In the News - September 22, 2025

Happy first day of fall 🍂! As the autumn season kicks off, the accounting profession is facing big shifts—from firm M&A and regulatory sunsets to AI advancements and economic uncertainty. Here’s what you need to know this week.

What’s Happening at Woodard

AI, Accountants & Innovation: Byron Patrick on the Future of Learning (Woodard Report Podcast)

Heather Satterley sits down with technologist Byron Patrick (co-founder, TB Academy) to unpack how AI is reshaping learning for accountants—from hands-on training programs and practical tool stacks to staying authentic while leveraging AI outputs. The discussion highlights why intentional AI education is quickly becoming a firm differentiator. Read more… Woodard Report

Firm News & Mergers

Aprio Acquires Mize CPAs and Prism Financial Group (CPA Practice Advisor)

Top 25 firm Aprio will acquire Mize CPAs—well known among McDonald’s owner/operators—and affiliate Prism Financial Group (≈$1.8B AUM), adding Topeka and Overland Park locations, 20 partners, and 300+ professionals. Closing is expected Nov. 1, 2025 as Aprio accelerates its Midwest build-out. Read more… CPA Practice Advisor

Regulatory & Professional Updates

AICPA & NASBA to Sunset “Experience, Learn, and Earn” Program (Accounting Today)

The ELE program—designed to help students gain experience while progressing toward the 150-hour requirement—will be sunset. The decision comes amid continuing efforts by the profession to rethink talent pipeline strategies. Read more… Accounting Today

IRS/Treasury Finalize Rules for Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions (Forbes)

Final regulations under SECURE 2.0 confirm that, beginning with plan years starting Jan. 1, 2026, age-50 catch-ups for employees with prior-year FICA wages above the indexed threshold (currently $145,000) must be Roth. Transition timing and clarifications for plan sponsors are outlined. Read more… Forbes+1

Technology & Innovation

EY’s Neurosymbolic AI Platform Claims “No Hallucination Risk” (Accounting Today)

EY spotlighted a neurosymbolic AI approach that blends machine learning with logic-based reasoning to boost explainability and reduce hallucinations—an appealing promise for audit, tax, and compliance workflows where accuracy is paramount. Read more… Accounting Today

Legal & Policy

Supreme Court Issues Major Announcement Concerning Tariffs (Global Small Business Blog)

A new Supreme Court announcement on tariffs could materially affect import/export strategies for small businesses. Advisors should monitor client exposure to shifting tariff treatments and contract pricing clauses. Read more… globalsmallbusinessblog.com

Industry Outlook

Survey: 6 in 10 Companies Plan Layoffs in 2026 (CPA Practice Advisor)

A Resume.org survey finds 58% of companies expect layoffs in 2026, with many already cutting staff in 2025 amid economic uncertainty. Firms should lean in on scenario planning, cash flow forecasting, and workforce strategy with clients. Read more… CPA Practice Advisor

This article was generated by AI and reviewed and edited by a human.