News & Updates

Who should own CPA firms—CPAs themselves or outside investors? In this thought-provoking episode of Accounting ARC, hosts Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto dig into the history of CPA licensure, explore how private equity is reshaping firm structures, and debate what’s at stake for ethics, education, and public trust.

For most CPAs, those three letters after our name are more than a credential—they’re a symbol of ethics, achievement, and trust. But in some firms and states, CPAs are being asked—or even required—not to use the designation in business communications. Why?

Should CPAs be allowed to show their credential everywhere—business cards, LinkedIn, email signatures—or should regulations limit its use? In this episode of Accounting ARC, hosts Liz Mason, CPA; Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, dive into the heated debate over CPA visibility.

What does freedom really mean—and how does it change as life unfolds? In this inspiring conversation, Calvin Harris, CEO of NYSSCPA, and Tina Caratan, veteran CPA and nonprofit consultant, share raw stories about breaking barriers, building independence, and finding joy in work. From cultural challenges to career-defining risks, they reveal how passion, talent, and purpose can transform your path—and even your definition of success.

AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. In this episode of Innovation Insights, Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA is joined by Jason Pikoos and David Wood to unpack the new Generative AI Governance Framework—what it is, why every organization (big or small) needs it, and how to make it work in the real world.

Today’s accounting leaders are turning travel and talk into transformative impact. In a recent episode of the Accounting ARC podcast, Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, and Liz Mason, CPA, unpack the evolving role of speaking engagements and travel in the accounting profession. Their stories highlight how accountants are stepping beyond spreadsheets to build influence, spark innovation, and create community across cities—and

Three unique voices from different stages of life—a high school student, a soon-to-be college graduate, and a first-generation professional—come together to talk about purpose, confidence, and finding your own path in the accounting profession and beyond.

Ever felt like quitting? You’re not alone. Donny Shimamoto, Liz Mason, and Byron Patrick get real about the hardest chapters of their careers—from CPA exam failures to quarter-life crises to tech meltdowns. Tune in for real talk, raw lessons, and the power of pushing through.

Accounting is no longer just about numbers. It’s about navigating possibilities—and career paths should reflect that.

What happens when no one at the table understands the difference between a grant and a sustainable revenue stream? That’s the question Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, and Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA, wrestle with in a special reaction episode of the Accounting ARC podcast. Sparked by a CNBC video titled Why Public Schools Are Going Broke in the U.S., the episode offers an accountant’s perspective on one of America’s most emotionally charged—and financially mismanaged—public policy issues: education funding.