Sat.May 18, 2024 - Fri.May 24, 2024

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10 “Dos and don’ts” in accounting automation for your business

Reckon

Guest Post by Pohan Lin. Accounting tasks have long earned notoriety for their slow, manual nature. All that is now set to change, as accounting is one of the areas where automation can bring the biggest benefits. Admittedly, changing the way things have always been done is nerve-wracking. But there are some basic dos and don’ts you can follow to make sure your automation initiative runs as smoothly as possible.

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Two-thirds of businesses say audits hinder growth

Accounting Today

Traditional audits may hinder business growth potential as accounting firms are slow to embrace modern approaches, according to an Inflo report.

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The wisdom of being a lazy CPA

Accounting Today

Once you see how much more value you and your managers can deliver to the firm when you're freed up from doing routine client work, you'll never want to go back to the old way of doing business.

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The Future of AI: How Finance Leaders Will Guide its Adoption

CPA Practice

By Eli Gill. We’re in the midst of a revolution in the AI space. Splashy public models like OpenAI and ChatGPT are in the spotlight, bringing AI into focus where it has previously been considered a non-essential function. The move from classical AI models to advanced generative AI promises a rapid and continuing evolution that has profound implications for businesses.

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Building a Business Case for Finance Automation

Speaker: Danny Gassaway and Wayne Richards

Finance leaders are prioritizing efficiency and digital transformation, yet many hesitate to automate due to uncertainty. Without a clear understanding of its impact, organizations risk falling behind competitors who are leveraging automation to drive productivity and cost savings. Join Wayne Richards and Danny Gassaway from AvidXchange for a practical guide on bringing accounts payable (AP) automation to your organization.

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Accounting for startups: How tech startups can leverage technology in their accounting operations

Shay CPA

Founding a tech startup is about bridging the gap between a need and reality with technology. That firm focus on the power of technology should encompass as many areas of your business operations as possible, accounting being the foundation of your venture. As a technology startup, we saw firsthand what was missing in the accounting and bookkeeping sphere: automated data entry, accounting for subscriptions, customization for specific business needs, and real-time and detailed financial picture o

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Client Communication Essentials for Accountants

Insightful Accountant

Whether you're a new accountant or a seasoned professional, it's always good to remember the importance of good communication.

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4 Steps to Post-Tax Season Success

CPA Practice

Tax season is finally over. You’ve worked diligently and spent long nights trying to meet the deadlines and demands of 82% of clients who want more from accounting professionals. I know the sigh of relief you feel once the rush is over. First and foremost, take time to rest – you deserve it. Once you feel like you’re back to your old self and have rested enough, it’s time to reflect on how the season went: What went well?

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Challenges and opportunities for accounting firm partners transitioning to the cloud

ThomsonReuters

From allowing for a remote work environment to eliminating the need for on-site data centers, cloud-based solutions have fundamentally changed how businesses operate, approach staffing, and serve clients. Is your firm among them? In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, owners and partners of accounting and audit firms should, at least, be considering cloud-based technology as part of their broader strategies.

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From Isolation to Integration: Strengthening Team Culture at Your Remote Startup

BurklandAssociates

Effective team and culture-building are keys to thriving in this new era of remote and hybrid work. The post From Isolation to Integration: Strengthening Team Culture at Your Remote Startup appeared first on Burkland.

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Art of Accounting: Data focus plan

Accounting Today

Strategic planning meetings and retreats for the firm should be free of distractions to be successful.

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Fall In Love With the Month-End Close

It's the time of year to give our close process some TLC. Join us in this one hour webinar where we discuss how to adopt leading practices and infuse technology into the month-end close process to improve our experience and increase our productivity during month-end and quarter-end close. Learning Objectives: This course's objective is to understand how the month-end close can be improved with automation and adoption of leading practices.

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Barry Melancon to Retire from AICPA

CPA Practice

Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, has announced that he will to retire on December 31, 2024, from his role as president and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Combined, the two organizations comprise the world’s largest membership of public and management accountants. Melancon has served in this role for 30 years.

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Did the Anti-150 Hour Crowd Finally Beat the AICPA Into Submission? Looks That Way

Going Concern

Stephen Foley at Financial Times wrote something today that may be of interest to high school freshmen bound for the CPA track one day, an article that suggests the AICPA is giving up the fight to save 150 hours. The leaders of the US accounting profession have signaled they could cut the education requirements for becoming an accountant, amid growing alarm about a shortage of new recruits.

Education 122
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Brian Bender Named 40 Under 40 by Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

Withum

Withum is excited to share that Brian Bender , Partner and Team Leader of Withum’s Trade Associations and Membership Organizations Team, was named a 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Brian has over 20 years of experience serving trade associations, membership organizations, social clubs, foundations, charities, and numerous other nonprofit entities that include complex consolidations with for-profit subsidiary companies and political action committees.

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Melancon to retire at year's end

Accounting Today

The long-time head of the AICPA — and one of the foremost leaders of the profession — will step down on Dec.

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Navigating Payroll Compliance: Future-Proofing Payroll in an Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

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Tax Court: No Tax Exemption for This Legal Settlement

CPA Practice

If you receive an award or legal settlement relating to a personal injury or illness, you normally don’t owe any federal income tax on the payment. However, as pointed out in a new case, Roman (TC Memo 2023-142, 11/28, 23, Uncle Sam may still be entitled to his fair slice of the pie. Background : Most types of compensation—like wages received for working—are subject to federal income tax.

Legal 122
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Tax Considerations When Disposing of Qualified Opportunity Zone Business Property

Cherry Bekaert

Contributor: Michael Wallach, Senior Manager, Tax Services Established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Opportunity Zone program has been a focal point for investors seeking tax incentives while simultaneously revitalizing economically distressed communities. One crucial aspect of managing investments in Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) is understanding the tax impact stemming from the disposition of Qualified Opportunity Zone Business Property (QOZBP).

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Profession Leader Humbly Requests You STFU About Long Hours, Busy Season, and Stress

Going Concern

You’re scaring the children! Stories about the AICPA are like buses, you don’t see one for an hour weeks and then three show up at once. Today I come bearing a gift from this Journal of Accountancy article about new AICPA Chair Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA. Let’s see what “New AICPA chair: ‘We need to promote the cool work we do’” has to offer us.

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Accounting Today news quiz: May 23

Accounting Today

Test your accounting knowledge on AI job opportunities, M&A, and more. No. 2 pencil not required!

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Next-Level Fraud Prevention: Strategies for Today’s Threat Landscape

Speaker: Sierre Lindgren

Fraud is a battle that every organization must face – it’s no longer a question of “if” but “when.” Every organization is a potential target for fraud, and the finance department is often the bullseye. From cleverly disguised emails to fraudulent payment requests, the tactics of cybercriminals are advancing rapidly. Drawing insights from real-world cases and industry expertise, we’ll explore the vulnerabilities in your processes and how to fortify them effectively.

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Strategic Planning: Setting Visionary Goals for Long-Term Success

CPA Practice

Think of strategic planning as your firm’s roadmap to the future. When change is the only constant , having a plan that adapts and evolves is crucial. But strategic planning is more than just a survival toolkit for today’s challenges. It’s your opportunity to shape what’s next. At the heart of this journey is setting visionary goals—these are the big, bold dreams that drive innovation and inspire change.

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An Introduction to NIL and Its Impact on College Athletics

Cherry Bekaert

Contributor: Anthony Kocheran While in school, University of Iowa basketball player Caitlin Clark netted more than $3 million from name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. She’s far from the only college athlete taking advantage of NIL, a legal concept revolutionizing the way student-athletes can earn money while attending a college or university. Essentially, NIL allows college athletes to monetize their personal brand by profiting from their name, image and likeness through various opportunities,

Iowa 113
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Layoff Watch ’24: Grant Thornton Does 350 People a Favor

Going Concern

We knew this was coming. Two months after the news hit that Grant Thornton is selling a majority stake to private equity firm New Mountain Capital , GT is laying off about 350 people according to an article published by Wall Street Journal late yesterday. The Chicago-based firm is in the process of notifying the workers this week, people familiar with the matter said.

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IRS tax audits may show unintended racial, ethnic bias

Accounting Today

The Internal Revenue Service doesn't collect data on taxpayers' race or ethnicity, but some of its methods could lead to disparities in its audit rate.

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Cash Flow Secrets Every Upskilled CPA Should Know

Speaker: Debra L. Robinson

CPAs know the drill: taxes, compliance, rinse, repeat. But what about the sneaky cash flow that’s quietly messing with your organization’s success? It’s time to step into the spotlight and expose the “dirty little secrets” of cash flow to fuel strategic growth. By upskilling your accounting practices and shifting focus from tax compliance to the strategic movement of money, you can transform your role from reactive accountant to proactive financial strategist.

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Association for Accounting Marketing Names the Category Winners of the 2024 Marketing Achievement Awards

CPA Practice

Sixteen awards were doled out for exceptional accounting marketing during the Association for Accounting Marketing’s annual Summit event in Orlando on May 14, with Forvis being the big winner as the top 10 accounting firm received three awards. This year, AAM introduced two new award categories: Client Experience and Innovation & Strategic Achievement, reflecting the evolving landscape of marketing and growth in the accounting profession.

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IRS Guidance Accelerates Deduction for Credit Card Reward Programs

Cherry Bekaert

On April 24, 2024, the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) issued Chief Counsel Advice 2417021 (CCA), which discusses the treatment of credit card reward liabilities under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 461. The CCA was issued in direct response to the following questions presented by the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding rewards liability accounting: When do credit card reward liabilities become fixed and determinable under section 461?

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Nadia Matthie Appointed to the AICPA’s Employee Benefit Plans Expert Panel

Withum

Withum is proud to share that Nadia Matthie , Partner, has been appointed to the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA’s) Employee Benefit Plans Expert Panel. Nadia Matthie has more than 25 years of experience in the profession serving single-employer benefit plans , multiemployer benefit plans and labor unions. She specializes in various types of benefit plans, including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, ESOPs, health and welfare plans, and other assurance services.

New York 105
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IRS extends Free File through 2029

Accounting Today

The program with third-party tax vendors will continue for another five years despite the IRS's recent Direct File pilot test.

Tax 130
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Profit in the Details: Rethinking Spend for Monumental Impact

Speaker: Aaron Berson

Managing spend is more than a cost cutting exercise – it's a pathway to smarter decisions that unlock efficiency and drive growth. By understanding and refining the spending process, financial leaders can empower their organizations to achieve more with less. Explore the art of balancing financial control with operational growth. From uncovering hidden inefficiencies to designing workflows that scale your business, we’ll share strategies to align your organization’s spending with its strategic g

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Some Employers Say July 1 Start Date for New Overtime Pay Rules is Too Soon

CPA Practice

By Dee DePass, Star Tribune (TNS) Employers are pushing back and asking for more time before implementing new federal overtime rules that will require them to pay overtime to more workers. The new Department of Labor rules take effect in two stages. Normally, employers can opt not to pay their salaried, white-collar employees “time and a half” for overtime hours worked, provided those employees make at least $35,568 a year.

Minnesota 105
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Increased IRS Scrutiny on Personal Use of Company-Owned Aircraft

Cherry Bekaert

Private aircraft ownership can be a great asset for companies, providing convenience, flexibility and efficiency for business travel. However, ownership also comes with significant costs, including purchase, maintenance, fuel and insurance. In addition to these expenses, companies that own private aircraft must also comply with various tax regulations, including properly reporting any personal use of the aircraft by company owners and executives, as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recentl

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QuickBooks Online Payroll: "New" Digitized I-9 Form

Insightful Accountant

QuickBooks Online Payroll has recently added a digitized I-9 process that works as part of QuickBooks Workforce. Murph takes you through the steps of using this new functionality.

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CAQ asks PCAOB to delay standards

Accounting Today

The Center for Audit Quality wants the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to postpone sending two of its newly approved standards, on quality control and auditor responsibilities, to the SEC for final approval.

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Navigating Bleisure Travel: A Guide for Mid-Sized Companies

Bleisure travel — where employees combine work and leisure — has been around since the advent of corporate travel and is here to stay. Successful bleisure policies strike a balance between employee preferences and company goals — workers report a 64% improvement in work-life balance, while companies benefit from reduced travel costs and increased workforce innovation.