In this special year-end episode of the AJAG PD Pod, hosts Ivan and Jonathan are joined by AJAG’s COO, Alison Winton, to reflect on a year defined by constant change for CPAs. From CRA updates and legislative curveballs to shifting professional development needs, the conversation explores how 2025 reshaped the day-to-day reality of accounting professionals.

They also reflect on how AJAG has evolved over the years - and the human-first approach that will always remain a constant. Along the way, they share a few favourite moments and look ahead to what CPAs can expect in 2026 as AJAG continues to support the profession through whatever comes next.

Don’t miss this thoughtful, candid conversation to close out the year!

Intergenerational business transfers have always been a challenge, but the 2024 legislative updates have added an entirely new layer of complexity for CPAs and their clients. In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Jonathan sits down with Nathan Choran, who leads the Canadian Tax Group at Zeifmans, to break down what’s changed and why it matters.

From estate freezes and surplus-strip concerns to voting control requirements, capital gains reserves, CRA interpretations and real client scenarios, this conversation offers practical insights for any CPA advising family-owned businesses.

If your clients are planning a transition to the next generation - or should be - this episode will help ensure you’re fully informed.

The US government’s One Big Beautiful Bill brought together a massive collection of tax measures that will have some implications north of the border as well. In this episode, Ivan and Jonathan sit down with Mark Feigenbaum, FCPA, FCA, to unpack what’s inside this sweeping legislation and what it means for practitioners. From cross-border tax complexities to citizenship renunciation implications, Mark shares practical examples, real-world anecdotes and insights drawn from his experience working with clients who navigate both sides of the border. Whether you’re focused on compliance or advisory work, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

What happens when your firm’s systems go down in the middle of tax season — or worse, client data gets exposed? This episode gets real about the cyber threats facing Canadian CPA firms. Ivan & Jonathan sit down with Fred Turner from ITS Canada Inc to discuss cyber scams, downtime, and the real risks of IT failure. To hackers CPA firms are goldmines – with tax returns, payroll and banking info – your firm has everything they want in one place. Don’t miss this episode for insights about what you can do to manage risk and protect your firm.

Many firms are struggling to meet the new CSQM requirements and failed inspections are becoming increasingly common. Marcus Guenther of FocusHGK LLP joins Ivan & Jonathan to break down what’s driving the tougher environment and what firms can do to stay compliant. Want to go deeper? Don’t miss his Quality Management Unplugged sessions — live on August 26th or available on-demand later this month at ajag.ca.

Tech expert and author Avery Swartz is back on the AJAG PD Pod to explore how AI adoption is evolving in Canadian workplaces - especially in accounting. Ivan and Jonathan tap into her expertise to glean insights on low-risk, high-reward use cases, must-have skills for CPAs, and considerations for rolling out AI tools while protecting sensitive client data. Plus, Avery shares her take on adoption trends, ethical usage, and what’s coming next in the regulatory landscape.

In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Ivan and Jonathan sat down with David Douglas - Principal Canadian Practice Leader SR&ED with Ryan ULC - to help demystify the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program through a CPA lens. From compliance trends and audits to the growing role of AI in both R&D activities and claim preparation, David offers timely insights and practical advice. Whether you're advising clients or preparing claims yourself, this conversation will help you stay ahead of the curve and navigate SR&ED with greater confidence.

In this episode, Ivan & Jonathan sit down with Eric Pini from Ryan LLC to explore the often-overlooked world of government grants. From funding categories and eligibility tips to deadlines and emerging trends (think AI and tariffs), you’ll get expert insight to help identify opportunities for your business or your clients. Whether you're in public practice or industry, this is something CPAs should all be paying attention to for 2025 and beyond.

Tune in for practical advice, real-world examples, and a breakdown of what’s on the radar for the year ahead.

Want to stay in the loop on future funding programs? Sign up for email updates from Ryan LLC here. Have questions about eligibility or next steps? Click here to contact their team to learn more.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Jason Koenig from Accountancy Insurance and legal expert Ben Grant from Beitel Tax Law to discuss the latest trends in CRA audit activity, common misconceptions about Audit Shield, and what accountants should be thinking about when it comes to audit risk management. Whether you’re a CPA looking to enhance your client service offerings or simply want to stay ahead of the curve in today’s tax audit landscape, this episode is for you.

Bare trust reporting may be on hold for 2024 tax returns, but don’t get too comfortable as this isn’t going away. The latest draft legislation has raised concerns among tax lawyers due to its legal language and potential implications. In this episode of AJAG PD Pod, Tax Lawyer and Founder of Advotax Law, Anna Malazhavaya joins Ivan & Jonathan to break down what CPAs need to know. Tune in for real world insights - and fictional underworld lessons from hit series The Sopranos - that make these complex rules easier to understand.