
Journal of Accountancy Podcast
510 episodes — Page 7 of 11

"What's our biggest risk?" Why the answer is changing
Companies are still trying to find their way about 20 months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their enterprise risk management (ERM) efforts were tested, as some risks were amplified and others emerged. Now, entities are trying to apply some of the lessons they learned along the way. CPAs Mark Beasley and Paul Walker, professors who each direct ERM-focused centers at universities, discuss how risk management is changing, what organizations are worried about today, and how they can better manage risks moving forward. Also, get updates on the formation of the International Sustainability Standards Board and these Journal of Accountancy headlines: How Investors Can Protect Against Inflation FASB Addresses Contract Assets, Liabilities Acquired in a Business Combination FASB Proposal Would Amend Interim Disclosure Requirements

One firm's succession planning success story
The Journal of Accountancy's October cover story shares how one firm approaches succession planning. REDW is a top 200 firm with offices in Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Edmond, Okla. Christina Roderick, CPA, CGMA, is the head of REDW's tax practice, a role she assumed in July 2020. She talks about her succession journey, REDW's approach to identifying succession candidates early, and more. Also, stay up to date on news related to FASB and the IRS, and get a primer on a CPA Insider feature on a topic certain to generate discussion: Taking a nap during the workday.

Hiring for culture: How to find the best staff for your firm
Staff who aren't a good fit for your firm's culture aren't likely to stay long. In this second part of a two-part podcast, Guy Gage, founder of consulting firm PartnersCoach, talks about interview questions to ask that can determine whether a job candidate will integrate well to your culture, and other key aspects of hiring for culture.

The 4 pillars of starting or growing a CAS practice
Client advisory services (CAS) practices are growing rapidly, and Kalil Merhib, the vice president of Sales and Client Services for CPA.com, has details. Merhib discusses the recent CPA.com & AICPA PCPS Client Advisory Services Benchmark Survey along with the opportunities for firms interested in starting or growing CAS practices. Also, get a preview of the upcoming AICPA & CIMA Corporate Finance and Controllers Conference and an article on a conference session about building an anti-fraud wall, and stay up to date on news related to Social Security, the IRS, and the PCAOB.

What type of culture does your firm have?
Having a good grasp of your organizational culture can help you hire the right people and adopt the right approach to change. But determining what type of culture your firm has isn't always easy. In this first part of a two-part podcast, Guy Gage, founder of consulting firm PartnersCoach, discusses the three types of culture he sees most often in CPA firms, and ways you can tell which predominates in your firm.

A CPA leader's approach to changing check-the-box training
Stephanie Palmertree, CPA, CGMA, saw a need for better continuing professional education at the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor. The speakers were the same every year, and the issues weren't necessarily the ones faced by staff at her agency. So, CPE offerings were revamped, becoming more meaningful and targeted. Palmertree explains the why and how of those changes, along with reasons for enjoying the Harry Potter book series and how she relies on her favorite tech tool. Also, listeners can get caught up on recent news related to a new auditing standard and new PCAOB guidance on audit evidence.

Audit evolution in action: Part 3
Transforming the auditing practice to be more digital requires more than just new tools. It also means a shift in mindset for firms serious about taking a digital-first approach. On this episode, the third in a series on audit evolution, Alan Langelli, CPA, lead partner of the technology industry services group at Aronson LLC, shares three key reasons that adopting a digital mindset is important.

Peer review: Advancing clarity and remote procedures
The AICPA Peer Review Board recently issued an exposure draft that includes proposed changes to AICPA standards for reporting on and performing peer reviews. Brad Coffey, CPA, an AICPA manager, explains more about the exposure draft and what the proposed changes are designed to accomplish.

Year-end tax planning advice and a grammar quiz
Tax practitioners haven't had it easy, with pandemic-related delays and legislative changes in the middle of tax season making their jobs more difficult. Year-end planning can't eliminate all the uncertainty, but it can help. April Walker, CPA, CGMA, lead manager on the AICPA's Tax Practice & Ethics team and host of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast, shares advice for practitioners as the calendar year winds down. Also, get a "your"/"you're" refresher, a preview of a recently published grammar quiz, and updates on news related to the IRS and the PCAOB.

Prioritization tips, sticky-note strategy, and The Princess Bride
In the September issue of the Journal of Accountancy, Marie Brilmyer, CPA, said in The Last Word: "I think my greatest challenge has been in figuring out how to step back or when I need to step back." In this podcast episode, Brilmyer expands on the need to prioritize and offers advice for others who may be seeking balance. Also, hear a preview of other JofA articles from the recent print issue and from our news page.

Ethics exposure drafts explained; the makings of a good cover letter
Several ethics-related exposure drafts are in focus in this week's episode. Toni Lee-Andrews, CPA, CGMA, the director of the AICPA's Professional Ethics Division, shares details on three upcoming EDs, a timeline for comments to the drafts, and more about the division's streamlined comment process. Lee-Andrews also previews two recent episodes of the division's Ethically Speaking podcast. Visit aicpa.org/ethics for more ethics resources. Plus, get a refresher on what makes a good cover letter, and keep up with top recent news in the Journal of Accountancy.

Tax software: What CPAs like and dislike
For the September issues of The Tax Adviser and the Journal of Accountancy, more than 2,100 tax professionals shared opinions on tax preparation software. Editors Alistair Nevius and Paul Bonner discuss details of the annual tax software survey — what CPAs liked and disliked, and the difficulties of the most recent tax season for preparers and the software companies.

Inflation worries and a tight labor market lead to a slight dip in optimism
Although finance executives continue to be bullish about their organizations' economic prospects, inflation and a difficult labor market are causing concern in the CPA Outlook Index in the AICPA Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey. Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, takes a closer look at the findings and what they mean for companies. Also, Ebonie Jackson, CPA/CITP, CGMA, shares insights on how finance professionals and accountants can lead strategic change from her recent case study. Also, you'll hear the findings from the latest CPA Firm Top Issues survey, and we'll update you on the latest from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.

Updating quality management standards: What auditors need to know
There are two committees working on developing new quality management standards for auditors. Neil Amato talks to Sara Lord, CPA, the chair of one of those committees, about the feedback they are receiving, how the new standards incorporate a risk-based approach, and the next steps in the process. Also, Drew Adamek reviews a new study about ESG assurance opportunities and explores the potential tax implications of LIFO inventory interruptions due to COVID-19.

The key tax provisions of the Senate infrastructure bill
The Senate recently passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which includes several tax provisions being monitored by the AICPA. Ed Karl, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, details several provisions in recently proposed legislation that would affect CPAs. Also, the episode mentions recent coverage in the Journal of Accountancy on updated single audit guidance included in the Office of Management and Budget's 2021 Compliance Supplement. And it tries to answer a question posed in a recent CPA Insider article: Will sweatpants come to the office when we return?

Better remote job interviews and ERC updates
In the July issue of the Journal of Accountancy, Carrie Kruse, CPA, CGMA, the economic development administrator for the city of Des Moines, Iowa, wrote about how her organization improved its process for interviewing job candidates remotely. In this podcast episode, Kruse goes into detail about the types of questions asked and how the revamped process can be applied to future interviews. Also, hear about news items related to the employee retention credit, cryptoasset reporting, and more.

Fraud advice and more on the value of client advisory services
Businesses' approach to fraud and internal controls has undergone drastic change as a result of the pandemic. Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the director of entrepreneurial advisory services at the firm PKF Texas, says that rules around things such as on-time payment of payroll taxes now have to be reconsidered. She shares more about the unintended consequences of pandemic-related relief, advice for applying technology to limit fraud, and more. Also, hear more about recent articles and an AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021 session on the topic of client advisory services.

Lessons in building the accounting pipeline from ENGAGE 2021
This week's podcast episode brings together the voices of three presenters at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021. One common theme in their interviews is the talent pipeline — how more candidates can be drawn to the profession, how existing talent can be retained and trained in a more tech-driven business environment, and more. Hear from AICPA board Chair Bill Pirolli, CPA/CFF/PFS, CGMA; Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president of business engagement and growth for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; and former AICPA board Chair Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA.

Audit evolution in action: Part 2
The auditing profession was already in the midst of transformation, thanks to technological advances and other factors. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic came along and accelerated those changes, further challenging auditors and their view of business as usual. Part 1 was an overview of the audit landscape. In part 2, speakers Carolyn Newman and Jon Cardiello, CPA, share insight into the topic of audit data analytics and how the tools can help to continue the transformation of auditing.

Cybersecurity advisory opportunities for firms of all sizes
Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding opportunity for firms to offer advisory services. In a preview of an ENGAGE 2021 panel, Journal of Accountancy senior editor Neil Amato speaks with Steven Ursillo, CPA/CITP, CGMA, partner, risk assurance and advisory national leader at Cherry Bekaert, about how firms of any size can identify, prepare for, and take advantage of cyber advisory opportunities. Also, Drew Adamek covers the IRS's new Tax Pro Account and recent changes to FASB lease accounting standards.

At 2021's midpoint, what's on the minds of CFOs?
CFOs have reasons to be positive, but they also have several reasons to be concerned. Ways of working are changing, with employees seeking to continue the flexible arrangements that became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Gallucci, national managing partner for Deloitte's U.S. CFO Program, shares insights into the minds of CFOs in the latest episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Also, hear more about a recent FM magazine series that focused on the top skills finance professionals need for the future, along with coverage of recent U.S. Small Business Administration news on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and the Paycheck Protection Program, and a quality management proposal by the AICPA Auditing Standards Board.

Why single-audit demand is rising; an update on tax preparer legislation
The number of organizations needing single audits has risen dramatically in the past year. Why? Deetra Watson, CPA, CGMA, an accounting firm principal, explains some of the intricacies of single audits and why demand is increasing for such specialized services. Also, Ed Karl, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, shares an update on the Taxpayer Protection and Preparer Proficiency Act.

Accounting as a STEM career; more on 'Dirty Dozen' tax scams
The AICPA supports proposed legislation that would categorize accounting as a STEM career, with STEM standing for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Diana Deem, CPA, CGMA, an AICPA director of congressional and political affairs, shares more about the thinking behind and the AICPA's support for the bill. Also, hear from the JofA's editor-in-chief, tax, about the annual IRS list of "Dirty Dozen" tax scams. What you'll learn from this episode: More about the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act, recently introduced in Congress. Examples of how accounting has transformed since one of Deem's early roles. Insight into the annual IRS list of "Dirty Dozen" tax scams and why this year's release of the list is different. The reasons that stimulus payments are one focus of scammers. Summaries of JofA articles on business continuity planning as a tool to fight fraud, and Supreme Court news related to taxation of remote workers.

Audit evolution in action: Part 1
The auditing profession was already in the midst of transformation, thanks to technological advances and other factors. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic came along and accelerated those changes, further challenging auditors and their view of business as usual. As auditing continues to transform, Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, the Association's CEO of public accounting, and Jennifer Burns, CPA, CGMA, the Association's chief auditor, explain some of the drivers behind audit transformation — where it began and where it's headed. What you'll learn from this episode: An overview of the auditing landscape and why a transformation discussion is happening now. Insight into the key drivers of that transformation. The specific challenges the COVID-19 pandemic created for auditors. Details on the AICPA Auditing Standards Board's work to update certain standards. New ways or new tools to approach auditing differently.

The return of business travel; an NFL draftee's view of failure
Business travel is on the way back, according to survey and anecdotal data, as well as the line at airport security. Donny Shimamoto, CPA/CITP, CGMA, is someone accustomed to regular travel, with set routines and preferences. That all changed when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, and so Shimamoto had to adapt. He reflects on what he learned from being at home and from being back in airports and onsite with a client. Also, ENGAGE 2021 panelist Jeremy Bloom, a former world champion in skiing and NFL wide receiver, shares his views on sport specialization at a young age, why our view of failure should be reframed, and what kind of skiing he prefers these days.

Signs you or a colleague could use mental health support
The COVID-19 pandemic led many CPAs and their employers to think deeply about mental health in ways they may not have before. Amber Setter, a former accountant and an International Coaching Federation–accredited professional certified coach, talks about signs someone may need to consider speaking with a professional about their mental health and what you can do if you notice these signs in someone else. She also gives advice on finding a mental health professional and suggests ways employers can foster staff's well-being.

Understanding the global minimum tax and the growing risk of ransomware
The G7 announced a framework for a global minimum tax last week. In this episode, Amy Wang Miller, CPA, J.D., senior manager with the AICPA's Tax Policy & Advocacy team, explains what the framework means, what accounting and finance professionals can expect next, and what the future of a global minimum tax looks like. Also, we explore the growing risks and cost of ransomware with Gerry Glombicki, CPA, a director with Fitch Ratings insurance group, and how organizations should be approaching ransomware.

Advice for meeting efficiency and more on the new AICPA board chair
Many of our meetings in 2021 look far different from the meetings we had in 2019 or early 2020. That doesn't mean they can't be improved with the help of technology. In this episode, Technology Q&A co-author Byron Patrick, CPA/CITP, CGMA, shares insight into the ways that automation tools can help meetings go smoothly. Also hear some of the advice new AICPA board Chair Bill Pirolli, CPA/CFF/PFS, CGMA, has for providing excellent client service.

Reasons for rising economic optimism; how to 'be your own agent'
Several factors are contributing to finance decision-makers' growing optimism about the economy and their own businesses, according to a quarterly survey. Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, shares insight into that positive sentiment, along with a look at hiring and the headwinds facing organizations. Also, hear the words of an AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021 speaker on her path to becoming a sports agent and her advice on advocating for yourself.

A closer look at paid tax preparer regulation
In a letter to the IRS, the AICPA recently offered recommendations on six key areas of regulation of paid tax return preparers. A senior manager on the AICPA's Tax Policy & Advocacy Team explains more about why the recommendations are needed. Also, learn more about a recent popular article on delivering and receiving feedback. What you'll learn from this episode: Why it's important for the IRS to address the issue of unregulated tax return preparers. Insight into preparer tax identification numbers (PTINs) and IRS authority over them. Why the current process to revoke a PTIN can be "time-consuming and costly." An explanation of supervised, nonsigning return preparers. More on a recent JofA article about delivering and receiving feedback. News on the issuance of nonauthoritative guidance for auditing digital assets, and economic trends to watch.

A professional athlete's frugal approach to what's next
Amobi Okugo, a pro soccer player, is scheduled to be part of a sports-themed panel discussion at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021. He has continued to pursue education and business opportunities off the field, and he hopes to be a role model as a "frugal athlete." Hear more about Okugo's history and his plans. Also, get a refresher on where the term "imposter syndrome" came from, how many of us it affects, and what we can do to beat it. What you'll learn from this episode: Why Okugo says that mega-millionaire athletes are anomalies. How he approached spending money when he was first chosen in the Major League Soccer draft. The agreement he made with his parents about pursuing his college degree. Tips from a recent JofA article on defeating imposter syndrome. A summary of two recent articles related to the IRS.

Supporting AAPI talent in May and beyond
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and the conversation in this podcast episode is meant to celebrate that and to offer organizations reminders on how they can support employees of Asian descent. The group is sometimes referred to as Asian American and Pacific Islander, or AAPI. Lisa M. Ong, CPA, is a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) consultant who says that May is always her busy season because that's when organizations most often seek an AAPI speaker. Ong shared specific advice and actions for individuals and organizations seeking to support AAPI talent. For more resources on this topic, visit the AICPA's Diversity and Inclusion page. You can also learn more about Ong's organization, Wishing Out Loud.

Be more productive while doing less work
CPA firms are often more productive and profitable when owners work less, according to Brannon Poe, CPA, owner of Poe Group Advisors in Charleston, S.C. In this podcast episode, Poe, who has more than 15 years of experience buying and selling CPA firms, explains how delegating work can free owners to focus on what matters most. He also gives advice for determining which work you should delegate and how to do so with fewer worries.

Potential pitfalls for a return to in-person work
How an organization frames the discussion around bringing staff back together in the office matters. Jennifer Wilson, partner and co-founder of Convergence Coaching LLC, expands on her recent Journal of Accountancy article about reopening mistakes for organizations. Wilson is a speaker at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021 on the topic of managing a blended workforce (view the full ENGAGE agenda here). Also, hear a reminder about playing to your strengths from another ENGAGE 2021 speaker, executive coach Rhonda Peterson.

Managing your personal energy for success
Life and work in the pandemic era can be exhausting. Stress can make it difficult to focus on and execute your goals. ENGAGE 2021 speaker Rhonda Peterson believes taking the time to care for and nurture one's energy can improve your career success, increase your businesses' profitability, and provide a deeper sense of fulfilment. Peterson shares her tips for discovering the activities and stresses that drain your energy, making it harder to succeed, and for uncovering the endeavors that bolster your energy. What you'll learn from this episode: Why your personal energy matters and how it affects your life, business, and career. How to identify significant energy drains in your life. How to find activities that improve and boost your energy. Why managers should be paying attention to their team members' energy levels and how they can help improve them. The best way to develop a personal energy protection habit.

Excel depreciation advice; risk management lessons learned
A recent Journal of Accountancy article by Kelly Williams, CPA, Ph.D., detailed eight ways to calculate depreciation in Excel. Williams, one of two CPA authors of the Technology Q&A feature, shares why it's helpful to CPAs to have so many methods and which one she prefers. She also talks about Flash Fill as a preview to her Excel session at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021 in July. In the second interview segment, Mark Beasley, CPA, Ph.D., says one key part of enterprise risk management (ERM) is breaking down silos. Beasley, the director of North Carolina State University's ERM Initiative, joined the JofA podcast for a discussion of lessons that can be pulled from a recent survey on risk management. An article on the survey appeared on the website of FM magazine. Also, listen to news on a proposed standard by FASB and an update on Paycheck Protection Program funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Tom Hood on leadership and adapting to a role stretch
CFOs and other leaders have been forced to adapt to challenging and fast-moving circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the executive vice president of business growth and engagement for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, reflects on what finance leaders have learned in the past year and previews two of his sessions at the upcoming AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference.

Employee retention credit updates and a delegation taboo
The IRS has issued updated guidance on several aspects of the employee retention credit. April Walker, CPA, CGMA, lead manager on the Tax Practice & Ethics team at the AICPA, touches on the highlights, including filing options for claiming the credit, an extension of penalty relief, and several key questions that have yet to be resolved. What you'll learn from this episode: What recent IRS notices have addressed regarding claiming the credit in 2021 and penalty relief. Two critical questions about the credit that have yet to be addressed by the IRS. One common mistake that a CPA firm leader says managers should avoid when delegating tasks. Updates on a bill's passage in the House of Representatives and other news.

Primers on creativity and mental toughness
Two featured speakers at the AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference, Josh Linkner and LaRae Quy, are sharing previews of their conference sessions in this episode. Linkner discusses how organizations can foster creativity, even in supposedly noncreative jobs, and how that creativity can lead to everyday innovation. Quy, an author and former FBI agent, shares details on the importance of mental toughness. What you'll learn from this episode: Keynote speaker and innovation expert Josh Linkner's explanation for calling himself a "creative troublemaker." Why Linkner believes we shouldn't link creativity to someone's job title. The harrowing story of an FBI agent's first ride-along and how it underscored the importance of mental toughness. The reasons our cerebral brain and emotional brain must work together. Updates on new treatment of excess premium tax credits, an extended comment period for an AICPA Auditing Standards Board exposure draft on quality management, and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program's rough start.

Uncovering your 'buried life' and other mental-health tips
Ben Nemtin, the keynote speaker May 5 at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference, thought he was going on a two-week road trip with some friends 15 years ago. That trip lasted years, changing his life and those of many others they encountered. Nemtin also shares why it's more important these days to talk about mental health, along with some of the inspiration he got from seeing complete strangers realize a few bucket-list dreams.

What we can do to increase the number of Black CPAs
African Americans are still underrepresented in the accounting profession: Only 2% of CPAs are Black. In this second part of a two-episode podcast, we look at what the profession can do to increase the number of Black CPAs. Guests Ruth Harris, the first Black female CPA in Virginia, and Frank Ross, one of the founders of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), share their experiences as Black CPAs and educators, and Theresa Hammond, Ph.D., author of A White-Collar Profession: African American Certified Public Accountants Since 1921, shares her perspective as an accounting professor and scholar of CPA history. This podcast is associated with the Black CPA Centennial Campaign, a yearlong celebration and recognition of the impact of Black CPAs upon the profession.

PPP and tax advice for not-for-profits; honoring pioneering CPAs
The requirements for Paycheck Protection Program applicants who are not-for-profits are different from those for for-profit businesses. Dave Moja, CPA, a member of the AICPA Not-for-Profit Advisory Council, explains some of those differences and more about completing Form 990 and Form 941. Also, hear a section of a two-part podcast series that documents the triumphs and struggles of some of the first Black CPAs.

The struggles and triumphs of the first Black CPAs
In this first part of a two-episode podcast, we take a look at the remarkable accomplishments of Black CPAs in the 20th century, featuring the testimony of two CPAs who witnessed Black CPA history firsthand: Ruth Harris, the first Black female CPA in Virginia, and Frank Ross, one of the founders of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Theresa Hammond, Ph.D., author of A White-Collar Profession: African American Certified Public Accountants Since 1921, adds historical context. This podcast episode is associated with the Black CPA Centennial Campaign, a yearlong celebration and recognition of the impact of Black CPAs upon the profession.

Details of the April 15 postponement and a primer on SVOG
Alistair Nevius, J.D., the JofA's editor-in-chief, tax, explains the differences between IRS announcements on March 17 and March 29 regarding the postponement of 1040 tax filing and payments from April 15 to May 17. He highlights what's changed, what hasn't, and one question regarding how the IRS will handle estimated tax payments on a 2020 return filed after April 15. Also, to prepare for the opening of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, hear advice from Kristy Illuzzi, CPA, CGMA, a senior technical manager and staff liaison to the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section's Technical Issues Committee.

Why the tax filing extension does not help everyone
Some individual taxpayers still have forms to complete and payments to make by April 15. That's one reason the AICPA believes that the IRS extension from April 15 to May 17 didn't go far enough. Ed Karl, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, explains the reasons that the AICPA believes more relief should be given and why a June 15 date is more appropriate. The episode also mentions the schedule of upcoming AICPA conferences, tips for using LinkedIn, and other news.

Ethics considerations for assisting clients with PPP documents
When it comes to applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans or PPP loan forgiveness, a one-size-fits-all approach to assisting clients won't work. Some clients will need more help than others, and there are ethical implications for how CPAs provide that assistance. Iryna Klepcha, CPA, and Toni Lee-Andrews, CPA/PFS, CGMA, of the AICPA's Professional Ethics Division discuss some of the ethical questions that have surfaced as CPAs are assisting clients with PPP loan and forgiveness applications. Their guest is Kelly Hunter, CPA, shareholder at FRK & Co. and a member of the AICPA's Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC). What you'll learn from this episode: Why AICPA guidance has changed since PPP applications were first available. How firms can maintain independence when assisting with preparation of documents for nonattest clients. Details on scenarios CPAs could face when clients ask them for assistance with PPP loan forgiveness applications. More from Hunter on his advice: "Don't impair independence if you don't have to." Some of the questions coming into the AICPA's Professional Ethics Division hotline.

A new risk management tool, and PPP and tax deadline updates
Risk management has always been important, and it came to the forefront for many organizations in 2020. A new risk heat map tool from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants can help measure and manage risks. Lori Sexton, CPA, CGMA, a senior technical manager for management accounting, explains some of the features of the tool and how those features can expand an organization's risk management function. What you'll learn from this episode: Explanation of a heat map's role in effective enterprise risk management. More on the risk heat map tool's addition of a qualitative aspect for evaluating risk. Why simple awareness of a risk is not enough to manage it well. Highlights of the JofA's coverage of the Paycheck Protection Program and a change in the filing deadline for individual income taxes.

A CPA leader's view on the rise of women in the profession
"With women in particular, small moments matter." Those are the words of Lara Abrash, CPA, chair and CEO of Deloitte & Touche LLP, about how seemingly inconsequential decisions can have a big effect on how women advance in the workplace. Hear more of Abrash's thoughts on promoting diversity and on why the time was right for Deloitte to publish a new report on its workforce composition. What you'll learn from this episode: The career advice Abrash received from her mother. Abrash's advice for how employers can better support women. Why Deloitte decided to release its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Transparency Report. Why the AICPA is pushing for extensions to the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline and the individual tax filing date. The tax-related questions CPAs and their clients may have regarding certain 2020 unemployment benefits.

Employee retention credit guidance update and rising economic confidence
On March 1, the IRS issued guidance on the employee retention credit. April Walker, CPA, CGMA, lead manager on the Tax Practice & Ethics team at the AICPA, explains the highlights of that guidance, including how the credit interacts with PPP loans. Also, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, senior manager for management accounting and member engagement at the AICPA, shares the important details of the latest AICPA Business & Industry Economic Outlook Survey. What you'll learn from this episode: Key points of the 102-page guidance from the IRS on the employee retention credit. What the IRS guidance did not yet address. How finance executives feel about the domestic economy and their own businesses in the coming 12 months. The top challenges listed by CPA decision-makers. The business sectors that showed rising optimism.

Black CPA pioneers, PPP's narrowed focus, and a FASB alternative
Do you know the name John Wesley Cromwell Jr.? Do you know the specific businesses targeted recently for Paycheck Protection Program loan applications? This express version of the JofA podcast gives you more on those topics, along with details on an accounting alternative related to goodwill impairment that FASB is expected to issue soon. Cromwell became a CPA 100 years ago, and his story as the first Black CPA is part of a year-long effort to honor, celebrate, and build upon the progress Black CPAs have made in shaping the accounting profession. You'll also hear the voice of Lester McKeever, CPA, another pioneering Black accountant. Also, catch up on what a White House statement means in the short term for PPP loan applications. And hear from Mike Cheng, CPA, a member of the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section Technical Issues Committee, on the significance of a recent FASB accounting alternative.