The Accounting Podcast (formerly the Cloud Accounting Podcast) is the world's #1 accounting, bookkeeping, and tax podcast! Join us weekly for a roundup of accou...
IRS to Lay Off 50%, How Trump's Tariffs Are Working
How does a profession revitalize itself when salaries haven't budged since 2007? In this episode, Blake and David examine the shocking reality that Big Four audit associates in Chicago earn the same salary range today as they did nearly two decades ago. They also explore why accounting's value proposition has stagnated in a world where financial statements fail to capture what truly matters to modern investors, and you'll hear their take on the IRS's plan to cut 50% of its workforce, Social Security's future, and the economic impact of tariffs—including a surprising clip from Ronald Reagan himself. Plus, learn how over 30 states are now advancing legislation to eliminate the 150-hour rule that has long been blamed for declining CPA candidates.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayBluevine - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluevine (Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking Services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.) Chapters(00:49) - BOI Reporting Requirements Halted
(02:00) - Impact of BOI Reporting Suspension
(05:12) - IRS Layoffs and Their Implications
(11:56) - Reagan's Take on Tariffs
(15:58) - Trump's Tariffs and Fentanyl Production
(19:59) - OnPay Updates
(24:50) - Economic Optimism Among CPAs
(27:10) - Strategic Crypto Reserve
(30:30) - Elon Musk on Social Security
(37:49) - Earmark Webinar Highlights on CPA Licensure Changes
(40:17) - Audit Associate Salary Stagnation
(43:32) - CPA Supervision and Work Experience Challenges
(44:48) - Audit Quality and Firm Economics
(47:46) - Intangible Assets and Financial Reporting
(59:03) - Expense Card Industry Updates
(01:04:26) - US Debt and Economic Power
Show Notes The IRS Is Reportedly Planning to Cut Up to 45,000 Workers — Half of Its Workforcehttps://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/irs-planning-mass-layoffs-cutting-half-of-workforce-report/487974 President Reagan's Radio Address on Free and Fair Trade on April 25, 1987https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t5QK03KXPc Trump’s Tariffs Set Off Day of Anger, Retaliation and Market Uneasehttps://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/03/04/us/tariffs-us-canada-mexico-china Domestic economic sentiment declines 20 percentage points among CPA execshttps://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/mar/domestic-economic-sentiment-declines-20-percentage-points-among-cpa-execs.html Trump signs order to establish strategic bitcoin reservehttps://www.reuters.com/technology/trump-signs-order-establish-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-white-house-crypto-czar-2025-03-07/ Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpilehttps://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-and-u-s-digital-asset-stockpile/ Elon Musk's Social Security Comments Called Out by Former Administratorhttps://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-social-security-comments-ponzi-scheme-martin-omalley-2042006 85% of Americans Willing to Raise Taxes to Save Social Security, Survey Showshttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/85-americans-willing-raise-taxes-133018876.html Erica Goode’s LinkedIn Post on Salary Declineshttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/erica-goode-cpa-00205616_thisindustry-icanteven-activity-7300526290778869762-hqph/ Will Debt Sink the American Empire?https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/will-debt-sink-the-american-empire-8459096b FASB Requests Feedback Related to Intangible Assetshttps://dart.deloitte.com/USDART/home/news/all-news/2024/dec/fasb-invitation-to-comment-intangible-assets Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring the Cloud Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast:
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1:15:56
Green Screens and Pink Slips: An IRS Agent's Layoff Story
What happens when political changes collide with tax enforcement? In this revealing conversation, former IRS revenue agent Jeff Johnson shares his firsthand account of being caught in the recent mass layoffs at the IRS. Having just completed seven months of intensive training, Jeff was among 7,000 probationary employees suddenly terminated as part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative.Jeff pulls back the curtain on the agency's antiquated systems—including 1960s COBOL programming and cryptic green screens that revenue agents must master—and explains why these cuts could mean fewer audits of non-compliant taxpayers. You'll hear how experienced professionals who left established careers to serve at the IRS were dismissed with minimal notice and why this might be just the beginning of a much more significant reduction targeting up to half of the agency's 90,000 workforce.Meet Our Guest, Jeff JohnstonLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-jeffery-johnston-6812875Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring the Cloud Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
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23:51
Top 10 College Accounting Programs, PwC Israel Fined, Trump Names Crypto Reserve Coins
What happens when the US government considers creating a cryptocurrency reserve? In this episode, Blake and David dive into Trump's surprising announcement about establishing a crypto strategic reserve and the immediate market reaction. They explore this proposal's potential consequences and skepticism, from security vulnerabilities to valuation challenges.You'll also hear about PwC Israel's $2.8 million fine for exam cheating, Connecticut's push to create alternative CPA licensure pathways, and how accounting firms are expanding into legal services. They also dissect the outcry over federal employees being asked to submit weekly accomplishment reports and break down Citigroup's jaw-dropping $81 trillion transfer error caused by poor software design.Whether you're tracking regulatory changes, interested in the evolution of professional services firms, or simply fascinated by the intersection of finance and technology, this episode delivers insights into the forces reshaping the accounting profession today.Sponsors Bluevine - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluevine (Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking Services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.) CPA.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cpaChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
(00:29) - Crypto's Legitimacy and Trump's Announcement
(01:44) - Crypto Market Reactions and Speculations
(04:07) - Personal Updates and Hiking Adventure
(05:36) - Crypto Reserve Concerns and Security Issues
(08:00) - PWC Fined for Cheating Scandal
(11:42) - Top Collegiate Accounting Programs
(16:52) - FinCEN and Beneficial Ownership Reporting
(17:59) - Fyre Festival 2 Announcement
(20:46) - CPA Licensure Pathways and Reforms
(25:33) - Accounting Firms Expanding into Legal Services
(30:45) - Consulting Firms and Government Contracts
(36:30) - Government Spending and Nonprofits
(37:49) - Consulting Costs and Middlemen
(40:18) - The Penny Debate
(41:53) - Federal Employee Accountability
(58:46) - Elon Musk's OpenAI Offer
(01:03:50) - Citigroup's $81 Trillion Error
(01:07:36) - Self-Driving Cars and AI
(01:10:11) - Conclusion and CPE Message
Show NotesTrump names cryptocurrencies in strategic reserve, sending prices uphttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-cryptocurrency-strategic-reserve-includes-xrp-sol-ada-2025-03-02/ Crypto's biggest hacks and heists after $1.5 billion theft from Bybithttps://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/cryptos-biggest-hacks-heists-after-15-billion-theft-bybit-2025-02-24/ PCAOB Sanctions PwC Israel for Quality Control Violations Related to Widespread Improper Answer Sharinghttps://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-pwc-israel-for-quality-control-violations-related-to-widespread-improper-answer-sharing CPA Success Index: Ranking the top collegiate accounting programshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpa-success-index-ranks-top-collegiate-accounting-programs FinCEN Not Issuing Fines or Penalties in Connection with Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlineshttps://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-not-issuing-fines-or-penalties-connection-beneficial-ownership Fyre Festival 2 tickets are on sale for up to $1.1 million after founder served prison time for defrauding investors of the first eventhttps://fortune.com/2025/02/26/fyre-festival-2-tickets-billy-mcfarland-prometheus-pass-music-lineup/ Progress: Tracking the conversation in all licensing jurisdictionshttps://www.mncpa.org/involvement/legislative/broadening-pathways-to-cpa/national/ Aprio Aims to Enter Legal Industry by Combining with Law Firm in Arizonahttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/02/13/aprio-aims-to-enter-legal-industry-by-combining-with-law-firm-in-arizona/156043/ McKinsey Estimates Advisor Shortage of 100,000 by 2034https://www.wealthmanagement.com/wealth-management-industry-trends/mckinsey-estimates-advisor-shortage-of-100-000-by-2034 Saudi Wealth Fund Blocks PwC from Advisory Work for One Yearhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-28/saudi-wealth-fund-blocks-pwc-from-advisory-work-for-one-year A message from SecVA Doug Collinshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Z_RkqSAzo Everyone Hates Pennies, Except This Guyhttps://www.wsj.com/business/mark-weller-penny-defender-trump-d543a9de?mod=business_lead_pos1 Federal workers get a new email demanding their accomplishmentshttps://www.npr.org/2025/03/01/g-s1-51490/federal-workers-new-email-accomplishments Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Proceeds with Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexicohttps://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-proceeds-with-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-and-mexico/ Sam Altman Rejects Elon Musk’s Offer To Buy OpenAI Control—And Mocks Xhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/02/10/sam-altman-rejects-elon-musks-offer-to-buy-openai-control-and-mocks-x/ Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Bribery, Foreign Agent, And Obstruction Offenses
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1:12:01
Federal Funds Freeze Hurts Nonprofits
Billions in federal funds for nonprofits were abruptly frozen by the Trump administration, leaving organizations scrambling to stay afloat. Blake speaks with Jerilyn Dressler and Harriet "Hatsy" Cutshall from YPTC about how these freezes disrupted essential services, the complex flow of federal grants, and the rigorous compliance requirements nonprofits must meet. With a judge ordering the funds to be reinstated, they discuss what’s next for nonprofits and the ongoing challenges of government funding oversight.Meet Our Guests: Jerilyn Dressler, CPA : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerilynkeitdresslercpacfeHarriet "Hatsy" Cutshall, CPA : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hatsycutshallcpa-yptcGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring the Cloud Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAd
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27:45
The Case Against a Crypto Reserve
Dr. Jack Castonguay, CPA and Hofstra University professor, provides a critical analysis of proposed legislation to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He challenges the notion that the government should invest taxpayer money in a highly volatile, speculative asset that lacks the practical applications of traditional reserves like oil or foreign currencies. The discussion explores concerns about buying at record-high prices, the unknown identities of Bitcoin holders, and the potential risks of states allocating public funds to cryptocurrency investments.Meet Our Guest, Jack Castonguayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-castonguay-phd-cpahttps://www.hofstra.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-profile.html?id=6751Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring the Cloud Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAd
The Accounting Podcast (formerly the Cloud Accounting Podcast) is the world's #1 accounting, bookkeeping, and tax podcast! Join us weekly for a roundup of accounting news, analysis, and interviews. Plus, earn free NASBA-approved CPE credits for listening with the Earmark app. Learn more at https://earmarkcpe.com.
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