CPAs can use several techniques to protect themselves against risk exposures related to failure to detect theft and fraud.
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Information management and technology assurance
Navigate worksheets faster
Q: Is there a fast way to navigate dozens of worksheets in an Excel workbook? A: Yes. In Excel, to move to the next worksheet (to the right), press Ctrl+Page Down. To move to the previous worksheet (to the left), press Ctrl+Page Up. To move back and forth by multiple
Smart ways to tap accountants’ business process acumen
There are ways to avoid disasters at the launch of the software and afterward, and some think accountants could play a bigger role in implementation work that has been largely dominated by IT and computer experts.
What gets monitored gets detected
As hardware and software have proliferated—and come down in price—more businesses have tools and settings at their disposal to implement continuous monitoring techniques. This article provides a few simple ways small and medium entities can improve monitoring processes to detect fraud and other risks.
Thread-bare
Q: Is it possible to forward an email as an attachment in Outlook? A: Yes. To forward an email as message threads, press Ctrl+F; to forward an email as an attachment, press Ctrl+Alt+F. This Forward as Attachment option is also available from the Message tab, in the Respond group, under
Backup fee-free
Q: We have six new computers running Windows 8 with about 400 gigabytes of data in total. We are looking for a backup solution that requires no monthly or annual fees, and little effort. Does such a solution exist? A: Before addressing your question, I feel obligated to tell you
The queue continuum
Q: For unknown reasons, the print queue on my laptop (running Windows 7) does not automatically empty after printing. Whenever I turn my computer on, it prints whatever is left in the queue. This problem also happened with my prior laptop. How can I get the print queue to empty
Lights, camera, format!
Q: I know it is possible to paste-link Excel data into Microsoft Word so that any formatting changes I make to the original data are automatically reflected in the pasted data in Word, but is there also a way to paste-link Excel data into another Excel worksheet so that formatting
Photo bombing your own email
Q: Recently several of my colleagues have told me that my photo shows up in Outlook 2013 when they receive and open my email messages, and the worst part is that the photo is a picture of a cat (pictured below). I don’t understand why or how this is happening
Run Excel safely
Q: I am using Windows 7, and I have installed several Excel add-ins (Analysis ToolPak, Solver, PowerPivot, Power View, Inquire, and QuickBooks Excel Report Updater). Unfortunately, these add-ins make Excel launch much slower. I don’t always need to use these add-ins, so I’d like to know if there is a
Merging Outlook, Gmail, and Android
Presented below are three reader questions related to merging your Outlook, Gmail, and Android email. Reading Gmail in Outlook Q: Is it possible to read my Google Mail on my desktop computer using Outlook 2013? If so, how? A: Yes, you can set up Outlook to retrieve your Gmail messages
Landing more referrals
Referrals are a key to building an accounting practice. Research conducted by marketing consultants Hinge found that 87% of clients turn to referrals first when looking for an accountant and that 76% of clients are “very likely” to recommend their accounting firm to others. Here’s how to get satisfied clients
The top priorities for finance in 2014
Harnessing data for strategic planning, streamlining processes, and bracing for heightened regulatory concerns are the top priorities for CFOs and the finance function, according to a recent report.
Your message will self-destruct
Q: Is it possible to send quick messages that automatically disappear from the recipient’s phone after they have been read? A: Yes, sort of. A free app called Snapchat allows you to send messages and pictures that evaporate from your recipient’s Android phone or iPhone after one to 10 seconds—a
Unstructured data: How to implement an early warning system for hidden risks
Companies rarely use technology to effectively identify risks beyond those related to business and transaction processing in financial and operating system internal controls. This article provides techniques to expand the scope of an organization’s risk management processes—in a way that may help some identify hidden risks before they emerge as full-blown crises.
U.S. GAAP taxonomy for 2014 available
The 2014 U.S. GAAP Financial Reporting Taxonomy is available, pending final acceptance by the SEC, FASB announced Wednesday. The taxonomy, available at FASB’s website, contains updates for accounting standards and other improvements to the 2013 taxonomy. FASB is responsible for developing and maintaining the taxonomy that is used by public
Link preservation
Q: I have created a “digital dashboard” in an Excel workbook that summarizes information from multiple Excel workbooks. As long as I maintain the linked files on my PC, the links work perfectly. However, when I email the dashboard workbook and related linked workbooks to others, these links stop working
Seven steps to closing a succession sale
Key to a successful merger or acquisition is keeping the process moving. For firm leaders, there is rarely any item of greater importance than a merger they are pursuing. The adage “time kills all deals” is absolutely true with mergers, and this is why: – Adversarial positions: Naturally, both parties
Cell selections reach new heights
Q: In Excel, is there a way to click on a cell containing a hyperlink without triggering the hyperlink? (Surely my current method of clicking next to the cell and then using arrow keys cannot be the best method.) A: Make the row height bigger or the column wider, then
Loud & Square
Q: I’m using a Square credit card reader that attaches to my smartphone, but I’m finding that the transactions don’t always go through properly. Is there a certain smartphone or cellular service provider that works better with these devices, or should I be using a different smartphone credit card reader?
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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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