All Articles
Showing 8657–8672 of 10245 results
-
Cost segregation – Is it time to study?
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 766
Abstract: In a down economy, when dealers struggle to find ways to reduce costs, they might want to consider a cost segregation study, which allows businesses that have constructed, bought, expanded or remodeled real estate to speed up depreciation-related tax deductions. This article shows how a cost segregation study works, the kinds of experts needed to carry it out, and the tax savings that might be expected.
-
Demystifying health care reform
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 988
Abstract: There’s a lot of confusion about how — and when — the new health care legislation affects businesses. This article answers questions that many dealers may have about the tax credit that’s available to some smaller businesses. And it discusses the upcoming requirement that many businesses must provide health insurance or pay a penalty. It also looks at the tax hikes on wealthy individuals that will come into play to help pay for health care reform, and discusses new IRS reporting requirements. A sidebar offers tips for reducing the cost of employee benefits right away.
-
When the M&A honeymoon is over
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: Merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions are notoriously difficult to execute. In some cases, sellers and buyers engage in postclosing disputes over previous financial representations and the company’s selling price. A financial expert with M&A experience can help with areas of dispute — such as earnout provisions — and help attorneys draft discovery requests to uncover audit workpapers, consultants’ reports and other documents that shed light on the target’s accounting policies and practices.
-
Time to tighten internal controls
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: The recent economic downturn has provided ideal conditions for occupational fraud. Now more than ever, companies need a forensic expert to perform a fraud risk assessment. Forensic experts typically start their risk assessment with five steps recommended by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. This often results in recommendations for internal control upgrades, many of which can be simple and inexpensive.
-
The future is now – Court debuts electronic discovery program
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 655
Abstract: In 2009, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals launched a program that points the way to some potentially significant changes in the discovery process. The goal of the court’s Electronic Discovery Pilot Program is to reduce litigation costs and time brought on by the widespread use of electronically stored information (ESI). The initial set of guidelines requires that litigation participants address and resolve ESI issues early in the process.
-
Partial ownership interests – New guidelines shed light on the valuation process
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 780
Abstract: Business valuators are often retained to value partial ownership interests. In 2009, the American Society of Appraisers adopted nonbinding procedural guidelines to describe the considerations and procedures that may be used to value partial interests in businesses, securities, and other tangible or intangible property. This article looks at the relevant factors in such valuations, while a sidebar lists items that should be considered in an analysis of the expected holding period for an investment.
-
Building a better audit – New standard requires additional quality review
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Auditing Standard No. 7, Engagement Quality Review (AS7), requires more robust concurring or second partner reviews of audit engagements and interim reviews. This article lists specific items that engagement quality reviews are expected to evaluate, and explains documentation requirements. Although the PCAOB has made an effort to avoid turning concurring reviews into second audits, public companies need to prepare for some slight changes in the audit process.
-
Statistical analysis: Your fraud early warning system
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: Auditors use a variety of techniques to detect occupational fraud, including statistical analysis. One such technique is “Benford’s Law,” which rests on the assumption that smaller digits occur more frequently than larger ones in sets of random data. When fraud perpetrators attempt to manipulate numbers in certain financial documents, this pattern becomes skewed. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to manipulate data so that it conforms to Benford’s Law. This doesn’t prove fraud, but can indicate that further investigation is necessary.
-
Does your company meet credit data security requirements?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: Contrary to popular belief, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) isn’t only for companies that process a lot of credit card payments. PCI DSS establishes minimum requirements for securing sensitive cardholder data, and even one transaction is enough to compel compliance. The penalties for noncompliance can be severe. Companies are strongly encouraged to review the PCI DSS framework and ensure their organizations meet its 12 basic requirements and validate compliance with the standard. This will help them avoid penalties, as well as liability for data security breaches and potentially irreparable damage to their reputation.
-
Rounding up recently released accounting standards
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 904
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has released a flurry of new standards — and guidance on old ones — in recent years. Some of the changes clarify existing standards, and others strive to converge U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This article discusses updates that expand fair value disclosures, relax subsequent events disclosures and consolidate variable interest entities. A sidebar looks at other issues that FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board are currently reviewing.
-
News for Nonprofits – Should you accept text message donations?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 388
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at the pros and cons of accepting text message donations, and the importance of meeting the compliance audit requirements for receiving funds under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).
-
Event financing: 3 ways to land a sponsor
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 317
Abstract: With the economy gaining steam, some not-for-profits are considering bringing back the annual events that they eliminated a few years ago. But others, experiencing delayed effects from the recession, are canceling these events until more funding materializes. One way a nonprofit can ensure it will be able to hold its special occasion is to get a financial sponsor. This short article describes how, to attract one, it will be necessary to provide good data about past attendees; offer a variety of incentives according to sponsor involvement; and deliver on promises.
-
Breaking down the numbers – Tune up your board’s financial literacy
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1080
Abstract: A not-for-profit organization’s board of directors has a mix of talents. So how can a nonprofit best share its financial results with the board members who are not financial experts as well as with those who are? One method is to use graphs and pie charts instead of long lists of numbers. Another is to provide a cash flow analysis, along with ratios that allow the board to see if the organization’s costs and revenues are in line with its expectations. And it may be helpful to provide the financial training appropriate for serving the needs of a nonprofit. A sidebar to this article provides a description of some common financial terms.
-
Be sure to lobby by the rules
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: Most nonprofits are involved in lobbying at one time or another. But what are the rules not-for-profits must follow when participating in these activities? The answer depends on the type of organization, what kind of activity it’s conducting and how much lobbying is involved. Lobbying is different from political activity (which is prohibited to charities), and there’s a distinction between direct and grassroots lobbying. But certain actions are permitted without restrictions and aren’t considered to be lobbying.
-
Ask the Advisor – Q. What is a reverse merger and when is it appropriate?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 468
Abstract: Reverse mergers allow privately owned companies to merge with an existing (but typically dormant) public company and issue publicly traded stock on behalf of the merged entity. Since the U.S. economy nosedived in late 2008, reverse mergers have declined in popularity, but they began climbing again in the fourth quarter of 2009. Companies that want to go public but are put off by the cost of an IPO, or have been shut out of the tight credit market but require new capital, might consider a reverse merger. There are three basic steps to pursuing one.
-
Seller’s endgame – It’s not over ’til it’s over
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 584
Abstract: Once a business seller has found a buyer, negotiated a fair price, and is in the process of completing any regulatory or legal requirements, it may seem that the deal’s essentially done. Not quite. Sellers have several final goals they must accomplish before they hand off the company for good. Most deals require them to perform last-minute paperwork, initiate long-term planning and prepare employees for the transition. There’s also the issue of whether and under what conditions seller management will stay on.