Accounting ARC: A Year in Reflection

Hosts discuss 2024 accounting topics and look ahead to the new year.

As 2024 comes to a close, the hosts of the Accounting ARC podcast—Liz Mason, CPA; Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, —reflect on a pivotal year of thought-provoking discussions, innovation, and insights. Although the podcast only launched in May, it has quickly become one of the top trending podcasts in the CPA community.

Looking Back: Highlights of 2024
For Mason, CEO and founder of High Rock Accounting, the most impactful episode focused on ethics and ethical theories in accounting. “I enjoyed exploring the implications of different ethical frameworks on our profession,” Mason shares, underscoring the importance of these discussions in a rapidly evolving industry.

Patrick, CEO of VERIFYiQ and vice president of client success at The B3 Method Institute®, highlights the in-person episode recorded in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions in hybrid work environments. “There’s so much to be gained from in-person collaboration, which often gets lost in virtual settings,” he reflects.

Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC and founder and inspiration architect for the Center for Accounting Transformation, points to episodes addressing current events, such as the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, where the trio explored the role of accountants in navigating economic turmoil.

Emerging Trends: AI and Culture
Generative AI was another hot topic this year, with Patrick predicting explosive innovation in 2025. “We’re seeing AI adoption evolve from skepticism to excitement, opening doors for better insights and decision-making,” Mason notes.

Shimamoto also emphasizes the growing importance of workplace culture in driving firm success. “Technology and culture are intertwined. Next year, we’ll focus on defining culture and metrics that foster healthier, more inclusive work environments,” he shares.

Looking Ahead to 2025
The hosts are excited about future discussions, including annual predictions, new voices in the profession, and deep dives into evolving licensing and apprenticeship programs. With the profession at a crossroads, 2025 promises to be a year of transformation. Stay tuned for fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and engaging debates as Accounting ARC continues to challenge and inspire.

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