Ohio gov signs alternative CPA licensure pathway bill into law

The move puts the Buckeye state at the forefront of the recent drive to address the talent shortage by widening on-ramps into the accounting profession. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 9, 2025

Walking a tightrope: 6 CFO trends for 2025

Financial executives can gain an edge this year by monitoring six trends in federal policy and business strategy.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 7, 2025

FASB pursues agenda refresh

Narrower projects could be in store for the accounting-standard setter as some stakeholders want more guidance on hot- button issues like crypto and goodwill.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 6, 2025

4 CFO pricing strategy tips for 2025

With tariffs proposed by the incoming Trump administration poised to potentially spur inflation, a top consultant predicts companies will consider price hikes again this year.  

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 2, 2025

Jobless claims fall to eight-month low, signaling steady labor market

Traders in interest rate futures have increased the probability that Fed policymakers this month will hold the federal funds rate at its current level.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 2, 2025

Audit fees poised to rise further after 6.4% hike in latest cycle, report says

Additional pressure on audit pricing is expected to come from regulatory changes on the horizon such as the FASB’s income statement expense rules, FERF reports.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Dec. 19, 2024

Fed trims main interest rate, signals prospect of less easing in 2025

Policymakers reduced the benchmark interest rate despite signs that their nearly three-year fight to push down inflation to their 2% target has stalled.

By Jim Tyson • Updated Dec. 18, 2024

MassMutual’s first female CFO looks back on her career, automation, and getting loud

Betsy Ward — the life insurer’s finance chief since 2016 — is retiring at the end of the year. She will be succeeded by Mary Jane Fortin, formerly of Thrivent Financial.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Dec. 16, 2024

Costco CFO looks to ‘pull forward’ inventory buys amid tariff uncertainty

“In general, of course, tariffs raise costs so that's not something that we see as a positive,” Costco CFO Gary Millerchip said on the company’s earnings call Thursday.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Dec. 13, 2024

It’s time to prepare for FASB’s new compensation reporting rules

The new accounting standard will fundamentally change how businesses track and report compensation, especially with regards to bonuses and commissions, Mark Schopmeyer writes.

By Mark Schopmeyer • Dec. 13, 2024

Trump-related accounting rule revamp is a likely ‘nonstarter’

Daniel Tinkelman, a professor of accounting at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, wants the FASB to clarify GAAP rules on personal financial statements.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Dec. 12, 2024

Morningstar picks insider for CFO

Michael Holt will take the finance reins of the Chicago-based investment research and financial services firm from Jason Dubinsky on Jan. 1.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Dec. 11, 2024

Inflation rises, underscoring Fed’s challenge achieving 2% target

Traders in interest rate futures were unfazed by the report of persistent inflation, raising the odds that policymakers will trim the main interest rate.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 11, 2024

Small business optimism surges to highest level in three years: NFIB

CEOs at the largest U.S. companies also see good times ahead, according to the Business Roundtable.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 10, 2024

Hiring rebounds amid hurricane, strike recovery as jobless rate edges up

Traders in interest rate futures raised the odds that the Federal Reserve will cut the federal funds rate by a quarter point on Dec. 18.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 6, 2024

Powell says solid economy gives Fed time to mull rate cut pace

Powell’s comments align with those of other Fed officials in recent days who backed a cautious approach to future reductions in borrowing costs.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 4, 2024

US manufacturing shrinks for eighth straight month: ISM

Some concerns about federal policy have eased since the November election, giving C-suite executives firmer footing as they complete business strategies for 2025.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 2, 2024

Inflation accelerates as Fed officials view easing with caution

Some Federal Reserve officials said at a policy meeting this month that the central bank may hit its 2% inflation target later than expected.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 27, 2024

FASB updates convertible debt rules

The new GAAP guidance stems from a request made by Big Four accounting firms and comes as the convertible bond market is regaining steam. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Nov. 27, 2024

SEC’s Gensler to step down Jan. 20 after robust rulemaking, enforcement

The SEC, in one of its most far-reaching changes under Gensler, adopted rules to channel more trading of Treasury securities into central clearinghouses and curb illiquidity risks.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 21, 2024

3 CFO steps for finding opportunity in geopolitical instability: McKinsey

The financial and political order built after World War II faces mounting challenges to the flow of goods, capital and services and outright conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 19, 2024

Spirit Airlines cleared $5.4M in retention awards before bankruptcy

The budget airline’s CEO will receive a $3.8 million retention payment while its CFO will get $175,000, according to an SEC filing.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Nov. 19, 2024

Retail sales rise in hint of cheer for holiday consumer spending

Recent signs of robust consumer spending and persistent inflation prompted Wall Street to reduce the odds that the Fed will cut the main interest rate by a quarter point at its December meeting.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 15, 2024

How Trump 2.0 could revamp tax policy

Businesses need to prepare for potentially “fast moving” changes to tax policy as questions swirl around President-elect Trump’s plans, EY’s Martin Fiore said.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Nov. 15, 2024

Economists predict above-trend economic growth in 2025: Wolters Kluwer

Economists at companies ranging from Goldman Sachs to Ford Motor and KPMG to Wells Fargo now see only a 27% probability of recession in the next 12 months.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 14, 2024