The cooler weather is slowly creeping in, and it will be sweater and jeans weather before you know it. Our news roundup this week includes updates across technology, firm M&A, talent, security, a freshly recorded Woodard Report podcast episode, and the opportunity for free CPE during our latest webinar with Deb Defer. Dive in for product launches (and betas), notable combinations, a widening skills gap to watch, and a zero-click iPhone threat you’ll want on your radar.
Year-end isn’t just about the financials. Join Deborah Defer for this free webinar (Sept. 9, 1–2pm ET) that will walk you through legal/admin tasks to keep client entities compliant across jurisdictions, with practical workflows and CorpNet tools to streamline renewals, ownership updates, and status tracking. Register now
On episode 137 of the Woodard Report Podcast, Heather Satterley talks with New Yorker cartoonist and author Lisa Rothstein about using simple visuals to clarify complex topics and make clients feel heard—plus the “Three C’s” framework (Character, Concepts, Context) you can put to work in advisory conversations. Listen here...
A fresh perspective on moving beyond hourly/flat fees toward value-based pricing—aligning fees with outcomes, protecting your model with change orders and annual repricing, and curating a value-sensitive client portfolio. Read more...
On September 2, 2025, a federal court ruled that Google violated antitrust laws through monopolistic search practices. Judge Amit P. Mehta declined to break up Alphabet, allowing Google to retain key products like Chrome and Android. Instead, the court imposed behavioral remedies—ending certain exclusive search deals and requiring limited data sharing with competitors. The ruling sparked a rally in Alphabet’s stock, which jumped nearly 7% as investors reacted to the relatively moderate outcome. Read more...
Intuit is recruiting beta users for the next iteration of QuickBooks Online Accountant, branded Intuit Accountant Suite. The teaser suggests a broader, suite-style approach aligned with Intuit Enterprise Suite rather than legacy QBOA. Read more...
At Innovation Day 2025, ADP previewed generative-AI capabilities across Workforce Now, Global Payroll and Lyric HCM—aimed at reducing payroll errors, accelerating analytics, and cutting HR admin. Read more...
Xero spotlighted JAX (Just Ask Xero)—an AI “business companion” now in beta that can draft invoices, summarize receivables, and work via WhatsApp/email—plus new payment options (Stripe bank payments via PayTo, BNPL via Zip, Tap to Pay), SMS invoicing, and simplified AP bill payments (beta). Read more...
Top-20 firm Citrin Cooperman is adding Chicago-based ORBA (15 partners, 150+ professionals), expanding its Midwest presence. Financial terms undisclosed; closing is expected in October. Read more...
Atlanta’s Smith + Howard acquires Birmingham-based Horton, Lee & Burnett, extending its regional footprint; the firm will transition to the Smith + Howard brand post-close. Read more...
A new report flags widening mismatches between the skills firms need and what candidates bring—particularly around analytics, advisory, and tech enablement—underscoring the need for reskilling and clearer career pathways. Read more...
A targeted campaign chained a WhatsApp vulnerability (CVE-2025-55177) with a patched Apple iOS flaw (CVE-2025-43300). Meta notified <200 impacted users; CISA urges immediate app/OS updates. If you advise high-risk clients (journalists, activists, public figures), consider additional hardening steps. Read more...
From tech launches to firm expansions and security alerts, the landscape keeps shifting. See you again next Monday for the latest industry updates.
This article was generated by AI and reviewed and edited by a human.