Journal of Accountancy Podcast

With CFO responsibilities continuing to expand beyond finance, Janice Stucke, CPA, discussed the challenge of leading in areas where expertise and certainty aren't guaranteed. Stucke, speaking at the Future of Finance Summit in National Harbor, Md., shared her perspective on acknowledging weaknesses, balancing data with judgment, and learning to listen before jumping to solutions. She recently wrote a JofA article on the changing remit of the CFO. And, in a previous podcast appearance, alluded to in this conversation, Stucke recounted the resilience lessons learned from competing in difficult endurance events. What you'll learn from this episode: Why CFOs have to become comfortable with leading beyond their expertise. Why making a data-backed decision might not always be the best path. What authenticity as a leadership trait means to Stucke. Her answer to the question, "Do you want to be a CEO?" What Stucke means when she talks about having "1% more." The career paths Stucke sees opening up for those in finance leadership.

Finance leaders can become consumed by today's challenges, but long-term thinking is essential to staying competitive and relevant. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, hear from former AICPA chair Okorie Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, on how the Rise2040 initiative identifies key forces shaping the profession, why embracing change is critical, and how trust can remain a powerful advantage for CPAs. Ramsey, speaking from the Future of Finance Summit in National Harbor, Md., also discussed the purpose of the AICPA Foundation and why he enjoys being part of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group. What you'll learn from this episode: A framing of the Rise2040 initiative and how it can help finance leaders think beyond this week's task list. Ramsey's comment on Rise2040 including the statement from accountants that "our biggest threat is us." Why embracing change is a critical skill for the profession. The reason trust is particularly important now in Ramsey's mind. His focus areas as vice president of the AICPA Foundation.

Employers continue to face headwinds when it comes to landing and retaining accounting and finance talent — with AI, demographic shifts, and evolving skills needs reshaping the hiring landscape. This episode, a conversation with Robert Half executive Steve Saah, explores what leaders can do to attract and keep professionals, prepare future managers, and build teams equipped for the future of finance. Saah — speaking at the Future of Finance Summit in National Harbor, Md. — also explains one of the ways that artificial intelligence is slowing down the hiring process, comments on insights from the Rise2040 initiative, and notes the role that workplace flexibility plays in the pursuit of talent. What you'll learn from this episode: Why accounting and finance talent remains in short supply. The estimated number of Baby Boomers retiring each day. How AI-generated résumés are changing the hiring process. Some of the ways leaders can balance staffing needs and employee burnout. The skills that professionals need to stay marketable in an AI-driven future. Best practices for succession planning and leadership development.

Boards need more than reports to provide effective fraud risk oversight; they need structures that help them determine whether risk management programs work. Jonathan Marks, CPA/CFF/CITP, CGMA, CFE, the author of the most recent FVS Eye on Fraud report, explains more about how boards should be involved — and how they shouldn't — when it comes to oversight of fraud risk. Key points of the discussion include how information that reaches the board is often "scrubbed" and why the right questions can help directors stay in the loop on fraud risk. Editor's note: The summer FVS Eye on Fraud report is available for download at the link above. It becomes exclusive to FVS Section members after Oct. 9. What you'll learn from this episode: Why effective fraud risk oversight is a structural discipline rather than a reporting exercise. How boards can determine whether a fraud risk management program works in practice without stepping into management's role. Why feedback loops are essential to ensuring that directors receive and understand the right information. An explanation of the Candor Chain and the ways critical information can be softened, altered, or lost before reaching the board. How the COSO Fraud Risk Management Guide can help boards evaluate risks, controls, and the human factors behind fraud.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating the transformation of the finance function in ways that go beyond automation of existing processes. Gartner senior director Mallory Bulman explains how finance teams can help organizations move faster, make better decisions, and prepare for 2030 and beyond. The conversation explores digital talent, enterprise simulations, product management techniques, and what Bulman heard from attendees at the Future of Finance Summit about contending with volatility and deciding whether to be "AI-forward" or "AI-cautious." What you'll learn from this episode: The number of CFOs that Bulman speaks with each week, and the universal truths she hears in those calls. What an OODA loop is and why, in Bulman's words, the "observe" part of that acronym will be getting shorter. A key theme of a Gartner finance presentation and its tie-in with one of Bulman's sons' science classes. How a product management mindset and self-service tools can help finance teams effectively deliver decision-ready information. Bulman's takeaways from the Future of Finance Summit earlier in August.

For the 500th episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, the show went on the road to the Future of Finance Summit. The conversation with the AICPA's Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth and Engagement, focuses on how finance leaders are moving beyond exploration of artificial intelligence and into active piloting and scaling. Hood discussed priorities other than AI for finance leaders, who gathered last week in National Harbor, Md. Hood also looked back on the growth of the Future of Finance community, explaining how the "wisdom of the crowd" is one of the event's big draws. What you'll learn from this episode: A brief look back at the start of the JofA podcast, which has published 500 episodes. What live polling at last week's Future of Finance Summit revealed about the pace of AI adoption in corporate finance functions. Senior finance leaders' top issues in 2026 other than AI. How finance leaders are trying to balance growth initiatives with continued pressure to control costs. Why Hood says the Future of Finance community is helping leaders learn faster through case studies, peer collaboration, and shared best practices. A look ahead to the 2027 Future of Finance Summit.

People are living longer, and that reality may call for a different approach to retirement planning. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Kelley Long, CPA/PFS, shares why she believes working longer can be a positive choice, how mini-retirements and career flexibility fit into that vision, and what those ideas mean for personal financial planning. In the last of the JofA's summer episodes recorded at ENGAGE, Long reflects on discussions from the conference, including lessons for younger professionals and the growing interest in designing a career that supports a balanced life. In April, Long previewed one of her ENGAGE sessions on the JofA podcast and wrote about planning for mini-retirements. What you'll learn from this episode: Why Long believes many professionals should plan to work longer and why that doesn't have to be a negative outcome. How mini-retirements and sabbaticals can fit into a long-term career and financial plan. Ways to approach conversations with employers about career flexibility and extended time away from work. How shifting from a retirement-focused mindset to a lifestyle-focused mindset can influence financial decisions throughout life. How first-time ENGAGE attendees can navigate multiple aspects of the conference — from its size, learning tracks, and networking opportunities to its indoor/outdoor temperature changes. Long's review of several ENGAGE keynote sessions.

Today is National Accounting Day. To mark the occasion, Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA's CEO–Public Accounting, joined the podcast for a special edition to discuss celebrating the day and maximizing the profession's broader impact. She explains how the CPA Trust campaign aims to highlight the value CPAs bring to businesses, individuals, and communities. Coffey shares examples of trust in action, from financial reporting to tax planning and advisory support. Coffey also details what practitioners can expect from ENGAGE in June. What you'll learn from this episode: The significance of National Accounting Day to Coffey. A preview of the AICPA's CPA Trust campaign. Real-world examples of how trust in action is demonstrated by CPAs with clients and communities. Why CPAs are encouraged to share their impact publicly through social media. What makes ENGAGE a key event for learning, networking, and industry insights.