Latest news with #PICPA


Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
XcelLabs Launches To Transform Accounting
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The future of accounting will be built by AI-literate professionals who know how to think better, advise smarter and elevate their firms. That's the driving force behind XcelLabs, a new platform launched by Jody Padar, the Radical CPA, and Katie Tolin, a growth strategist, who are both known for reshaping accounting from their unique perspectives. The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) and CPA Crossings, LLC, are partnering with Padar and Tolin to power the launch as strategic partners and investors. 'To reinvent the profession, we must start by training the professional who can then transform their firms,' said Padar, an accounting influencer and author of three books that advocate for radicalizing practice management. 'By equipping people with data and insights that help them see things differently, they can provide better advice to their clients and firm.' XcelLabs is a training and technology platform that offers solutions to help accountants use AI to build fluency and strategic thinking. This is done through: - XcelLabs Academy – A series of online courses that will provide hands-on education on topics related to the basics of AI, being a better advisor, leadership and practice management. - Navi - Proprietary and patent-pending technology that uses AI to help accountants turn unstructured data from emails, phone calls and meetings into insights, while adjusting to the unique emotions and needs of each user. - Training and Consulting – Training teams at larger firms to think AI-first and use Navi, coupled with ongoing coaching to improve conversations and advice received, as well as advisory actions to be taken. These solutions, currently in beta testing, will help professionals become exceptional at what they do and be proud of how they do it. 'Accountants know they need to be more advisory, but not everyone can figure out how to do it. Couple that with the fact that AI will be doing a lot of the lower-level work accountants do today, and we need to create that next level advisor now,' said Tolin, an award-winning growth professional and a member of the Accounting Marketing Hall of Fame. 'By showing accountants how to unlock patterns in their actions and turn client conversations into emotionally intelligent advice, we can create the accounting professional of the future.' Unlike traditional tech or training platforms, XcelLabs blends high-impact strategy with tactical AI tools designed to upskill people, not just automate processes. By pushing boundaries, lifting up people and leveraging AI for every business challenge, firms will become AI-X (SM) firms – firms that use AI to drive excellence. 'AI is transforming how CPAs work,' said Jennifer Cryder, CPA, CEO of PICPA, 'and XcelLabs is focused on helping the profession evolve with it. At PICPA, we're proud to support a mission that aligns so closely with ours: empowering firms to use AI not just for efficiency, but to drive growth, value and long-term relevance.' At its core, XcelLabs is a human-centric company built to elevate accountants, ensuring that people remain at the heart of an AI-powered profession. Improve the professional. Transform the firm. Reinvent the profession. About XcelLabs XcelLabs is the training and technology platform leading the AI-X Movement. Co-founded by Jody Padar and Katie Tolin, the company is equipping accountants for the future. XcelLabs blends education, advisory tools and proprietary AI solutions to help individuals grow, firms evolve and the profession stay relevant. Learn more at


Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
PICPA Doha hosts seminar on latest developments in Qatar taxation
Darlene Regis The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha LLC (G) recently hosted a successful seminar on 'Recent Developments in Qatar Tax Topics' at the Holiday Inn Doha–Business Park. The event drew a diverse group of finance, accounting, and business professionals from various nationalities, keen to stay abreast of evolving tax regulations and international tax initiatives impacting Qatar. The seminar featured prominent experts from Ernst & Young Qatar. Vadim Solovev, Manager of International Tax and Transaction Services, and Grace Muraka, Senior Tax Manager, led comprehensive presentations covering key updates in tax administration, developments in the OECD's BEPS Pillar 2 framework, and recent changes to double tax treaties relevant to Qatar. Kevin McManus, Partner at EY International Tax and Transaction Services, also played a significant role in the session, providing valuable insights, enriching the discussions with his expertise. A dynamic question-and-answer session followed the presentations, with participants engaging the speakers on the practical implications of the new regulations, highlighting the high level of interest and concern among professionals navigating the evolving tax landscape. The seminar marked another milestone in PICPA Doha's ongoing mission to deliver timely and relevant professional development opportunities to its members and the broader business community. By addressing critical topics like taxation, the organization continues to empower and equip professionals with the insights needed for their growth and contribution to the business environment in Qatar.


Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
PICPA Doha's webinar highlights CPA's role in cybersecurity, ICFR
Darlene Regis A free online webinar on cybersecurity and Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) was hosted by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha LLC (G) on April 11, via Zoom. The event featured industry experts who shared valuable insights on how accounting professionals can effectively navigate and adapt to digital risks. Glenn William Alcala, CPA, CISA, advisory partner and chief information security officer at Reyes Tacandong & Co., discussed the vital role of CPAs in fostering cyber resilience. He underscored the importance of remaining vigilant against cyber threats and shared practical tips using the acronym CPA: C – Be Conscious of social engineering attacks, P – Leverage strong Passwords, and A – Adopt cyber awareness when browsing the web and using devices. Alcala emphasized that CPAs are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their access to sensitive and valuable financial information as part of their work. Christian Bravo, CPA, senior manager at EY London's Capital Markets Finance Optimisation, discussed strengthening Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) in the context of digital transformation. His presentation highlighted the need to modernize control frameworks and address the new risks posed by automation and emerging technologies. The session drew interest from accounting professionals eager to enhance their ability to safeguard themselves and their organizations against cybersecurity threats while refining internal processes in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. This initiative reflects PICPA Doha LLC (G)'s ongoing commitment to supporting finance professionals by providing relevant learning opportunities that address current challenges and elevate the standards of the accounting profession.


Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
PICPA Toastmasters Club boosts public speaking skills
Darlene Regis In pursuit of developing confident communicators and effective leaders, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Qatar Toastmasters Club is fast becoming a vital platform for Filipino professionals in Doha pursuing personal and professional growth. Chartered in 2023 under the PICPA Doha LLC (G), the club is affiliated with Toastmasters International, a global organisation committed to excellence in communication and leadership development. Club meetings offer a supportive environment where members practice public speaking, receive constructive feedback, and take on leadership roles. Through its regular meetings, the club champions Toastmasters' core values of Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence, while empowering individuals on their journey of personal and professional development. 'Joining Toastmasters helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and build my confidence at work,' shared one member during a recent session. The PICPA Qatar Toastmasters Club welcomes guests and aspiring members to attend its meetings and experience firsthand the benefits of the program. For inquiries, contact VP Membership Keziah Mei Sadiwa at +974 5074 1154, email
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tech and talent shortages reshape accounting hiring: PICPA
The conventional 'pyramid' model in accounting, which relies on large-scale entry-level recruitment, is becoming obsolete, according to a report by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). The model is being disrupted by technological advancements and a scarcity of talent in the profession. Titled '2025 Workforce Transformation and Talent Management Strategies,', the report aims to offer a practical roadmap for firms to address evolving challenges such as shifting business models and upskilling needs. It surveyed more than 200 accounting firm leaders across 31 states, revealing a significant disconnect with 75% of leaders believe they will need the same or more staff to meet future demand, yet 52% expect their firm to be at least 20% smaller in five years. According to the accounting body, the disconnect underscores the challenges firms face in aligning staffing expectations with available talent, both in terms of quantity and technical expertise. The traditional 'pyramid' model, 'no longer fits', the PICPA said. Its report focuses the "inverted Pentagon' model, which emphasises precision hiring at the entry level and focuses on upskilling, retaining, and advancing junior and middle-level staff through specialised roles. Despite this, 53% of firms have done 'very little' to address workforce transformation, and 71% have only a 'basic' training programme or none at all. Only 6% rate their advisory training programmes as highly effective. PICPA CEO Jennifer Cryder said: 'Change is never easy, but standing still is no longer an option. Our goal is to help firm leaders move with purpose and turn intention into action. This is a moment for transformational action. 'Our hope is to equip accounting firms with the right tools and resources so that they can adapt to the broader trends we are seeing, without losing that human-centric, trusted-adviser mindset, or the ability to deliver the high-value work for which CPAs are respected.' Barriers to change include insufficient staffing for transformation efforts (47%) and financial constraints for training and technology (43%). This lack of investment contrasts with the growing demand for critical skills development, especially among junior staff. Firm leaders identify financial data analytics and visualisation (53%) and proficiency with technology tools such as robotic process automation, AI, and cloud-based platforms (50%) as critical skills for entry-level staff. Entry-level staff face high workloads (47%) and limited internal training (34%) as barriers to progression. The report also details practical steps for future success, summarised in the '6 Ps' of transformation: precision hiring, proactive retention, practical technology implementation, pricing expertise, practice area expansion or focus, and people acceleration. "Tech and talent shortages reshape accounting hiring: PICPA " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.