IssuesWatch Podcast

Two accounting educators discuss the major issues being raised around the 150-credit requirement to qualify for CPA licensure. Host Dr. Sean Stein Smith, CPA, talks with Dr. Josh McGowan, CPA, of Troy University about whether the requirement should change, feedback from students and recent graduates, alternative pathways to earn the 150, and where things might go from here.

The decline in the CPA pipeline continues to dominate accounting headlines. A broad, profession-wide effort is now underway to address the root causes of the pipeline challenge. Jan Taylor, CPA, academic in residence and senior director at AICPA & CIMA, joins us to discuss the Pipeline Acceleration Plan, which includes measure to increase awareness about the profession, provide an alternative path to obtain the final 30 credits needed for licensure, equip firms with tools to attract and retain talent, and more.

Is Governor Murphy’s $53.1 billion proposed budget for New Jersey’s 2024 fiscal year good or bad for New Jersey residents and business owners? While there are no new taxes or tax increases, is this level of spending sustainable? And what are the prospects that major changes will be made as the proposed budget is scrutinized by the Legislature? Tune in to the latest episode of the IssuesWatch Podcast where two public policy experts weigh in on all of these questions and more.

Client advisory services (CAS) is proving to be an extraordinarily profitable area, with growth rates that are often double those of the accounting profession's more well-established service lines. Amy Bridges, professional development manager at CPA.com, shares the results of the AICPA/CPA.com CAS Benchmarking Survey and provides guidance for firms looking to offer these services to clients.