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Accounting looks to recruit neurodiverse talent

June 15, 2023

Accounting and finance departments are hoping to diversify their workforce, especially with the ongoing shortages of young accountants joining the profession, but one segment of the population that's often left out of the discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion is "neurodiverse" or "neurodivergent" people.

  • general
  • mental health
  • pipeline
  • student

There's more to accounting than meets the eye

June 15, 2023

Perhaps it would be helpful for students, families and businesspeople to refresh their understanding of the many unique benefits of accounting education, as well as related professional experience. A career in accounting is not for everybody; however, one should make an informed choice among careers, especially at the key early stage of one's growth after college.

  • student

7 Major Retirement Risks to Avoid

June 13, 2023

The way people plan for retirement has changed dramatically over the last several decades. Those nearing retirement should avoid underestimating their longevity as well as stock market volatility. Here are the seven biggest risks retirees should avoid at all costs, along with tips to address them.

  • retirement

How accountants can make a smooth career transition

June 12, 2023

Very often life transitions trigger in people a desire to seek more fulfillment in their lives. Such transitions can be the beginning of a new year or entering the second half of life. Starting a new career can represent an overwhelming task, one that is filled with uncertainty and requires a lot of time and effort. A constructive way to embrace that uncertainty is by planning ahead. By doing so, it puts you in the driver's seat, enabling you to make the right decisions. This article provides a framework that will enable you to increase your chances of success when switching careers.

  • the climb

The Sustainability & ESG Imperative for the Accounting and Finance Profession

May 30, 2023

The significant shift from shareholder returns to stakeholder capitalism has brought sustainability and ESG management into every public or large private company boardroom. The strong linkages between an entity's sustainability management and financial performance elevate sustainability and ESG as core practice areas for accountants.

  • esg

Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Job-Related Stress

May 26, 2023

Although stress in public accounting is unavoidable, especially during the busy season, excessive amounts can be dysfunctional for both individual CPAs and their firms. Prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can lead to psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stress-related illnesses can decrease performance, generate health problems for individuals, increase group health premiums for organizations, increase absenteeism, and increase turnover. CPA firms can proactively address these stress-related costs by recognizing the drivers of the stress and tailoring responses accordingly.

  • econnect
  • mental health

Accountants Shy Away From Talking to Their Bosses About Mental Health

May 24, 2023

Accounting ranked eighth out of nine industries with 23% of employees willing to discuss their mental health, a survey revealed.

  • mental health

UM Accounting Professor Earns Outstanding Educator Award

May 18, 2023

Terri Herron, an accounting professor at the University of Montana College of Business, has been awarded the Jack Kempner Outstanding Educator Award by the Montana Society for CPAs (MTCPA).

  • press

What can you do with a master’s degree in accounting?

April 28, 2023

Accountants speak the language of numbers, they’re especially skilled in evaluating financial statements, and experts in determining how to drive profits for a company. Aside from becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), people who hold a master’s degree in accounting can enter other unique roles, or increase their earnings by going into leadership positions—which can lead to the C-suite roles of chief financial officer (CFO) or even chief executive officer (CEO).

  • student

Smashing The Glass Ceiling: 7 Strategies For Women In Accounting

April 27, 2023

While women have been making strides in accounting, they still tend to be underrepresented in top leadership roles and face issues related to pay equity and work-life balance. Women leaders have been negatively impacted by a recent decline in public trust, too.

  • general

10 Career Paths To Consider

April 25, 2023

If you’re wondering what you can do with an accounting degree, rest assured it’s a valuable asset. In fact, renowned billionaire investor Warren Buffet once called accounting the language of business. An accounting degree prepares you to speak and understand that language, whether you pursue accountancy, auditing, sales management, advising or one of the many other accounting career paths. In this article, we overview what an accounting degree is, various accounting concentration areas available and ten jobs you can get with an accounting degree.

  • student

How To Become An Auditor: Everything You Need To Know

April 25, 2023

If you’re a detail-oriented person with a knack for numbers and a strong sense of ethics, you may enjoy a career in auditing. Auditors examine companies’ records, processes and systems to ensure accuracy and compliance, as well as to identify and manage risk. The auditor career path is straightforward, beginning with a bachelor’s degree and progressing through on-the-job training, further education and optional certifications. We’ll explore how to become an auditor in detail below, along with information about this diverse profession and its job outlook.

  • the climb
  • student

Why is MTCPA opposing the tax credit?

March 20, 2023

You may have seen a news story about one of the many tax credits that have been proposed during session this year. Maybe it was related to a topic you support and as you read you were surprised to see that the Montana Society of CPAs was the lone opponent to the bill. So why is the Society opposed to tax credit?

  • advocacy
  • econnect
  • blog
  • legislature
  • press

Most accounting professionals want more mental health help: study

February 08, 2023

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of accounting professionals globally want more from their employers when it comes to addressing their mental health needs as burnout remains a top concern, according to a report released Wednesday by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

  • mental health

Enhancing Employee Resilience: How to Bounce Back from Job Stress and Burnout

February 01, 2023

It is widely understood that job stress can lower job satisfaction and performance while increasing feelings of stress and burnout. This is especially true in public accounting—a profession notorious for its high levels of job stress. For decades, employers have considered stress management an individual responsibility that employees should handle on personal time. Recent research suggests that there may be a more effective strategy. Active workplace interventions that help employees build resilience may help firms to effectively lower employees’ susceptibility to job stressors, retain valuable staff, and improve productivity. In fact, enhancing employee resilience levels can have a powerful protective effect against three common causes of job stress: role overload, role conflict, and role ambiguity.

  • mental health

Managers Have Major Impact On Mental Health: How To Lead For Wellbeing

January 29, 2023

New data suggests that for almost 70% of people, their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or their doctor—and it’s equal to the impact of their partner.

  • mental health

3 tips to manage tax season

January 25, 2023

CPA firms are extremely busy during tax season, as you know, and many tax accountants become swamped during this stressful time of year. You want to give the best service possible for each person, and it’s important to be open and honest with your clients throughout tax season.

How to Affordably Support Employee Mental Health

January 25, 2023

Improve the health of your employees and your business with these methods.

  • mental health

A Storm is Brewing: The Accountant Shortage Is Already Affecting Nonprofits

January 18, 2023

It is no secret that nonprofit organizations have historically struggled to recruit and retain quality accountants, controllers, and CFOs. That struggle is about to get worse.

  • econnect
  • pipeline

An Update on the Future of Accounting Education

January 04, 2023

The future of accounting education has been a topic of concern for the profession’s leaders for years in the light of demographic shifts, competition for talent, and declining enrollments. The authors, following up a previous article on the subject, take another look at trends in enrollment, hiring, and sitting for the CPA exam. The authors fear that without major changes—more flexibility in education and licensing, higher salaries, and greater work/life balance—these trends will continue in a negative direction and imperil the future of the profession.

  • general
  • pipeline
  • student