Insight Magazine

 

 

 

Summer 2026
More Than Accounting: What It Takes to Launch a CPA Firm

About Insight

Special Features

Browse Back Issues

Advertise

Media Kit

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVES

Search the Magazine

Features

More Than Accounting: What It Takes to Launch a CPA Firm
Starting your own firm isn’t just about being a strong accountant. To make it in today’s changing landscape, four CPA firm owners say it requires patience, community, boundaries, and hustle.
Read more
Think Big, Start Small: Practical AI Wins That Move Finance Teams Forward
Successful AI integration comes from small, targeted moves—not the hype of sweeping transformations.
Read more

Trends

Adjunct Teaching: A Meaningful Career Path for CPAs
More CPAs are finding purpose through adjunct teaching opportunities. Here’s what to know before stepping into the classroom.
Read more
Can a Google Search Help Auditors Detect Corruption?
New research introduces a simple but powerful tool for assessing client corruption risk—and raises questions about whether auditors are responding to it effectively.
Read more
From the Page to Real Life: Putting Quality Management Into Practice
After a year of developing quality management standards, firms are now challenged with putting their new policies into real-life practice. Here are some strategies for making them work.
Read more
How a CPA Firm’s Position Shapes CAS Outcomes
A firm’s place within the client’s operations sets the structural boundaries of a CAS engagement, dictating what a CAS engagement can produce.
Read more
More Students, Fewer Internships: What’s Next for the CPA Talent Pipeline?
Student interest in accounting is rising, but early‑career opportunities are shrinking. Is the profession creating an experience gap it won’t be able to fill?
Read more
Why AI Governance Must Be a Top Priority for Accounting Firms
As AI use accelerates across the profession, a strong governance framework is essential to preserving accounting’s most valuable asset—trust.
Read more

Insights

Andrea Wright
Evolving Accountant
Andrea Wright, CPA Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
Yes, the Accounting and Finance Profession Still Needs Interns
Replacing internship programs with AI isn’t the future—but intentionally redesigning them is.
Read more
Keith Staats
Tax Decoded
Keith Staats, JD President, Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
3 New Taxes for the Digital Age
Illinois’ tax omnibus bill reaches into the digital economy in three new ways—but will it hold?
Read more
Brian Kearns
Appreciating Capital
Brian Kearns, CPA, CFP, RIA Founder, Haddam Road Advisors
Dementia Through a Personal Lens: What CPAs Need to Know
Here’s how CPAs can help families prepare for the financial, legal, and emotional challenges of dementia.
Read more
Art Kuesel
Practice Perspectives
Art Kuesel President, Kuesel Consulting
How to Build a CPA Firm That Puts Yours Out of Business
Your biggest competitor may not be another firm, but a new business model built to replace your existing one.
Read more
Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner
Ethics Engaged
Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner, CPA Chief Financial Officer, Carriage Advisors
Why Debriefs Matter in Accounting and Finance
Before moving on to the next deadline or filing season, accounting and finance teams have a valuable opportunity to debrief and make improvements for the future.
Read more
Brian Blaha
Growth Perspectives
Brian Blaha, CPA Managing Director, Winding River Consulting
A Strategic Path to Unlocking AI’s Promise in Accounting
The opportunity around AI is real, but so is the need for a clear, thoughtful strategy behind it.
Read more
Debits & Developments
Deanna M. Kanosky, CPA Vice President, Corporate Controller, The Planet Group
Driving Audit Efficiency Through Early Planning
By planning proactively during the summer months, corporate finance teams can improve audit alignment and reduce year-end disruption.
Read more
John Lokhorst
Leadership Matters
Jon Lokhorst, CPA, CSP, PCC Leadership Coach, Your Best Leadership LLC
Building an Ethical Culture That Endures in the Age of AI
As the AI era takes shape, leaders can’t afford to let their ethical culture evolve by default—it has to be built by design.
Read more
Marty Green
Capitol Report
Marty Green, Esq. Senior VP and Legislative Counsel, Illinois CPA Society
A New Era of CPA License Renewal Awaits
With new requirements and a new online portal, now’s the time for CPA licensees to prepare.
Read more
Geoffrey Brown
CEO Outlook
Geoffrey Brown, CAE President and CEO, Illinois CPA Society
Minding CPA Mobility
As new laws impacting CPA licensure and practice privileges come into effect, ensuring compliance across state lines becomes critical.
Read more

Spotlights

GEN NEXT: Danielle Roberts, CPA
Through her high school outreach efforts, this young professional shows the next generation what’s possible with an accounting career.
Read more
IN PLAY: Scott D. Steffens, CPA
After 34 years in public accounting and serving nonprofits, this Lifetime Achievement Award recipient remains committed to giving back and strengthening the future of the profession.
Read more