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
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Information management and technology assurance
Help! I’m Running Out of Disk Space
» Key to Instructions To help readers follow the instructions in this article, we used two different typefaces: Boldface type is used to identify the names of icons, agendas and URLs. Sans serif type shows the names of files and the names of commands and instructions that users should type into
Tax Software Survey To-Dos
I’d like to make a few suggestions for next year’s tax software survey (“Users Grade Tax Software ,” Oct. 07, page 34). For example: Ask how well the software handles multistate corporate returns. Ask if the alternative minimum tax adjustments and preferences seem to flow. Ask how well the error
A Better Idea & Shortcuts
A BETTER IDEA In the January 2008 issue (page 81), I offered some suggestions for solving the My Document folder default-location problem, and Amanda Adams, CPA, tax manager at Blazek & Vetterling in Houston, suggested another solution for assuring that files are saved in a default location of your choosing.
DVD Stuck in Computer? A Paper Clip to the Rescue
Yes, there is a nondestructive way to open a stuck tray-loading drive door. You’ll notice that the face of the door has a tiny hole; unfold a paper clip and gently push the end of the clip into the hole until you feel a click that signals the unlatching
Is It Unwise to Use Low-Cost or Free Software?
It depends, and by that I mean there is no easy yes or no answer to that question. While it’s true that some free programs are worthless or even dangerous, many others do an outstanding or at least an adequate job. It’s usually hard to tell in advance which are
Stamp Out the Annoying Macro Warning
That notice is part of Excel’s security system; it helps protect you from unknowingly admitting a virus attached to a macro. So while it’s a pain to respond to the question, it has a legitimate value—but only when the files contain macros. The reason Excel keeps asking the question
Minding One’s Own Business
I find it ludicrous that your article, “Software Revenue Recognition on the Rise” (Dec. 07, page 50) not only insinuates but even goes so far as to actually state that companies are changing their business practices because of SOP 97-2. While the accounting profession, of which I am part, is
On the Record: Phoenix Rising
“At the SEC, 2008 will be the year of the Phoenix. That�s the name of our updated software system that will track every disgorgement, penalty, and other monies owed to the SEC and to investors�from the beginning of the process until the last dollar is returned to its rightful owner.
“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
Add Pizzaz To Arrows And Pointers In Excel Spreadsheets
There are lots of things you can do—such as adding color, size and shape. Let’s look at the options. If you’re using Excel 2007, click on Insert and then on Shapes, which produces this menu: Once you click on a shape, the Home Ribbon switches to Format and, depending on
XBRL
The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance prepared issuers for the possibility of new proposed rules regarding the use of XBRL as early as this spring. “As I have said before, we are ready to undertake further rulemaking whenever the technology is ready,” said John W. White, SEC director of corporation
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
Smart Stops on the Web
PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT MARKETING KNOW-HOW http://tinyurl.com/2g7bwv Looking to attract new clients or increase your firm’s visibility? Visit this Smart Stop to access the AICPA’s “CPA Marketing Tool Kit,” part of the Institute’s public accounting firm resources. The collection offers customer service and selling tips, client satisfaction surveys, PDF brochures and guidelines
AICPA Co-Sponsors Financial Management Course
The Institute, Dell Inc. and PC Magazine recently joined forces to help small businesses with financial management. The free online course, “Financial Management Made Easy—Solutions for Small Businesses,” is offered through PC Magazine’s Learning Center series for businesses employing up to 25 people. The program consists of three lessons: Technology
Simple Way to Hide Excel Data
I know one way, and it surely is simple. Select the cell you want to hide and right-click on it. Choose Format Cells . Be sure you’re in the Number tab and scroll down to Custom and in the Type space, enter three semicolons (; ; 😉 as shown in
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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.
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