With the COVID-19 pandemic causing unprecedented economic turmoil, small businesses need financial guidance and expertise more than ever before. CPAs and firms can provide that assistance by following a five-step process.
Firm practice management
AICPA applauds additional clarity in Treasury FAQs on Paycheck Protection Program
The Treasury and the SBA released 18 FAQs to help facilitate funding of small businesses under the PPP. The AICPA applauds the additional clarity, which aligns with many of the recommendations recently made by the AICPA and an AICPA-led coalition.
Keeping clients informed during the COVID-19 crisis
Five CPA firms of different sizes outline their plans for staying in touch with clients during the pandemic and ensuring they get the vital information they need.
CPAs providing billable advisory services to small business may not want to be an agent
The AICPA issued a statement clarifying that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act prohibits CPAs and accounting firms from collecting fees from small business clients they help apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
How to achieve partner unity
When partners are on the same page, firms propel forward, as opposed to remaining stagnant.
CPAs support business owners during COVID-19 crisis
Accountants weigh in on what their business-owner clients are going through and how they’re providing a reassuring voice and pragmatic advice during a challenging time.
Creating webinars to answer client questions
The coronavirus pandemic has unleashed a flood of tax, audit and other accounting-related questions. Webinars offer CPAs an efficient way to tackle topics affecting large numbers of clients, staff or other stakeholders.
You’re suddenly WFH: An example of how to adapt
A finance professional working in local government shares how she has adapted to the new work-from-home reality many of us are experiencing.
AICPA-led coalition calls for small business funding
An AICPA-led coalition is urging quick government action to avert layoffs and allow small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic to continue paying workers. A key step is a federal payroll funding account that small business payroll processors could use to get money directly to employees.
How to use feedback as fuel
Leaders should understand not only how to provide effective feedback but how to receive it as well.
10 real reasons to go (and stay) remote
This article explores the reasons firms should move to remote work management on an ongoing basis and why resisting remote work and service delivery can place a firm at a competitive disadvantage.
Regulators clear way for certain loan modifications amid pandemic
A move by regulators to ease certain restrictions for borrowers in good standing will facilitate loan modifications linked to the coronavirus pandemic. But borrowers will need to act fast to secure relief while still in good standing with their lenders, which has been defined as being less than 30 days past due on contractual payments at the time a modification is implemented.
How small businesses can apply for SBA disaster loans
Businesses and not-for-profits with fewer than 500 employees can seek to borrow up to $2 million to cover coronavirus-related loss of revenue in declared disaster areas.
Switch to virtual client meetings amid coronavirus fears
CPAs who run virtual firms share their top tips for educating clients about online meetings and holding successful virtual meetings.
Top cyberthreats targeting accounting firms
An expert outlines three of the top external cyberthreats accounting firms face and provides pointers on how to reduce a firm’s risk of becoming a victim.
Tech tips for firms responding to coronavirus
A CPA firm’s IT director shares advice for organizations to assess and set up longer-term remote work in the wake of coronavirus concerns.
What to do if staff can’t make it to the office
As the coronavirus pandemic leads to staff scattering, here is expert advice on what firms can do to make remote working work.
5 tips for avoiding burnout
This article discusses ways to reduce–or even eliminate–the downward spiral of burnout.
More fun CPA license plates
This slideshow features 12 original vanity plates coined by CPAs nationwide.
How firms can advance women in the workplace
Firms are taking proactive steps to attract, retain, and advance women. And firms that use modified work arrangements (MWAs) and formal advancement programs to achieve those goals report that the benefits are clear.
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