In this episode, former AICPA Chair Bill Reeb, CPA/CITP, CGMA, reflects on more than 40 years in the profession and why he believes accountability is the starting point for a successful leadership effort.

Reeb, speaking from the Digital CPA Conference in December, discusses how momentum, clarity of direction, and facing fear help leaders navigate today's rapid pace of change. He also addresses technological shifts including the rise of artificial intelligence and explains why a book he wrote about succession planning was not predominantly about succession.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Reeb's view of CPAs' unlimited career possibilities.
• What he and his wife learned on a shopping trip about 40 years ago.
• Why momentum, facing fear, and embracing change are essential elements of strong leadership.
• How accountability supports effective change management and keeps teams aligned on strategy.
• How rapid technological shifts have created higher standards but not necessarily time savings.
• Why the answer to "What is Bill Reeb's succession plan?" is complicated.

On this episode of the JofA podcast, an AICPA executive and regular guest discussed trends from discussions with numerous finance professionals, delving into how AI and hybrid work might affect accounting this year and beyond.

"Now we're going to be talking about managing AI agents in finance and accounting," Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, said. "That's going to be a whole different world, and it's going to be exponential in what we can do with it."

Hood, the AICPA's executive vice president–Business Engagement and Growth, also explained why CFOs are cautiously optimistic about growth and how the Rise2040 project is helping the profession prepare for long-term change.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• How AI is shifting from simple productivity tools to powerful finance agents — and what that means for accounting professionals.
• Practical strategies for making hybrid work more effective, including purposeful in-office collaboration.
• Why CFOs and finance leaders are cautiously optimistic about growth in 2026 despite economic uncertainty.
• How anticipatory thinking and hard-trend analysis can help accountants prepare for long-term change and disruption.
• Why trust and integrity remain core accounting values.

Samantha Bowling, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of GWCPA, shares how her firm eliminated busy season, limited hours, and improved morale while still meeting client needs. She also explained how thoughtful use of AI can support advisory services, boost efficiency, and help small firms get "unstuck."

This episode of the JofA podcast was recorded at Digital CPA in National Harbor, Md., in December 2025.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• The steps Bowling's firm took to eliminate traditional busy season.
• How productivity and morale were affected by limiting hours and weekend work.
• The value the firm has found in "Foresight Fridays."
• Practical ways AI tools can speed tax research while managing regulatory concerns.
• How custom AI bots can support internal efficiency.
• Why clearer communication and accountability helped the firm solve problems it didn't know it had.

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 particular, Ference details data security preparedness, the value of engagement letters for tax-compliance services, common audit claims and defenses, and more.

Editor's note: This episode is the JofA podcast's last until Jan. 8.

n October: Are You Prepared for the Cost of a Data Security Incident?

n November: Blocking and Tackling: Engagement Letters for Tax Compliance Services

n December: Common Audit Claims and Defenses

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Advice for CPA firms to guard against data security incidents.
• The ways engagement letters can prevent costly client disputes.
• The factors that often make audit claims the most expensive type of claims for firms.
• How to protect your firm when a client faces bankruptcy.

Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast on Tuesday from the Digital CPA Conference, offering context on the most recent government shutdown and on how a potential shutdown early in 2026 could affect IRS services.

The interview was conducted one day after the IRS released guidance for health savings accounts. Guidance related to H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was also part of the conversation.

In the Q&A, Lauridsen touched on the AICPA's areas of advocacy focus for the new year and why 2025 and 2026 are big tax years.

Resources:

n The October discussion with Lauridsen

n The January discussion with Lauridsen

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Lauridsen's analysis of IRS guidance on new tax provisions in H.R. 1.
• The impact of the 43-day government shutdown on IRS operations.
• Concerns about taxpayer service and staffing as the filing season approaches.
• AICPA advocacy priorities for the year ahead.

What's the view of finance executives about the U.S. economy and their own businesses? And what's the latest from the IRS on new Trump accounts? Find out more in this quick-hitting episode that summarizes several topics, including the December digital edition of the magazine.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• A summary of CPA decision-makers' sentiment about the economy and their own businesses.
• The planned publication schedule for JofA podcast episodes in December and early January.
• A mention of recent IRS news in the JofA.
• The future-focused look at the profession and other content in the JofA's December digital edition.

In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast episode, Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, talks with Matt Gotlin, Choreo's chief investment officer, on trends in investment management and tips for CPAs to advise clients.

This episode of the JofA podcast explores Accounting Opportunities Experience month, a growing nationwide program to inspire students to pursue accounting careers.

Liz Burkhalter, the AICPA's vice president–CPA Pipeline, shares how CPAs and volunteers are working to reach 50,000 students through classroom visits and events. She also mentioned resources that can help listeners who want to volunteer.

n Specific CPA Pipeline resources for student outreach

n This Way To CPA home page

n Burkhalter's June appearance on the JofA podcast

n The Next Stop: CPA podcast

Scott Spiegel, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the chief operating officer of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, discusses his return to Rutgers University and why real-world stories can expose students to the diverse opportunities in the profession.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• The history and growth of Accounting Opportunities Experience month.
• Burkhalter's summary of participation numbers last year and goals for this year.
• Resources for accountants interested in speaking to students.
• Spiegel's motivation for making campus visits.
• The common questions and misconceptions he hears when talking to students.
• The importance of in-person outreach and storytelling.