Accounting

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  • Your brain on happy: How the power of positive thinking can help your business

    Financial Planning Digest
    21 May 2013 | 7:59 am
    Research has found that happy employees are better employees, business school professor and author Shawn Achor says.  -More- 

  • A career in public accounting goes beyond just numbers

    Success Starts Here
    Courtney
    22 May 2013 | 7:04 am
    by B.J. SnellingNational Talent Acquisition ManagerDenver, CO I recently was able to visit our Boston office location for the first time and had a chance to meet and speak with some McGladrey team members I’ve not met before. My day consisted of interviewing seven different employees from Senior Associates to the Partner level on their idea of mentoring and learning from a career advisor advisee relationship. As I listened to each person talk, I learned that building a career in public accounting goes beyond working with the numbers and working with the details of each client…

  • Register today: Get an update on the revised accounting and valuation guide

    CPA Letter Daily
    22 May 2013 | 5:45 am
    The release of the Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation Accounting and Valuation Guid -More- 

  • What makes you or your firm stand out?

    Mark Lee - all about accountants
    bookmarklee
    14 May 2013 | 1:46 am
    I’m often struck by the difficulty many professionals have to identify what’s special about them or their firm. When asked, almost everyone uses the same adjectives, the same aspirational service levels and the same so-called distinguishing features. What’s really special? What really makes you stand out and memorable? Not a lot, it would seem. Do you use variations on any of the following to describe how your firm stands out? We provide a partner-led service We don’t just prepare your accounts and tax returns We aim to be your long-term business partners We avoid…

  • Conflict-minerals provision hurts innocent people, House subcommittee says

    CPA Letter Daily
    22 May 2013 | 5:45 am
    The conflict-minerals provision contained in the Dodd-Frank Act -- requiring companies to make sure that minerals they purcha -More- 
 
 
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    Deloitte US

  • Nanotechnology in food : Emerging issues and potential uses

    21 May 2013 | 4:32 am
    What is nanotechnology? What comes to mind when you think about nanotechnology? As a food manufacturer, would you be willing to use nanotechnology to make your food? The potential benefits of using nanotechnology are vast and far-reaching, but potential issues and unknowns still remain.

  • The dating game: Partnerships for the future

    21 May 2013 | 4:24 am
    In the U.S. and around the globe, economies are struggling to recover, leaving governments to find ways to do more with less. Some may likely call this a challenge. Instead, it is an opportunity - indeed a call to action - for innovative collaborations, for public-private partnerships (PPPs) between government agencies, businesses, universities, entrepreneurs and citizens. Working together to not just identify problems, but also to more nimbly create solutions, PPPs can drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the services available to citizens.

  • How does your data garden grow?

    21 May 2013 | 4:22 am
    In this Short Takes...on Analytics blog, "How does your data garden grow," Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Marcus Shingles discusses how organizations can use analytics for business growth.

  • Weathering the storms

    21 May 2013 | 4:19 am
    Deloitte’s analytics-based Operation Enhancement Initiative (OEI) was employed to help a mid-size electric and gas retail and distribution utility in the Northeast better utilize operational data.

  • Drilling through data

    21 May 2013 | 4:17 am
    Deloitte helped an independent oil and gas company derive a solution to seamlessly navigate its data and thus help users extract new insights about the relationship between cost and performance and perform on-the-fly competitor comparisons.
 
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    Deloitte Debates

  • ERP reconsidered: Is public cloud the only option?

    6 May 2013 | 3:08 am
    Everyone knows only public clouds can deliver the system flexibility and scalability a business needs at a price point it can afford. Right? Not so fast. Recent technological improvements have revved up computing power and driven down operating costs. Is it time to take a second look at in-house ERP? The drumbeat for cloud adoption has become deafening in recent years. Internal sourcing is inefficient, unaffordable and, well, unnecessary ̶ or so the conventional wisdom goes. Increasingly, however, the cloud-only drumbeat is not the only sound CIOs hear. Hardware vendors have dialed up…

  • IPv6: Is it finally time to migrate?

    1 Apr 2013 | 7:09 am
    CIOs have been hearing about the importance of adopting Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) for so long that some have become desensitized to the issue. Yet, with some parts of the world already running out of available IP addresses, can they continue to put off the migration to IPv6? For over a decade we’ve heard warnings about how the world is using up the addressable space provided in Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4). Unless users adopt IPv6 - the replacement for IPv4 that can support billions of new addresses - they could eventually find themselves unable to communicate with the…

  • The mobile revolution: Is your IT department up to the challenge?

    14 Mar 2013 | 2:22 am

  • Hitting back at hackers: Do two wrongs make a right?

    11 Feb 2013 | 3:02 am

  • Is user empowerment worth the disruption?

    30 Nov 2012 | 4:36 am
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    Deloitte Health Care

  • 2013: What’s around the corner for the health care industry?

    6 May 2013 | 2:55 am
    Dr. Paul Keckley shares his views on the potential impacts to industry stakeholders of Affordable Care Act implementation, cost containment, and other developments within the next year and beyond.

  • Arsenic in rice: An old issue that’s still emerging

    6 May 2013 | 2:54 am
    Have you ever thought about arsenic while consuming that burrito or while feeding your baby her first rice cereal? Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind. As a food scientist, you learn a lot about foods; sometimes it changes the way you eat and other times it has no effect on your diet. However, some information that came out last year from the FDA put the topic in perspective for me, particularly as a new mother who had just fed her daughter a lot of rice cereal. Read this new article by Christie Gray, manager, Food Safety, Deloitte & Touche LLP.

  • Live from the Center

    25 Apr 2013 | 6:30 am
    When you make critical decisions about industry events and their impact you need objective, data-driven insights to guide them.

  • 2013: What’s around the corner for the health care industry?

    25 Apr 2013 | 6:26 am
    Dr. Paul Keckley shares his views on the potential impacts to industry stakeholders of Affordable Care Act implementation, cost containment and other developments within the next year and beyond.

  • The scientific information landscape and applications to translational research

    25 Mar 2013 | 8:31 am
    This paper describes specific execution measures involving strategy formulation, careful planning, multithreaded execution and an ongoing change management as a means of translating ideas to action, thereby increasing a TRI solution’s usage and making it an invaluable collaborative resource.
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    Accounting News and Notes

  • Should You Put Real Estate in a Self-Directed IRA?

    John Dillard
    21 May 2013 | 9:42 am
    Duluth/Gwinnett CPA: Should You Put Real Estate in a Self-Directed IRA? The below is a sample inquiry that we might receive off of web site considering putting real estate into a self-directed IRA. I am a retired and cannot work on a full or part-time basis consistently. I need your help in deciding( options) which is the best way to go with my real estate investments. Should I purchase them through my-self directed (deductible) IRA or should i open an entity such as a LLC. With a lack of knowledge i could open PANDORA’S box if i don’t consult a professional first. With that said.

  • The Latest on Tax Law Surrounding S Corporations

    John Dillard
    21 May 2013 | 6:21 am
    Duluth/Gwinnett CPA: The Latest on Tax Law Surrounding S Corporations Taxation of an S Corporation The below is a sample letter we might send to a client advising of the tax law items surrounding S Corporations. Be sure you work with a CPA who is seeking to make sure you pay only your lowest legal possible tax. When a business is an S Corporation all active employee/owners are required to take a fair and reasonable salary. The best test of a reasonable salary is what an owner would have to pay someone else to perform their position and it is a function of their position, responsibilities, and…

  • Duluth/Gwinnett CPA www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm

    John Dillard
    20 May 2013 | 9:08 am
    Duluth/Gwinnett CPA  www.HisCPA.com  A Christian CPA Firm Put our CPA to work for you to make sure you pay only your lowest legal tax. We work hard helping with Advice on: Entity Selection and Incorporating in Georgia www.hiscpa.com/article2.html Tax Analysis of LLC vs. S Corporations     www.hiscpa.com/article6.html IRS Representation                                       www.hiscpa.com/irs-audit.html CPA Services                                                www.hiscpa.com/  Financials…

  • Things That Happen on a Family Mission Trip to the Navajo Indian Reservation

    John Dillard
    17 May 2013 | 10:34 am
    Things That Happen on a Family Mission Trip to the Navajo Indian Reservation Today I was asked to give a letter to the principal at the high school were we have been staying on the Navajo Indian Reservation who has been principal in our efforts to share the love of Christ. Read and consider what you can do to help serve others today for you may be the only Jesus someone sees today!!! Chris, I pray great happiness for both you and your bride as you begin your new lives together in full retirement. I pray that your latter years in wealth and health and most of all in Him are greater than you…

  • Duluth/Gwinnett CPA: Personal Returns Are Due October 15th

    John Dillard
    15 May 2013 | 4:49 am
    Duluth/Gwinnett CPA: Personal Returns Are Due October 15th. Be Sure You Do Them Right Though Personal Returns Are Due October 15th; Be Sure You Do Them Right so you will avoid unnecessary IRS audits, liens, collections, amendments, penalties and interest. The below is a sample letter we might send to a taxpayer critiquing the data they originally forwarded to ensure that a proper return is filed reflecting only their lowest legal possible tax: For your returns I need: For Your Personal Income Tax Return Your daughter’s birth-date Any Interest Income, Dividends, Capital…
 
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    CPA ZONE

  • CPA Exam Advice from Two of the Nation’s Top Scorers

    Brenda Mizgorski
    3 May 2013 | 2:37 am
    Photo: www.theminimalists.com In the last two years, two Oregon CPA exam passers were among the top exam scorers in the nation, receiving the Elijah Watt Sells Award from the AICPA. The award is bestowed upon candidates who have obtained a cumulative average score above 95.50 across all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination and passed all four sections of the Examination on their first attempt. And fortunately for you, we asked Oregon’s last two Elijah Watt Sells Award recipients for their advice on the exam, here’s what they had to say: Continue reading "CPA Exam Advice from…

  • This Summer, Pass All 4 Parts of the CPA Exam!

    Brenda Mizgorski
    2 May 2013 | 8:52 pm
    This Summer, Pass All 4 Parts of the CPA Exam! Enjoy the summer sun, but don't lose sight of your CPA goals. Get ready to  pass all 4 parts of the CPA Exam in three months with Roger's Accelerated Review. If you are determined to become a CPA before summer's end, then start gearing up now to accomplish one of the biggest achievements in your career - becoming a CPA! Please review these important reminders below: Start studying during a black out month. You would be expected to dedicate study time to the CPA Exam almost 7 days a week. This will require both Saturday and…

  • The CPA Exam Hack: Simple Tweaks to Conquer the Exam

    Brenda Mizgorski
    29 Apr 2013 | 1:00 pm
    "Experimenting with CPA Exam Hacks"Life Hacking is a movement which focuses on finding tricks in everyday life to save time, get organized, and do more of the things you want to do.  Small tweaks are made to your daily routine in order to increase productivity and do more in less time.  This list focuses on tried and true measures that will get you extra points on the exam and are straightforward in nature.   These are simple yet important tweaks to make that will not greatly change the way you study, but will further refine it.Study Hacking1. Don’t neglect missed…

  • AICPA Releases Q1 2013 CPA Exam Pass Rates

    Brenda Mizgorski
    22 Apr 2013 | 12:30 pm
    The AICPA has released the first quarter 2013 CPA Exam pass rates. When compared to Q1 2012, AUD rates are up a bit 45.19% vs 44.90%, BEC experienced a pretty good bump 53.47% vs 48.63%, FAR up a nice bump as well at 47.16% vs 43.84% and REG up a bit 47.57% vs 45%. Source: AICPA Related articles Test Results - A Look at the CPA Exam in 2012 CPA Exam Score Release Timeline for Q1 and Q2 2013 Testing Windows | AICPA Free Study Planner to Help You Pass the CPA Exam
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    Golden Practices Blog

  • Women and Work; Where We've Been, Where We Are

    Michelle Golden
    1 May 2013 | 10:12 am
    So much chatter about why the percent of women on the earth isn't the same as the percent of women in this business or that industry or the boardroom down the hall.  Reach back and dust off something we were ALL told, probably sometime between ages 3 and 5: Boys and girls are different. When we were told this, we were NOT told that one was better. Because one isn't better. Just different. So what. We can keep making a big deal out of how we are different and why we are different, and how to "fix" or "equalize" it (God help us) or we can accept and embrace the simple fact that boys and girls…

  • Set People Up For Success. Be a Bob.

    Michelle Golden
    1 Apr 2013 | 10:05 am
    Setting people up for success is something of an art. Bob had it down pat; he was the consummate professional. He’s retired now, but his reputation of wisdom and effectiveness was earned over decades of consistently demonstrating both of these traits. In his role as a senior partner of his midsized CPA firm, he was kind but firm, and always sincere. Bob never said something unless he meant it. Bob’s exactly the kind of guy you don’t want to disappoint. And exactly the kind of guy people want to hire. It was almost noon and I stood in his firm’s lobby awaiting my lunch mates. As I…

  • Guilt. Honesty. Starting over.

    Michelle Golden
    8 Mar 2013 | 10:40 am
    I don't post here often enough. I know that. I'm lucky that I started my blog so long ago (has it really been 8 years?) that it was fairly "established" before a gazillion blogs populated the Interwebs, fighting for everyone's thinning online attention. I'm luckier that fine folks like you still read it. And that this blog still draws a lot of traffic. I have about 400 posts here and sometimes I discover one that makes me think: "I wrote THAT? Huh. I should read some of this to remember what I know." :) I feel guilty that I don't write here more. That I'm not GIVING enough anymore. And I…

  • It's Time to Stop Talking About "Women's Issues" in Business

    Michelle Golden
    5 Nov 2012 | 3:43 pm
    Law and accounting grads are consistently over 50% female, yet the percentage of female firm owners has just reached 20%, up from 19% several years ago. It's easy to blame the mommy track for high female turnover. Or maybe discrimination. As a fix, firm owners and consultants strive to "retain women" and to make women more "promotable." To this end, they create women's support groups and development programs, both centered on the "unique issues that women face." Despite the good intentions, I believe these women-oriented programs miss the mark. In fact, they hurt more than help. I'll explain…

  • Podcast Interview with RainToday Won Readers' Choice Award

    Michelle Golden
    10 Oct 2012 | 6:38 am
    I had a chance to speak with Michelle Davidson, editor of RainToday.com a little over a week ago for a podcast on what's new with social media for professionals. Check it out: Social Media is Not a Strategy; It's a Channel In the discussion, I shared my issues with LinkedIn's usability, my beliefs about whether blogging is still important compared to 5-10 years ago, and why cross-posting sucks. It's an easy listen... and please laugh with me at my Rick Perry moment. The podcast is 19 min and is getting lots of good feedback. Even won RainToday's 10/3 Readers' Choice Award!  Ironically, I…
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    A Counting School - Hardcore Chartered Accountancy

  • Good news: the CICA lowered CA fees for 2013-2014

    Krupo
    26 Apr 2013 | 11:00 am
    There's a small decrease in the professional fees you or your firm is paying for the privilege of calling yourself a Chartered Accountant: the full member fee for 2013-2014 came out to be $22.60 lower than the $1107.40 that was charged last year. Savings of 2%.The total fee is still a hefty $1084.80 including taxes, and breaks down to $520 paid to Ontario's ICAO, $440 paid to the overall Canadian CICA, and $124.80 in HST, and it represents the "on time" payment amount - late fees of $100 extra are charged if you pay after June 1, 2013.The ICAO kindly explained that the…

  • That whole "CPA, CA" thing? Someone at the ICAO tripped up yesterday

    Krupo
    25 Apr 2013 | 7:03 pm
    Yesterday I noted that the nomination period for the next ICAO council election is now open.One of my friends noticed that the original invitation to vote was signed by "Michael K. Banks, CA, Secretary".Today, a curious second e-mail came out with the subject line "Legal Notice - Official Call for ICAO Council Election Nominations".I didn't pay close attention to it, with a busy day not giving me a lot of time to look careful - but it really seemed odd they repeated the notice a second time.That same friend, being a good auditor, took a good look at the second e-mail…

  • ICAO 2013 council election: nominations now open

    Krupo
    24 Apr 2013 | 8:11 pm
    Chartered Accountants of Ontario interested in serving as members of the Council that oversees the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario have another chance to influence the direction the ICAO is taking: the next vote for positions is coming up soon, with 8 spots open, each for a two year term.The deadline to apply to run in the election is Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. The application must be accompanied by candidate statements that'll be due on May 31, 2013.You need two get at least two CAs in Ontario to sign your nomination papers, and submit the other needed documentation…

  • You can work for Porter Airlines and get your CA

    Krupo
    10 Apr 2013 | 7:13 pm
    In the "olden days," the only way to become earn your Chartered Accountant designation was by 'paying your dues' and working through your 'slave years' at a CA firm. Didn't matter if it was a small shop or one of the Big 4 (or 5 or 6, or 8, depending on when you started), they got a solid lock on you for the first two or three years of your fledgling career, until you had "put in your hours" at your "CA Training Office" before you were free to fly off.Well, the market demand for qualified young blood to deliver all that advisory and analytical…

  • Record voter turnout by Ontario Chartered Accountants: by-law on the new CPA rules passes

    Krupo
    28 Feb 2013 | 9:33 pm
    The results came in wicked-fast: earlier this afternoon the viral video-supported campaign by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario bore fruit. They scored the highest ever turnout, a record of 27.6% of the membership, with 85.4% voting in favour. Here's the press release explaining what the ICAO intends to do with its win.I won't bore you with the details, there's more than enough bureacratic bylaw details and associated nerd rage to go around if you're into that sort of thing, especially the counter-argument. The video itself was a pretty good summary of the…
 
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    Mark Lee - all about accountants

  • 6 reasons people without accountants think accountants are boring

    bookmarklee
    21 May 2013 | 1:20 am
    I am both astonished and disappointed by the number of people who assume accountants are boring. Some of them have accountants, but most I suspect, do not and are simply repeating the stereotyping they have heard others reference. This is evident from the increasing number of young people who routinely tweet variations on the idea that being an accountant is, in their view, the most boring job in the world. Many of the people who don’t have an accountant but who think accountants are boring really mean either: I don’t understand what it is they are going on about; I have heard…

  • What makes you or your firm stand out?

    bookmarklee
    14 May 2013 | 1:46 am
    I’m often struck by the difficulty many professionals have to identify what’s special about them or their firm. When asked, almost everyone uses the same adjectives, the same aspirational service levels and the same so-called distinguishing features. What’s really special? What really makes you stand out and memorable? Not a lot, it would seem. Do you use variations on any of the following to describe how your firm stands out? We provide a partner-led service We don’t just prepare your accounts and tax returns We aim to be your long-term business partners We avoid…

  • The 3 factors that will determine your social media success

    bookmarklee
    7 May 2013 | 1:50 am
    It’s all too easy to get caught up in the game of chasing followers, likes, connections and social media klout. It may be fun to keep track of these metrics and to keep increasing them. But, in real life, they are not important by themselves. There is little point in simply pursuing these metrics. You need to have key business focused targets. It may be that you want to raise your profile and to become a go-to person for media comment in your area of expertise.  Perhaps you want to keep in touch with existing clients who are active users of one or other of the main social media platforms.

  • How do you know when a blog is worthwhile?

    bookmarklee
    2 May 2013 | 2:05 am
    Regular readers will know that I do not spend time encouraging accountants to blog. Whilst it can be beneficial, too many accountants get encouraged to create a blog but then struggle to maintain it. Some pay good money for the blog to be created and possibly updated by someone else. This often defeats at least one of the purposes of the blog. It can also be an expensive way to secure the related hoped for SEO benefits. Last year I outlined 5 blogging myths for accountants; my blog post also put the other side of the argument. I had to do that as I enjoy blogging and have been a regular…

  • Are accountants the new bogeymen?

    bookmarklee
    29 Apr 2013 | 1:43 am
    Were you as angry as I was at the headlines and media focus on a clearly misguided element of the latest report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)? Committee chairman Margaret Hodge said accountants seconded to government represented a “ridiculous conflict of interest” that should be ended. She had clearly made up her mind based on no real evidence and was determined to use her position to grab a few more headlines and to make sure accountants become the new bogeymen (sorry – I cannot find a gender neutral word). Hodge referenced just ONE (non) example to justify her…
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    NJSCPA Exam Cram Blog

  • School's Out for Summer

    Alyssa Shadinger
    20 May 2013 | 1:18 pm
    For students, that is. Lucky for me, the ever-hopeful CPA candidate, I will be spending the summer taking online classes. Four months after passing my last exam, I am finally starting the last leg of the CPA triathalon. In my...

  • Good to be Back

    Edward Adiele
    18 May 2013 | 1:11 pm
    Hello Everyone, Congrats to those that have passed all the 4 part of the exam. I know the feeling must be awesome. I have had to take a break due to "busy season" I have a December and March 31st...

  • Changing Directions

    Taka Tanahashi
    17 May 2013 | 1:17 pm
    Hey everyone! After the debacle that was my last attempt at sitting for an exam last week, I've had to make a decision on what to tackle next. Should I go for REG again since it's what I've been studying...

  • The Small Things

    Taka Tanahashi
    6 May 2013 | 9:57 am
    Hello all! I'd like to share a quick story to hopefully prevent any bad situations from coming up when you take a section of the exam. I was scheduled to take the REG section of the exam this morning. However,...

  • Cost Measurement

    Lauryn Hanrahan
    3 May 2013 | 8:18 am
    Two weeks of studying down and four to go until the big day. I don’t know how I feel about that. Before yesterday, I felt pretty good about the discovery of my new study method (see my last post), but...
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    AccountingCoach.com Q&A

  • What is carriage inwards?

    ACoach
    22 May 2013 | 6:14 am
    Carriage inwards refers to the transportation costs associated with the purchase of merchandise or other assets. The buyer is responsible for the cost of carriage inwards when it buys items and the prices are stated as being FOB shipping point. Carriage inwards is also known as freight-in or transportation-in. When goods or merchandise are purchased [...]

  • What are the limitations of the balance sheet?

    ACoach
    16 May 2013 | 6:19 am
    One limitation of the balance sheet is that only the assets acquired in transactions can be included. Therefore, some of a company’s most valuable assets will not be reported on the balance sheet. For example, assume that a company developed an internet business that now attracts millions of visitors each day and has $10 million [...]

  • What does drop ship mean?

    ACoach
    15 May 2013 | 7:55 am
    One example of drop ship is a manufacturer shipping goods directly to one of its customers’ customer (instead of delivering the goods to the customer that placed the order with the manufacturer). The following illustrates the concept of drop ship, drop shipping or a drop shipment. Assume that XYZ Distributors Inc (XYZ) sells only the [...]

  • What is a blank endorsement?

    ACoach
    14 May 2013 | 5:50 am
    In the case of a check payable to John Smith (the payee), a blank endorsement would be the signature of John Smith on the back side of the check without any other words above or below his signature. A blank endorsement is considered to be risky because the endorser is not restricting the check (or [...]

  • What is a blank check?

    ACoach
    9 May 2013 | 8:07 am
    A blank check often refers to a check that has been signed by an authorized check signer before the other information (date, payee, amount) has been entered on the check. For instance, a small business owner may sign three blank checks before leaving for a seven day vacation. Basically the owner is trusting that the [...]
 
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    CPA Success

  • Google Glass can't possibly succeed … can it?

    20 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    Google Glass is here, and the early reviews are … well, harsh. "If the developer version is at all an accurate representation of what Glass will look like as a finished product, it's going to fail," writes Brian Ford for Read Write Web.  "After reading all the reviews, and talking to people who actually wore Glass, I just see a product plagued by bugs, and of questionable use," writes Jay Yarow for Business Insider.  "As the shine wears off the first sparkling new Google Glass headsets out in the wild, the earliest of adopters have started to discover myriad problems with the…

  • Look, Lead, Love, Learn: MACPA's first e-book hits Amazon

    15 May 2013 | 9:00 pm
    After more than six years of writing for this blog, here's what I've noticed: The conversation among CPAs has gone well beyond technical issues. Today's CPAs need to know how to collaborate, connect, innovate and inspire. Tom Hood and I have been examining those issues ever since we launched CPA Success in 2007. Now, as a thank-you and brief value-add to our readers, we've compiled some of the best lessons and stories from the blog into a new e-book, Look, Lead, Love, Learn: Four Steps to Better Business, a Better Life – and Conquering Complexity in the Process. The e-book is available…

  • The federal agenda for CPAs

    15 May 2013 | 4:42 am
    "All politics is local." -- Tip O'Neill  The MACPA has joined the AICPA and our colleagues in the state CPA societies in making our voices heard in Congress. Pictured is MACPA Chair Anoop Mehta, Past-Chair Allen DeLeon, and Secretary Treasurer Marianella Del Pino Rivera on the Hill at last year's AICPA Council meeting. We will be focused on six major issues: Advocating changes needed from the "tax season from hell." Advocating for passage of the Mobile Workforce Bill. Advocating for passage of the Tax Due Date Reform Bill. Advocating for Tax Simplification. Financial literacy about…

  • Want to change the world? Focus on what you believe, not what you do

    9 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    Imagine the scene: It's 1997. Apple has been hemorrhaging money, and the company's formerly exiled founder, Steve Jobs, is back in charge of a company that's seemingly bleeding to death. He says this at an informal staff meeting:   "So what?" you CPAs are saying. Here's what, Tom Hood retorts: Substitute "boxes" with "taxes" and see if that passage doesn't ring true. It'd better. That unwavering focus on passion, after all, what separates great leaders from everyone else. That message was driven home over and over again on the final day of the MACPA's 2013 Leadership Academy. Hood and…

  • The future? It's up to you

    7 May 2013 | 9:00 pm
    What kind of future would you create if there were no restrictions? Would it look like this?    Or this?   Tom Hood shared those videos with participants at the MACPA's 2013 Leadership Academy, and the implication was clear: Let your mind wander. The future you're planning for probably won't be the future you see. The pace of change is lapping our strategic planning abilities. If that's the case, why not try to make the most absolutely freakin' awesome future possible? If you don't do it, someone else will.
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    TSCPA Governmental Affairs

  • TSCPA Member named to Board of Accountancy

    Linda Messing
    10 May 2013 | 2:36 pm
    Donna Hugly, CPA and TSCPA member, has been appointed by Governor Perry to serve a 6-year term on the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. TSCPA was proud to recommend Donna for this important position. A partner in the Addison offices of Sanford, Baumeister and Frazier LLP, Donna has served on many of TSCPA's volunteer committees. She is a Past President of the Dallas Chapter. TSCPA member Steve Pena of Georgetown has been re-appointed to the Board of Accountancy. Steve is a partner in Austin's Maxwell Locke & Ritter. Governor Perry has appointed two public members to the…

  • Accounting and Licensing Bills Passed and Defeated

    Bob Owen
    10 May 2013 | 9:52 am
    We’re done! The bills we wanted to pass have passed and the bills we opposed have died. While we are still watching a few bills along with the progress in franchise tax legislation, our primary objectives of the session have been met. SB 228 by CPA Sen. Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands), our primary legislative focus for this session should become law tomorrow with or without Gov. Perry’s signature, absent a veto, which we do not expect. HB 1685 by Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) renewing the SDSI status for the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA), which we have also been actively…

  • Proposal Would Tap Rainy Day Fund for $6 Billion

    Bob Owen
    11 Apr 2013 | 9:27 am
    CPA Sen. Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands), Senate Finance Committee Chairman, has offered SJR 1 to his committee today to establish constitutionally-dedicated funds for water and roads with initial funding of $6 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the Rainy Day Fund (RDF). The water fund would get $2.5 billion and roads $3.5 billion. Additional legislation would be needed to deal with the use of the funds. HB 4 by Rep. Allan Ritter (R-Nederland) establishes a state water plan, and that bill is predicated on the $2.5 billion RDF funding. SJR 1 was voted…

  • CPA The Most Conservative Texan in Congress

    Bob Owen
    20 Feb 2013 | 10:12 am
    TSCPA member U.S. Rep. Michael Conaway (R- Midland) has been recognized, along with Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas), as the most conservative Texan in Congress according to the National Journal. “That places them in a five-way tie for fifth place in the whole 112th Congress,” according to the Houston Chronicle’s Texans on the Potomac blog.What about the Senate? Sen. John Cornyn ranks as the second-most conservative senator. But remember, this is before Texas’ new Senator Ted Cruz was a member of Congress.

  • Would you favor franchise tax repeal?

    Bob Owen
    11 Feb 2013 | 8:36 am
    Mention of the margin tax brings frowns to CPAs' faces. “It’s too complicated,” they bemoan. TSCPA recommendations for simplification and consistency have been politely received by legislators but not enough of them have been interested in rocking the boat. Small business taxpayers complain about the complexity, the inconsistency between taxpayers and the horror of paying the tax even when losing money. Big business, while not enamored with the tax, seem to be more content to leave it alone for fear of what might replace it. Now that the tax has been declared constitutional and it…
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    CPA Trendlines

  • Tax Industry Loses Market Share as More Taxpayers e-File from Home in 2013

    cpaadmin
    22 May 2013 | 6:33 pm
    Taxpayers surge into e-filing. Growth in do-it-yourself electronic filing of tax returns is advancing by more than 4% this year. But among tax professionals, it’s flat this year, after a 3% decline last year. So far, more than 43 million people have self-prepared and e-filed their tax returns from home.     Through May 10, [...]

  • Worst Tax Season Ever? Ask Bob Jennings

    cpaadmin
    22 May 2013 | 5:41 pm
    Hot-button issues. Tax guru Bob Jennings (CPA, EA, CFP, and RTRP) has been polling past attendees of his CPE seminars about Tax Season 2013. Clearly, tax professionals are still seething.  “We sent our survey out and it must have pushed a button because the responses overwhelmed our servers,” says Jennings, taxspeaker.com. The results may not [...]

  • Checklist: How the Best Managing Partners and Firm Admins Work in Concert

    writer 12
    22 May 2013 | 5:14 pm
    In a 43-item checklist based on surveys of the best-run firms in the nation, Marc Rosenberg, author of “CPA Firm Management and Governance: The Managing Partner’s Guide to Running a CPA Firm Like a Business,” details the allocation of duties and responsibilities that distinguish the separate roles of the managing partner as CEO and firm [...]
 
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    Big4.com Blog

  • Can you have too many relationships with introducers? (part 2)

    22 May 2013 | 12:56 am
    Guest blog by Heather Townsend, co-author of 'How to make partner and still have a life' and author of 'FT Guide To Business Networking', and guest blogger for Big4.com. One of the corner stones of any professional's referral marketing strategy needs to be relationships with professional introducers - particularly if you have an advisory specialism, such as insolvency. After all, the more people who can be passing you referrals for you, the greater your reach and influence. However, it can...Keep on reading: Can you have too many relationships with introducers? (part 2)

  • Can you have too many relationships with introducers? (part 1)

    19 May 2013 | 12:56 pm
    Guest blog by Heather Townsend, co-author of 'How to make partner and still have a life' and author of 'FT Guide To Business Networking', and guest blogger for Big4.com. One of the corner stones of any professional's referral marketing strategy needs to be relationships with professional introducers - particularly if you have an advisory specialism, such as insolvency. After all, the more people who can be passing you referrals for you, the greater your reach and influence. However, it can...Keep on reading: Can you have too many relationships with introducers? (part 1)

  • How To Integrate Continuous Improvement Into Your Organization’s Culture And Daily Activities

    17 May 2013 | 9:00 am
    By Michael VanBruaene, Big4.com Guest Blogger A continuous organization improvement program can be easily implemented and very beneficial using minimal organization resources; and become inherent in your culture and day-to-day activities throughout you organization. Use These Guidelines To Foster A Continuous Improvement Focus. Top Management Must Lead Integrate Improvements Into Performance Reporting Staff Meeting Agendas That Include Improvement Status Rigorous Analysis of I...Keep on reading: How To Integrate Continuous Improvement Into Your Organization’s Culture And Daily Activities

  • Identify The Strengths Of Your Services And Where Improvements Can Be Leveraged

    16 May 2013 | 12:56 pm
    By Michael VanBruaene, Big4.com Guest Blogger Improving the production and delivery of your services can positively impact customer satisfaction, competitive advantage and efficiencies.   The key is to identify where to make improvements and which improvements will deliver the greater benefit.  This easy to use tool will help you to identify and make those important improvements. The criteria in this tool cover these service production and delivery components: Customer Focus And Un...Keep on reading: Identify The Strengths Of Your Services And Where Improvements Can Be Leveraged

  • How To Succeed In A Continually Changing And Unstructured Workplace

    15 May 2013 | 3:00 pm
    By Michael VanBruaene, Big4.com Guest Blogger Many workplaces employ relatively few people and have substantial ongoing change, along with minimal organization structure and informal work processes.  It’s also normal to “wear many hats” and change work focus with little or no advance notice.   This is particularly evident with startups and entrepreneurs. Some people thrive in this workplace, others find it very challenging. Regardless, use these recommendations that are particula...Keep on reading: How To Succeed In A Continually Changing And Unstructured Workplace
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    Success Starts Here

  • A career in public accounting goes beyond just numbers

    Courtney
    22 May 2013 | 7:04 am
    by B.J. SnellingNational Talent Acquisition ManagerDenver, CO I recently was able to visit our Boston office location for the first time and had a chance to meet and speak with some McGladrey team members I’ve not met before. My day consisted of interviewing seven different employees from Senior Associates to the Partner level on their idea of mentoring and learning from a career advisor advisee relationship. As I listened to each person talk, I learned that building a career in public accounting goes beyond working with the numbers and working with the details of each client…

  • Kim and Brittany get more than a haircut at the salon

    Courtney
    14 May 2013 | 11:57 am
    By Elise Braase Communications Manager Baltimore, MD There’s nothing like a day of at the salon to lift your spirits after busy season. For Baltimore Tax Professionals Brittany Sullivan and Kim Griffin, their latest trips to the salon for long overdue haircuts took on new meaning. Both Brittany and Kim recently donated their long tresses to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a partnership between Pantene and the American Cancer Society, where Pantene provides the funds to turn donated hair into free, real-hair wigs for women with cancer. So far, Pantene has donated 24,000 free real-hair wigs to the…

  • Do Your Dreams Need a Reality Check?

    Courtney
    6 May 2013 | 7:53 am
    By Ken BansemerNational Talent Acquisition & Talent Management LeaderCharlotte, NC   When speaking before student groups about Success, one message I hope they take away is that in order to pursue a dream, they have to own the actions. Simple really. Have a goal/dream – share it with others, make a plan to get there, commit to action, take action, and then learn as the journey unfolds and adjust if necessary. As I’ve heard often, a goal not written down, isn’t a goal, it is merely a thought that doesn’t drive personal accountability. So to assist with dream documentation, I…

  • Joe Adams Speaks At Northern Illinois University

    Courtney
    26 Apr 2013 | 1:15 pm
    By Sara Webber Laczo Corporate Communications Senior Director Schaumburg, IL Success in Accounting – Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond. That was the topic of a speech McGladrey Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams delivered to more than 120 students and staff at Northern Illinois University (NIU) on April 17th, 2013. His advice? Understand the business environment in which your firm and clients operate, never stop learning, don’t be afraid of change, seek global opportunities and be a leader.  “The skill sets sought by the accounting industry are changing,” Joe advised.

  • Intern Appreciation

    Courtney
    16 Apr 2013 | 1:58 pm
    By Anne Hoang Talent Acquisition Specialist Chicago, IL  During winter busy seasons, many professionals would agree that they could not survive without their interns. From Day 1, we see the meaningful impact our interns make to our firm, and as a ‘Thank You’ to them, the Chicago interns stepped away from the busy office to celebrate their accomplishments. The Chicago Intern Appreciation Event this past March was held at Little Goat, a famous local eatery owned by Stephanie Izard, winner of Top Chef Season 4.   Chicago Interns at Little Goat Highlights of the night included:…
 
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    One Accounting

  • Do Not Rely on HMRC VAT Advice

    Chris Thomas
    20 May 2013 | 8:51 am
    If you are uncertain about whether you can make a claim for VAT you have incurred, or how to treat a certain transaction for VAT purposes, you could try searching the HMRC website for a solution to your query. Alternatively you may ring the HMRC VAT helpline but the adviser is likely to send you a copy of a VAT leaflet which is available on the HMRC website. This may, or may not, answer your query. If you do get a straight answer out of the VAT helpline, be careful to record what you said, and exactly what the HMRC adviser to told you. This is important as if the advice from the helpline is…

  • Beware Pension Liberation

    Chris Thomas
    9 May 2013 | 3:52 am
    Have you been approached by firms that promise you instant cash from your pension fund? This is known as pension liberation, and involves taking cash from your pension fund before you reach the retirement age set by your pension scheme. Unscrupulous firms persuade individuals to apply to move their pension funds out of their current scheme, in order to permit an early release of funds, either by a direct transfer out or by a loan. In some case the individual is told there are no tax implications – but there are. If an individual gains access to their pension savings before their…

  • RTI Round Up

    Chris Thomas
    6 May 2013 | 1:34 am
    Real time information (RTI) has had a bumpy start. In brief these are the major problems and work-arounds discovered so far. Annual PAYE Schemes If you expect to pay all of your employees just once in the tax year, and all on the same date, you can register your PAYE scheme with the Tax Office as an annual scheme. HMRC’s official guidance was that annual schemes only had to submit one FPS (full payment submission) under RTI for the month the payments were made, no nil EPS (employer payment summary) were required for the other 11 months of the year. However, in practice any PAYE schemes…

  • Self-Employed Travel Expenses

    Chris Thomas
    29 Apr 2013 | 8:10 am
    If you are self-employed you may have a number of customers you go to regularly to work at their premises. This could apply to mobile hairdressers, cleaners, gardeners, and even medical professionals who work at private clinics. The miles you drive to reach each of your customers from your business base are used to calculate the amount of travel expenses you claim in your business accounts. This is all good, but the Taxman has recently argued in a tax case that where the business is based at the person’s home, that home-office can’t be treated as the starting point for travel when…

  • Free Webinar – Understanding Financial Statements

    Chris Thomas
    23 Apr 2013 | 6:04 am
    Thursday 25th of April at 09.30am Learn how to read and analyse financial statements whether you are a business owner, a financial manager, or just trying to use business tools to keep track of your personal finances! In this webinar, Neil Faulds will explain in more detail how to: use financial statements to help you run your business understand what the statements tell you increase the value to you of the information they provide understand the difference between a profit & loss account and a balance sheet To attend the webinar please follow the link below, 5 minutes before it starts.
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    JonathanMilligan.com

  • The Basic Guide of Putting Who You Are Into What You Do

    Jonathan
    20 May 2013 | 1:03 pm
    Can you make a living running dogs? Andrea Wellman decided it was possible. Today, Andrea has a full-time business running dogs. What would happen if you decided to put who you truly are into what you do? Too many career professionals spend the majority of their work week being something they are not. Their work [...]

  • 4 Questions to Create Work You’ll Love That Won’t Leave You Hungry

    Jonathan
    8 May 2013 | 11:12 am
    Passion vs. Profit - the battle ensues. As I continue to talk with thousands of career professionals and entrepreneurs, I see a major collision happening in the way we approach work. What we once believed to be true about work is beginning to let us all down. The payoff is not what we would have hoped. We [...]

  • 5 Amazing Benefits of Mastermind Groups for Entrepreneurs

    Jonathan
    1 May 2013 | 7:19 am
    For years I have heard about of the power of mastermind groups. Yet it wasn’t really until the beginning of this year that I stepped out and did it. If you are a infropreneur, solo-preneur, entrepreneur or free spirit, then you need a mastermind group. About 9 months ago, I had one of those “aha” [...]

  • 3 Ways to Discover Your Natural Management Style

    Jonathan
    25 Apr 2013 | 5:00 am
    What are your preferred work styles? What is your preferred management style? Whether you realize it or not you gravitate toward them. Do you know what they are? We all have different approaches to the way we go about our work. The truth is there are more than 3 preferred work styles, but as you [...]

  • How to Discover Your Career Sweet Spot

    Jonathan
    23 Apr 2013 | 4:00 am
    Do you know your “sweet spot” when it comes to work? I often find that many people don’t have the first clue. Sometimes we discover our strengths over many years of trial and error. We throw ourselves into work situations that don’t fit our strengths well and then we become frustrated with our lack of [...]
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    Invoice Factoring Companies | Factoring Invoice | Accounts Receivable Factoring for

  • Factoring Broker – Join Universal Funding’s Referral Program

    admin
    21 May 2013 | 4:53 pm
    As a business consultant and factoring broker your ultimate goal is to help the businesses you advise gain quick access to financing. Your clients look to you for experience and knowledge that will help their company grow. Even if you … Continue reading →

  • Accounts Receivable Factoring – A Solution to Increased Revenue and Growth

    admin
    20 May 2013 | 9:31 am
    Is your business in a difficult situation financially and you are wondering what accounts receivables factoring could do for you? Accounts receivable factoring is a financing program that can provide you with immediate cash, so that you can invest in … Continue reading →

  • Sell Invoices for Financial Stability

    admin
    20 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Are you thinking about initiating a sale of your accounts receivable for your business? If you are stretched financially with payroll pending and your customers are late on payments, you always have the option to sell your invoices for immediate … Continue reading →

  • Customized Capital Funding Solutions Unique to Your Business

    admin
    8 May 2013 | 9:34 am
    Each and every business has a unique way of selling its product or service, recording and billing transactions, and growing profits.  Therefore, each business will raise capital for operations or growth in unique ways.   That’s why Universal Funding Corporation offers … Continue reading →

  • Receivable Financing – New Broker Referral Program

    admin
    27 Apr 2013 | 9:39 am
    As a business consultant and broker, you have firsthand knowledge when your client’s business is struggling financially. Perhaps you see a client with increasing revenue and profits but they still struggle with cash flow management.  Have you ever considered suggesting … Continue reading →
 
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    Intuit News Central

  • The Cloud, Top Questions and a Challenge

    Jorge Olavarrieta
    22 May 2013 | 9:54 am
    The NJ Accounting and Technology show was buzzing with activity this year. As accountants attended sessions to learn the latest trends in the industry, completed their continuing education hours, and walked the floor to see what vendors had to offer, a series of themes emerged through the discussions at our Intuit booth. Top Questions & Concerns From Accountants There were the common set of questions one can expect regarding what’s new in various products, from QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online to Intuit payroll products, Lacerte, ProSeriesand Intuit Tax Online, just to name a few.

  • IRS Extends Deadlines for Oklahoma Tornado Victims

    Scott Cytron
    22 May 2013 | 6:45 am
    According to a news release issued by the IRS, affected taxpayers in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties will receive special tax relief that postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on May 18, 2013. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Sept. 30, 2013 to file these returns and pay any taxes due. This includes the June 17 and Sept. 16 deadlines for making estimated tax payments. A variety of business tax deadlines are also affected including the July 31 deadline for second quarter payroll and excise tax…

  • Free QuickBooks® Mac Webinar June 6 Presented by Bonnie Nagayama

    Amy Ball
    22 May 2013 | 6:04 am
    Want to learn more about QuickBooks for Mac? Here’s your opportunity in this new QuickBooks for Mac webinar presented by ProAdvisor Bonnie Nagayama and Kimberly Gehant on Thursday, June 6 at 9 am PDT . Attendees will learn: Why QuickBooks for Mac is important to accountants and ProAdvisors What is different about the Mac product. When it is a great fit and explore when it is NOT a great fit. What you need to know to support QuickBooks for Mac clients. What other resources are available. 1 hour CPE will be provided by McWilliams & Associates, Inc., and a licensed copy of…

  • Ship with FedEx directly from QuickBooks® and Save up to 26%

    Keith Greener
    22 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Shipping with FedEx just got a whole lot faster and easier with QuickBooks Shipping Manager. You and your customers can process shipments and print FedEx labels from within QuickBooks – and save up to 26% on shipping services. QuickBooks customers saved an average of $193 in 2012! Click here to calculate your savings. Shipping Manager is already built into your QuickBooks software and it’s FREE to use. You only pay FedEx charges on what you ship. And you can sign up for Shipping Manager through your QuickBooks software and start using it right away. To enroll, call 1.888.411.5174 or go to…

  • What’s New in QuickBooks® 2013 – Part 3

    Scott Cytron
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    See what’s new in QuickBooks2013 in this video, the second of a 3-part series presented by MB Raimondi. Be sure to vsit Intuit Accountants News Central often for updates. Missed Parts 1 and 2? Here are the links: Part 1 … Part 2. Share and Enjoy:
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    AICPA Insights

  • 7 Tips to Help Others Find Your Videos on YouTube

    Stacie Saunders
    22 May 2013 | 6:31 am
    There are tens of thousands of hours of video being uploaded into YouTube every day. Don’t let the hard work you put into producing a video for your firm or practice get lost in cyberspace.  Implement a few basic optimizations to make it easier for users to find your videos as they browse and search. 1. Use keywords in your filename Rename your video’s filename to match the topic of the video. For instance, if your video is about small business accounting, rename your video file from “video.mp4” to “small-business-accounting.mp4.” 2. Use a descriptive titleGive your video an…

  • Wrap Up of AICPA Spring Governing Council Meeting 2013

    Gregory J. Wright
    21 May 2013 | 8:03 am
    The 2013 AICPA Spring governing Council meeting kicked off on Sunday and just wrapped up. Take a look at the three-day meeting through the eyes of social media. (Email subscribers: View the full story on AICPA Insights.)   [View the story "AICPA Governing Council - Spring Meeting 2013" on Storify]Related articles In the News: 4 Helpful Quotes from CPAs Live from the AICPA Sustainability Workshop 5 Things CPAs Need to Know about Integrated Reporting Create and Manage a Thriving Social Media Presence

  • Virtual Work Teams Are Coming

    Guest Blogger
    20 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    As the economy continues to recover, the impending retirement of our nation’s Baby Boomers will create a labor shortage far greater than any we have experienced in the U.S. Professionals with the right skills will have their choice of employment opportunities, which will drive demand – and salaries – up. CPA firms that provide truly motivational and engaging environments will win the recruiting and retention race. That’s why learning to manage the challenges and possibilities of virtual work teams is a must for today’s current and emerging partners. The need for increased workplace…

  • In the News: 4 Helpful Quotes from CPAs

    James Schiavone
    17 May 2013 | 7:17 am
    I read so many great quotes from CPAs every day and have such a limited space to summarize them on the blog– it can get to be a bit frustrating.  As I began drafting my bi-weekly ‘In the News’ post, I decided to switch things up this week. I present to you four helpful quotes from CPAs. Hey – everyone can use a little help now and then. As Kelli Grant reports in MarketWatch, going to summer camp may be a rite of passage for children, but for parents, it seems more like an initiation into the woes of tuition payments. What parents might not know is that camp expenses can translate…

  • 5 Things CPAs Need to Know about Integrated Reporting

    Guest Blogger
    16 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    Last week, my blog post discussed that Integrated Reporting <IR> represents an important shift in corporate reporting in which CPAs can play a key role providing consulting services, implementation or report preparation. In today’s blog, I’m drilling down into some of the key concepts of the recently released Consultation Draft of the International <IR> Framework that are important for CPAs to understand. Five features of the Draft Framework are: Integrated thinking: While much of the Draft Framework focuses on the preparation of an integrated report, at the heart of…
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    OSYB Number Crunch! Bookkeeping Tips from Outsouce Your Books.

  • QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop – Which one is right for your business?

    Ed Becker
    22 May 2013 | 7:03 am
    With an ever-expanding collection of features and options, businesses are left with a difficult choice between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. It is important to analyze your business strategy and choose a platform that will be most beneficial to your unique business model. The Key Differences QuickBooks Online lives in the cloud. It functions as software-as-a-service (SaaS), which means you must have an Internet connection to access the program. However, you do not need to install the program on your business computer and can access your data from any device, including most…

  • How to Extract Insightful Financial Ratios from QuickBooks

    Ed Becker
    17 May 2013 | 7:02 am
    Hidden among the mountains of data you have accumulated in QuickBooks lies several eye-opening financial ratios. These ratios are essential in corporate finance, but are also extremely effective at analyzing the financial strength of small businesses. The Current Ratio Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities Does your business have the ability to pay its debts in the next 12 months? The sole purpose of the current ratio is to answer this important liquidity question. You can easily calculate the current ratio by running a “Balance Sheet Detail” report in QuickBooks Pro.

  • Simple QuickBooks Techniques to Thwart Employee Fraud

    Ed Becker
    3 May 2013 | 9:21 am
    Small businesses often overlook the risk of employee theft and fraud. In most cases, weak internal controls leave the door wide open for embezzlement of company funds by unscrupulous employees. Fortunately, there are several simple techniques that can be implemented in QuickBooks to significantly decrease the risk of fraud. 1. The Root of the Problem Before you can optimize fraud prevention, it is essential to identify any weaknesses in existing accounting procedures. Separation of Duties. When your accounting staff is limited in size, it can be tempting to delegate conflicting duties to the…

  • How Dwindling Tax Incentives for Green Energy will Impact your Business

    Ed Becker
    1 May 2013 | 9:15 am
    Synopsis: The impact of expiring green energy tax incentives for small business and what to expect in the future. As traditional fuel prices continue to climb, green energy tax incentives have failed to keep up with the pace. Over the past decade, tax breaks for solar, wind, and alternative fuels have made clean energy a viable solution for many small business owners. Saying Goodbye to Green Tax Incentives in 2013 Unfortunately, the tax incentives for clean energy are rapidly disappearing as federal and state governments implement cost saving measures. Each tax credit discussed below is…

  • 7 QuickBooks Apps that will Maximize Bookkeeping Efficiency

    Ed Becker
    29 Apr 2013 | 9:09 am
    Synopsis: An overview of 7 exciting QuickBooks Apps that can improve bookkeeping efficiency for small businesses. The rapidly evolving Intuit App Center offers software add-ons that can dramatically improve bookkeeping efficiency. The app center allows 3rd party software developers to create powerful new services that expand the core QuickBooks experience. Below you will find 7 exiting apps that have the potential to radically change your daily accounting routine. ShoeBoxed Is your office littered with receipts waiting to be manually entered into QuickBooks? ShoeBoxed is a clever app that…
 
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    A-lign

  • Comprehend Compliance: A-lign Speakers are Available for your Next Event!

    A-lign Staff
    21 May 2013 | 9:20 am
    Looking for qualified compliance professionals to speak at your next event? A-lign is pleased to offer speakers who are strictly focused in the regulatory compliance arena and posses extensive knowledge in the following industries: payroll, collections, healthcare, data and information management. A-lign speakers hold certifications such as: Certified Public Accountant Certified Information Systems Auditor Certified [...]

  • Ask A-lign: When receiving our first SSAE 16 audit, if the auditors find minor mistakes, will we have the opportunity to correct them?

    A-lign Staff
    18 Apr 2013 | 9:53 am
    By: Scott Price, Managing Director of A-lign CPAs Answer: I hear this question often and, my answer is, “it depends.” I realize this is not the response most of you were hoping for, but I will elaborate. If your audit is a Type 1 SSAE 16, you can elect to have the review date of [...]

  • PCI Security Standards Council Releases New Information Supplement on Cloud Computing

    A-lign Staff
    20 Mar 2013 | 9:55 am
      By: Gene Geiger, Director of A-lign Security and Compliance Services In February the PCI Security Standards Council (the “Council”) released a new information supplement related to the application of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (“PCI DSS”) requirements in the Cloud. The goal of the information supplement is to assist Merchants and Cloud [...]

  • Preparing your Collection Agency for the CFPB Examination

    A-lign Staff
    14 Mar 2013 | 1:22 pm
    By: Neil Gonsalves, Director at A-lign CPAs On October 24, 2012 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a rule that would allow the CFPB to federally supervise the larger consumer debt collectors / collection agencies. One of the main objectives of the CFPB Examination is to ultimately help ensure that consumers that are affected [...]

  • Ask A-lign: What is the difference between a SOC logo and a SOC seal?

    A-lign Staff
    28 Feb 2013 | 9:30 am
    By: Scott Price, Managing Director of A-lign CPAs  Answer: Misuse of Service Organization Control (SOC) terminology is a common mishap in the marketplace. When it comes to the use of the SOC logo or seal, many tend to assume the terms mean the same thing (six of one, half a dozen of the other), but [...]
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    Common Cents

  • The Big Picture: Work Life Balance

    Joyce M. Washington, CPA
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Studies show that stress is a killer. Finding work life balance can be hard. When you start a business, stress is inevitable… right? Maybe.  Maybe not. Stress doesn’t have to be a part of the package. You can find some balance but you’ve got to start from the beginning. Make it a priority for you and your business right from the start. Start At The Beginning If you want to be stress-free (sorta), start at the beginning. It is my opinion, that in order to really be stress free when it comes to creating a business and working from home, it is mandatory that you start from the…

  • Packaging, Pricing, Presentation – Looks Matter

    Joyce M. Washington, CPA
    16 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    So you’ve packaged your services. And you’ve priced them. But WAIT.   Presentation matters. Placement matters. Looks matter. Before you go slapping your product and service packages up on the ol’ website.  Consider this. Looks matter.  Location matters.  Presentation matters. When you were in grade school, you were taught to color in the lines… This is kinda the same thing. neatness counts in presentation… packaging and pricing A Few Presentation Tips Tip #1 – Start with your premium package When presenting your packages start with your “Big…

  • Packaging, Pricing and the Time Continuum

    Joyce M. Washington, CPA
    13 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Packaging, pricing and time… they all seem to be connected at the proverbial hip. Have you ever read a product or service description… a squeeze page… a sales page… and wonder… how do they do that? Packages, Pricing and Time – Oh My! How did they come up with their packaging structure? How’d they come up with their prices without using the billable hour? Have you struggled setting prices?  Have you wanted to use something other than the billable hour? But you aren’t quite sure how to go about it.  Where to start and afraid of where you will…

  • Pricing Halo: Different Flavor, Different Size

    Joyce M. Washington, CPA
    9 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Pricing Halos.  More, more, more. Kinda feel like Billy Idol all of a sudden. Anyway.  Can’t stop, won’t stop. There’s more to pricing halos than meets the eye.  Much more, more, more. In addition to using your anchor to halo a product or service, you can also use internal comparison pricing to halo them. Comparison Shopping How, you ask?  By comparing not only your products to each other with anchoring but comparing a product to itself with value-pricing. Have you heard of a little thing called “suggested retail price”.  Or as they refer to it in the auto…

  • Angelic Pricing – Where’s Your Halo?

    Joyce M. Washington, CPA
    6 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Do you see that pricing halo? Not sure what I mean? It’s right there! It’s the angelic glow emanating from your perfectly positioned and priced service package and product. IT’S RIGHT THERE. Oh, you don’t see it… because you don’t have one.  And you don’t have one because you don’t know what it is nor did you know that they (pricing halos) exist. The Halo So what IS a pricing halo? It’s when you use your pricing anchor to make a specific product or service look better by comparison. When compared to your pricing anchor everything else…
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    C/F/R - Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP

  • Tips to Help You Lead with Confidence

    17 May 2013 | 12:54 pm
    Confidence is crucial when it comes to being a leader. However, self-assurance doesn’t come naturally for many. It takes time to accept and fine tune your skills, strengths and abilities.

  • Consider These Tips When Paying for Child’s Education

    10 May 2013 | 12:56 pm
    There are tons of things you can do to help pay for your college education. However, many of the options result in a large debt pileup. Instead of taking out all the loans you can get your hands on, consider these money saving tips.

  • How to Safeguard Personal Assets from Business Liabilities

    3 May 2013 | 1:58 pm
    One of the most challenging aspects of owning a business is understanding how to manage your personal assets. Many small business owners get taken advantage of with high-priced asset protection plans, expensive insurance or a lawsuit due to an accident that isn’t their fault.

  • Tips to Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud

    26 Apr 2013 | 12:25 pm
    Financial fraud is more common than ever. Sadly, even some of the most prestigious financial advisers have been convicted of fraudulent activity over the past few years.

  • Credit Continues to Loosen for Small Businesses

    19 Apr 2013 | 1:14 pm
    A new survey provides an optimistic outlook on small business lending. The survey, conducted by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association, polled 255 risk managers at U.S. banks to gain insight on their projected lending practices.
 
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    Dollars and Sense

  • Adding Superfoods to Your Menu is Easier than You Think

    Jessica Glenn
    10 May 2013 | 12:13 pm
    Those working in the restaurant industry are seeing a growing interest in superfoods and superfruits. However, many menu developers are wary to introduce these ingredients to customers. What they don’t understand is that adding these superfoods to their menu can be as simple as adding blueberries into a smoothie. Below are several ways you can introduce superfoods into everyday menu items: Burger concepts – Superfruits can easily be added to smoothies, juices and iced teas. Salad dressings can also easily incorporate superfood and their flavors. For the actual burger, the…

  • Get Ready for the New Wave of Customer Service

    Jessica Glenn
    3 May 2013 | 12:55 pm
    The way customers view service has drastically changed over the past few years. This means that restaurant and other small business owners need to revamp their tactics on how they deal with customer feedback. Below are some ways in which customers have changed that will help impact the way you and your employees deal with them: Social media has empowered customers. Customers expect to easily contact companies and to receive quality feedback on their comments. If you have people available around the clock to address comments and concerns, you will avoid large public outbursts on social media…

  • McDonald’s Faces a Discounting Dilemma

    Jessica Glenn
    26 Apr 2013 | 10:53 am
    Franchisees are left feeling pessimistic after a recent study disclosed that McDonald’s places too much emphasis on value and discounting. They feel that McDonald’s advertises too many discounted menu items, which makes it hard to sell full-margin items. When asked to rate the level of discounting on a scale of 1-to-10, 10 being the highest, operators gave an average response of 8.32. Frustration over discounting has strained the relationships between many franchisors and franchisees. When asked to rate that relationship on a 1-to-5 scale, franchisees produced an average response…

  • McDonald’s Improves Impression Among Healthy Consumers

    Jessica Glenn
    19 Apr 2013 | 11:49 am
    McDonald’s is one of several restaurant chains that are improving their brand image among health-conscious consumers due to new menu introductions. With the rollout of the new McWrap, McDonald’s has gotten positive feedback from customers who consider themselves to be in excellent health. This information was collected from a YouGov BrandIndex report that studied the proprietary impression scores – measuring how positive or negative survey respondents felt about a brand – for several quick-service and fast-casual restaurant chains. To narrow down the study, impression…

  • New Credit Card Standards Change the Way Customers Pay

    Jessica Glenn
    12 Apr 2013 | 12:05 pm
    By October 2015, all restaurants and other merchants will be forced to adopt new standards that will significantly change the way customers pay for goods and services. The new Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) standards require a shift from magnetic-stripe credit cards to chip-and-pin cards that must be inserted into a terminal throughout the entire transaction. The hope is that this card will increase domestic and international interoperability, move us toward a global credit card standard, and decrease fraudulent activity. To prepare for the shift, restaurants will need to review their…
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    Goldin Pieser & Peiser, LLP

  • Tips to Help You Lead with Confidence

    17 May 2013 | 12:35 pm
    Confidence is crucial when it comes to being a leader. However, self-assurance doesn’t come naturally for many. It takes time to accept and fine tune your skills, strengths and abilities. Don’t let self-doubt prevent you from taking the steps necessary to improve your competence and capabilities.

  • Consider These Tips When Paying for Child’s Education

    10 May 2013 | 12:37 pm
    There are tons of things you can do to help pay for your college education. However, many of the options result in a large debt pileup. Instead of taking out all the loans you can get your hands on, consider these money saving tips.

  • How to Safeguard Personal Assets from Business Liabilities

    3 May 2013 | 1:23 pm
    One of the most challenging aspects of owning a business is understanding how to manage your personal assets. Many small business owners get taken advantage of with high-priced asset protection plans, expensive insurance or a lawsuit due to an accident that isn’t their fault.

  • Tips to Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud

    26 Apr 2013 | 11:24 am
    Financial fraud is more common than ever. Sadly, even some of the most prestigious financial advisers have been convicted of fraudulent activity over the past few years.

  • Credit Continues to Loosen for Small Businesses

    19 Apr 2013 | 12:21 pm
    A new survey provides an optimistic outlook on small business lending. The survey, conducted by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association, polled 255 risk managers at U.S. banks to gain insight on their projected lending practices.
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    Thriving Firm Blog

  • The 1 Thing Einstein Truly Believed

    22 May 2013 | 12:00 am
    It's graduation season. Commencement speakers are doling out advice. Some of it is cliched and rehashed encouragement pocked with a few jokes about the school's mascot. What separates a good commencement address from the rest of the pack is when a speaker shares something he or she really believes. I would like to hear Albert Einstein address graduates. In his quotes and writings, he seems not just to churn wisdom, but to share his honest viewpoint. One thing Einstein believed was that he did not poses any special talents. He said this himself, though we might be inclined to disagree.

  • 3 Must Haves When Asking for Professional Development

    21 May 2013 | 11:56 am
    A key difference between an appointed leader and an up-and-coming leader, as well as a partner and a managing partner, is control of the budget -- both the time budget and financial budget. This means even if an idea could reap benefits for the firm, there first needs to be a discussion and agreement on the investment into that idea. Sometimes this causes problems, especially when those without control of the budget see an opportunity for professional development. Here are three things that will help you if you find yourself in such a situation. 1. Get the facts and have them at the ready.

  • 3 Solutions to Fulfill what is Missing at Work

    20 May 2013 | 1:29 pm
    Accountants sometimes view the workplace as the enemy. Whether it's the people (clients or colleagues), unappreciative nature of those served, the relatively low pay, or the pressure to grow and attract new business, work can feel like an empty space. Many try to fill in what's missing, but fail to do so. A famous quip of wisdom by 12th century philosopher Maimonides can begin to guide us: I will destroy my enemies by converting them to friends. The best way to crush the idea that work is the enemy is to find joy, happiness and love in the work you do. This in no way means not caring…

  • The Top Five Signs that it’s Time to Move On

    15 May 2013 | 1:01 pm
    It's spring time, a time typically associated with new connections, flings and relationships. When you’re in any relationship, whether it’s business or personal, it can be difficult to see what everyone else sees. Sometimes there are signs that point to a beneficial, but difficult, decision: it’s time to move on. Here are some signs that a client is no longer right for your firm: • The client always is always complaining and never satisfied. • The client is a slow or reluctant payer. • The client does not seem to value or appreciate what you do. • You…

  • Having Your Dream Practice -Video-

    10 May 2013 | 8:23 am
    Our Thriving Firm initiative is empowering a growing number of members to manifest a practice on their own terms, to have their dream practices. If you are reading this, you likely believe something better is possible, whether in your firm, your career, or your life. The Thriving Firm initiative is driven by our mission to help make that happen for you. To better understand the essence of Thriving Firm, we’re asking that you watch our latest webinar in its entirety (below). At the end of the presentation, there’s a great discussion that explores more deeply the foundational…
 
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    PNATC » Get the news

  • How Technology Can Streamline Your Business – Top 5 QuickBooks Integrated Applications

    admin
    22 May 2013 | 11:40 am
    We are continually reviewing and evaluating add-on applications for our clients and provided you with some of our favorites in past posts. In that spirit we have put together a new top 5 list of QuickBooks integrated applications that all meet our exceedingly high standard of functionality and usability. In no specific order: Mavenlink: Mavenlink is designed to simplify workflow and increase productivity by providing a central, collaborative workspace where you can track and complete projects. Its features include real-time messaging, file sharing and email integration. The key benefit is…

  • QuickBooks Summary and Detail

    Travis Trudeau
    20 May 2013 | 2:02 pm
    In QuickBooks, there is a filter that gets used a lot, but that many people are not aware of called Detail Level. There are three options for this field; All, Summary Only, All Except Summary. These choices allow you to filter out which part of the transaction you are looking at on a report. This can be very useful when looking at job costing reports, as well as trying to hunt down odd transactions. When you enter a transaction, for example a Bill, you enter information into two areas. The top area you select the vendor, bill date, reference number and total bill amount. In the bottom area,…

  • QuickBooks Importing – Transaction Pro Importer

    Travis Trudeau
    15 May 2013 | 11:06 am
    One of the common tools that we use in the office is the Transaction Pro Importer software by Baystate Consulting. This software allows you to import lists and transactions into QuickBooks from an Excel or Text file. We use this tool often when converting clients to QuickBooks from another software, or if the client has been using Excel for their record tracking. It also is used for importing bank statements. One recent client that I am working with gets a payment that is applied to hundreds of invoices. Because they don’t want to have to manually select the invoices, and the payment is…

  • Converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online

    Alex Flores
    15 May 2013 | 5:26 am
    For those of you who are thinking to switch to the Online version of QB there are a few things to keep in mind   Lists Only - Converts all your data from lists (such as your Customer List, Vendor List, and Chart of Accounts), but it omits account balances and transactions. To see which lists are converted, click the links in the Lists column in the table below. After the convert is complete, you’ll need to enter the omitted account balances. That way, you’ll have an accurate starting point for your company data in QuickBooks Online. All Data - Converts all transactions…

  • QuickBooks Importing – TransImporter 2012

    Travis Trudeau
    10 May 2013 | 11:30 am
    There are a few tools that can be used to import data into QuickBooks. One that we have used a lot in the past is Transaction Pro Importer. One of our recent clients has signed up with Uni-Data to do hosting of their QuickBooks and unfortunately, they do not support the Transaction Pro Importer. They do have a program called TransImporter 2012 that they support which also allows importing data into QuickBooks, and has a neat feature that is not available in Transaction Pro Importer. This feature allows you to have multiple transaction types in one file. You set a formula that checks a column…
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    Accounting Software & QuickBooks Help

  • A POS system for the iPad!

    Ashley Wallace
    10 May 2013 | 12:12 pm
    Yesterday, I sat in on a demo of a new software that we heard about.  It’s called ShopKeep.  This software is a Point of Sale system that operates on your iPad and is accessed through the cloud. I have to say, it’s pretty cool.With ShopKeep POS, you can add your items to the system and set default prices.  Once your items are setup, cashiers can easily choose the items to add to the sale by clicking the button for that item or scanning the item in.  If you want to track your customers, you can easily add the customer name to the sale.  Then, the cashier picks a payment type (works…

  • Customizing Invoice Templates in QuickBooks

    Ashley Wallace
    3 May 2013 | 1:52 pm
    So here’s a bit of a funny story.  I bought my first house a few weeks ago and there’s a huge list of to-do’s of course. One of the items on that list was to remove the ugly, in-the-way tree in my front yard.   So, I call around and find a tree removal company that will do the work at a decent price.  I have them come and give them a credit card over the phone.  Fast forward a few days, my husband comes home with the paid invoice after the work has been completed. I take one look at it and we both say at the same time “haha, they use QuickBooks.”  Now you may not believe me…

  • Rewards Manager in QuickBooks Point of Sale

    Ashley Wallace
    26 Apr 2013 | 1:05 pm
    Rewards Manager in QuickBooks Point of SaleHow many times have you gone to a retail store and they give you a little keychain tag with a barcode on it?  Probably quite often.  The reason retailers are doing this is generally because it’s an easy way of entering the customer on the sale at the time of the sale.  Sometimes it’s difficult to have to lookup a customer by phone number or name because people tend to forget which information they gave in the first place.  One of the main reasons you want to be able to attach a customer to a sale on a regular basis is because then you can…

  • Resolved Question: help with windows 8 & flash player (please read)?

    CIAS QuickBooks ProAdvisor's Answers - Yahoo! Answers
    25 Apr 2013 | 2:57 pm

  • Intuit Releases R6 for QuickBooks 2013 and Enterprise 13.0

    Ashley Wallace
    19 Apr 2013 | 10:43 am
    If you have QuickBooks 2013 or Enterprise 13.0 and haven’t done so already, you may want to install the most recent R6 update.  They have made quite a few fixes and adjustments that just may make life a bit easier for you in the QuickBooks software.The following changes, improvements, and fixes were made to QuickBooks Pro 2013, QuickBooks Premier 2013, and Enterprise Solutions 13.0. Later releases (ones with higher numbers) include all changes in earlier releases.Release 6 (R6) What’s important about Release 6?      Resolved QBW32.EXE Fatal Application Exit error (Unrecoverable…
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    It's Taxing - Bond Beebe

  • How to Help the Oklahoma Tornado Victims: A Quick Primer on Tax-Deductible Donations

    22 May 2013 | 9:55 am
    This week has gotten off to a heartbreaking start with the damage inflicted by the Oklahoma tornadoes.  The sheer scope of the devastation and loss is hard to imagine and many of us are eagerly looking for ways to help, no matter where we live.As you consider a charitable donation to help those affected by the tornadoes, there are some tax considerations to keep in mind.  While the tax aspect is certainly not the most important factor – charitable giving is important regardless of tax benefits – it is helpful to know the rules if you are planning

  • IRS Furlough Day Details and Effects for Taxpayers

    21 May 2013 | 4:54 am
    The IRS has issued details (IR-2013-51) about their planned 2013 furloughed days scheduled for May 24, June 14, July 5, July 22, and August 30.  During these times IRS offices, toll free lines, the Taxpayer Advocate Service, and taxpayer assistance centers will be closed.

  • Late Payment Relief Available for Filers Affected by Delayed Forms Release

    21 Mar 2013 | 11:14 am
    IRS has published Notice 2013-24 that allows a waiver of the .5% late payment penalty for anyone who files an extension, has underpaid their tax and was affected by the delay in release of certain IRS forms.  Taxpayers must demonstrate “reasonable cause” and make a good faith effort to pay the proper amount with their extension even if they aren’t sure what the actual amount should be.  So filing an extension with no payment when you owe $100k may not demonstrate good faith.

  • They Aren’t Really Employees, Are They? Correctly Classifying Independent Contractors

    18 Mar 2013 | 6:15 am
    A recent tax court decision, Kureck v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 2013-64 (Feb. 28,2013), highlights the danger faced by many taxpayers utilizing independent contractors in their businesses.  The taxpayer in this case (Kurek) was a sole proprietor contractor specializing in home renovation.   He hired approximately 30 part-time workers on a project by project basis. None of the workers were engaged full-time by Kureck.  Each worker was paid weekly based on the percentage of work completed on a particular job.  The workers set their own work schedules and provided their…

  • Protecting Yourself from Income Tax-Related Identity Fraud

    19 Feb 2013 | 6:18 am
    While many taxpayers are currently focused on preparing the proper forms and compiling supporting documents and receipts, there is another important tax-related consideration - identity theft.  As Bond Beebe Principal John Merchant explains in his recent post at BBForensic, tax identity theft is growing.  Perpetrators use stolen identities to file a tax return with an overpayment and then deposit the refund into a false account.  Sadly, victims are not limited to living taxpayers; often these schemes use information from recently deceased individuals. 
 
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    Forensic Auditing Blog

  • Five Ways Forensic Accountants Can Make Workplace Fraud Settlements Easier

    20 May 2013 | 5:04 am
    Posting by Alex Helfand, EnCE P: 301.272.6022 | E: helfand@bbcpa.comIt’s in the local newspapers every week – an employee finally gets caught committing white collar fraud at his or her workplace.  Worse yet, the employee is found out years after the fraud began, and typically is a trusted team member with no prior criminal record to give an inkling that this could be possible.  Some losses are incalculable, such as trust; others are hard to determine – the perpetrator often has had direct and occasionally sole access to many company functions and records, using several…

  • Divorce Checklist: Financial Information and Documents that Can Aid a Settlement

    23 Apr 2013 | 5:17 am
    Posting by Joel Susco, CPA P: 301.272.6050 | E: susco@bbcpa.comAccording to the Women’s Institute for Financial Education, each year, nearly 2.8 million men and women go through the emotional and financial trauma of divorce.  And, financial survival is one of the most common concerns.  One of the biggest mistakes divorcing couples make is being in the dark about their finances.  If one spouse in the marriage has historically been the financial decision maker and records keeper, he/she may have an unfair advantage when it comes time to settle the financial issues in a…

  • Payments Fraud Prevention: Protecting Your Organization from Check and Card Fraud

    9 Apr 2013 | 6:22 am
    Posting by Linh T. Crider, CPA, CFE P: 301.272.6004 | E: crider@bbcpa.comAre your organization’s payment processing systems vulnerable to fraud?  Recent research shows that check fraud continues to be a persistent problem for companies, and credit card fraud is on the rise.  According to the 2013 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey, 61% of the companies surveyed had experienced some type of payments fraud.  Without the proper controls in place, your business may be at risk to financial losses suffered from these types of scams. Read More...

  • Identity Theft Prosecution: Three Ways a Forensic Accountant Can Help

    29 Mar 2013 | 5:35 am
    Posting by Tara McKinney, CPA, CFE P: 301.272.6018 | E: mckinney@bbcpa.com Identity theft and related identity fraud is a widespread problem due to today’s modern digital environment, which has armed thieves with new ways to silently steal large amounts of personal data from anywhere in the world.  Credit card fraud, identity theft and online embezzlement scams are increasingly in the news, and we frequently hear about personal information being stolen due to credit card skimming, and websites and other company data being hacked.   Read More...

  • Don't Become a Victim of Fraud and Identity Theft

    18 Mar 2013 | 6:33 am
    Posting by John Merchant, CPA, CFE, CFF P: 301.272.6030 | E: merchant@bbcpa.comFraud and identity theft have become a serious and ever-increasing problem.  No one wants to become a victim and there are certain basics rules to follow to avoid being victimized.  Here are eleven simple ways you can protect yourself: Read More...
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