September 2006

Professional Issues

Substantial Equivalency Practice Privileges

The Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) introduced the concept of “substantial equivalency” to make it easier for licensed CPAs in good standing to practice in more than one jurisdiction. This article discusses the strengths and limitations of the UAA implementation process and recent changes to the act.

Personal Financial Planning / Tax

The Best Use of Spare Cash

What’s the most effective use of extra funds? Is it better to invest, add to retirement accounts, save for college or pay off debts? This article provides a step-by-step approach to ranking the options.

Special Section: BV / FLS

The BV/FLS Environment

Special Section: BV / FLS

Discovery: Retrieving Electronic Documents

Special Section: BV / FLS

BV Engagement Research

Special Report

CPA2Biz Update

Recently, the Journal of Accountancy’s Geoffrey Pickard and CPA2Biz President and CEO Erik Asgeirsson chatted about the continued growth of the AICPA’s majority-owned subsidiary and what’s on the drawing board for the coming months. Here’s what they had to say.

Special Section: BV / FLS

Tips for Starting a BV Practice

Special Section: BV / FLS

A Fast-Moving Practice Niche

Special Section: BV / FLS

Commitments to Private Equity

Special Section: BV / FLS

Fraud: "Elementary, My Dear Watson"

Special Section: BV / FLS

Collaborative Divorce: Better for Everyone

Special Section: BV / FLS

Fair Value: Challenges to the Private Equity Industry

Special Section: BV / FLS

Alternative Routes to the ABV

Special Section: BV / FLS

Fraud: Small Business Clients at Risk

Personal Financial Planning / Tax

Rating 529 College Savings Plans

Long-term performance is an important consideration in any investment—but section 529 plans don’t yet have a long track record. Here’s how CPAs can use mutual fund ratings to get a better sense of the performance of these popular college savings options.

Technology

Click…and the Database Loads Into Excel.

Most CPAs work better in Excel than in a database. But when it’s time to analyze database information, they have to go through the difficult task of converting the data into Excel. Here’s how to make that conversion in just one step.

Financial Reporting / Internal Controls

Account Reconciliation: An Underappreciated Control

Since the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the process of balance sheet account reconciliation has taken on a more significant role in helping companies detect and prevent financial statement misstatements.

Special Section: BV / FLS

The Valuation Landscape

Special Section: BV / FLS

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Collaborative Law Works

Special Section: BV / FLS

A BV/FLS Profile