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Genuine Learning Blog

The Genuine Learning Blog is a video series designed to keep you abreast of the latest developments in the CPA profession. The blog is designed to keep CPAs informed and is packed with essential updates as well as insightful industry analyses. Our exclusive videos are a go-to resource for staying ahead in the ever-evolving accounting profession. You can also subscribe to the Genuine Learning Newsletter to never miss an important blog or update.

Brainstorming at the GLS Retreat in New Orleans 2024
CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway & UAA Exposure Draft

CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway & UAA Exposure Draft

On September 12, the AICPA & NASBA issued an exposure draft on the CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway, offering an additional pathway for CPA candidates to meet initial licensure requirements in response to pipeline issues instead of earning a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and up to 30 additional credit hours at an institute of higher learning. Under this alternative pathway, CPA candidates would need a bachelor’s degree, complete one year of professional general experience, pass the CPA Exam, and exhibit competency in specific professional & technical areas. In addition, on September 30, the AICPA & NASBA issued an exposure draft on proposed Uniform Accountancy Act changes. The proposed changes to the UAA would facilitate the adoption of the Competency-Based Experienced Pathway. Comments are due on the CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway by December 6, and comments on the UAA are due by December 30.

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FASB Proposal for Hedging Accounting Improvements

FASB Proposal for Hedging Accounting Improvements

The AICPA has proposed changes to the independence guidance for 529 plans. The original interpretations has deemed 529 plans to be direct financial interests. Due to changes in how plans are run and the types of plans, PEEC has reconsidered this position and is now proposing treating 529 savings plans as indirect financial interests. Comments are due October 30th.

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Proposed Ethics Interpretation: 529 Plans

Proposed Ethics Interpretation: 529 Plans

The AICPA has proposed changes to the independence guidance for 529 plans. The original interpretations has deemed 529 plans to be direct financial interests. Due to changes in how plans are run and the types of plans, PEEC has reconsidered this position and is now proposing treating 529 savings plans as indirect financial interests. Comments are due October 30th.

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Financial Data Transparency Act: Joint Data Standards

Financial Data Transparency Act: Joint Data Standards

The proposed joint data standards for the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) were issued in August 2024. The public is invited to make comments on the proposed rule by October 21, 2024. In this blog, we will walk through the different data standards that were proposed jointly by the 9 agencies. This is a must watch as you don’t want to miss your opportunity to review the rule before enactment, and provide your feedback.

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The Risk of Access Agreements to EBP Audits

The Risk of Access Agreements to EBP Audits

In July 2024, the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) Executive Committee issued an important letter warning auditors conducting ERISA employee benefit plan audits about the potential risks of signing nondisclosure agreements or similar contracts with recordkeepers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and other service providers.

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AICPA’s NPAG Releases Data-Driven Strategies

AICPA’s NPAG Releases Data-Driven Strategies

This past July, the AICPA’s National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG) related its Accounting Talent Strategy Report to address the accounting talent shortage. This report was based off of data collected from a national pipeline survey, focus groups with state societies and firms, and discussions with professional and regulatory bodies. More than 7,950 students and accounting professionals took the national survey, and more than 1,600 people participated in the focus group. The report analyzes the root causes of the accounting talent shortage, potential solutions, and next steps forward.

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Derivative Scope Exceptions

Derivative Scope Exceptions

The FASB has issued a proposed ASU, DERIVATIVES SCOPE REFINEMENTS AND SCOPE CLARIFICATION FOR A SHARE-BASED PAYMENT FROM A CUSTOMER IN A REVENUE CONTRACT, which will provide additional scope exceptions to derivative accounting and address diversity in practice with respect to revenue recognition. Comments are due October 21st.

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Detecting Government Fraud – AICPA 2024 Report

Detecting Government Fraud – AICPA 2024 Report

The AICPA’s Government Performance and Accountability Committee issued the Detecting Government Fraud report in June 2024. The report highlights 4 cases of government fraud with what controls could have detected or prevented the fraud. The report also explores who is responsible for finding fraud, plus strategies to help you mitigate and address fraud in the public sector.

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Disclaimer: The information contained within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. Viewing this material does not qualify for CPE credit. Additionally, this general knowledge is not intended to substitute for obtaining accounting, legal, or financial advice from a professional accountant with specific knowledge of your organization. Finally, watching this blog and/or subscribing to the newsletter do not create an accountant-client relationship.

MONEY MATTERS

FOR NONPROFITS

Money Matters for Nonprofits demystifies financial statements and basic accounting, empowering nonprofit board members to better advise their organizations and make an even greater difference in the world.

Jaclyn Veno CPA | Auditing Level Training | CPE

Melisa Galasso, CPA, CSP, CPTD

Melisa F. Galasso is the founder and CEO of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC. A CPA with nearly 20 years of experience in the accounting profession, Melisa designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, including not-for-profit and governmental accounting.

Her passion is providing high-quality CPE that is meaningful, creates efficiencies and improves quality, and positively impacts ROI. She also supports essential professional development, audit level training, and train the trainer efforts.

Melisa is a Certified Speaking Professional, a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), and has earned the Association for Talent Development Master Trainer™ designation. Her passion for instructional design and adult learning techniques is one of the differentiators that set her apart from other CPE providers.

She also serves on the FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC), AICPA Council, and the AICPA’s Women’s Initiative Executive Committee (WIEC). She also serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Center for Plain English Accounting. She previously served on the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee (TIC), the VSCPA’s Board of Directors, and is a past Chair of the NCACPA’s A&A committee. In addition, Melisa is the author of Money Matters for Nonprofits: How Board Members Can Harness the Power of Financial Statements by Understanding Basic Accounting which is available on Amazon or anywhere you purchase books online.

Melisa received a Top 50 Women in Accounting Award in 2021 by Ignition, is a 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Award recipient, and was honored as a “40 under 40” by CPA Practice Advisor in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She was also named the 2019 Rising Star by her regional NAWBO chapter, received the Don Farmer award for achievement in technical content instruction, and earned several other awards for public speaking and technical training.