMA, creative chief officer of UWorld Roger CPA Review in San Francisco, joins us to talk all things CPA Exam, including when would-be CPAs know they are ready to take the exam, tips for excelling on the day of the big test, and changes to the exam in conjunction with the CPA Evolution Project.

To read the full transcript click here.

According to our guest Geraldine Carter of She Thinks Big Coaching, life is too short for holding on to bad clients. In this podcast, she discusses the signs that a client is more trouble than they are worth, the detriments to CPA firms if they hold on to nonbeneficial clients, and the psychological aspects that stand in the way when a CPA firm is considering dropping an engagement.

To read the full transcript click here.

Hitendra Patil, head of customer success at AccountantsWorld and a four-time member of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, joins us to discuss his new book, The Definitive Success Guide to Client Accounting Services. One of our most popular podcast guests, Patil covers in this episode the proper leadership mindset, the services of which clients are most in need, the guidelines for pricing client accounting services, and more.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Andrew Hunzicker, founder of Dope CFO in Bend, Ore., joins us to discuss the opportunities for CPAs with regard to the expanding cannabis industry. Among the aspects he covers are the current status of marijuana legalization efforts nationwide and the misconceptions among the general public when it comes to cannabis entrepreneurs. Listen to the podcast and get more information at www.dopecfo.com and on Instagram @dopecfo1.

To read the full transcript click here.

Tax credits and incentives have long been a tool for bolstering revenue for state economies. In this episode, we are joined by Jason Skrinak, founder of Pivot Strategic Consulting in Harrisburg, Pa., and a member of the PICPA Fiscal Responsibility Task Force, to discuss how credits and incentives are used in Pennsylvania, the scrutiny they will be under in a post-COVID business environment, and the steps being taken by states to ensure these stimuli are working as intended.

To read the full transcript click here. 

In a preview of his presentation at the July 12-13 PICPA Not-for-Profit & Government Accounting Conference, Rick Cole, partner with BKD CPAs & Advisors, discusses the new Accounting Standards Update related to gifts-in-kind nonfinancial assets. Among other issues, he touches on how contributed nonfinancial assets are presented on financial statements and the timing of when the new ASU will go into effect.

To read the full transcript click here.

Jina Etienne, speaker, trainer, and diversity and inclusion consultant with Etienne Consulting, joins us to discuss the connection between diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and CPA firm advisory services. Specifically, she explains how advisory services thinking can improve DEI results in the areas of hiring, process improvement, and marketing.

To read the full transcript click here.

In this episode, we go inside the world of CPA data analytics with Jack Castonguay, assistant professor and executive director of assurance and learning and accreditation at Hofstra University and vice president of strategic content development at KnowFully Learning Group. Castonguay shares current uses of data analytics in accounting, key skills CPA data analysts should possess, and ways to showcase these skills within your firm.

To read the full transcript click here. 

It is never easy to talk to clients about raising your rates, even for those CPAs who spend every day going above and beyond to provide the best in customer service. However, it is a conversation that CPAs should approach without fear, says Loren Fogelman, price and profit coach for Business Success Solution. She discusses the reasons why CPAs fear raising their rates, how they can become more confident in having these discussions, and specific steps firms should take when upping fees.

To read the full transcript click here.

Among the many aspects of accounting that have been thrown upside down by the coronavirus is the employee benefit plan (EBP) audit, now largely being conducted remotely. Nancy Cox, partner at The Bonadio Group, joins us to discuss the new normal for EBP audits, including a heightened focus on data security, the impact of pandemic-related legislation, updated audit testing procedures, and more.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Many factors contribute to the constant change in the accounting profession: technological innovation, evolving regulations and standards, and, yes, our current global pandemic. It is especially important for CPA firms to be prepared for change and be ready to manage it when the need for evolution comes. To discuss how best to handle change, we reached out to “The Radical CPA” Jody Padar, vice president of strategy at Botkeeper.

To read the full transcript click here.

In a preview of her Careers & Lifestyles column from the summer 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Elisabeth Felten, CPA, assistant professor of business at DeSales University in Center Valley, joins us to discuss testing accommodations available to those with disabilities seeking to pass the CPA Exam. Among the aspects covered are eligibility guidelines, frequently requested accommodations, and necessary documentation.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Ira Rosenbloom, chief executive officer of Optimum Strategies in Spring House, Pa., joins us to close our three-part series on the top expectations for specific personnel units of CPA firms. In this final episode Rosenbloom addresses the qualities best possessed by human resources departments. He discusses the need for leaders here to be motivational, creative, and more.

To read the full transcript click here.

In this podcast, Steven G. Blum, CPA, CFE, principal with Control Risks Group in Washington, D.C., and a member of the Pennsylvania CPA Journal Editorial Board, previews his feature from the summer 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal. Blum offers tips for helping companies manage thorough whistleblower investigations, including having an established process in place and effectively responding to allegations.

To read the full transcript click here. 

In the second of a three-part series on the expectations CPA firms should have for targeted personnel within their operations, Ira Rosenbloom, chief executive officer for Optimum Strategies in Spring House, Pa., explores the function of the CPA firm marketing professional. Rosenbloom details their need to be data and research savvy, persistent, and results-driven.

To read the full transcript click here.

Bill Bergman, director of research for Truth in Accounting, joins us to discuss recent proposals by the Government Accounting Standards Board and their effect on accrual accounting. He explores the status of GASB Projects 3-20 and 3-25, whether the new proposals change the definition of accrual accounting, and how they relate to revenue recognition.

To read the full transcript click here. 

In the first of a three-part series on the expectations CPA firms should have for targeted personnel within their operations, Ira Rosenbloom, chief executive officer for Optimum Strategies in Spring House, Pa., discusses the role of the CPA firm operations manager. Rosenbloom explains how an individual in this position must be analytical, proprietary, and accountable.

To read the full transcript click here. 

For a CPA firm to thrive, it is a good idea to know what your would-be clients want from their trusted adviser. Hinge Research Institute recently conducted a study titled “Inside the Buyer’s Brain,” a comprehensive look at the buyer-seller relationship. Lee Frederiksen, managing partner of Hinge in Reston, Va., joins us to examine what the findings say about client service in the accounting landscape.

To read the full transcript click here.

In a follow-up to their presentation at PICPA’s Technology for Public Accounting Conference, James Ruffin, manager, IS assurance and advisory services, at RKL, and Stephane Smith, human capital management consulting practice leader at RKL, discuss best practices for remote onboarding. The two highlight setting expectations for new employees and keeping them engaged once they settle in.

To read the full transcript click here.

Passing the CPA Exam is an arduous process, but one with immeasurable rewards for those who achieve their goal. Organizations with staff members who attain the CPA designation also experience extensive benefits and return on investment. Therefore, it behooves organizations to help would-be CPAs on their payroll to pass the test with flying colors. Enter, CPA coaching. Erin Daiber, CEO of Well Balanced Accountants in the San Diego area, joins us to explore CPA coaching and why it is more beneficial than traditional mentoring when it comes to the CPA Exam.

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You know the issue you are advocating for is urgent when it ends up being the first item on a new legislature’s agenda. That’s the position the PICPA government relations team found itself in when the Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness provision it supported ended up becoming Act 1 of 2021 on Feb. 5. Peter Calcara, PICPA vice president of government relations, walks us through the origin story of this important, PICPA-member-driven legislative victory.

To read the full transcript click here.

At the height of a busy tax season, it is understandable should a CPA experience feelings of burnout. Combine that pressure with a pandemic that has surpassed a full year, and it would be surprising if one did not go through some internal turmoil. To discuss ways for CPAs to prevent getting run down by their many responsibilities, we reached out to Loren Fogelman, price and profit coach at Business Success Solutions. For more information, feel free to check out Loren’s time management tips for busy firms.

To read the full transcript click here.

Changes are coming fast and furious amid another hectic tax season. In this episode of CPA Conversations, we focus on two alterations that CPAs need to keep an eye on: the PPP loan calculation methodology and its effect on Schedule C taxpayers and the recently released IRS guidance on the employer retention credit. We discuss these matters with two representatives of Louis Plung & Company LLP in Pittsburgh: principal Kevin Wilkes, JD, and senior manager Tony Montanaro, CPA, ABV, CFE.

To read the full transcript click here.

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, and it comes with a series of provisions that will impact the tax landscape in a major way. In addition to its COVID and stimulus provisions, the act changes credits in the areas of child and dependent care, earned income tax, and employee retention. To give us an overview of the tax changes contained in this landmark legislation, we are joined by Julio Gonzalez, CEO of Engineered Tax Services and an official member of the Forbes Finance Council.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Handling the stress of busy season is a chore for CPAs under the best of conditions. Amid a pandemic that has resulted in over a year of working from home, the stress can be overwhelming. Small-firm CPAs (and accounting personnel of all stripes) must make sure to monitor their mental well-being at this time. We spoke with Carl Peterson, vice president, small firm interests, public accounting, for the AICPA on this vital topic, touching on resources for employees, what it means to stop focusing on time, and the importance of firm leaders serving as role models.

To read the full transcript click here.

The merits of value pricing compared with the traditional billable hour have been debated within the accounting industry for many years. But according to today’s guest, Lee Frederiksen, managing partner of Hinge in Reston, Va., the coronavirus has increased the attractiveness of charging on value rather than time.

To read the full transcript click here.

In this podcast we are joined by Cory Ng, associate professor of instruction at Temple University in Philadelphia, and John Alarcon, founder and principal of BEARN, a management consulting firm in Philadelphia, to discuss their book, Artificial Intelligence in Accounting: Practical Applications. The authors, who are also Pennsylvania CPA Journal Editorial Board members, look at artificial intelligence’s current usefulness within the profession, the importance of robotic process automation, and the challenges and considerations CPAs will have to face when adopting this technology into their processes.

To read the full transcript click here.

In a preview of her Accounting & Assurance and Employee Benefit Plans columns in the spring 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Dr. Nancy Stempin, director of technical accounting at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz in Camp Hill, Pa., and an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, joins us to discuss changes to SAS Nos. 134, 136, 137, and 139, and the effect they will have on auditors going forward.

To read the full transcript click here. 

In a preview of his presentation at the March 18-19 PICPA CFOs and Controllers Conference, “CFO Whisperer” David Axson, a CFO strategist and adviser, joins us to discuss the role of the organizational advisor. We also touch on how COVID-19 has shaped the function as well as the future for finance professionals.

To read the full transcript click here.

In a preview of his Business & Industry column in the spring 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Barry M. Pelagatti, CPA, a partner in the audit services group of RKL LLP in Exton, Pa., discusses the importance of cultivating stronger relationships with your organization’s lenders, especially during times of economic upheaval.

To read the full transcript click here.

With tax season coming up quickly, it is never too early for tax preparers to start refamiliarizing themselves with many common forms. In this podcast, we take a detailed look at Form 1099-R, which pertains to distributions from pensions, annuities, retirement plans, and more. Walking us through the specifics are Gail Hauseman, owner of Berkshire CPAs LLC, and Rodger Krause, owner of Rodger Krause CPA, both of whom are based in Wyomissing, Pa. They cover differences between state and federal versions of the form, what constitutes an eligible retirement plan, and more.

To read the full transcript click here.

Barb Carlin, managing director, mid-Atlantic region, for Danforth Advisors in Waltham, Mass., will be participating in PICPA’s Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Conference on Feb. 9, 2020. To preview the panel discussion she will be joining, Carlin met with us to discuss the state of the life sciences industry in Pennsylvania and along the eastern seaboard.

To read the full transcript click here.

With the inauguration of President Joe Biden now in our rearview mirror, it is time to focus on legislative matters of a more local variety, namely those arising in the Pennsylvania legislature. Peter N. Calcara, PICPA vice president of government relations, joins us to discuss the priorities of both the legislature and the PICPA, continued COVID impacts, budgetary concerns, and more.

To read the full transcript click here.

As a follow-up to her presentation at the 2020 PICPA Tax Con, Rachel Kieser, shareholder with Drucker & Scaccetti in Philadelphia, provides an update on individual federal income and estate tax issues for the upcoming year, including the impact President Joe Biden’s tax plans will have on estate taxes, how the CARES Act will affect 2020 tax filings, COVID-19’s effect on gift tax planning, and more.

To read the full transcript click here.

The continuing COVID-19 crisis has forced employees nationwide to work from home in large numbers. This in turn has spurred businesses to think about their leases, in particular whether they should apply for lease concessions. To explore this question, we sat down with Ane Ohm, cofounder and CEO of LeaseCrunch, to discuss the difference between lease concessions and lease modifications, current lease concession guidance and thresholds, and more.

To read the full transcript click here.

The transition from Donald Trump’s presidential administration to that of Joe Biden’s has been, to put it lightly, rocky. With a new era in presidential leadership set to be ushered in, does this mean a whole new era in federal taxation will come with it? To answer this question, we met with Bruce A. Hyde, CPA, partner and wealth adviser for Round Table Wealth Management in New York City.

To read the full transcript click here.

In this episode of CPA Conversations, Dr. Sean Stein Smith, assistant professor at the City University of New York – Lehman College, joins us to talk about some of the most pressing aspects in the area of blockchain, such as the status of its adoption and implementation, the importance of internal controls to its sustainability, and its role in shaping organizations’ succession plans.

To read the full transcript click here.

Transfer tax exemptions were one of the many aspects of the tax world that were affected by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation affected options around gifting, rules for individuals vs. couples, and so much more. To find out the status of these exemptions, as well as whether the results of the presidential election may affect them even more, we spoke with J. Victor Conrad, founder of PINNACLE Financial Strategies LLC in Wexford, Pa.

To read the full transcript click here.

When disaster strikes, unfortunately criminals view it as open season for committing of financial fraud. The coronavirus pandemic certainly qualifies as a disaster, and fraudsters have been quick to seize upon the opportunity presented by the Paycheck Protection Program, a piece of legislation meant to help small businesses that have been waylaid by the impact of COVID-19. In today’s podcast, Sonia Desai, managing director of Weaver in Austin, Texas, discusses what makes the PPP susceptible to fraud, popular ways by which fraudsters are looking to perpetrate their schemes, and the possible impact on legitimate borrowers.

To read the full transcript click here.

The U.S. Congress recently approved $900 billion in financial relief for families and businesses who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The relief package includes direct checks for individuals, funding for distribution of the coronavirus vaccine, and a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program. To walk us through this vital piece of legislation, we sat down with Julio Gonzalez, chief executive officer of Engineered Tax Services Inc. in West Palm Beach, Fla., and a national authority on taxes and tax reform.

The mission of the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation is to inspire students to pursue careers in accounting and provide the educational, motivational, and financial support they need to work toward achieving the CPA credential. In a wide-ranging discussion, Jerry Maginnis, chair of the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation, explains the ways by which that support is provided and explores the challenges and opportunities young professionals will confront as they climb toward a fruitful CPA career.

To read the full transcript click here.

In a preview of her presentation at the Jan. 7, 2021, PICPA Technology for Public Accounting Conference, Leslie Kirsch, former director of central analytics for Withum, joins us to discuss the importance of data readiness and integrity, including ways to make more effective client data requests.

Consider taking a minute to participate in Leslie’s dissertation research study on the relationship between tone at the top and the risks of the fraud triangle. 

To read the full transcript click here.

There has long been a movement to streamline the issues surrounding taxation and telecommuting. Interestingly, the onset of the coronavirus has both made clarity on this issue more important and made it tougher to pursue due to the residual issues that need addressing. To discuss how COVID-19 shining a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s taxation of telecommuters and freelancers, we met with Jason Skrinak, founder of Pivot Strategic Consulting LLC in Harrisburg, Pa.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Danielle Supkis Cheek, director of entrepreneurial advisory services for Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas PC, will be a presenter at the Jan. 7, 2021, PICPA Technology for Public Accounting Conference. In this podcast, she joins us to provide an update on information technology standards implementation and independence, including delays brought about by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Controllers must master many skills to ensure career success. Things like risk management, the ability to anticipate challenges, and technological savvy are near the top of the list. But according to Mike Whitmire, CEO and cofounder of FloQast and author of Controller’s Code: The Secret Formula for a Successful Career in Finance, soft skills, such as managing people and building a positive team culture, have never been more important.

To read the full transcript click here. 

If your small business took out a Paycheck Protection Program loan to make it through the coronavirus pandemic, chances are the thought of loan forgiveness or paying back the funds is causing you a lot of stress. However, our guest, Glenn Sandler, CEO of G.I. Tax Service, believes businesses shouldn’t be in a hurry to request loan forgiveness. In fact, they could experience major benefits from taking their time in doing so.

To read the full transcript click here. 

According to guest Philip Karter, a tax controversy and litigation lawyer with Chamberlain Hrdlicka Attorneys at Law in Philadelphia, the frequency of IRS audits are down, but that doesn’t mean they are any easier for those who find themselves going through the process. In today’s podcast, Karter covers best practices for conducting yourself during an IRS audit, factors that may make you more likely to be audited, and ways by which you will be notified if you find yourself under the financial microscope.

To read the full transcript click here.

In a preview of their presentation at the Dec. 10-11 PICPA Accounting & Auditing Conference, Michael McAllister and Barry Pelagatti of RKL join us to discuss COVID-19’s effect on risk factors brought on by the pandemic, complications of the necessary rush to digitize business operations, and more.

To read the full transcript click here. 

Any time you describe anything as being an object “like no other,” you run the risk of being accused of hyperbole. However, when it comes to personal financial planning, the number of variants contributing to the environment this year – an ongoing pandemic, the results of a historic election, and financial volatility – makes this year-end like none we have seen. In a preview of his winter 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal Personal Financial Planning column, Will Velekei, senior financial adviser for Corbenic Partners in Bethlehem, Pa., discusses factors to be considered during a wild year-end planning season.

To read the full transcript click here.

We’ve all learned to appreciate the flexibility of telecommuting over these past few months out of necessity, but let’s not forget there is a case to be made that working in the office presents a number of benefits for CPAs. In her Careers & Lifestyles column for the winter 2021 Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Alyzabeth Smith, senior associate for Siegfried Advisory in Wilmington, Del., discusses several of the most prominent reasons, including a better ability to disconnect and bolstered team camaraderie. In this podcast, she offers a sneak preview of her column.

To read the full transcript click here. 

On the eve of one of the most significant elections of our time, we meet with three guests – Republican Sen. Patrick M. Browne, Democratic Rep. Mathew D. Bradford, and Matthew Knittel, director of the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office – to discuss the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on Pennsylvania’s governance, economy, small businesses, tax agenda, and more.

To read the full transcript click here. 

The number of middle-market private equity deals took a hit in the second quarter of 2020, showing minimal improvement in July through September. The primary reason is clear: COVID-19 created an environment that has organizations skittish about investing too heavily right now. To explore the current outlook for mergers and acquisitions, we met with Anthony DeCandido, an audit partner and coleader of the CT financial services practice for RSM US LLP. 

To read the full transcript click here.

At the PICPA Personal Financial Planning Conference on Nov. 5, Brian Carney, cofounder of RiversEdge Advisors in Wilmington, Del., will present a session on personal financial planning considerations for individuals entering into a second marriage. Among the topics he will discuss are budgeting concerns, assets and debt management, and estate planning. In this podcast, he offers a sneak peek at his upcoming presentation.

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The year 2020 will be remembered for many things, not the least of which has been a race relations awakening. The accounting profession, too, has joined in. Many firms have taken steps to build on previous efforts by forming in-house diversity and inclusion committees and bolstering board and executive involvement in said groups. For efforts like these to bear fruit, though, these actions must go deep; they must become part of an organization’s mission. So says Herschel Frierson, managing director of Crowe LLP in Indianapolis and chair of the National Association of Black Accountants.

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In a preview of her session at the Oct. 27 PICPA Women’s Leadership Conference, Karen Reivich, PhD, director of the resilience and positive psychology training program at the University of Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss the science of resilience. She also touches on ways resilience can be enhanced and overcoming psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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It’s been over two years since the Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, and its impact has been substantial. Add in the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, with its role in driving individuals toward online shopping, and you have a seismic impact in the tax world. In this podcast, Jennifer Karpchuk, shareholder and state and local tax practice cochair for Chamberlain Hrdlicka Attorneys at Law in Philadelphia, joins us to dissect current developments related to Wayfair and COVID-19.

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As we have seen with all the activity surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program, now is a perfect time for CPAs to show value when working with clients who own small businesses. However, it is important to know the right questions to ask to bring into focus the areas where you can be most beneficial. To figure out what to ask, including whether or not your client has ever dealt with adversity, we spoke with Bryce Sanders, president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc.

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What will it take to ensure a successful future for your CPA firm? Perhaps it is setting your firm apart from the competition in the technological realm? Maybe it’s marketing your firm in the avenues that draw the modern client’s eyeballs? Well, according to Robert Schulte, founder of LumaTax Inc., the answer is “both,” as well as many other steps you can take.

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Client referrals are a time-honored avenue of prospect generation for CPAs. However, coming out and asking for referrals can be a delicate matter to the firm/client relationship. Today’s guest, Stacey Brown Randall, author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, shares ways to ensure client referrals without having to be so forward as to inquire about them.

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The economic uncertainly introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic might make it seem like a bad time to take a significant career leap, but business strategist and consultant Veronica Sagastume believes the timing could not be better. She discusses the signs that a CPA may be ready for such a step, ways that CPAs can generate revenue for their consulting business, and the importance of establishing a personal brand identity for a new venture.

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The accounting profession is in a perpetual state of change, which has been amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. Because of this state of flux, it is important for a manager to know when their team is ready for change and when they definitely are not. In today’s podcast, Liz Uram, owner of The Coach and Mentor Group, provides some details on the signs that a team is resistant to change, including the inability to adjust behavior, employee turnover, and more.

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While accounting advisory services have been a need for a long time, the onset of coronavirus-concerned issues, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and others have brought this opportunity to the forefront for CPA firms. We are joined by Randy Johnston, executive vice president of K2 Enterprises, to discuss what sorts of services constitute advisory as well as emerging advisory areas for 2020 and beyond.

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In a preview of the panel discussion he will be moderating at the Sept. 22 PICPA online Financial Institutions Conference, Patrick J. Mulloy, CPA, partner, audit services, for RSM US LLP in Philadelphia, discusses the impact of coronavirus on current expected credit losses. Among the aspects he shares with us are allowances for loan loss calculation and the process for determining Paycheck Protection Program loans and grants.

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In a preview of his fall 2020 Pennsylvania CPA Journal Business & Industry column, Michael F. De Stefano, CPA, chief financial officer for RKL in Lancaster, Pa., discusses the experience of his organization when it became clear that the coronavirus pandemic was going to be more than just a fleeting inconvenience, including applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, becoming experts on new communications channels, and taking steps to reduce burnout among colleagues and staff.

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In a preview of their fall 2020 Pennsylvania CPA Journal Education column, Duquesne professors Valerie Trott Williams and Robert Kollar recount the obstacles they faced when their university was forced to move all classwork online as part of the coronavirus pandemic. They discuss the effect the move had on student grades, the time it took to prepare for online courses, lessons learned for when courses resume, and more.

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As futuristic as the terms “artificial intelligence” and “machine learning” may sound, they are currently being used in the home and the business world. In the accounting profession, though, they could be better leveraged. Robert Schulte, founder of LumaTax Inc., joins us to talk about the benefits to accounting and finance functions, benefits for CPA firms and clients due to adoption of advanced technology, and areas in which artificial intelligence could be used more.

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With technology playing a greater role by the day, the nature of the CPA profession is constantly changing. Therefore, CPAs have to grow and adapt. Such is the reason behind the CPA Evolution Project, an undertaking of the AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. In this podcast, Julia Woislaw, AICPA’s lead manager of CPA Evolution, walks us through the origination of the CPA Evolution Project, including why it was necessary, its current status, and developments that will be monitored in the future.

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The tax rules for non-U.S. residents are complicated enough regularly, but they only get more intense when you apply them to foreign athletes and entertainers. In today’s podcast, we explore the rules with Patrick McCormick of the law firm Culhane Meadows.

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Working in the world of sports may seem like a dream job, but, as we have seen with the coronavirus, it is susceptible to the same difficulties and obstacles as other industries. And like other industries, the sports world understands the immense value of CPAs. In this podcast, we are joined by Darren Heffernan, president of Trintech, to discuss how CPAs contribute to the success of sports teams, how automation is quickly improving their jobs, and how the world of sports operations has been altered by COVID-19.

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In a preview of her session at the Aug. 11 PICPA CFOs and Controllers Conference, Melissa Bradley Musser, principal, risk and advisory services, for GRF CPAs & Advisors, discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the exercise of enterprise risk management. She explores best practices during times of great difficulty, current top threats, and more.

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The emergency necessity of embracing remote work brought about by the coronavirus has shown businesses that it is possible to operate not only from a board room table, but also from a dining room table. As a result, what had been viewed as a temporary fix could eventually evolve into a regular mode of operation. This means leadership will have to continue refining their ability to engage their staff remotely. We spoke to Erin Daiber, professional certified coach and chief executive officer of Well Balanced Accountants LLC, to get more on best practices in this area.

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