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New Jersey residents are feeling the burn at the meter as energy prices continue to outpace national averages. But while the numbers on your bill are clear, the reasons behind the surge are anything but simple. Janice Fuller, partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group, pulls back the curtain on the complex web of factors driving our utility rates and discusses what the future holds for New Jersey’s energy market.   Topics discussed: Factors that impact energy pricesThe impact of artificial intelligence on energy usageExplanation of PJMComparison with surrounding statesImpact of former Governor Murphy’s energy policiesMeasures that lawmakers can take  Resources: The Reality of the Renewable Energy Provisions of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan

This episode reviews recently published guidance from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) that helps companies manage risks related to generative artificial intelligence (AI).   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: COSO Releases Practical Roadmap for Managing Generative AI Risks and ControlsAccounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

Is New Jersey’s newest budget proposal truly fiscally responsible? Jeff Kaszerman welcomes Dale Florio (Princeton Public Affairs Group) and Chris Emigholz (NJBIA) to break down Governor Mikie Sherrill’s FY2027 spending plan. From corporate tax deduction changes and fees to record school aid and property tax relief, we explore what this budget means for New Jersey’s business climate and whether NJCPA members believe it’s a step in the right direction.   Topics discussed: Budget highlightsOverall impressions of the budgetFiscal responsibilityImpact of federal funding changesProperty taxesProposed changes to two business tax deductionsProposed Medicaid fee for employersPolitical landscapeClosing thoughts about the proposed budget  Resources: New Jersey budgetNew Jersey Homeowner’s Guide to Property TaxesRebates, Reform and Reality: The State of New Jersey’s Property Taxes

The episode covers the last of the Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued at the end of 2025. ASU 2025-12 – Codification Changes includes changes related to terminology, EPS accounting, credit losses and receivables, not-for-profit guidance and more.   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: Accounting Standards Update 2025-12 – Codification ChangesAccounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

New Jersey is famous for many things, but its nation-leading property tax rates usually top the list of resident grievances. In this episode, we sit down with Marc Pfeiffer, senior policy fellow at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, to demystify the complex machinery behind property taxes. Marc breaks down the fundamental mechanics of why the rates are so high, how property taxes are calculated and where the money goes — ultimately addressing the age-old question: Are we actually getting what we pay for?   Topics discussed: How New Jersey property taxes are determined and distributedWhy New Jersey leads the nation in tax rates compared to neighborsIs the higher cost justified by the services being provided?Why it has proven so politically difficult to reduce property taxes in New JerseyChanges to property tax relief programs proposed in Governor Sherrill’s budgetRealistic reforms that could actually move the needleWhy taxpayers receive relief payments instead of lower bills  Resources: New Jersey Homeowner’s Guide to Property TaxesNew Jersey property tax relief programsNew Jersey budget

This episode examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming audit work by CPAs.   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: Article: How AI is transforming the audit – and what it means for CPAsAccounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

The U.S. economy continues to send mixed signals. Inflation has cooled but hasn’t disappeared. Consumers are sour on the economy, but they continue to spend. And the impact of tariffs is still up in the air. Curtis Dubay, chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unpacks where the economy stands and what CPAs and their clients should be watching in the months ahead.   Topics discussed: Impact of recent Supreme Court decision on tariffsConsumers are still spending, but which consumers?Are consumer debt levels up?Impact of low birthrates and declining immigrationHow important are quarter-to-quarter economic growth rates?The economic indicators that Curtis will be tracking the rest of the year  Resources: Content and events about the economyU.S. Chamber of Commerce

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has finalized standards for accounting for government grants received by business entities. Get the details.   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: ASU 2025-10: Government Grants (Topic 832)Accounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

Governor Mikie Sherrill has taken office alongside a Democratic supermajority, yet New Jersey business leaders are more optimistic than they’ve been in eight years. Is this a true policy pivot or just a honeymoon phase? Micah Rasmussen of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics joins us to discuss what the first half of 2026 holds for the state’s economy and business community.   Topics discussed: Why the business community is optimisticGov. Sherrill’s upcoming budget proposalOther short-term issues of interest to the business communityLooking ahead  Resources: Register for IssueWatch Live: New Jersey Budget Analysis on March 24 or March 30New Jersey Budget updatesRebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics

FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that makes improvements to hedge accounting. Get an overview of the changes.   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: FASB ASU 2025-09: Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Hedge Accounting ImprovementsAccounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

New Jersey has officially introduced a new pathway to licensure, and we’re breaking it all down. This is a significant shift for the profession, focusing on flexibility and accessibility without compromising the prestige of the license. June Toth, CPA, and NJCPA’s Aris Nunez discuss the new pathway and what it means for students, educators and employers. Whether you’re a firm partner looking to bolster your pipeline or a student mapping out your future, this episode is essential listening.   Topics discussed: Overview of the new pathwayWhat we’re hearing from students, professionals and educatorsInterstate practice (mobility) concernsWhat employers need to knowApplying for licensure under the new pathwayStatus of pathway legislation in surrounding states  Resources: New Jersey State Board of AccountancyCPAmobility.orgDetails about the two pathways to licensureFAQs about becoming a CPA in New JerseyWebinars/Q&A sessions about the new pathway:Additional Pathway to Licensure Update: Navigating Firm and Individual Compliance in New Jersey – March 4, 12-1 p.m.CPA Licensure: Additional Pathway Update for Educators – March 10, 12-1 p.m.CPA License Basics and Additional Pathway Update for Students and CPA Candidates – March 12, 12-1 p.m.

This episode examines a recent FASB Accounting Standards Update that focuses on accounting for seasoned loans.   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: ASU 2025-08: Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) Purchased LoansAccounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

James Cox, the AICPA’s vice president of state advocacy, joins us to discuss four important issues: the movement to provide additional pathways to CPA licensure, sales tax on professional services, deregulation of state boards of accountancy, and the impact of AI and other fintech issues on CPAs and the business community.   Topics discussed (all timestamps will need to be adjusted after the edits are made): Additional pathways to CPA licensureSales tax on professional servicesDeregulation of the professionImpact of AI and other fintech issues  Resources: CPAmobility.orgLegislative Action CenterNJ-CPA-PAC

Get an overview of the recent guidance and clarifications issued by the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee.   *** This episode qualifies for nano CPE credit. Find out more at https://njcpa.org/nano. ***   Resources: PEEC Publishes Final Clarifications in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct for Engagements Subject to SSAEsPEEC releases clarifying guidance on independence in SSAE engagementsAccounting and auditing articles and eventsJoin the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group

Over the past six months, participants of the Emerging Leaders Book Club met to explore three powerful titles: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel and The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. Three of the NJCPA members who led the book discussions — Matt Mojica, Brandon Ventura and Lexi Wilson — share why these books were chosen as well as the insights and “aha” moments that inspired them.   Topics discussed: Why these three books were chosenCommon themes across the booksInsights that stood outBig-picture messagesHow insights from the books can be applied in your careerFuture of the book club  Resources: Emerging Leaders meetings and eventsCareer Development Knowledge Hub