CPA Now Blog Archive

To many young professionals, internal controls often feel like a tedious chore. Not so! Young professionals need to step beyond this view and gain a robust understanding of why internal controls, in all businesses, are crucially important.

When PICPA members come together in Harrisburg for Day on the Hill, each attendee isn’t just one CPA in a group of CPAs. They are a unified voice for change.

Pennsylvania CPA Foundation is committed to fostering an environment where every aspiring accountant has the opportunity to succeed. As the 2025-206 gets underway, hear from the Foundation's new chair, Keith Bittel, CPA.

Accounting firms must leverage technology to stay competitive and meet the ever-increasing demands of clients. This blog identifies five pivotal technologies that a modern accounting firm cannot afford to overlook.

It is common for CPAs to “give back” and volunteer in the not-for-profit sector. But as CPAs embark on these volunteer efforts they might find the not-for-profit world a little different than what they encounter in for-profit sectors.

Jody Padar and Katie Tolin have launched XcelLabs, a platform designed to help accountants adopt an AI-first mindset. Backed by PICPA and CPA Crossings, the platform blends training, strategy, and proprietary AI tools to upskill professionals and evolve firms.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to enhance traditional accounting workflows. But as exciting as it sounds, many accounting professionals are grappling with the efforts to integrate AI without disrupting the human-centered approach to forming a foundation of client trust.

States with a sales tax are moving toward "economic nexus" as the determinator of tax responsibility, so more taxpayers than ever may soon find they have unexpected tax obligations. Voluntary disclosure agreements offer a valuable pathway for businesses looking to resolve tax issues, avoid penalties, and get back into compliance.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the accounting profession by allowing CPAs to save time, reduce errors, and improve decision-making. However, users need to be aware of potential threats and vulnerabilities that AI can pose to their data, systems, and reputation.

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 719 will modernize and expand access to the CPA journey in Pennsylvania and help address the staggering accounting talent shortage. Find out how you can help get this bill passed this year!

Allison Henry, VP at PICPA, has been appointed to the AICPA Peer Review Board. Her role will support national efforts to enhance audit quality and uphold professional standards in the accounting field.

Joseph Wicklund, CPA, of the the Governmental Accounting Standards Board will be a presenter at PICPA's School District Conference in June. This blog by Wicklund provides a preview of what he'll be sharing at the conference.

Team leaders may not always control the budget for benefits or perks, but they can shape an environment that fuels growth, connection, and meaning. And it is those firms that create a workplace where employees feel like they are growing that will rise above the rest.

CPAs need updates on the timing of tax legislation and the legislative process, how we got to where we are, and what is expected to happen in the following months. At PICPA's June Not-for-Profit & Government Accounting & Auditing Conference, AICPA's Eileen Sherr will share a Washington tax legislation update and outlook.

CPAs build their reputation on trust. Because of that trust, clients hand over their most sensitive information without hesitation. In today’s connected world, however, trust is earned by how well you protect the information given to you.

David W. Stonesifer, CEO of Herbein + Company, Inc., has been appointed President of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), effective May 6 during the organization's 128th annual meeting. In this role, he will lead efforts to address key industry challenges, including workforce development, technology integration, and CPA advocacy.

A 179D energy-efficiency tax deduction may be allocated to architects, engineers, and designers working on tax-exempt-owned properties, and there can be more than one qualifying design professional on a project. However, those who try to navigate the complexities of a claim without guidance could end up with costly errors.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently made a decision that could have broad, and unintended, consequences. In essence, the court reasoned that the Department of Revenue (DOR) can use nonbinding guidance to advise taxpayers, but taxpayers seemingly cannot rely on that guidance. The portion of the decision that permits the DOR to retroactively change its own position could create a great deal of uncertainty among taxpayers.

Young accountants must not only stay informed about regulatory and legislative changes in taxation but also understand the impact on each client and situation. This blog offers tips to on how to stay ahead of the curve of ever-changing tax laws.

For CPA firms, staying ahead of online advertising advancements is crucial to their marketing strategies and tactics. Google Ads is a prime player that continues to evolve. This blog briefly explores its most significant updates, key trends shaping the future, and actionable strategies to help CPA firms maximize their impact.