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The 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA licensure is the topic of much debate. We recently surveyed more than 1,000 NJCPA member about the topic. Hear what they had to say about whether new hires without 150 hours pursue CPA certification, whether there are any discernable skill differences among candidates with 120 hour versus 150 hours, whether there should be alternatives to the 150 hours, and more.

ESG – environmental, social and governance – is considered by some to be a buzzword or a “woke” issue, while others see it as a business imperative. As a result, some companies are “greenhushing,” opting to stay quiet about their sustainability goals. In this episode, Andrew Winston, a leading expert on sustainability and corporate strategy, talks about the anti-ESG movement and the important role that CPAs can play in ESG reporting.

It might seem like yesterday that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act went into effect, but the expiration of some of the provisions is on the horizon. Find out about the key provisions that impact businesses and individuals that are set to expire in the next couple of years - and what can and should be done now to prepare. We also discuss what might happen with these provisions based on various possible outcomes of the November 2024 elections.

Senator Steve Oroho, the only CPA in the state legislature, is retiring from his Senate position this month. As a CPA who specializes in wealth management, he has played a particularly prominent role in fiscal and economic issues. He shares his thoughts on the legislative environment in New Jersey and what the outlook is for 2024.

Crypto expert Dr. Sean Stein Smith, CPA, provides numerous updates: crypto lessons and takeaways from 2023; new and pending regulations (FASB ASU, IRC Section 6045 changes); tips for staying current on crypto developments; and more.

The NJCPA's new CEO, AJ Johnson, joined the CEOs of the New York and Illinois CPA societies and Accounting Today’s Dan Hood for a discussion on the CPA pipeline, diversity and other trends impacting the accounting profession.

Year-end tax planning is upon us! Nicole and her guest, Laurie Smith, provide a rundown of tax issues individuals and companies should consider before the calendar switches to 2024. Topics include shifting income and deductions, retirement plan contributions and distributions, bonus depreciation, reporting digital assets, and more.

Brad and Frank discuss a recent accounting standard update from the Financial Accountant Standards Board regarding segment reporting as well as recent remarks from the PCAOB chair regarding improving audit quality.

Have you been charged an extra 3% at your local restaurant when you pay by credit card? Credit card surcharging and cash discounts are becoming more and more prevalent. But what are the rules around these programs, and how can businesses make sure they’re compliant? Eric Cohen, CEO of Merchant Advocate (an NJCPA member benefit provider), shed some light and provide guidance.

What are recent graduates looking for in an accounting career – and how can firms match up to that to recruit and retain staff? Host Sean Stein Smith discusses this and other issues with Lauren Dunn, chief people officer at Wiss, and Joe Hunt, CPA, assurance manager at CLA.

As companies continue to face a shortage of accountants, many employers are increasing compensation and adding benefits and perks to attract and retain talent. Rich Singer, director of permanent placement services for Robert Half International, discusses the trends and the takeaways from the 2024 Robert Half Salary Guide.

Host Sean Stein Smith sits down with cybersecurity expert Edward Keck about the top tips and tricks for creating an effective cyber offense and defense, how to talk with clients about cybersecurity issues and how to start building out or expanding a cyber practice. ​

Culture is more than just a buzzword for today’s accounting firms. As firms grapple with the shortage of accountants, the importance of culture, work-life balance, diversity and wellness cannot be understated. Rachel Anevski of Matters of Management and Jessica Levin of Seven Degrees share insights gleaned from their many years of working with New Jersey accounting firms.

New Jersey offers numerous property tax relief programs, but the requirements and filing deadlines for each are different, which causes confusion and likely leads to taxpayers leaving money on the table. Ellen Steinberg, Esq., a tax attorney and chair of the New Jersey Senior Council, breaks it all down. Be sure you’re getting the money you’re entitled to!

The decline in the CPA pipeline is a major topic of conversation across the nation, and companies and CPA firms have been dealing with the shortage of accountants. But a sector that is being hit particularly hard is state and local government. More than 150 municipalities have received credit downgrades due to late or incomplete audits— which impacts all of the taxpayers in the municipality. NJCPA member Gerry Seneski, CFO for the City of Camden, discusses the implications of the accountant shortage and what can be done to address it.

In the past year, more than a third of business organizations, including accounting firms, suffered at least one cyber incident attacking their accounting and financial data. Joe Peters from Gallagher Affinity discusses the cyber landscape, various cyber threats and how cyber insurance can help protect you against financial loss due to a cyber crime. ​

Sean Stein Smith, CPA, talks about the latest developments in automation impacting the accounting profession. Topics include ChatGPT, how firms are using automation, what types of automation are available and how CPAs can speak to clients or colleagues about automation.

Communication is the foundation of all relationships, whether personal or professional. And how you listen is just as important as how you speak. Dave Delaney, founder of Futureforth, joins us to discuss how actively managing and monitoring these skills can yield dividends on your career investment. ​

Accountants and accounting firms continue to grapple with whether and how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), though most agree that their companies will be impact by AI in some way. We sat down with Leon Grassi of Sax LLP to talk about the impact of artificial intelligence and automation tools on the accounting profession: the adoption of ChatGPT and other tools; the expectations, risks and benefits of AI; the impact it will have on jobs in accounting and finance; and more. ​

New Jersey’s lawsuit environment is the fourth most expensive in the nation, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And New Jersey was on the American Tort Reform Foundation’s Judicial Hellhole watchlist in 2022. Anthony Anastasio of the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute provides insight and guidance for how businesses can reduce their liability exposure. ​