March 2010 - Journal of Accountancy

Should private companies adhere to the same set of accounting standards as public companies? This question has been debated for decades by various committees and organizations. In January, Rick Anderson, chairman and CEO of Seattle-based Moss Adams LLP, was named chairman of a new blue-ribbon panel tasked with making recommendations

In November, FASB and the IASB reaffirmed their commitment to a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines major convergence projects scheduled for completion by June 2011. The affirmed convergence plan continues the commitment made by the two boards seven years ago in “The Norwalk Agreement” to “make their existing

The scenario is all too common. A majority partner wants to retire, but the remaining partners can’t afford to buy him or her out, or they want out themselves. Key employees eye the door as rumors swirl that the company may be sold to a larger competitor that is sure

Given today’s environment of bankruptcies, bank failures and recessionary pressure, consummating merger and acquisition transactions is more challenging than ever. The potential disputes arising from the challenges of an M&A transaction are numerous. The following two types of disputes are the focus of this article: working capital disputes regarding whether

Although it has a well-deserved reputation for complexity and uncertainty for taxpayers, the research tax credit of IRC § 41 nonetheless remains a valuable source of support to businesses that conduct qualified research and development. In fiscal year 2009 alone, the credit represented an estimated $5.6 billion federal subsidy for

Today many companies recognize the desirability as well as the requirement to have an effective system of internal control. Yet, designing and implementing a cost-effective system of internal control is a daunting, if not overwhelming, task. One way to overcome resistance to internal control is to educate stakeholders at every

Editor’s note: This is a sidebar to “The CPA’s Role in Quantifying Post-Acquisition Dispute Damages,” March 2010.   Most CPAs with an accounting and auditing background have advised a client who has acquired or sold a business or business interest. Disputes may arise related to the M&A transaction as outlined

An aging population, increased regulation and the move toward fair value reporting have led to increased demand for valuation services in recent years. As baby boomers approach retirement and start thinking about succession and estate planning, the first step is often valuing the family business. Changes to the tax code