Understanding forensic IT specialists’ capabilities and defining their roles is critical to a successful engagement. Take these steps to ensure the candidate you’re considering is right for the assignment. R Determine if the engagement will be a matter of information preservation, financial or economic analysis, a review for relevant data
Advertisement
TOPICS
Firm practice management
Managing Intellectual Property
It would be inexcusable for a company to have no idea of the value of its inventory or plant and equipment. But, in fact, many companies know neither the full extent of intellectual (intangible) properties they own nor what they are worth. Many specific responsibilities for
Make the Most of Mentoring
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The definition of mentoring is expanding to include the concept of coaching, which is focused on helping others learn job-related skills for growth. In today’s rapidly changing work environment, young accountants appear to learn more quickly and thoroughly through on-the-job training. Firms with strong cultures that facilitate continual
Developing a CRM Strategy in Your Firm
Jump to Web exclusives: Is CRM Worthwhile? Assess Your Customer Relationship Management Readiness EXECUTIVE SUMMARY When a customer relationship management (CRM) strategy is integrated with a firm’s overall strategic plan, it helps the firm perceive and respond to business and economic trends. CRM strategy starts with an understanding of a
Mentoring Part of Recruiting and Retaining, Too
“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
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
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
Data governance: How finance builds trust in data
Learn how finance can use data governance to improve data quality, strengthen internal controls, and build trust in business data.
From The Tax Adviser
July 31, 2026
Current developments in S corporations
July 31, 2026
