| Letter from Arleen R. Thomas, CPA, CGMA |
Take a walk with your next meeting
Balancing work commitments and a lifestyle that builds a healthy mind and body can sometimes pit one goal against the other. Yet, with a little effort and the right mindset, we can not only make impressive strides in reaching our job and fitness goals but also apply the benefits of improved health to our organization's top and bottom lines. I recently took my first walking meeting in New York with colleagues from the AICPA and CIMA, as we discussed the upcoming CGMA strategic case study examination. AICPA Insights
(7/15)
|
| Accounting and Reporting Update |
SEC addresses questions about verifying accredited investors
With six Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations released by the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Corporation Finance, the agency has responded to questions and concerns about how issuers can verify accredited-investor status. The SEC relaxed rules on advertising and marketing private securities last year but required issuers to verify that investors have a net worth of at least $1 million in liquid assets. This article reviews agency clarifications on exchange rates, spousal assets and using Internal Revenue Service forms for verification. Compliance Week/The Filing Cabinet blog
(7/7)
|
How not-for-profits can implement effective risk management
Most not-for-profits don't have a risk-management process, partly because of the cost. But increasingly, more organizations are realizing that enterprise risk management can be a good tool to attract discerning donors. Not-for-profits can effectively implement and maintain enterprise risk management by creating a risk-management governance structure, following a risk-management framework, continuously identifying potential risk events, establishing risk responses and monitoring those risks. CGMA Magazine online
(7/8)
5 paths to effective performance management
Employee-performance review is easier to do in theory than in practice. There are five ways to effectively address performance-review problems: Managers should define the organization's culture and hire to fit it, update job descriptions, use the five-by-five technique to check in with employees monthly, be consistent in the review process and focus on behavior, not the person, in reviews. Journal of Accountancy print issue
(7/2014)
|
| Leadership Lessons and Tips |
How to transform company culture
Changing company culture to invite openness can be a challenge, but it can be done. Executives must practice what they preach by not only listening but also demonstrating that the company environment is a safe place to share. Four things that one CEO did to successfully create change: publicly praising employees who spoke up, inviting tough questions from people, encouraging openness by teaching it and sacrificing ego for the company good. Harvard Business Review online/HBR Blog Network
(7/8)
Other News
|
Can you quantify ROI for predictive analytics?
Predictive analytics might be the next big thing, but can its return on investment be quantified? Many companies don't bother to study ROI, but those that do report a typical ROI of 250%. Experts are divided on whether calculating ROI for predictive analytics can produce quantitative, verifiable results. CFO.com
(7/3)
Researchers circumvent PayPal mobile-security feature
Researchers have found a way to bypass PayPal's two-factor authentication in its mobile application. The company has temporally disabled the feature while it works on a fix. The Web app doesn't have that flaw. PayPal plans to release the fix in an update July 28, according to the company. Dark Reading
(6/25)
Other News
|
SEC offers guidance, observations on XBRL
The Securities and Exchange Commission is reminding companies to provide their calculation relationships, and especially for smaller companies, to reduce their use of custom tags in guidance on eXtensible Business Reporting Language. In a separate publication, it commented on custom tags, or extensions, used to express numbers. It also observed that, among large filers, there has been a "consistent and gradual decline" in the use of custom tag rates. Compliance Week/Accounting & Auditing blog
(7/8)
5 ways to build a better compliance program
Companies can mitigate risk by establishing a strong compliance program. The program should encompass anti-corruption, data security, third-party liability, insider trading and other regulatory risks. Companies can take five steps to create an effective compliance program: Set a tone of compliance at the top, consider whether to hire more compliance professionals, train employees on regulation and compliance, use technology to monitor compliance and determine whether to invest more to develop compliance and oversight programs. Bloomberg BNA (free content)
(7/3)
|
Increasing business complexities require greater depths of knowledge than ever before. Are you ready?
The AICPA's Future of Learning website explores a vision to reinvent lifelong learning and build competency in the CPA profession. You can see a road map for what's to come and hear from leaders in the profession, top learning experts and young CPAs who are blazing the path forward. Plus, you can add comments and insights. Uncover ways to sharpen your competitive edge and demonstrate your commitment to the profession's highest levels of competence, integrity and quality. Visit FutureOfLearning.AICPA.org and help light the way.
One week away! It's not too late to register for the inaugural AICPA Doing Business in India Conference
The inaugural AICPA Doing Business in India Conference, scheduled July 24 and 25 in New York City, will focus on providing strategic thinking, expert insights and practical solutions for doing business in India. This intensive, 1½-day seminar will feature renowned speakers and a full agenda of sessions to provide the latest on business trends evolving in India. CGMA members save an additional $50.
Registration available: AICPA National Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference EAST
Attend a premier accounting and auditing update, the AICPA National Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference EAST, scheduled Aug. 11 and 12 in Washington, D.C. The conference covers federal, state and local government areas. Hear from policymakers and government officials on existing issues, as well as new and pending standards.
|
 |
One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say."
-- Bryant McGill, American writer and motivational speaker
|
|
|
| | |
|
Keep up to date with our e-briefs.
| |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
| | | |
|
| |
| | |
|
| About the AICPA and Business, Industry & Government |
The
American Institute of CPAs
is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession, with more than 394,000 members in
128 countries and a 125-year heritage of serving the public interest. Members in business, industry and government make up a
significant portion of the AICPA's membership. The AICPA provides financial
professionals practicing in business, industry and government with the tools
and resources needed to move their organizations forward. Through a joint venture
with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, it has established the
Chartered Global Management Accountant designation to elevate management
accounting globally. |
|
|
Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities,
editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
|
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004
|
|
|
