News

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.

With no grand announcement, Connecticut quietly expanded employee’s paid sick time benefits. The bill greatly expands the law’s reach.

“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.

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.

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.

See how both the Big 4 and smaller firms are utilizing AI in their workflows.

Several CTCPA members and Executive Director and CEO Bonnie Stewart were featured in this article on the change in demographics at Connecticut accounting firms.

A new quiet term, reverse mentoring, and shadow policies add to the list.

Could the new wave of artificial intelligence remove layers of associates and juniors as firms automate more ‘menial’ tasks in search of efficiencies? And what effect could this have on the accounting landscape as we know it today?

A new national survey reveals “time” is why more accounting majors and young professionals are skipping over becoming certified public accountants.

CFOs and finance leaders share their takes on whether CPA requirement changes are necessary to address talent issues within corporate finance.

While many accountants are determined to stay as far away from artificial intelligence as possible, others have found ways to use the technology to yield tangible benefits for their firms (see "Accounting's reluctant AI revolution").

What it takes is more nuanced than simply offering more money or fewer hours.

Is the typical office day still alive and kicking? Or is the working world leaving it behind? Jon Dudgeon of Blu Sky explains why the 9 to 5 just isn’t for him.

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.

Congratulations! You’ve decided it’s time to retire. While you may be ready to walk out the door and hang up that 10-key for good, your professional liability risk will not be able to retire when you do. Due to the nature of services provided by CPA firms, claims often arise several years after the service was delivered.

As of July 1, 2024, an estimated one million employees who are currently salaried, exempt employees in the United States could be impacted by the salary threshold change. These employees, unless there is intervention by their employer, might become eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) after working 40 hours in a workweek. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), another estimated three million could be impacted on Jan. 1, 2025.

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.

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.

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.