Core Insights - The increasing trend of private equity (PE) ownership across various industries, particularly in accounting, is notable, with projections indicating that over half of the top 30 accounting firms could be under PE ownership by the end of 2025 [2][3]. Industry Trends - From 2020 to September 2025, there have been at least 90 private equity-related transactions and firm mergers in the accounting sector, with 52 occurring in 2025 alone, highlighting the rapid growth of PE influence [2]. - Private equity firms are estimated to own about 10% of all apartment stock in the United States, indicating that few industries are immune to PE's reach [3]. Company Dynamics - Companies often view PE investments as a means to increase capital access and facilitate growth, as seen in the case of Milwaukee-based accounting firm Wipfli, which announced a minority investment from New Mountain Capital to accelerate its growth [5]. - The tension between founders' long-term visions and private equity firms' goals of quick returns can create challenges in company direction and strategy [5]. CFO Strategies - CFOs are advised to build trusted relationships with new ownership to navigate the complexities of private equity situations effectively [7]. - The importance of storytelling and relationship management is emphasized for CFOs in private equity contexts, as they need to be more relationship savvy than in previous roles [8].

One of the coolest parts was that they pre-scheduled meetings not just with my team but with others who hold CFO roles across our client consulting and advisory organization, even in other states. I met a colleague at a similar CFO function in Minnesota and another in Rhode Island. Those conversations had no agenda. It was just, here’s someone who does your job, [now] ask them what you want. That gave me perspective on the nitty-gritty day-to-day, the things you can’t put on paper.At CLA, the onboarding pro ...

Core Viewpoint - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has submitted recommendations to the Productivity Commission aimed at modernizing Australia's tax system and enhancing economic collaboration [1][3] Tax System Recommendations - CA ANZ advocates for a more efficient tax mix and a lower corporate tax rate, suggesting a reduction to 20% for all companies, while acknowledging the budgetary challenges this poses [1][3] - The organization supports the transition towards an efficient tax structure but warns that moving to a Cash Flow Tax could be complex and costly, emphasizing the need to modernize the existing framework instead [2] Environmental Policy Support - CA ANZ endorses the expansion of the Safeguard Mechanism to include more industrial facilities and improve carbon leakage provisions, recommending a phased approach for the inclusion of new facilities [4] AI Regulation Stance - The organization believes that AI-specific regulation should be a last resort, advocating for a flexible regulatory environment that can adapt to the rapid evolution of AI technologies [4] Professional Advisory Sector - CA ANZ supports the removal of unnecessary occupational entry regulations in the financial advisory sector and advocates for qualified accountants to provide strategic financial advice to address the shortage of professional financial advisers in Australia [5] Education Initiatives - The organization has expressed support for reintroducing accounting as a standalone subject in the NCEA Level 1 curriculum starting in 2028 [5]

This AI Startup Is Training The Next Generation Of Accountants https://t.co/0luYpqeuPl https://t.co/2vxumqJh59 ...

This AI Startup Is Training The Next Generation Of Accountants https://t.co/5ZmxEc8rdF https://t.co/gCMj1ktv0k ...

Core Viewpoint - The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) have proposed changes to the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programmes to modernize the framework for CPE development, presentation, measurement, and reporting [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Changes - The revisions aim to address emerging learning methods and clarify credit-awarding mechanisms to ensure CPE remains relevant to professional practice [2]. - The proposal allows for flexibility to accommodate future learning innovations, with existing CPE programmes compliant with the 2024 Standards remaining eligible for credit under the new proposal [2][3]. - Modifications to the amount of CPE credit for group and self-study programmes are suggested, allowing group programme credit to be earned in one-half or one full credit increments, and self-study programme credit in one-fifth or one-half credit increments [3]. Group 2: Stakeholder Engagement - Stakeholders are invited to review the exposure draft and provide input within a 90-day comment period, ending on 16 December 2025 [3]. - AICPA and NASBA emphasize the importance of ongoing education for CPAs to adapt to changes and uphold service standards, which in turn supports resilient financial systems and global progress [4]. - The proposed revisions reflect collaboration among various committees and stakeholders, highlighting the need for standards to evolve with learning technologies and delivery methods [4].

Deloitte Belgium has elected to integrate Banqup Group’s digital platform into its accounting services for a client base that includes both small and medium-sized enterprises and large organisations. This move aims to modernise the accounting operations and enhance the financial processes of Deloitte's clientele. The alliance will enable Deloitte to manage both incoming and outgoing invoices using Banqup's platform, with an emphasis on the added value of Banqup’s integrated payments solution. Deloitte a ...

Andersen, founded by alumni of shuttered accounting firm Arthur Andersen, is planning to publicly file for its IPO as soon as this week, according to sources https://t.co/tpPQ8eWwmz ...

Core Insights - KPMG, the accounting firm, audited three midsize regional banks that failed in 2023, leading to public belief in their financial soundness shortly before their collapses [1][3] - The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report alleges KPMG ignored significant risks at these banks, including liquidity issues at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and fraud allegations at Signature Bank [2][3] KPMG's Audit Findings - KPMG provided clean audit opinions for SVB, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank shortly before their failures, with SVB receiving its opinion just 14 days prior [3][9] - The report indicates KPMG was aware of internal weaknesses at SVB as early as 2022 but failed to disclose these risks in audits [7][8] Specific Bank Issues - SVB's rapid growth concealed risks, including a heavily concentrated customer base and 94% of deposits being uninsured, leading to its collapse and a $23 billion cost to the FDIC [5][6] - Signature Bank faced mortgage fraud allegations that KPMG did not adequately investigate, relying instead on an oral summary from the bank's law firm [10][12] - First Republic Bank's "going concern" analysis raised internal doubts about its survival, but KPMG did not communicate these concerns to the board just days before the bank's failure [14][15] Conflicts of Interest - The report highlights potential conflicts of interest, noting KPMG's long-standing relationships with the banks, which may have compromised auditor independence [16][18] - KPMG earned nearly $20 million in combined fees from the three banks in 2022, raising questions about the influence of financial ties on audit quality [9][16] Recommendations for the Auditing Industry - The report calls for reforms in the auditing industry, including mandatory auditor competition and expanded disclosure requirements from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) [17][19] - It suggests establishing a PCAOB whistleblower office to enhance accountability and transparency in the auditing sector [20]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion around quarterly earnings reports is shifting, with President Trump advocating for fewer reports to benefit companies, which could have significant implications for the ecosystem of white-collar jobs that support these earnings processes [2][3][4]. Group 1: Impact on Companies - President Trump has requested the SEC to investigate the potential benefits of reducing the frequency of earnings reports, suggesting that it could save costs and allow management to focus on running their companies [2]. - A survey by Nasdaq indicated that in 2019, 75% of 180 companies favored a transition to semi-annual reporting, highlighting a strong preference within corporate America for fewer earnings disclosures [3]. - Companies have expressed that the costs associated with quarterly earnings reports are substantial, involving extensive preparation and coordination among various teams [4]. Group 2: Implications for White-Collar Jobs - The potential reduction in earnings reports raises questions about the future of white-collar professionals, including investor relations and communications experts, who play a crucial role in conveying a company's financial narrative [5][6]. - Despite the possibility of fewer reports, industry experts believe that the demand for information from investors will not diminish, suggesting that many companies may continue to provide quarterly updates even if allowed to report semi-annually [7]. - The current economic climate and advancements in artificial intelligence are putting additional pressure on white-collar jobs that support the earnings reporting ecosystem [4].