The 2007 CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey found that to combat unscheduled absenteeism, U.S. companies offer an average of nine work/life programs, though each varied in its effectiveness, and the most effective programs are not necessarily the most frequently used. The programs rated highest for reducing unscheduled absences (on a
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TOPICS / FIRM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Human capital
Compensation as a Strategic Asset: The New Paradigm
by August J. Aquila and Coral L. Rice AICPA, 2007, 190 pp. Compensation is a complex matter for most firms, with money being only one aspect of the equation. This book begins with a look at recent (past 25 years or so) paradigm shifts that have contributed to changes in
Points for Retention
Retaining valuable staff members is becoming increasingly difficult in today’s competitive environment. In addition to ideas about flexible work arrangements, compensation and benefits, consider these recommendations for retaining valuable employees: Re-recruit top performers before they get a better offer. Retaining valued staff means being proactive. Remind top performers of their
Hiring Incentives Target Veterans, Rural Counties
The work opportunity tax credit (WOTC) has been in existence for years; however, the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007, P.L. 110-28 (SBWOTA), expanded the definition of some of the target groups, creating tax incentives that will affect more clients than originally expected. SBWOTA
Ideas That Really Work to Recruit and Retain Staff
Does your firm have a consistent hiring message and formalized training program for new hires? CPA and consultant Steve Erickson developed 10 tips to help firms in achieving their hiring and retention goals. Increase focus and efforts. Make recruiting a year-round focus, engaging both partners and employees in the process.
Avoiding the Commitment Dip
Firms use thousands of dollars and work hours to make change initiatives a success—and then the bottom falls out. Or in this case, employee commitment to the change drops off, and all signs point to failure. Richard Lepsinger, a human resources consultant and co-author of Flexible Leadership: Creating Value by
CPA Executives Predict HR Headaches
Staff-related issues will account for four of the top five challenges facing organizations in upcoming months, according to a survey of more than 1,350 CPA decision makers. Ninety-five percent of respondents saw employee and benefit costs as a challenge of some type, with 25% classifying it as a major challenge.
Hiring the Best and the Brightest
High employee turnover increases costs and hurts productivity. It is also preventable. The best way to avoid spending the time, energy and money it takes to find a replacement is to hire the right person the first time. To build a solid finance team, know what you
Sweet Charity
Firms that tout employee volunteer programs could have a leg up when it comes to recruiting young CPAs. According to the 2007 Volunteer IMPACT survey by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, 62% of Generation Y employees said they would prefer to work for companies that give them opportunities to contribute
The Red Carpet Treatment
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Statistics show strong job prospects for CPAs are likely to continue well into the next decade. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates employment for accountants and auditors to grow by at least 22% between 2004 and 2014. Sarbanes-Oxley compliance,
Firms Not Planning for Booming Retirements
Almost 40% of companies have made no projections about the retirement rate of their employees and more than 25% have not even analyzed their work force demographics, which might unexpectedly jeopardize employer success, according to The Center on Aging and Work/Workplace Flexibility at Boston College. The study found that, although
Talent-Tempting Web Sites
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CPA firms have long sought answers to problems in recruiting and staffing. Some have used their Web sites to attract and inform prospective hires by adding features and content that highlight aspects of a career there. A survey of Web sites of the 50
Understanding the Best and Brightest
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY To find out what promising young accounting professionals want from employers, the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) conducted a new “Top Talent Study.” CPA firm partners asked their most highly valued nonpartner employees about their hopes for growth opportunities, job benefits and firm culture, and how
Recruiting Made Easy
A talented recruit may be your next partner. You never know. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Porter Keadle Moore LLP established a comprehensive campus recruiting presence on eight college campuses to recruit hires directly from schools. That way it can train staff in its unique processes from the very beginning. A first step
Working Couples: Small Firm Solutions
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MARRIED COUPLE CPA FIRMS ARE FINDING SUCCESS on their own terms and learning valuable practice management lessons along the way. EACH INDIVIDUAL SHOULD HAVE AN INDEPENDENT practice area. Having autonomy over final decisions in specific areas prevents spouses from stepping on each other’s toes. In many cases, this
The Style Split
Do men and women really differ in the way they lead? Absolutely. But while most of us easily recognize and appreciate the differences in our personal relationships, it is not always so easy to see them in the business world. Yet, with more women in management roles today, it is
Advice From Trailblazers and Rising Stars
Since 1986 more than 50% of accounting graduates have been women vs. just 10% in 1970. Much of this impressive progress is due to noteworthy women and their contributions to their employers and to the profession. Be True to Personal Values “The ability to focus on true priorities in life
Growing Talent Is Everybodys Business
One of the biggest evolutions in the accounting field’s 100-year history is the presence of women in the profession. As of 2003 42% of full-time CPAs were women. Almost 6 in 10 (59%) of the staff in entry-level positions were women. Almost 1 in 5 partners (19%) and 4 in
A Business Imperative
What do high labor costs, succession planning and client expectations have in common? Answer: They are all huge challenges facing the accounting profession. Large numbers of corporate and firm executives quickly are approaching retirement and many will leave in the next 10 to 15 years. The challenge is clear: Firms
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SPONSORED REPORT
Preparing clients for new provisions next tax season
As the 2025 filing season approaches, H.R. 1 introduces significant tax reforms that CPAs must be prepared to navigate. These legislative changes represent some of the most comprehensive tax updates in recent years, affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers. This report provides in-depth analysis and guidance on H.R. 1.
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