AICPA Town Hall

In this week's #AICPATownHall, CPA.com's Erik Asgeirsson is joined by The Marks Group's Gene Marks to discuss the economic outlook for firms and small businesses, while AICPA's Lisa Simpson joins AICPA's Tom Hood to dive into the new Rise 2040 initiative and the future of the profession. Plus, catch up on the latest DC and technical updates you rely on.

During the June 8 #AICPATownHall, broadcast live from ENGAGE, CPA.com's Erik Asgeirsson joined AICPA's Mark Koziel, Susan Coffey, Lisa Simpson, and newly appointed AICPA Chair Jan Lewis to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of accounting. The conversation explored key developments impacting firms and the profession, along with insights from accounting leadership on what lies ahead.

During the May 28 AICPA Town Hall, CPA.com's Erik Asgerisson and BILL's René Lacerte discussed the tech and marketplace landscape and what it means for firms. We also continued our practice evolution series with a focus on advisory change management and the necessary foundations for growth. Plus, the latest DC and technical upates you rely on. Topics include:  DC Update Technology & marketplace leadership discussion Practice evolution: Firm-level change management Technical Update Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com Rachel Dresen, VP, Congressional and Political Affairs, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Kim Blascoe, Senior Director, CAS Professional Services, CPA.com Kelli Visser, CEO and Partner, Larson Gross René Lacerte, CEO, BILL.com 

In this week's AICPA TownHall, hear insights on tax transformation and what it takes for firms to move from compliance to advisory, with insights from CPA.com's Erik Asgeirsson and Brandon Allfrey. You'll also hear intentional approaches to growth and culture, along with the latest DC and technical updates shaping the profession.

During this week's AICPA Town Hall, hosted by CPA.com's Michael Cerami, we explored the evolving audit transformation landscape and how firms can accelerate their audit journeys with CPA.com's Emily Remington and Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.'s Jeanne Barrett. The episode also featured post–tax season planning opportunities, with insights from AICPA's Cary Sinnett and Kidd Advisors' Matt Kidd. Plus, the latest technical updates from DC.

In this AICPA Town Hall, hear the latest updates impacting the profession from AICPA's CEO Mark Koziel, as well as the state of AI from Radical's Pascal Finette. AICPA's Lexi Weber is also joined by Warren Averett's Paul Perry for a discussion on the internal controls in a GenAI world. Plus, you'll get the latest DC and technical updates you rely on as we near the end of busy season. 

In this AICPA Town Hall, hear pro-tips on how to declutter your work life from FutureThink's CEO Lisa Bodell, as well as insurance and risk management insights from Aon's risk consultant, Nicole Graham and CNA Insurance's risk control director, Sarah Ference. Plus, you'll get the latest DC and technical updates you rely on to get through busy season.  

This AICPA Town Hall covers insights from Accounting Today's newly released 2026 Top 100 Firms report, as well as an update on the most pressing issues for small firms. Plus, the latest DC and technical updates you rely on to get through busy season.   Topics include:  DC update Latest technical guidance Top 100 Firms report insights Small firms update   Speakers:  Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Dan Hood, Editor-in-chief, Accounting Today Stephanie Otero, VP, Small Firm Advocate, AICPA 

The Feb. 19 AICPA Town Hall featured a discussion on state advocacy and cyber considerations in the age of AI. Plus, get the latest DC and technical updates you rely on.   Topics include: Profession update DC update Latest technical guidance State advocacy Cyber risk in the AI era   Speakers: Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com Mark Koziel, CEO, AICPA Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA James Cox, VP, State Advocacy & State Society Relations, AICPA Avani Desai, CEO, Schellman

The Feb. 5 AICPA Town Hall episode includes a discussion on ways to spot early signs of burnout and practical ways to address them. We also dive into a conversation with former Marcum CEO Jeff Weiner on driving firm transformation. Plus, hear the latest DC and technical updates you rely on. Topics include: DC update Strategies for firm transformation Latest technical guidance Spotting and preventing burnout Profession Ready Initiative research and goals Speakers:  Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com Rachel Dresen, VP, Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Lexi Weber, Senior Manager, Emerging Professionals Initiatives, AICPA Lauren Baptiste, Founder, Acheloa Wellness Jeff Weiner, Former CEO, Marcum Carl Mayes, VP, CPA Candidate Quality & Competency, AICPA

The Jan. 22 AICPA Town Hall includes a discussion around digital asset reporting, including key compliance obligations, data collection challenges and the need for accurate basis tracking. Plus, you'll hear a conversation around AI models and predictions, along with the latest DC and technical updates you need to know. Topics include: Digital asset reporting DC update Latest technical guidance AI models and predictions for 2026 Speakers:  Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA April Walker, Lead Manager, Tax Practice & Ethics - Tax Section, AICPA Nik Fahrer, Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice Leader, Forvis Mazars Jeff Seibert, Founder & CEO, Digits

During the first AICPA Town Hall of 2026, Former U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender joined us to discuss the current state of the IRS and 2026 outlook for rates and inflation. Plus, we had a practitioner discussion on tax and financial planning opportunities to think about as you kick off the year, along with the latest DC and technical updates you need to know.

During the Dec. 18 AICPA Town Hall, we heard an economic update with reflections from 2025 and predictions leading into 2026. Plus, we dove into discussions around cybersecurity, the latest out of DC and the technical updates you need to know.

The Dec. 9 AICPA Town Hall aired live from the Digital CPA conference. Listen now to hear the latest tech and innovation-focused insights from DCPA, a profession update and a discussion around rethinking AI capabilities for firm workflows. You'll also hear the latest DC and technical updates you need to know.

The Nov. 20 episode features the latest DC and technical updates. Plus, hear a discussion on audit practice evolution and standards changes, as well as expert insights into how to revolutionize your leadership, challenge your comfort zone and unlock potential in yourself and your team.   Topics include: DC update Latest technical guidance Practice evolution and audit transformation Leadership lessons from expert Michael Brody-Waite Speakers:  Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com Rachel Dresen, Senior Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA Erin Hartman, Senior Manager, Firm Services, AICPA Emily Remington, Director, Audit Product Management, CPA.com Michael Brand, Member, BMSS Advisors & CPAs Michael Brody-Waite, CEO, Addictive Leadership

The Nov. 6 AICPA Town Hall episode covers latest around the government shutdown and the key technical updates you need to know. Plus, we'll dive into a conversation on year-end tax planning and the state of AI adoption across firms and finance.

In this special edition episode, Mark Peterson, AICPA EVP-Advocacy, and Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA VP-Tax Policy and Advocacy, break down the latest news from D.C. and provide key resources to help you and your clients navigate the uncertainty.

Listen to this #AICPATownHall episode as AICPA CEO Mark Koziel returns to provide an update on key profession opportunities being discussed at the AICPA Fall Council meeting. Plus, we'll continue the conversation on the government shutdown and current state of the IRS, and dive into top issues for small firms

A special edition AICPA Town Hall focused on the government shutdown.   Speakers:  ·        Lisa Simpson, VP – Firm Services, AICPA ·        Mark Peterson, EVP – Advocacy, AICPA ·        Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA ·        Lindsey Kennimer, Sr. Director – Governmental Auditing & Accounting, AICPA ·        Dan Noll, VP, Financial Reporting & Audit Quality, AICPA ·        Jason Brodmerkel, Sr. Manager – Accounting Standards, AICPA ·        Stephanie Otero, VP, Small Firm Advocate, AICPA ·        Sue Hicks, Director, Employee Benefit Plan Auditing & Accounting, AICPA

Topics include:  Federal shutdown update Tariff and trade updates Exploring the evolving digital assets accounting landscape  Latest technical guidance    Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com  Mark Koziel, President & CEO, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA   Ami Beers, Senior Director, Assurance and Advisory Innovation, AICPA  Ron Quaranta, Founder & Chairman, Wall Street Blockchain Alliance   

Topics: Key DC updates  An economic outlook for the rest of 2025 Technical updates Results from the 2025 AICPA PCPS National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey   Speakers: Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA Erin Hartman, Senior Manager, Firm Services – Public Accounting, AICPA Marci Rossell, Expert Economic Adviser

Topics include:  Key DC updates   AI, tech and transformation trends in accounting  Technical updates    Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President & CEO, CPA.com  Mark Koziel, President & CEO, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Rachel Dresen, Senior Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA  Sarah Ference, Risk Control Director, Accountants, CNA Insurance  Nicole Graham, Risk Consultant, Aon 

Topics include:  Key DC and technical updates   IRS modernization efforts  The shifting role of the CFO   Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Tom Hood, EVP, Business Growth and Engagement, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA   Daniel Werfel, Former Commissioner, IRS 

Topics include:  Key DC and technical updates   Current hiring trends and what they mean for your firm or business  Changes that firms can make now to improve next year's tax season    Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Rachel Dresen, Senior Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA  Erin Hartman, Senior Manager, Firm Services - PCPS, AICPA  Steve Saah, Executive Director, Finance & Accounting - Permanent Placement, Robert Half  Brenda Cannon, Co-founder & Partner, Cannon & Associates, CPAs 

Topics include:  Tax law decoded: What's changing and how the IRS will apply it  Firm governance: Practical ideas to support adaptability and long-term growth  Key DC and technical updates     Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Erin Hartman, Senior Manager, Firm Services - PCPS, AICPA  Terry Lemons, former Communications and Liaison Chief, IRS  Sarah Johnson Dobek, Founder & President, Inovautus Consulting  Gary Thomson, Founder, Thomson Consulting 

Speakers Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA Jan Lewis, Partner, BMSS Advisors & CPAs, AICPA Topics DC update H.R. 1: Key tax law provisions Beyond the law: Implementation Communicating with your clients

Topics include:  Tax legislation breakdown and DC update Tax research tools What's next for CPAs and clients   Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Mark Gallegos, Partner, Porte Brown Accountants and Advisors  Robert Keebler, Partner, Keebler & Associates 

 Topics include:  Top news from DC  The latest technical updates  Small firm opportunities  Transformation economy  Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Carl Peterson, VP, Small Firm Interests, AICPA  Ed Kless, Co-founder, THRESHOLD  

Topics include:  AI in accounting and finance  Firm business model trends and strategies  Audit and assurance update  Pipeline trends and news Top news from DC  The latest technical updates  Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPA  Lexy Kessler, Chair, AICPA 

Topics include:  DC update: Latest developments from Capitol Hill and their potential impact  CPA licensure: Examining CPA different models and the talent pipeline  Technical update: Actionable guidance for your practice  Payment transformation: Insights into digital transformation in the office of CFO and small business    Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA  Daniel J. Dustin, President and CEO, NASBA  René Lacerte, CEO, BILL 

Topics include:  DC update: Latest developments from Capitol Hill and their potential impact.  Profession update: Insights from AICPA CEO.  Technical update: Actionable guidance for your practice.  Strategic planning: Actionable tips and resources to support business model transformation.    Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Kassi Rushing, Owner, Kassi Rushing Consulting 

Topics include:  DC update: Latest news from Capitol Hill Technical update: What you need to know as we exit busy season Post-tax season planning: talking to clients about financial planning   A new era of CAS: Impacts of SSARS 27 on advisory services     Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Erin Hartman, Senior Manager, Firm Services, AICPA  Dan Snyder, Senior Manager, Personal Financial Planning, AICPA Kim Blascoe, Sr. Director, CAS Professional Services, CPA.com  Mike Westervelt, Chair, AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee  Becky Munson, Partner, Mid-Market Practice Leader, Outsourcing Services, Eisner Advisory Group LLC 

Topics include:  DC update: Latest news from Capitol Hill   Small business environment: Market trends and SMB outlook  Technical update: What you need to know to finish out busy season  Funding freezes and accounting: Implications for financial reporting, especially for not-for-profits     Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA   Tom Groskopf, Technical Director, Center for Plain English Accounting, AICPA  Gene Marks, President, The Marks Group 

  Topics include:  DC update: Latest news from Capitol Hill   Economic forecast: An outlook on the markets heading into the second quarter  Technical update: What you need to know to navigate busy season  Calming the chaos: Insights into the psychology of chaos and how to reduce it     Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services  Rachel Dresen, Senior Director of Congressional and Political Affairs, AICPA  Marci Rossell, Expert economic forecaster  Lisa Bodell, Founder and CEO, FutureThink  

Topics include:  DC update: Latest news on bills, budgets, and BOI from Capitol Hill   Technical update: What you need to know to navigate busy season  Top Firms Report: Insights from fastest growing firms & Top 100 report     Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief, Accounting Today   Charles Rettig, Former Commissioner, IRS

Topics include:  Profession update: Key issues areas of focus for the profession  DC update: Insights from the fast-changing D.C. landscape  Technical updates: Essential IRS news and resources for busy season     Speakers:   Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA  Robert Durak, Director, Audit and Accounting Technical Services – Public Accounting, AICPA Michael Brand, Member, BMSS, LLC

Topics include:  DC update: Impacts of the first 10 days of the new administration  Risk management strategies: Minimize scope creep and billing risks  AI and tax: Ways you should be using AI in your tax practice if you're not already  Technical updates: Essential IRS news and resources for busy season     Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Michael Ceramie, EVP, CPA.com Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA Ashley Francis, Owner, The Francis Group  April Walker, Lead Manager, Tax Practice & Ethics - Tax Section, AICPA  Sarah Ference, Risk Control Director, Accountants Professional Liability, CNA   Stan Sterna, VP, Professional Firms, Aon 

Topics include:  BOI news  DC and profession update   Tax season and financial planning  Key technical updates     Speakers:   Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Dan Snyder, Director, Personal Financial Planning, AICPA

Topics include:  BOI news  DC and profession update   2025 economic outlook  Key technical updates     Speakers:   Barry Melancon, President and CEO, AICPA  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Marci Rossell, expert economic forecaster  

Topics include:  DC and profession update   Talent pipeline   AI trends and impacts on critical infrastructure  Evolving technology trends across the profession   Key technical updates  Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Rachel Dresen, Senior Director, Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA  Lexy Kessler, Vice Chairman, AICPA  Avani Desai, CEO, Schellman  Pascal Finette, Co-founder, be radical  

Topics include:  DC and profession update   Changing Psychology of Influence  Audit transformation  Key technical updates     Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Rachel Dresen, Senior Director, Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA  Emily Remington, Director, Audit Product Management, CPA.com  Sarah Flischel, Director, Audit Transformation and Training, AAFCPAs  Henna Pryor, Workplace Performance Expert, Pryority Group 

Topics include: DC and profession update BOI discussion with FinCEN Key technical updates Speakers:  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA Phil Lam, Beneficial Ownership and Innovation Chief, FinCEN   On this episode of the AICPA Town Hall, we dive into the significant outcomes of the 2024 U.S. federal elections and their implications for the finance and accounting profession, future tax policy, and regulatory changes. Mark Peterson leads an in-depth discussion on the anticipated shifts in Washington, exploring how new leadership could impact tax legislation, the IRS, and regulatory bodies. We're joined by Phil Lam from FinCEN, who provides critical insights on Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act, including what CPAs and firms need to know as the January 1st compliance deadline approaches. The episode also covers essential updates across the profession.      

Topics include:  DC and profession update   CPA pipeline and pathway discussion  Key technical updates     Speakers:   Barry Melancon, President and CEO, AICPA  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Susan Coffey, CEO, Public Accounting, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA 

Topics include:  DC and profession update   SMB environment and the election scenarios analysis  Key technical updates  Client advisory services (CAS) strategies and practitioner insights     Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Gene Marks, President, The Marks Group  Kim Blascoe, Senior Director, CAS Professional Services, CPA.com  Rob Henderson, Partner-in-Charge, Advisory, Windes 

Topics include:  DC and profession analysis  Tech and AI trends in accounting and finance  Key technical updates  Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Rachel Dressen, Senior Director, Congressional and Political Affairs, AICPA  Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief, Accounting Today  Andrew Argue, CEO and Co-founder, Corvee 

Topics include:  DC environment and profession analysis  SECURE Act updates and retirement planning strategies  Key technical updates     Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA  Dan Snyder, Director, Personal Financial Planning, AICPA  Zachary Keep, Manager, Compliance Risk, Paychex 

Topics include:  DC environment and profession analysis  State of the economy and recent market shifts  The latest technical updates  Professional liability risk management hot topics      Speakers:   Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Mark Peterson, EVP, Advocacy, AICPA  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Marci Rossell, Expert Economic Forecaster  Sarah Ference, Risk Control Director, Professional Services, CNA Insurance  Stan Sterna, VP, Professional Firms, Aon 

Topics include: "Chevron Deference" ruling Government funding Latest on BOI and ERC  Speakers:   Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  Rachel Dresen, Senior Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, AICPA

Topics include:  DC environment and profession analysis  State of SMBs and digital transformation  The latest technical updates  Speakers:   Barry Melancon, President and CEO, AICPA  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Lisa Simpson, VP, Firm Services, AICPA  René Lacerte, CEO and Founder, BILL 

Tune in to this AICPA Town Hall podcast for a discussion on the state of assurance and why quality auditing is essential to public confidence, as well as the need-to-know tax information.  Topics include:  DC environment and profession analysis  The latest technical updates  State of assurance and building trust through quality  BOI reporting update  Speakers:   Barry Melancon, President and CEO, AICPA  Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com  Melanie Lauridsen, VP, Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA  Wes Bricker, Global Assurance Leader, PwC US