Auditing
Although analytical procedures can lead to greater audit efficiency, auditors face many pitfalls because of judgment problems. This article describes these problems and explains how to avoid them.
Professional Issues
Stuart Kessler, the new chairman of the American Institute of CPAs board of directors, is an outspoken advocate with a strong interest in distinguishing the CPA from the morass of business managers and consultants. He is committed to helping CPAs in all segments of the profession create their own future by taking advantage of new opportunities in the marketplace.
The Small Practitioner
Firms describe the benefits—and drawbacks—of flexible work arrangements.
The Financial Manager
Reliability and analytical skills are crucial in accounting, but they are desirable in other fields as well. One organization developed a new service area when a CPA was put in charge of the human resources function.
Technology
Application software has become the major professional tool of accountants, and this survey reports what products CPAs use, what they like, what they dont like and, if they plan to switch to a new product, what that brand might be.
Compensation and Benefits
As rules for qualified retirement plans tighten, companies must depend more and more on nonqualified plans to provide adequate benefits, particularly for key executives. Such plans allow for maximum flexibility and may be adapted to a wide range of circumstances.
Compensation and Benefits
Limits on the amount of compensation that can be considered by a qualified plan in determining benefits have had a negative impact on the retirement income of many highly paid executives. But plan design can allow companies to provide those individuals with greater benefits while still following all the rules. For those retirement plans that have made mistakes, the Internal Revenue Service has a program to make voluntary corrections easier.