News
FinCEN estimates millions of hours will be spent seeking BOI access
July 22, 2024
Entities seeking access to beneficial ownership information (BOI) will spend over 8.7 million hours filling out paperwork in the first year and over 3.6 million in the second year, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) said in an estimate Monday.
Forget the great resignation, we're now in our big stay era
July 20, 2024
As the adage goes, the grass isn't always greener. This rings true for American workers who have started shunning the idea of the Great Resignation, AKA leaving their jobs in droves, in favor of remaining in their current roles.
Can ‘less is more’ apply to the working week?
July 18, 2024
Is it possible to get as much work done in four days as five? The answer may not be what you expect and the benefits for staff are undeniable.
How the Accountant Shortage Is Rippling Through the Startup World
July 17, 2024
The are fewer CPAs, which is a problem for entrepreneurs, but while some lament the loss, others are looking to fill it.
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.
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.
Illinois CPA Society Releases Updated CPA Pipeline Report
May 16, 2024
A new national survey reveals “time” is why more accounting majors and young professionals are skipping over becoming certified public accountants.
Feds Increase Salary Minimum for Exempt Employees
April 29, 2024
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.
Department of Consumer Protection Working to Verify CPE Compliance Certificates
March 22, 2024
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.
DOL Enacts New Independent Contractor Test
March 06, 2024
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.
CTCPA Staff and Members Quoted in 'Accounting merger activity heats up as aging partners eye retirement, firms look for growth' in Hartford Business Journal
February 05, 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.
NASBA and AICPA Approve Revisions to Continuing Professional Education Standards
January 10, 2024
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.
Are You Exempt from Reporting Under the Corporate Transparency Act?
January 09, 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?”
CPAs at a crossroads: Real approaches to artificial intelligence
January 08, 2024
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?
Do I really need a new engagement letter for that?
January 08, 2024
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?
MERGER: The new four-letter word. Risk Considerations of Firms "Combining”
January 08, 2024
Hear from the experts on risk management considerations relating to accounting firm mergers and acquisitions.
Risk Alert: Navigating Corporate Transparency Act/Beneficial Ownership Reporting
January 08, 2024
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.
Employees ‘unsure' of company ethics guidelines for AI
January 02, 2024
Emerging technologies continue to divide opinion, says a global report, with employees simultaneously seeing potential for social good and ethics missteps.