News
5 ways to support LGBTQ+ employees
June 26, 2024
Establishing a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees is an essential part of promoting a culture of respect, innovation, and productivity within an organization. Finance leaders and executives are pivotal in championing key inclusion initiatives and setting precedents within their firms.
Connecticut CPA Magazine Excerpt - Effective Automation and AI Implementation: Standing Firm in Efficiency Accounting and Advisory Services and Organization for Client Advisory Services
June 26, 2024
In the midst of the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) hype, automation often takes a backseat, with the assumption that AI will solve our problems. However, effective automation and AI implementation are impossible without proper processes, technology, and organization. Keeping this in focus, we’ll explore tools to help your firm achieve its goals and foster a healthy work-life balance for your team.
Connecticut Dramatically Expands Paid Sick Leave Law
June 25, 2024
With no grand announcement, Connecticut quietly expanded employee’s paid sick time benefits. The bill greatly expands the law’s reach.
Stamford BDO Counts Team Hosts Week of Service Event
June 25, 2024
The Stamford BDO Counts team recently hosted its first Week of Service event. The team came together to pack and donate an assortment of snacks, non-perishable goods, and essential hygiene items to the New Covenant Center in Stamford. The event was organized and lead by Melissa Siino and Ryan Woodward. With cars loaded to the brim with donations, the team made their way to the donation center, where their contributions were warmly received and deeply appreciated.
Whittlesey Celebrates Annual Community Day with Volunteer Initiatives Across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts
June 25, 2024
Whittlesey continued its annual day of volunteerism with various projects across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. For more than a decade, Whittlesey team members have stepped away from their desks to engage in activities that directly impact the communities where they live and work. This year, Whittlesey mobilized team members throughout the region to collaborate with the Bushnell Park Conservancy, the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, and the Zoo in Forest Park. Volunteers engaged in a variety of activities, including park clean-up efforts, mulching, planting flower beds, and repairing and painting fences. At the Connecticut Diaper Bank, team members sorted and repackaged diapers to support families in need.
529-To-Roth IRA Rollovers: Taking Advantage Of The New Option To Move Education Savings To Retirement Savings
June 24, 2024
Traditionally, the challenge in using a 529 plan to save for higher education expenses has been figuring out how much to save to cover the beneficiary's college costs without overshooting and saving more in the 529 plan than is actually needed.
Workplace inclusivity: Change starts at the top
June 20, 2024
Many LGBT+ employees feel they are at more of a disadvantage now than five years ago, with the US having the highest recognition of discrimination among seven countries, a new survey shows.
2024 Class of Connecticut Professionals’ Leadership Academy Graduates
June 19, 2024
This spring, two dozen Connecticut residents graduated from the 2024 Connecticut Professionals’ Leadership Academy, a program designed to strengthen leadership skills, develop and build relationships, and create a collaborative professional services community. This landmark program brings together professionals from various industries and backgrounds, including accounting and finance, law, insurance and architecture.
Meet CTCPA's Graduates of the 2024 Connecticut Professionals' Leadership Academy
June 19, 2024
This spring, several Connecticut residents graduated from the 2024 class of the Connecticut Professionals' Leadership Academy, a program designed to strengthen leadership skills, develop and build relationships, and create a collaborative professional services community. This landmark program brings together professionals from various industries and backgrounds, including accounting and finance, law, insurance and architecture.
Generative AI and Risks to CPA Firms
June 11, 2024
“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.
KPMG Launches "AI Impact Initiative” to Bring AI Technology to Nonprofits and Enable the AI Workforce of the Future
June 10, 2024
Programs will responsibly enable non-profits to do more good with the latest AI technologies and help equip the future workforces with critical AI skills.
Michele Ganon, Larry Gramling Honored with Educators of Excellence Awards
June 09, 2024
At the June 6 Recognition Reception, Educators of Excellence ("Eddys") awards were handed out to Michele Ganon of Western Connecticut State University and, posthumously, to the family of longtime University of Connecticut professor and CTCPA past president Larry Gramling.
2024 AICPA Spring Council Takeaways from Katherine Patnaude and Amber Moore
June 08, 2024
In May, CTCPA Executive Director Bonnie Stewart headed to Orlando, FL with AICPA Council members Katherine Patnaude of PKF O’Connor Davies and Amber Moore of Goldblatt Bokoff for the spring AICPA Council. Katherine and Amber had a front row seat to the profession, gleaning insight on where we stand today
Deciding Between Unlimited vs. Flexible PTO: Which May Be Best for Your Business?
June 06, 2024
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.
Pipeline Pledge: How small commitments can make a big difference
June 05, 2024
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.
How do different accounting firms use AI?
June 03, 2024
See how both the Big 4 and smaller firms are utilizing AI in their workflows.
MahoneySabol Hires New Tax Partner: Corey Veneziano
June 03, 2024
MahoneySabol announced the appointment of Corey Veneziano as a Partner in the firm’s tax department. With almost 20 years of comprehensive experience in providing accounting and tax services across various industries to closely held businesses along with their owners, Corey brings a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to client care in his new role.
Greater Hartford’s largest accounting firms are increasingly being led by women
May 28, 2024
Several CTCPA members and Executive Director and CEO Bonnie Stewart were featured in this article on the change in demographics at Connecticut accounting firms.
Amber Tucker of FML Pens 'HBJ' Article
May 27, 2024
Amber Tucker of Fiondella, Milone, and LaSaracina recently penned the Hartford Business Journal article 'Long-term , sustainable giving is key to arts and culture funding.'
Peacocking, newskilling and digital detox: 9 new workplace trends CFOs must know
May 24, 2024
A new quiet term, reverse mentoring, and shadow policies add to the list.