News

Our profession has in front of us the greatest opportunity for increased relevance and abundance that I have seen in 40 years. Demand for our services, skill sets, and leadership have never been higher. We can simply look at the growth percentages from the latest 2022 large firm reports and see that firms are growing at much faster rates due to this increased demand.

Already running high amid the profession's digital transformation, interest in artificial intelligence has exploded this year, with large numbers of firms weighing its applications. Accountants who are experimenting with these AI systems are already seeing results. Some report using it for generating marketing copy or internal staff memos. Others are exploring it as a research reference. One is even planning to use it to develop training videos to speed up employee development and onboarding.

Potential abuses of generative AI technology ChatGPT are causing concern as the phenomenon is likened to cryptocurrency scams.

Cost vs. culture. CFOs must consider how in-person work still benefits their organizations — but at a price.

A World Economic Forum report predicts an overall decline in jobs; it also shows that artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it eliminates by 2027.

Finance professionals who can wholly embrace digitalisation will bring new insights, drive business performance, and better adapt in a future of constant change.

A large four-day workweek trial finds that companies and employees benefited from reduced hours and some companies plan to continue with a shorter workweek.

If you own a business with 5 or more employees and do not offer a qualified retirement savings plan, state law requires that you provide a retirement savings option. Initial registration deadlines have passed, but you can still take action by August 31, 2023. Employers can register with MyCTSavings at no cost to the business, or provide a private retirement plan to comply with the law. Learn more and register at https://myctsavings.com/employers/program-details.

The human element in decision-making is still necessary in the most critical parts of the job.

Thomas Comer, CPA chuckles when he talks about his family. “I just wanted an exit strategy!” And an exit strategy he got – in spades. The managing member of Comer & Company, CPA’s, LLC currently works with his son Jonathan – also a CPA – while his wife Anne – also a CPA – works as Director of Operations with CRC Insurance Services, Inc. The couple’s eldest son, Evan, is currently a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Mergers & Acquisitions Tax practice ... and, yes, he also happens to be a CPA.

Our organization’s strength and accomplishments are thanks to the engagement and leadership of our members. In our annual report issue, we bring you our top membership benefits, latest resources, and what’s to come.

CohnReznick LLP, one of the leading advisory, assurance, and tax firms in the United States, elected Andrew Sciarra to its partnership in the Hartford Office, effective February 1, 2023. “As CohnReznick continues to expand its capabilities and market presence, recognizing the talents and achievements of outstanding professionals is critical to our growth strategy,” said David Kessler, CEO of CohnReznick. “Our newly promoted partners will serve as key leaders across our industries and service lines – each having demonstrated a strong commitment to our clients, our people, and our communities. Our 19 new partners represent the future of CohnReznick and will play a critical role in helping to advance our clients’ goals, and our own, for many years to come.”

In the field of cybersecurity, most things we do to increase security have an equally significant “opposite” effect on productivity. Simply put, they make your life harder.

The Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA) will honor eight outstanding women at the CTCPA Women’s Awards event on January 18 at the TPC River Highlands. The program recognizes excellence in leadership and management in the accounting profession.

Alina is an Audit & Assurance Senior Manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), with more than 11 years of experience serving large public and private clients within Deloitte’s financial services group in Connecticut. She specializes in the banking and capital markets and investment management industries. In addition, she is active in many other activities such as facilitating technical trainings, serving as a coach to several mentees, and co-chairing Deloitte’s Talent Advisory Council in Stamford.

Amber is a partner with FML CPAs, a regional accounting firm headquartered in Glastonbury, where she leads the Not-for-Profit Assurance and Tax practice alongside colleague Brian Kelleher. Amber helps guide the team of 20 professionals as they develop the skills necessary to best serve not-for-profit clients in all their accounting and advisory needs.

Isabelle is the owner of Isabelle V. Curtiss, P.C., CPA. As both a CPA and a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), she has amassed a long list of accolades throughout her career. A former CTCPA Board member, she served as a member of or liaison to many committees and was founder of the CTCPA Personal Financial Planning Committee.

Jeanna is a partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY), where she has worked since graduating from college 28 years ago. She is the firm’s Americas Assurance Operations Leader. She works with assurance leadership on planning, budgeting, talent, and process optimization. She also serves as coordinating partner for health clients and leads the firm’s assurance audit environmental efforts, helping more than 800 audit clients prepare for proposed new SEC rules on climate disclosures.

Kimberly is a partner in the Audit Department at Whittlesey, concentrating on nonprofits and credit unions. She co-founded and co-chairs the firm’s women’s leadership group, Women of Whittlesey (WoW), and is the firm’s Quality Control Director. She is also a member of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Resource Council.

Melissa Braun, CPA Whittlesey Melissa is a Manager in the Whittlesey Tax Department, providing tax and consulting services to commercial, residential, and affordable housing real estate entities, financial institutions, construction, manufacturing and closely held businesses, and high-net-worth individuals.