In a rapidly changing world, it is vital that students are well-versed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). CPAs are fighting hard to have accounting education included under the STEM umbrella. Why? First, accounting already is a profession that requires high aptitude in technology, and it will become even more so. More importantly, though, inclusion as a STEM discipline will go far in enhancing the pipeline of prospective accountants.

The state of the economy is top-of-mind for businesses and individuals, so it is paramount that CPAs remain focused on the many different measures and forecasts so they can best serve their clients, companies, or organizations. To that end, the PICPA is providing updates during this turbulent summer so you are prepared to offer sound advice.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by the largest increase since 1994. Find out from Patrick Harker, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, what is behind the Fed's thinking on the hike.

PICPA's annual meeting is right around the corner, and this year we have more reasons to celebrate than ever … 125 reasons to be exact. This year marks PICPA’s 125th anniversary, and PICPA members are invited to come to Hershey May 31 through June 2 to embrace this historic moment, reconnect with peers, and move forward boldly into the profession’s future.

Legislation on additional pandemic relief, including a new Paycheck Protection Program, is expected to pass the U.S. Congress before the end of 2020. CPAs are strongly encouraged to identify business clients who may qualify for these benefits, and to begin contacting them about the loan application process. This new effort should also address the long-simmering issue of tax deductibility of expenses related to forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans.

The Women’s Leadership Conference is always a big day on PICPA's calendar. Numerous members have benefited from the unique opportunity to hear from trailblazers in the profession that this conference provides.

At PICPA's December 2019 Council meeting, two themes arose from the discussions: the importance of personal interaction and the vital role our chapters play in facilitating those connections. PICPA members want a sense of community and connection, and Council had some strong thoughts on the matter.

About 60 PICPA members are part of our governing body known as Council. They are elected and appointed members from each of our 11 chapters. Find out what exactly PICPA Council does.

Data visualization software is sort of like a PivotTable on steroids. One of PICPA’s strategic priorities this year is to use data visualization software to better “see” the story our data can tell.

The PICPA Audit Committee met on Thursday, June 28, to review and approve for issuance the combined audited financial statement of the PICPA. The audited financial statements once again received an unmodified opinion.

As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, you may be enjoying some extra money in your take-home paycheck. But you may want to take a moment to consider the impact of these extra dollars come tax filing time next year.

Cyber liability insurance and related risk mitigation is an area for which many in corporate finance are finding themselves responsible, despite having no background in technology. Cyberthreats are truly a business risk that demands attention from the C-suite as well as the directors and officers.

CPAs help others see the “story” being told by financial information, whether it be a board of directors or an organization's staff. However, the message is delivered differently based on the audience. So try to keep the following points in mind when presenting financial information to a group.

The PICPA Board met on June 25, 2017, and at that meeting PICPA’s audited financial statements were presented. The combined statements include the accounts of the PICPA, the PICPA Foundation for Education & Research, the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation, and the Scholarship Fund of the PICPA.

I am thinking about what the new not-for-profit standard – ASU 2016-14 Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958) – will mean for the PICPA. Because the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, we will be implementing this standard for our fiscal year beginning next May. But we present comparative financial statements, and as such we will have to consider any changes beginning with this fiscal year. How are other CPAs in the not-for-profit world approaching this standard?

The PICPA has a lot to offer our corporate finance members. Here are the top five issues members in corporate finance tell us about, and some of the resources the PICPA offers to help.

I know I often use my own network of CPAs as a sounding board for technical and business questions. To bring our members this value of interconnectedness, we’ve just launched a new digital option to grow your network: a robust discussion forum platform called PICPA Connect.

Was life easier for women two or three generations back, when the choices they faced were much more limited? Maybe, but would you trade away the spectrum of choices women have today?

In transitioning to the role of CFO of the PICPA, I’ve had to develop skills beyond the normal technical expertise of a CPA. Now, instead of focusing on the past through historical financial reporting, I’m challenged to look ahead and use the financial data we have to inform strategy.

My first audit as CFO of the PICPA, however, has shown me that the view can be quite different from the other side of the table. Reflecting on this experience, I did find some surprises. Here are some things that I wish I had known; things that I think would have made me a better auditor.