Mar 1, 2021, 09:46 AM by Elizabeth F. Hassler, CPA, and Angela M. Stephenson, CPA, PFS, CFP

Stresses the value of the CPA and personal financial planner segments of a financial team working together to ensure the best result for a client.

Mar 1, 2021, 09:16 AM by Barry M. Pelagatti, CPA

Explores a series of techniques to ensure that your organization’s rapport with its lenders is a beneficial one.

Mar 1, 2021, 09:10 AM by Suzanne M. Holl, CPA

Provides tips on how CPAs can navigate the delicate balance of staying out of ethical trouble while managing client and third-party expectations.

Mar 1, 2021, 07:54 AM by Heather M. Demshock, CPA, CMA, and Ashley Stampone, CPA

The onset and spread of COVID-19 taught us that the ability to adapt and adjust has never been more critical. For college educators, the virus created what at times seemed like insurmountable obstacles and uncertainties. Would courses resume in person, move to virtual, or be a combination of both? If virtual or hybrid, how would faculty ensure that students are learning? What modalities could be implemented to help the transition process? How did COVID-19 impact how students would complete requirements such as internships or externships?

Mar 1, 2021, 07:01 AM by Cory Ng, CPA, DBA, CGMA, and Brian Trout, CPA, DBA, CMA

To meet the rapidly changing demands of the accounting profession, the next generation of CPAs must have a digitally focused skill set and a strong portfolio of soft skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, among others. It is critical for organizations of all sizes to engage in upskilling initiatives to ensure CPAs continue to thrive in the future. Accounting programs at colleges and universities can also play an important role by integrating essential digital competencies and soft skills into the curriculum.

Dec 2, 2020, 11:16 AM by Alyse F. Driscoll, CPA

Dedication and teamwork were common themes when speaking with four partners at the Big 4 accounting firms in Philadelphia regarding what it takes to become a partner. While they are all leaders at Big 4 firms, the attributes they discussed hold value for would-be partners at firms of all sizes.

Dec 2, 2020, 11:16 AM by J. L. “John” Alarcon, CPA, CGMA, CITP, and Cory Ng, CPA, DBA, CGMA

CPAs must be aware of emerging technologies that have the potential to disrupt their profession. Blockchain technology is one of them. Blockchain streamlines trans-action accounting and enables real-time reporting and real-time audit. We are still at the early days of the technology, but considering the potential impact on the profession, CPAs need to understand what this new technology will bring.

Dec 2, 2020, 11:16 AM by William G. Ruffner, CPA, and Michael J. Tighe, CPA

One disadvantage of forming a Subchapter C corporation is the unfortunate reality of “double taxation.” The first level of taxation occurs when the business pays corporate income taxes on its profits. The second level occurs when the previously taxed profits are distributed to shareholders as dividends. Even if the corporation does not have sufficient cash flow and decides to distribute property that has appreciated in value to its shareholders, the tax is typically unavoidable.

Dec 2, 2020, 11:15 AM by James J. Caruso, CPA, CGMA

At many middle-market companies, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are few and far between. But if your company’s strategy includes growth by acquisition, M&A needs to be a core competency. Fortunately, this does not require staffing a large internal transaction group.

Sep 2, 2020, 11:18 AM by Michael A. Decker

Having spent 15 years of my career working in the testing industry, the last nine with the AICPA examinations team, I understand and appreciate the vital role assessments play in supporting their respective industries or professions.

Sep 2, 2020, 11:18 AM by Robert E. Pozesky and John S. Stoner, CPA, CVA

Companies across all industries for the past 20 years have been adopting lean manufacturing as a strategy to improve performance. Lean accounting emerged soon after, and it has grown in recent years as a related strategy to align the financial side of an organization with the overall lean effort.

Sep 2, 2020, 11:12 AM by Timothy P. Dinan, CPA, ABV, CGMA

Most manufacturing companies, especially in the consumer products industry, will encounter the situation when the sales department presents an opportunity to sell a private-label product to a customer. Unless you have a strategy in place to determine if you can compete in this area, properly vet the opportunity, and then price it, your bottom line could be adversely affected.

Jun 10, 2020, 14:44 PM by Brian J. Weldin, CPA

A typical defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), consists of a deferred compensation component, with or without an employer match, and/or a profit-sharing component. Participants in one of these plans elect a percentage or a specific dollar amount to be withheld each pay period. The plan sponsor (the employer) then remits the funds, along with any employer contributions, to the plan’s trust account maintained by a trustee or custodian.

Jun 10, 2020, 14:38 PM by David D. Wagaman, CPA, and Jerry J. Maginnis, CPA

One of the top issues facing the accounting profession is talent – the acquisition and retention of those who will grow our future. The good news is enrollments in accounting programs nationwide are at or near all-time highs. Nevertheless, in percentage terms, fewer graduates of accounting programs are proceeding to become CPAs. Our CPA “pipeline” has slowed and needs to be addressed.

Jun 10, 2020, 14:34 PM by William G. Ruffner, CPA, and Michael J. Tighe, CPA

Ever since the economic crash of 2008, foreign and domestic corporations have fought hard to get back to the days of steady growth. A lot of corporations have grown organically, but many essentially expanded through acquisition. Without the luxury of having excess cash reserves, these corporations typically opt to leverage their acquisitions by taking on some form of debt.

Mar 2, 2020, 16:57 PM by Michael D. Colgan, CAE

Technology continues to have a profound impact on all aspects of everyday life, from home to business. The CPA profession is not exempt. Over the past 18 months, the AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy have been discussing a new CPA licensure model designed to future-proof the profession. The model is a combination of core subject requirements with a targeted discipline in a specific area of the profession.

Mar 2, 2020, 13:53 PM by Brian W. Carpenter, PhD, CMA, and Daniel P. Mahoney, CPA, PhD

After four or five years of college, you’ve landed a great job – maybe even your dream job. It’s time to put all of your accounting education to work. You’re likely preparing for one or more certification exams, which means having to recall details from all of your previous coursework.

Dec 20, 2019, 13:23 PM by William G. Ruffner, CPA, and Kevin Wilkes, JD

While reviewing a possible re-organization involving a traditional merger, savvy consultants consider whether the restructuring could be accomplished more efficiently through one or more corporation-to-limited liability company conversions.

Dec 20, 2019, 13:22 PM by J. Stephen McNally, CPA, CMA

There are three ways for a company to increase economic value: increase revenue, cut costs, or do a combination of the two. But a number of “growth-starved” companies have moved toward zero-based budgeting (ZBB) in an effort to stay profitable.

Dec 20, 2019, 13:22 PM by J. L. “John” Alarcon, CPA, CGMA, CITP, and Marc T. Staut

A new wave of technological innovation, called the Internet of things (IoT), has started to spread. It is on the verge of creating significant disruption in a wide range of industries.