The new CPA Exam: Year-one trends and tips for success

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

#Accounting #Business Disciplines #Finance #Tax #Business #Business News #News #AICPA CIMA #Financialreport

17:27

Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and deliver a message that truly resonates. After the talk, Modupe explains a similar approach in academia called the "Grandma test," and how public speaking can be as simple as a conversation with grandma. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 24:39

MP3•Episode home

Any preparation for the CPA Exam should include a look at the CPA Exam Blueprints, according to Joe Maslott, CPA, director–Examinations.

Mike Decker, vice president–CPA Exam and Pipeline offers insights into the changes and reminds candidates that the CPA Exam should be respected but not feared.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

· Maslott’s review of why the CPA Exam was redesigned for the start of 2024.

· Decker’s comments on misconceptions about the new exam.

· The “relief valves” now offered for CPA candidates in exam timeframes.

· Best practices and strategies for approaching the new sections of the exam.

· Why pass rates are expected to rise.

460 episodes

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

The new CPA Exam: Year-one trends and tips for success

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

252 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Any preparation for the CPA Exam should include a look at the CPA Exam Blueprints, according to Joe Maslott, CPA, director–Examinations.

Mike Decker, vice president–CPA Exam and Pipeline offers insights into the changes and reminds candidates that the CPA Exam should be respected but not feared.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

· Maslott’s review of why the CPA Exam was redesigned for the start of 2024.

· Decker’s comments on misconceptions about the new exam.

· The “relief valves” now offered for CPA candidates in exam timeframes.

· Best practices and strategies for approaching the new sections of the exam.

· Why pass rates are expected to rise.

460 episodes

#Accounting #Business Disciplines #Finance #Tax #Business #Business News #News #AICPA CIMA #Financialreport

All episodes

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Seek first to understand: How a finance leader manages global teams 14:10

3 days ago14:10

14:10

Jennifer Reilly, CPA, CGMA, values listening. She enjoys the collaboration with fellow finance leaders as part of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group, and she has made a habit of emphasizing listening in guiding teams from around the world. Reilly, scheduled to be part of two sessions at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25, explains the importance of listening, developing through broad and niche roles, and more in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The value of collaboration with finance peers. · How finance’s expanded role changes the way finance professionals are evaluated. · A summary of Reilly’s “broad” and “niche” roles. · Strategies for better engagement with a globally dispersed team. · The benefits of a wide-ranging listening tour for Reilly in her current role. · One pillar of corporate culture that stood out to her from a Future of Finance Summit presentation.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Why the PTET SALT deduction is the AICPA’s ‘No. 1 priority’ 16:17

11 days ago16:17

16:17

It’s been a dizzying few months since Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, last appeared on the Journal of Accountancy podcast. In fact, just the past week has been chock full of tax-related developments, mainly in Washington. Reflecting the news, this episode is publishing the same day it was recorded. In the Wednesday morning conversation, Lauridsen details the AICPA perspective on several aspects of the budget bill that could be voted on soon by the full House of Representatives. She goes into detail about the passthrough entity tax/state and local tax deduction, also known as the PTET SALT deduction, and why the AICPA is urging that deduction be preserved . What you’ll learn from this episode: · The status of the House budget bill. · An explanation of the PTET SALT deduction — what it stands for, why it’s complex, and why it’s the AICPA’s “No. 1 priority.” · Some of the “wins” in Lauridsen’s mind related to Sec. 529 accounts and the Form 1099-K reporting threshold. · The top concern from a survey of members just after tax filing season. · What Lauridsen means by “fractures.”…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
The ‘robot uprising’ and you: A CPA leader’s view on harnessing AI 15:46

17 days ago15:46

15:46

This week’s episode is a mix of CPA-centric news and a Q&A with a leader in the profession. First is a summary of the House Ways and Means Committee’s tax bill , the AICPA’s reaction to some of its provisions, and an update on paths to CPA licensure . Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA, is the guest on the main segment, discussing how accountants can avoid head-spinning dizziness when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) — and why the profession is well suited for technology adoption. Supkis Cheek, senior vice president–AI, Analytics and Assurance at Caseware, also discusses how organizations can use AI to scale operations. Finally, citing a set of criteria from Digital CPA speaker — and JofA podcast guest — Alex Dorr, Supkis Cheek rates the amount of drama she brings to the workplace. What you’ll learn from this episode: · A summary of top JofA news items from earlier this week. · Why conference speakers on AI topics have a hard time providing timely slides for sessions. · The importance of the evergreen nature of accounting standards. · Supkis Cheek’s explanation of professional skepticism’s role in harnessing AI. · Detailing the public expectation gap as it relates to audits and technology. · Why Supkis Cheek considers the AI era a curation age instead of a technology age.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Professional liability Q&A: AI disclosure, retired-partner risk, and more 11:48

24 days ago11:48

11:48

Sarah Ference, CPA, an author of the JofA’ s Professional Liability Spotlight column, returns to the JofA podcast to discuss recent column topics and the advice CPAs can gain from them. In the previous episode focused on Professional Liability Spotlight content, Ference detailed the January topic of risk management mantras . The articles discussed in this episode include: n February: “ Retired Partners: A Liability Risk? ” n March: “ The Risk of Providing Unintentional Financial Advice ” n April: “ Should I Disclose My Use of Gen AI to Clients? ” In addition, Ference described the May column topic and several upcoming topics. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The importance of considering the client’s perspective related to disclosure of generative AI use. · An explanation of the concept of apparent authority. · Why guardrails are needed for retired partners who might still maintain an office at a firm. · How casual conversations with clients can expose a firm to risk. · A theme for upcoming Professional Liability Spotlight columns.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
The value of stay interviews; also, are business cards becoming extinct? 22:22

4 weeks ago22:22

22:22

The latest Journal of Accountancy podcast episode is a wide-ranging conversation with two likely familiar names to listeners. April Walker, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA lead manager–Tax Practice & Ethics, and author John Garrett joined the show to discuss employee engagement in the hybrid and remote era, the importance of sharing and asking about hobbies, and why they are less likely these days to carry business cards to events such as conferences. Walker is the host of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast and the Reimaging Your Tax Practice webcast series . She has also been a host of tax-focused episodes on the JofA podcast. Garrett is a speaker, corporate consultant, and former Big Four accountant-turned-stand-up comedian. In previous episodes of the podcast, he has shared presentation tips and explained why our passions are essential to work success . What you’ll learn from this episode: · Reviewing the concept of “bringing your whole self to work.” · Why, in Garrett’s mind, employers should “value the worker as much as you value the work.” · Should you start a virtual team meeting with an icebreaker question? Why Walker says “yes.” · The speakers’ opinions on business cards. · Words that could create “stronger and deeper connections” on a business card. · Why we should “shine a light” on outside interests.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Overcoming ‘the creep’ that puts our dreams and goals on hold 19:02

5 weeks ago19:02

19:02

Author, speaker, and presidential pickup game basketball player Ben Nemtin makes a return visit to the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Four years after his first appearance , he’s focused these days on the impact of purpose on longevity, well-being, and employee engagement. As the keynote speaker June 9 at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25 , Nemtin will share about the road trip with friends he took nearly 20 years ago that spawned a book, a reality show, and the accomplishment of so many lofty goals. In this episode, Nemtin updates listeners on the status of his bucket list and explains why taking just 15 minutes to focus on one goal can be beneficial. Note: Early-bird registration for ENGAGE ends Thursday. What you’ll learn from this episode: · A refresher on the concept of The Buried Life. · Nemtin’s focus on “energy-driven living.” · Addressing the notion that it’s selfish to focus on personal well-being. · The value of connecting to purpose – for individuals and organizations. · Three ways to maintain accountability when it comes to setting and reaching goals.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
An overlooked growth opportunity: Uncertainty 10:25

5 weeks ago10:25

10:25

Very few people will be imprisoned the way Sam Goodwin was — for nine weeks in a harrowing situation six years ago. Goodwin says we can all be “held hostage” by any number of things and that our response to life’s challenges is what sets us apart. Goodwin, an author and tech startup founder, will deliver the keynote address June 16 at the AICPA & CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference in National Harbor, Md. Learn more about Goodwin’s message and story in the latest episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Goodwin’s “Winning Through Uncertainty” theme for the June keynote address. · The worldwide travel quest that landed him in a hostage situation in Syria. · Goodwin’s explanation about feeling a sense of “survivor’s responsibility.” · His work overseas in the technology and not-for-profit sectors. The reason Goodwin says “uncertainty is a horrible thing to waste.”…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
The new CPA Exam: Year-one trends and tips for success 24:39

6 weeks ago24:39

24:39

As the demands on modern CPAs change, so also does the CPA Exam. Updates in the design and focus of the CPA Exam have been in effect for about a year now, and two AICPA experts joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss the changes, address misconceptions, and offer reminders on best practices. Any preparation for the CPA Exam should include a look at the CPA Exam Blueprints , according to Joe Maslott, CPA, director–Examinations. Mike Decker, vice president–CPA Exam and Pipeline offers insights into the changes and reminds candidates that the CPA Exam should be respected but not feared. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Maslott’s review of why the CPA Exam was redesigned for the start of 2024. · Decker’s comments on misconceptions about the new exam. · The “relief valves” now offered for CPA candidates in exam timeframes. · Best practices and strategies for approaching the new sections of the exam. · Why pass rates are expected to rise.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
The uncomfortable work of leadership 18:47

7 weeks ago18:47

18:47

Half a life ago, Michael Brody-Waite didn’t think he was going to make it to his 25th birthday. Today, he’s an author, entrepreneur, and leadership coach preparing to deliver the keynote address at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference in May. In the address, he will share details of a leadership framework — using his experience as an addict in recovery as a backdrop. Three principles of the framework relate to authenticity, the ability to let go, and the importance of uncomfortable work. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why he says that most leaders are “addicted to doing.” The three principles of “addictive leadership.” The reasons, according to Brody-Waite, that those principles relate well to the accounting profession. Some of the excuses he made and others he blamed for his substance abuse. Why the advice “don’t be scared” should be avoided. The delegation lessons that can be taken from the principle of “surrendering the outcome.” Why uncomfortable work is different than hard work or difficult work. Brody-Waite’s message to conference attendees.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Tax legislation, audit oversight, and other AICPA advocacy focus areas 17:16

8 weeks ago17:16

17:16

No matter who’s in charge, regulation, legislation, and education remain front and center when it comes to advocacy efforts in Washington, according to Mark Peterson, AICPA & CIMA executive vice president–Advocacy. Also important is understanding how to navigate a new administration’s priorities. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Peterson details some of the focus areas of the White House and Congress – tax legislation, an emphasis on government efficiency, and a change in regulatory approach. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Peterson’s overview of AICPA advocacy in Washington. · Why “navigate” is an important word for Peterson. · What has been normal and not normal in the change of presidential administrations. · Peterson’s assessment of the potential path for tax legislation. · The “very different environment” related to regulation of public companies. · Advice for members in dealing with D.C. uncertainty.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Tips for driving change and driving out drama 16:59

9 weeks ago16:59

16:59

Alex Dorr speaks to audiences and organizations all over about ditching the drama and getting more productivity and engagement from employees and more overall value for companies. His session at Digital CPA in Denver in December 2024 focused on many of those same principles and was tailored to modern accounting firms. On the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Dorr, vice president at Reality-Based Leadership, explained more about how readiness for change can lead to a better work reality for employees and managers alike. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Dorr’s reflection on whether he was a “high-drama” college basketball player. · Why the examination of an employee’s or team’s value should include an assessment of “readiness for what’s next.” · The “juicy” question Dorr answered about speaking to accounting groups. · The importance of validating someone’s experience in the workplace before addressing ways to make it better.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
JofA-branded podcast: Critical conversations about business transition planning 38:25

10 weeks ago38:25

38:25

In this Journal of Accountancy -branded podcast, a senior wealth strategist and managing partner share advice on how to initiate conversations with business clients about transition and succession planning.

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Financial tracing: Show me the money 21:43

10 weeks ago21:43

21:43

David Zweighaft, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter’s Eye on Fraud report, focused on financial tracing. Zweighaft joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from his more than 30 years of experience in the field of forensic accounting. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report and mentions an infamous municipal fraud case , which was one topic mentioned in a 2023 JofA podcast episode . Resources n FVS Section home page n CFF credential information page n Eye on Fraud report for the first quarter of 2025 n Understanding the Forensic Technology Landscape What you’ll learn from this episode: · Zweighaft’s definition of financial tracing. · Why human skills such as interviewing can be differentiators even as technology speeds up some tasks. · Some of the core accounting and auditing skills that apply to financial tracing. · The difference between direct and indirect financial tracing. · Details of the United States v. Melissa King case, a focus of the Eye on Fraud article Zweighaft co-wrote. · The value of hearing other professionals’ stories in financial tracing.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Explaining stablecoin risks and the need for reporting criteria 17:50

11 weeks ago17:50

17:50

On March 5, the AICPA published a comprehensive set of criteria for reporting on the digital assets known as stablecoins. The criteria are designed to address “the need for consistency, transparency, and trust in the stablecoin environment.” Jay Schulman, CPA, is a principal at RSM, and he’s focused, in his job and his role on AICPA committees, on digital assets. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Schulman explains areas of focus for the AICPA’s Digital Assets Working Group and the group’s attestation subcommittee. That work includes the stablecoin criteria. Resources: n Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets (practice aid) n Blockchain Universal Glossary n Stablecoin Reporting and Assurance landing page What you’ll learn from this episode: · Schulman’s explanation of the difference between bitcoin and stablecoins. · The reasons that an AICPA committee and subcommittee on attestation are focused on stablecoins. · Examples that remind Schulman of how different generations view money. · Why Schulman refers to the criteria as “transparency-oriented.” · The resources Schulman recommends related to stablecoins and the priorities of the Digital Assets Working Group.…

Journal of Accountancy Podcast

1
Breaking down the reasons for a decline in economic sentiment 7:54

12 weeks ago7:54