I’ve been told to never, never, ever unplug a USB device, like a memory stick, until the Safely Remove Hardware icon gives the OK. And that’s my problem: Some days the icon is in my toolbar, and other days it’s missing. What’s going on? What can I dop? So what
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Information management and technology assurance
A 2009 Tuneup for Your Firm’s Succession Planning
The pending retirement of the baby boomer generation and the unrelenting challenge of finding and keeping talented staff can have grave consequences for firms that fail to develop a succession strategy. With the AICPA’s 2008 PCPS Succession Survey showing that only 35% of multiowner firms had a written succession plan,
Help! I’ve Run Out of USB Ports
My computer has only three built-in USB ports, and all are in use. But now I want to plug in several other USB devices, such as a remote hard drive and a memory stick. What are my options? You can buy a component called a hub that contains one male
Be an “Energy Star”
For many business owners 2008 was a record year for energy costs. The Obama administration, while pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, has said that ‘energy efficiency’ is the cheapest, cleanest and fastest energy ‘source.’ Consider the following tips to make your business more energy efficient.
Quick Way to Copy Comments to Multiple Excel Cells
When I review a client’s numbers in an Excel spreadsheet, I frequently add comments in many of the cells, and many of the comments are the same—such as “Looks Good!” Is there any way I can copy them, in one fell swoop, so I don’t have to type the same
Unhide Excel Rows or Columns When They Appear Inaccessible
Help! I hid the two top rows of an Excel file, and now I can’t figure out how to get them back because I can’t find a way to access them to reverse the Hide command. I sympathize. There is nothing intuitive about this solution, which works in Excel 2003
Adjust the Size of Received E-Mails
Sometimes the font of my newly arrived e-mail is so small I can hardly read it. Is there an easy way to enlarge it? Yes, but the method depends on which e-mail client or browser you use. Here are some of your choices: If you use Outlook 2007: Press the
A Measure of Success
While we wish our colleagues at Bailey & Co., Snyder & Co., Harrex Group and Kennedy and Coe LLC every success, the article “The Firm of the Future” (Nov. 08, page 68) made it difficult to determine the firms’ outcomes which, ultimately, will determine their success or failure—profitability. The only
Financial Reporting
The SEC adopted new rules that will require public companies to provide an XBRL version of their SEC filings. Under the new rules, approximately 500 of the largest U.S. public companies and foreign private issuers listed with the SEC will be required to provide financial information using XBRL beginning in
Mergers & Acquisitions of CPA Firms
Despite the best intentions of all involved parties, some CPA firm mergers and acquisitions are not as successful as originally planned; indeed, some end as failures. When viewed in perfect hindsight, it often seems that simple common sense, or lack thereof, was the reason for the success or failure of
Stop Word’s Automatic Numbering When You Start a New List
I’ve had to stop using the automatic numbering system in Word because it drove me crazy. But I really need it. Here’s the thing: Whenever I want to add a second, separate numbered list under the first list, which ends, say, with six items, Word second-guesses me and no matter
Forecasting With Excel—Illustration File
Editor’s Note: This file accompanies “Forecasting With Excel,” by James A. Weisel, which appears in the February 2009 issue of the JofA. Click here to download the illustration file of the analysis of Dave’s BBQ.
Sample Sabbatical Program Policy
Here is a sample sabbatical policy based on actual policies used by firms: 1. Eligibility. All partners with five years of service will be eligible to take a sabbatical every five years. All managing associates with seven years of service will be eligible to take a sabbatical every seven years. Partners
Converting to IFRS
The SEC’s proposed road map for the potential use of IFRS in financial statements prepared by U.S. issuers could result in the mandatory use of international standards beginning in 2014, 2015 or 2016, depending on a company’s size. Under the plan, the SEC would decide in 2011 whether to proceed
Forecasting With Excel
Your client, Dave’s BBQ, a local independent restaurant, is interested in determining the effect on sales revenue of certain advertising strategies. Dave has weekly data on advertising dollars spent as well as sales revenue from the restaurant and has come to you, his CPA, to help him determine the link
Practice Management
A survey of 2,722 CPA firms revealed strong growth during the past two-year period but less progress in succession planning and professional training. According to the 2008 National Management of Accounting Practice survey, 75% of responding firms experienced growth ranging from 1% to 19% from May 2006 through June 2008.
Uniting the Global Profession
Robert Bunting became president of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in November, beginning a two-year term. Prior to this, he was deputy president of IFAC for two years and has been a member of the IFAC Board since 2005. Bunting is a partner in Seattle-based Moss Adams LLP, where
The Virtues and Challenges of a Long Break
Some people do solo retreats for personal development. Others provide volunteer services. One CPA firm partner took his two adopted children back to their homelands—Korea and Vietnam—where his 21-year-old son was reunited with his birth mother, brother and sister after 14 years, and discovered he had six nieces and nephews.
Why Can’t They Read My Word 2007 Document?
I recently switched to Vista and Word 2007 and, while I’m finally getting used to the new setup, I am having a serious intermittent problem. Here’s the thing: Sometimes when I send a memo to a client who uses Word 2003, I’m careful to configure the file in the older
Fast Way to Adjust Height and Width of Cells in Excel
When I’m working in Excel, I frequently need to adjust the height and width of a cell. I can do it with a mouse, but that means I have to shift my hand from the keyboard to the mouse. I’m beginning to realize I can be more efficient if I
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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.
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