Journal of Accountancy Podcast

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.

Overall, those who are pessimistic about the U.S. economy outnumber those who are optimistic this quarter. But, optimism rose slightly compared with the previous quarter, according to a quarterly survey of CPA decision-makers. In this episode of the JofA podcast, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, associate director–Management Accounting Research & Development for the AICPA and CIMA, breaks down sentiment about the domestic economy, the global economy, and respondents' companies. Witt also touches on top challenges and the CPA leaders' views on hiring, projected revenue growth, and spending plans for the coming 12 months. What you'll learn from this episode: The increase in optimism related to the domestic and global economies. The decrease in own-company optimism from the previous quarter. The familiar obstacle for CPA decision-makers that returned to No. 1 on the list of challenges. Projected revenue and profit growth in the coming 12 months. Projected spending on IT, training, and other capital expenditures. A farewell to the survey's longtime guru.

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.

Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs, returned to the Journal of Accountancy podcast for the first time since 2019 to discuss how community, collaboration, and relationships can strengthen the accounting profession. She shared insights into efforts to address recruiting and retention challenges, the role of professional associations in creating value for members, and an update on CPA licensure. Olson also explained the thinking behind the MACPA's Beyond the Bottom Line YouTube series and why engagement remains critical for the profession's future. What you'll learn from this episode: Olson's "best part of the accounting profession" and how it led her state association to start a YouTube series. Why Olson believes relationships and community are among the profession's greatest strengths. What she learned from Tom Hood. How Maryland's CPA licensure changes fit into broader efforts across the profession. What associations can do to create more value and engagement for members. Why positive news about accounting enrollment, in Olson's mind, doesn't eliminate the need for continued workforce development efforts.

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.