Data analytics and “big data” have become a game changer for internal auditing, as firms search for opportunities to provide more value to clients and respond to new regulations and increased pressure from stakeholders. Integrating data analytics into the internal audit approach isn’t easy, but the investment of time and money will help firms and […]
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Auditor Risk Assessment
In recent years, a constant mantra of the AICPA’s peer review and technical staff has been that auditors are struggling with the risk assessment standards (primarily AU-C sections 315 and 330). Common deficiencies cited by the AICPA include: [1] auditors failing to gain an understanding of internal control when identifying the client’s risks; [2] incomplete […]
President Signs Taxpayer First Act of 2019
The Taxpayer First Act of 2019 was signed into law on July 1, 2019. The Act contains numerous provisions largely dealing with customer service to taxpayers and IRS organization. As such, there is little for professionals to digest in terms of substantive planning or practice. Two points, though, are noteworthy. The Act established the IRS […]
Top Trends in Continuing Professional Education for 2019
Top Trends in Continuing Professional Education for 2019 Continuing professional education is a necessity for individuals who have either a credential and/or certification to maintain their ability to practice. Accounting professions, beyond certified public accountants, all have respective hours of CPE credits they must fulfill to maintain their ability to practice. Whether their […]
Retirement Plan Increases for 2019
IRS announced the 2019 COLA adjustments to retirement plan limits on November 1, 2018 in Notice 2018-83. Elective deferrals for 401(k), 403(b), etc. plans rise from $18,500 to $19,000, plus $6,000 for those age 50 or older. The limit on defined contribution accounts increases from $55,000 to $56,000. The definition of a key employee in […]
Courses to Fit Your Life: 3 Ways Surgent’s Unlimited CPE for CPAs Is Perfect for You
CPE hours are an integral part of the accounting profession; CPAs use them not only to keep their licenses current, but to stay up-to-date on new technologies and advancements and enhance their careers. However, getting CPE hours isn’t exactly easy, and finding relevant opportunities can be time consuming and frustrating, especially if your deadline is […]
Want to Reduce Stress? Use the Secret of the Bicycle
With busy season looming while you’re furiously trying to learn all about the massive tax reform law, you’re probably looking for ways to reduce stress. I’m not talking about the stress that motivates us; I’m talking about the wasteful stress that just consumes energy and throws us off balance. You’ve heard many ways to fight […]
QuickBooks Year End Questions & Answers
Since I frequently hear the same three questions about QuickBooks Desktop at the start of every new year, I thought I’d share these most-asked QuickBooks year end questions (and answers) with you! 1. How do I close the year in my QuickBooks file? Answer: You don’t! QuickBooks company files do not require or support a year-end […]
Nom de Persona: An Ultimate Plan for Usernames and Passwords
By Mary Trapani Usernames. I can’t sign up for that new, cool service because I cannot come up with even one more username. Passwords. The bane of many an existence. Change it every 30 days and you can’t use the same one as you ever did in the last 40 years. It’s a hassle. As […]
Recharacterizing Conversions with Market Losses (Deadline Approaching!)
By: Denise Appleby, CISP, CRC, CRPS, CRSP, APA As the deadline for recharacterizing a 2016 Roth IRA conversion approaches, practitioners will likely be consulted about whether individuals should recharacterize their 2016 Roth conversions. In cases where the Roth conversion amount has lost market value, a recharacterization might make good tax sense. In this article, we […]