CPA Now Blog

PICPA announced the passage of Act 27 of 2025, a new law creating a more flexible pathway to CPA licensure in Pennsylvania. The bill allows candidates to qualify with a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience, and the CPA exam—expanding access while upholding professional standards.

The PICPA has pushed landmark legislation through the General Assembly aimed at modernizing and improving access to becoming a CPA. Act 27 is a commonsense and clear solution to help address the state’s shortage of CPAs by allowing multiple paths to licensure.

The prospects of Pennsylvania Senate Bill 719 -- legislation that updates Pennsylvania’s CPA Law to allow for an additional licensure pathway -- and PICPA’s Day on the Hill advocacy event converged this year to create an atmosphere of energy and purpose. And PICPA members' outreach efforts carried the day!

When protecting your organization from cybercriminals, it is essential to understand what needs safeguarding to set up appropriate the safeguards. The key is combining strong technical controls, solid processes, and regular user training.

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.