2024

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Choosing the Right Accounting Software

SMBAccountant

Beyond the mere transition in dates, New Year's marks a universal opportunity for change. It can serve as a catalyst for reflection, inspiring individuals to set resolutions, for themselves and their businesses. The beginning of a new year also means a fresh start for your Income Statement; which is why now is the perfect time to review your accounting software needs.

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How to Turn a Shortage of Accountants Into an Opportunity for Businesses

CPA Practice

By Mike Varney, Vice President, Finance and Operations at Extend. The alarm bells in accounting have been ringing for years: fewer people want to join – or stay – in the profession. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) said in its “2023 Trends” report that the percentage of accounting graduates fell 7.8% between 2021 and 2022, after steady decreases of 1-3% since 2015-16.

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4 questions to ask yourself before choosing a sales tax calculation engine

TaxConnex

Getting the right sales tax on your invoice is a pivotal step in managing your sales and use tax obligation. Sales and use tax is a tax imposed on the use or consumption of a product or service and meant to be paid by the end consumer. In certain situations (when you have sales tax nexus), it is your obligation to collect and remit it. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.

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AI in FP&A: The Future of Financial Decision-Making

Acterys

If the term “AI” catches your eye, it’s highly likely that ChatGPT comes to mind. And you would be absolutely correct in making that association. The launch of ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. Its success has kickstarted an AI race that has compelled almost every company to embed artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into their software architecture to mirror the same level of agility and productivity.

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Demo SkyStem’s Award Winning Month-End Close Solution & Earn $100

Is your finance team bogged down by endless data requests and disorganized spreadsheets during the month-end close? It’s time to consider a better option – automate with ART! SkyStem’s solution works alongside your ERP to transform the close and account reconciliation process and speed up month-end work. Explore SkyStem’s ART - the award-winning account reconciliation automation platform - and receive a $100 Amazon gift card as a thank you for your time.

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Are Your Job Candidates Honest? A Look at Resumé Fraud

RogerRossmeisl

Job applicants must work hard to stand out in a crowded marketplace. For some, that means bending the truth or outright lying about their experience, skills and education. According to a survey performed by resum-writing service StandOut CV, a staggering 64.2% of Americans have lied on their resum at least once. Bad hires can generate direct and indirect costs, including lost productivity, customer dissatisfaction and wasted training time.

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Accounting Software Vulnerabilities: A Wake-up Call for Construction Companies

Withum

A recent alert from Maryland-based cybersecurity firm Huntress highlights a concerning vulnerability for construction companies using on-premise accounting and project management software with default login credentials. According to their report last month, a brute-force attack targeted users of a major construction accounting software vendor, exposing sensitive data due to default usernames and passwords being left unchanged.

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The Current State of Managing Sales Tax Obligations

TaxConnex

To help financial leaders better understand what their peers are doing when it comes to sales and use tax in 2024, TaxConnex® conducted its fourth annual sales tax survey in November of 2023. More than 100 financial leaders from different industries and from a wide range of sizes responded. Their responses are included in the following blog. For the vast majority of organizations, managing the minutia of sales tax obligations can be described as clunky, cumbersome, and risky, with each state hav

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How Forensic Accountants Use a Lifestyle Analysis to Find Hidden Assets

RogerRossmeisl

Sometimes divorcing spouses or sparring former business partners illegally hide assets to prevent their fair division. And fraud perpetrators almost always try to hide their ill-gotten gains. In such cases, sociological information — gathered as part of a lifestyle analysis — can be almost as revealing as financial data. Here’s what forensic accountants examine when they’re on the hunt for hidden assets.

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Demystifying Government Contract Requirements: A Guide for New Businesses.

SMBAccountant

Understanding the basics of government contracts is essential when engaging in contractual agreements with government entities. When reviewing such contracts, key considerations include a thorough examination of the scope of work, payment terms, performance metrics, and compliance with regulations. Utilizing tools like Suppl-O contract briefs can significantly aid in the efficient review process by highlighting changes, facilitating quick reference, and ensuring transparency.

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S Corporations: Tax Preparation, Tax Planning, and the Benefits of Professional Tax Help

MyIRSRelief

S Corporations: Tax Preparation, Tax Planning, and the Benefits of Professional Tax Help S Corporations , often referred to as S Corps, are a popular business structure in the United States, particularly among small to medium-sized businesses. They offer a unique blend of benefits, including pass-through taxation and limited liability protection. However, navigating the tax landscape for S Corps can be complex.

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The Silent Crisis: Why Finance Lags in Digital Transformation and How to Accelerate AI Adoption

Speaker: Anna Tiomina, MBA

AI is reshaping industries, yet finance remains one of the slowest adopters. Concerns over compliance, legacy systems, and data silos have made finance teams hesitant to embrace AI-driven transformation. But delaying adoption isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about staying competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. How can finance leaders overcome these challenges and start leveraging AI effectively?

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Layoff Watch ’24: KPMG Shrinks Audit By a Few Hundred People

Going Concern

You’ve likely heard of people in audit getting disappeared from KPMG in recent days, we certainly have. Anyone who tried to cope with a “they must have been low performers” might want to season their hat before they eat it. WSJ reports today that KPMG is laying off a few hundred people in audit “as it works to make up for lower levels of voluntary turnover.” Meaning attrition is still too low.

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Nominations Open for 2025 “Most Powerful Women in Accounting” Awards

CPA Practice

CPA Practice Advisor has opened the nomination period for one of its most prestigious awards. The Most Powerful Women in Accounting Awards , now in their 12th year, were created by CPA Practice Advisor to promote and support the success of women leaders as part of its broader mission of sustaining the profession. There are no costs associated with nominations or award recognition.

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Budgeting for Startups: Investor-Ready Financial Planning

inDinero Tax Tips

Founders usually know how much runway they have, but may not be budgeting for their startup with an explicit system. While this can work for a time, investors want to see clear, data-backed strategies for how their money will be or is being used to deliver returns. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to develop a budget that supports growth and helps make a strong business case for prospective investors.

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FP&A Software: An Introduction to Essential Features and Benefits

Acterys

Excel is a powerful, flexible tool, but for growing companies, it’s no substitute for robust FFP&A software. The drawbacks of spreadsheets are numerous and can lead to tremendous financial losses for an organization. Take, for example, the Excel-related Value-at-Risk (VaR) model error that caused JP Morgan to lose $2 billion. The model couldn’t help the bank accurately predict potential losses, masking the true risk exposure of their synthetic credit portfolio.

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New Software & You: Elevating Your Tech Stack

Speaker: Joe Wroblewski, Senior Sales Engineer

Is your tech stack working for you—or are you working for it ? 🤖 In today’s world of automation and AI, technology should simplify workflows—not add complexity. Seamless integration and interconnectivity are key to maximizing productivity, optimizing workflows, and improving collaboration. Join expert Joe Wroblewski for a practical and insightful session on how you can build a smarter, more connected tech stack that drives efficiency and long-term success!

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Leverage FP&A for Smarter Financial Planning

AccountingDepartment

For any business owner, prioritizing the company’s future is essential. Financial planning plays a crucial role in this, enabling business owners to drive growth and broaden their operations. If a business owner hasn’t focused on this aspect, they need to understand what it is, what it does, and how it differs from regular accounting. What Is FP&A?

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Understanding Cash vs. Accrual Accounting

Withum

When it comes to accounting methods, businesses primarily choose between two approaches: cash basis accounting and accrual basis accounting. Understanding the key differences between cash vs. accrual accounting is essential as this decision impacts financial reporting, cash flow management and long-term planning. What Is Cash Basis Accounting? Cash basis accounting is a straightforward method in which revenue and expenses are recorded only when cash is exchanged.

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Are you ready? Prepare for tax season with these essential resources for accountants

ThomsonReuters

Jump to ↓ Why tax season resources matter How to make the most of these resources Tax season success starts here Tax season is here, and with it comes the familiar rush of deadlines, complex returns, and endless questions from clients. You know the drill all too well. But what if you had a comprehensive place with tools, guides, and expertise to help you navigate the chaos and stay ahead of the curve?

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TaxConnex Announces Two New Product Lines Along with a Redesigned Website and New Messaging

TaxConnex

TaxConnex is paving the way for a new category of sales tax management services UPSOURCING. Building on our strong foundation of sales tax advisory services and managed sales and use tax filing and remittance services, we are introducing two powerful new solutions into our portfolio: Sales Tax Calculation Software: Designed to simplify the process of calculating the proper sales tax, this software integrates seamlessly with a variety of business systems and shopping carts to provide precise, re

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The Human Side of Finance: The Intersectionality of People, Culture, Adaptability, and Resilience

Speaker: Melissa Hurrington

Finance isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the people behind them. In a world of constant disruption, resilient finance teams aren’t just operationally efficient. They are adaptable, engaged, and deeply connected to a strong organizational culture. Success lies at the intersection of people, culture, adaptability, and resilience. Finance leaders who master this balance will build teams that thrive through uncertainty and drive long-term business impact.

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From Flights to Meals: A Guide to Business Travel Tax Deductions

RogerRossmeisl

As a business owner, you may travel to visit customers, attend conferences, check on vendors and for other purposes. Understanding which travel expenses are tax deductible can significantly affect your bottom line. Properly managing travel costs can help ensure compliance and maximize your tax savings. Your tax home Eligible taxpayers can deduct the ordinary and necessary expenses of business travel when away from their tax homes.

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How to Track Employee Hours Without Going Crazy 

Patriot Software

Tracking your employees’ time worked ensures you pay them accurately and comply with labor laws. Although you can use whatever method you want, you need a dependable and organized system, especially as your business grows. Learn how to track employee hours with time and attendance software and other alternatives. Why does tracking employee hours matter?

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Enrolled Agent Near Me: Comprehensive Tax Services for Individuals and Businesses

MyIRSRelief

Enrolled Agent: Comprehensive Tax Services for Individuals and Businesses When it comes to managing your taxes, finding a qualified and reliable tax professional is crucial. An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax issues including audits, collections, and appeals.

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Citing Rising Costs, Accounting Firms Plan to Increase Fees in 2025

Going Concern

*Smaller shops, that is. We know Big 4 and mid-tiers have this pricing thing down. Ignition has released its 2024 US Accounting and Tax Pricing Benchmark report and it reveals that the 325 Ignition customers surveyed are going all-in on fee increases in 2025. Or at least half-in. 90% plan to increase fees for individual tax returns, 87% plan to increase fees for business tax returns, 85% plan to increase fees for bookkeeping and accounting, and 76% plan to increase fees for CFO and controller se

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Maximizing Profit and Productivity: The New Era of AI-Powered Accounting

Speaker: Yohan Lobo

In the accounting world, staying ahead means embracing the tools that allow you to work smarter, not harder. Outdated processes and disconnected systems can hold your organization back, but the right technologies can help you streamline operations, boost productivity, and improve client delivery. Dive into the strategies and innovations transforming accounting practices.

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Stacking CPA and CMA Credentials Is an Investment for a Career-Long Payoff

CPA Practice

By Monte Swain, PhD, CMA, CPA, CGMA. If you’re planning a career in the world of accounting or finance, two distinctions have the branding impact and bench strength you need. Invest your time and effort into stacking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) letters behind your name. First and Lasting Impressions The first impression a potential employer will have of you comes in a flash – the top line of your LinkedIn profile or your resume or perhaps a qui

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Should Tax Planners Work with Family Offices? How Family Offices Work

CTP

In recent years, tax planners have increasingly been recruited to work alongside family offices. If you’ve heard about this trend or received an invitation yourself, you may be wondering what exactly working with a family office would entail. First, let’s start with a simple definition of a family office: A family office is a specialized company that is focused on managing the wealth and the personal affairs of a family.

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Acterys Recognized as a Champion in SoftwareReviews’ 2024 EPM Quadrant Award

Acterys

Acterys has been named a Champion in the 2024 Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) Quadrant by SoftwareReviews. For the second consecutive year, Acterys has been voted into the top spot by its customers. Each year, SoftwareReviews presents the Data Quadrant Awards to top-performing software products based solely on authentic user reviews, without any paid placements or analyst opinions.

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Expert Advice for Financial Planning for SaaS Startups

inDinero Tax Tips

This article is a primer for founders without finance backgrounds who want a sense of what should be on their minds when developing a financial plan for their SaaS startup. There are plenty of free spreadsheet templates online, but without an understanding of how or why to customize them, they aren’t particularly useful. It’s like the difference between copying someone else’s homework and doing it yourself.

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Smarter Card Solutions: Meeting the Challenges of Mid-Market Travel & Expense

Our 2025 Center Travel Survey is clear: as corporate travel increases, so does corporate credit cards distribution, and a rise in off-platform travel booking. This 61% rise causes various challenges: compliance, spend control, reporting problems, and a lack of visibility across organizations. To evolve with the ever-changing needs of travelers, decision-makers need a better solution.

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Understanding When a Retirement Plan Audit Is Required

Withum

Understanding when audited financial statements of a retirement plan are required to be attached to a Form 5500 is an important part of demonstrating fiduciary responsibility over the plan and preventing unnecessary fines for an invalid filing of the 5500. A plan is required to have an audit attached to the Form 5500 when they are a “large plan”. For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, the plan has an audit requirement if they have 100 participants with account balances as of the f

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Navigating ESG due diligence in vendor assessment

ThomsonReuters

Jump to ↓ ESG and supply chains What is ESG due diligence? Understanding ESG risks in the supply chain ESG due diligence checklist: What to look for when assessing a vendor How to communicate ESG expectations to vendors Staying ahead of ESG requirements The need for large corporations to conduct environmental, social, and governance (ESG) due diligence in their supply chains is rapidly becoming a mandatory piece of the corporate compliance puzzle.

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The Hidden World of Sales Tax Crimes

TaxConnex

Income tax often seems to grab most of the headlines, but sales tax can make for a hefty crime – and punishment – too. A famous case recently examined in the TaxConnex podcast It Depends episode, “Sales Tax Crimes - Pt. 2: The Eccentric TYCO CEO’s Sales Tax Scheme,” clearly shows how you shouldn’t do the sales tax crime if you can’t do the time. Big numbers, common crime Unscrupulous vendors often collect and not remit sales tax (as in one recent case with a juice store owner in the District of

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When Can You Deduct Business Meals and Entertainment?

RogerRossmeisl

Youre not alone if youre confused about the federal tax treatment of business-related meal and entertainment expenses. The rules have changed in recent years. Lets take a look at what you can deduct in 2024. Current law The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated deductions for most business-related entertainment expenses. That means, for example, that you cant deduct any part of the cost of taking clients out for a round of golf or to a football game.

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Say ‘Goodbye’ to Clunky Spreadsheets and Say ‘Hello’ to Month-End Automation

Technology is rapidly changing the way accountants perform and manage month-end activities. Spreadsheets, emails, and shared drives no longer need to slow you down. In under four weeks, your team can start reaping the benefits of month-end close automation by vastly reducing spreadsheets, cut down on reconciliation work, speed up the month-end close, and better manage your remote team.