College / Personal Financial Planning
With college costs escalating, CPAs increasingly are being asked to advise clients on how to maximize financial aid rewards. This article analyzes the federal financial aid formula and offers planning opportunities CPAs can share with clients. For CPAs who offer financial planning services.
Technology Workshop
Using Word’s Mail Merge feature, you can send customized mass mailings to everyone in your Outlook contact file. For all CPAs.
Practice Management
Profession-wide, senior partners need to plan how they will exit their practices. This article, adapted from the new book Securing the Future: Building a Succession Plan for Your Firm, discusses issues firms of all types and sizes must address for a profitable transfer of leadership. For CPA firm partners and managers.
Social Security
Proposals on how best to modify Social Security to ensure its viability and fairness are in the air, and CPAs can help the public understand them. This article offers an overview of the AICPA publication Understanding Social Security Reform: The Issues and Alternatives and a succinct guide to comparing the different plans it describes. For all CPAs and trusted advisers at firms and companies of all sizes.
CPA Exam
The computer-based CPA exam has achieved major objectives: Candidates take a more flexible and realistic exam in nationwide test centers; content can be continuously improved to align with professional practice; and the test evaluates the research, analytical, judgment and communications skills required of entry-level CPAs in addition to their technical knowledge. For all CPAs, educators and students preparing for the exam.
Executive Compensation
Companies have until the end of 2005 to comply with new restrictions on deferred compensation plans. CPAs can recommend modifications to help employers avoid penalties and unfavorable tax consequences. For CPAs who advise employers or clients on compensation issues or who maintain deferred compensation plans at their firms.