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“Write a 1,200-word article regarding how CPA firms can manage risk related to the use of ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI.” This easy ChatGPT request would have resulted in the production of this month’s column in a far more expeditious manner than writing one from scratch, but would it have been as informative or accurate? ChatGPT is an example of generative artificial intelligence (AI), and its popularity has soared since its introduction to the public in November 2022. Given ChatGPT’s versatility, speed, and ability to engage in human-like conversations, it’s easy to see why.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 4 percent of organizations now offer unlimited paid time off. That number may continue to rise as startups and large organizations alike continue experimenting with this policy.

For Sue Coffey, questions about the talent pipeline for the accounting and finance profession have become as common as 100-degree days in Las Vegas.

See how both the Big 4 and smaller firms are utilizing AI in their workflows.

Several CTCPA members and Executive Director and CEO Bonnie Stewart were featured in this article on the change in demographics at Connecticut accounting firms.

A new quiet term, reverse mentoring, and shadow policies add to the list.

Could the new wave of artificial intelligence remove layers of associates and juniors as firms automate more ‘menial’ tasks in search of efficiencies? And what effect could this have on the accounting landscape as we know it today?

A new national survey reveals “time” is why more accounting majors and young professionals are skipping over becoming certified public accountants.

The salary threshold required to exempt a salaried executive, administrative, or professional employee from federal overtime was increased from $35,568 to $43,888 effective July 1, 2024. The salary threshold will further increase to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025.

In response to reports of incidents of individuals altering PDF documents used to verify CPE compliance with the state of Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection has been working to validate certain CPE certificates, including some issued by the CTCPA. We have been contacted to verify information for current investigations and have been informed by the Department of Consumer Protection that several more inquiries are forthcoming.

The Department of Labor has announced a six-factor test for determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This new rule takes effect on March 11, 2024.

Michael Sabol of MahoneySabol, Drew Andrews of Whittlesey, and CTCPA Marketing and Communications Director Kirsten Piechota were quoted in “Accounting merger activity heats up as aging partners eye retirement, firms look for growth” in the Hartford Business Journal.

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) have approved revisions to the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs (Standards), as well as the NASBA Fields of Study document. The Standards changes, which include additional options for virtual learning, were effective Jan. 1, 2024.

The beneficial ownership information reporting rule implementing Section 6403 of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) became effective on January 1, 2024. Under the CTA, every “reporting company” must file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). With the CTA now in effect, many will face the threshold question: “Does my entity need to file a BOI report?”

If a former firm partner turned artificial intelligence (AI) expert feels overwhelmed with the current rate of change related to generative AI (Gen AI) tools like ChatGPT, where does that leave CPAs charged with advising clients, work teams, or both?

Despite the known value of engagement letters, CPAs may not use them for small services or when responding to client questions. Is there an alternative?

Hear from the experts on risk management considerations relating to accounting firm mergers and acquisitions.

Starting January 1, 2024, a significant number of businesses are required to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA” or “the Act”). The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) estimates that in the first year approximately 32.6 million[3] businesses will need to comply with the Act and report information related to the business’ owners, officers, and controlling persons.

Emerging technologies continue to divide opinion, says a global report, with employees simultaneously seeing potential for social good and ethics missteps.

Through its discussions, the Task Force has narrowed its discussions on a structured experiential learning program that would provide for education, documented experience, and other elements that would provide an equivalent path to licensure without the need of having a fifth year to complete a 150-hours education program that would appear on an accredited transcript.