“Recruiting (and Retaining) the Next Generation Accountant” (April 08, page 60) intrigued me. The authors, Kent State faculty members, clearly understand the challenges involved in recruiting the next generation of accountants. They also discuss many ways in which academia and the profession can work together while young people are earning
Advertisement
TOPICS
Firm practice management
Professional Issues
The guide provides step-by-step guidance, including ready-to-use forms and checklists, to assist in launching a mentoring program. To request a free copy of the guide, e-mail womensinitiatives@aicpa.org or download it at www.aicpa.org/download/career/wofi/Mentoring_Prg.pdf.
Managing IT in a Downturn
During an economic downturn, the impact of good governance of information technology is magnified. CFOs managing IT under current conditions would benefit from keeping these action items in focus. Monitor the progress of the actual IT budget compared to the approved budget. Beware of variances, such as planned
Accounting for Second Life
Jump to Web exclusives: Training in Second Life Now a Virtual Reality Second Life Trailblazers EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Second Life is a virtual world with education, public relations, and economic implications. CPA Island is the center of the public accounting profession in Second Life. At a minimum, CPA Island presents a
Interstate Mobility and the CPA Tax Practitioner: It Does Apply to You
Which of the following statements is true about CPA tax practice? Interstate licensing requirements apply only to CPAs who perform attest services. Tax return preparation, tax planning services and tax advocacy are not the practice of public accounting so can be performed wherever needed without an authorization to practice. A
A Global Standard for Professional Ethics
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Standard setting organizations in more than 100 countries have adopted the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, while others are in the process of converging with the code. The code applies to professionals in public practice, business, academia and government. The IFAC code’s
Taking a Systemic Approach
For the better part of two decades ending in the late 1990s, I was responsible for university recruiting at KPMG LLP. While we worked to increase diversity in the firm, it was frustrating because so few people of color were studying business and, therefore, there was little diversity among the
Benefits Draw Top Talent
One-third of CFOs surveyed by Robert Half International thought benefits packages were the most effective incentive in attracting top accounting candidates – up from just 2% five years ago. The findings also suggest that traditional incentives, such as insurance, are a higher priority today than flexible work schedules, which fell
Signing Bonuses Lure Recent Grads
More entry-level hires may find themselves with deeper pockets in 2008, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The association’s Job Outlook 2008 survey found 54% of employers plan to use signing bonuses when recruiting new hires, up from 47% in 2007. Previous NACE studies and surveys suggest
“Success in Two” for the CPA Exam
At LarsonAllen LLP, our goal is to get employees started on the exam within one year of their full-time hire date, and then to pass the exam by their second anniversary with the firm – hence the name of the program “Success in Two.” Here’s how we do it: If
Expand Your Horizons: Niche Marketing Success Stories
Niche marketing has become a successful strategy for many CPA firms because it identifies target markets and resources, distinguishes a CPA firm from the competition and generates higher profit margins. Niche market specialties will focus both your firm’s marketing program and your marketing professional’s activities by providing a foundation for
Weather the Storm During a Recession
While it may be impossible to recession-proof your clients’ businesses, BDO Consulting, which provides restructuring and risk advisory services as a business line of BDO Seidman LLP, provides these tips in the event of an economic downturn: n Take fast and decisive action—quickly determine core administrative and operational needs and
Recruiting (and Retaining) the Next Generation Accountant: One University’s Experience
What attracts students to accounting? Is it the appeal of social and forensic accounting in a post-Enron world? Is it the allure of big money? Or is it simply supply and demand? When it comes to attracting students to the accounting profession, faculty in university accounting departments face pressures from
Found: Client Evaluation Template
The article, “Letting Go: Evaluating and Firing Clients” (Jan. 08, page 54), was well written and exactly on point for my firm. I am the sole owner of a two-office, 23-person firm. In late 2006, my business partner unexpectedly passed away. During 2007 we had some expected—and some unexpected—changes
Fee Management Tips
Properly pricing your services should be a high priority. Follow these best practices for setting and managing fees. P Know the costs of providing services. Determine direct costs, allocated overhead and targeted firm profits for each client. Divide the fees collected (or collectible) by the time charges to get your
Assisting Troubled Business Clients: A Midsize Dilemma for CPAs
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Experienced CPAs will often recognize early signs of financial distress when performing routine audits, accounting or tax services for a midsize business. A turnaround requires decisive and confident leadership and a willingness to change. Top management is usually under stress at this point, requiring outside assistance
Life Cycle Planning for the CPA Practice: Practical Strategies and Forms
As accounting practices grow, they often experience similar milestones. Author Martin Shenkman’s book gives accountants a framework to guide the growth of their practice, providing details needed for careful analysis of major business, tax and planning decisions at every phase. The milestones, and book chapters, are arranged in chronological order
At the Crossroads: The Remarkable CPA Firm That Nearly Crashed, Then Soared
This story follows a fictional accounting firm, C&P, through its journey from dysfunction and slow growth to success. Although not a novel, the authors use a narrative format to teach readers about the Practice Growth Model, a way of looking at the resources needed to achieve effective growth for improved
Effective Interviewers Snatch Candidates and Competitive Edge
Employers are reporting the lowest interview-to-hire ratio in 17 years, with 3.9 new college graduates interviewed for every hire they make. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, increased efficiency in the screening process allows employers to concentrate on a select few candidates at the interview stage. In
Features
SPONSORED REPORT
How to find the right CAS clients
The key to success with CAS is selecting the best clients. Tools like ideal client profiles (ICPs), buyer personas, and even artificial intelligence can help identify the businesses that best fit each CAS practice.
From The Tax Adviser
March 6, 2026
Navigating the Form 1099-DA reporting maze
February 28, 2026
CPA firm M&A tax issues
February 18, 2026
Why LIFO, why now?
February 10, 2026
