Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) articles from July 2003

Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) archives from July 2003

The decision is up to you.(A message from the chair of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants)
July 1, 2003... As I start my term as the new chair of the executive board, I see a profession facing tremendous change. While many fingers have been pointed and motives discussed, the fact remains that unfortunate events have transpired. The profession,...

Members respond to Web poll.(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants)
July 1, 2003... Each week, thousands of members access the Society's Web site to check on news related to the profession. A new addition to the home page is a Web poll, which allows members to add in their thoughts to some of the most controversial issues...

Ohio general assembly passes state budget.(Ohio)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Gov. Taft has signed the controversial $48.8 billion state biennial budget. House Bill 95, which sets the budget for FY '03-'04, addresses many issues of concern to Ohio CPAs, such as tax law changes and reduced state spending to accommodate...

Tort reform passes Ohio Senate.(Ohio)(victory for businesses and The Ohio Society of CPAs)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... After day-long hearings and hours of debate, landmark tort reform legislation (SB 80) sponsored by Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus) passed out of the Ohio Senate. The legislation, designed to curb frivolous lawsuits and spur economic growth, was...

Governor Taft signs corporate and securities reform bill.(Ohio)(HB 7, Ohio's answer to Sarbanes-Oxley)(Brief Article)(Reprint)
July 1, 2003... Gov. Bob Taft has signed HB 7, Ohio's answer to Sarbanes-Oxley. The new law, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Taylor, CPA (R-Green), provides reforms for smaller companies that register securities with the Ohio Department of Commerce, and...

Member alert: firms auditing privately-held broker-dealers may have to register with PCAOB.(National)(Sarbanes-Oxley regulations)(Public Company Accounting Oversight Board)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Although the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is primarily directed at "issuers" (as defined by the Act) and their auditors, privately-held securities broker-dealers also come under the scope of certain provisions of the Act. This is because section...

Audit fees increasing due to new law.(National)(impact of Sarbanes-Oxley law )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The high profile business failures of 2002 and the resulting Sarbanes-Oxley law aimed at preventing future corporate fraud are costing U.S. companies big money, according to an article in USA Today. Companies such as Georgia-Pacific,...

IRS may use private agencies for collections.(National)(Internal Revenue Service may use private collection agencies)(Brief Article)(Reprint)
July 1, 2003... If ne U.S. Senate has its way, the IRS may be able to use private collection agencies to help recover the approximately $13 billion in unpaid taxes that is lingering in the hands of the nation's taxpayers. The tax cut bill that is due to...

PCAOB launches new Web site.
July 1, 2003... The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has launched a Web site for those who want to keep up to date on the latest news and information regarding the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the activities of the Board. The...

Bush signs tax relief legislation.(National)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... President Bush signed the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, HR 2, which narrowly passed the House and Senate. HR 2 is a culmination of months of work by Congress and the Bush administration, and represents a compromise...

IASB issues Standard on transition to International Reporting Standards.(International)(International Accounting Standards Board)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Following recent decisions by various jurisdictions to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), more than 90 countries will either require or permit the use of IFRSs during the next five years. Thousands of companies...

EU promises payback for PCAOB registration.(International)(European Union and United States)(Public Company Accounting Oversight Board)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Despite foreign accounting firms being given a six-month extension to register with the PCAOB, the European Union Commission promised reciprocity registration for U.S. firms unless the SEC voids the PCAOB mandate, according to a WebCPA article....

Sarbanes-Oxley one year later: its impact on you.
July 1, 2003... While the sky has not fallen on the accounting profession a year after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the legislation's expanding scope remains a major concern for many CPAs. At the federal level, many anxiously watch the roadmap the new Public...

The state budget: what you need to know.(Ohio, 2003-2004)(Related Article: 2003-2004 state budget details)
July 1, 2003... After almost five months of deliberation and an eleventh hour $1.1 billion downward projection in revenue by the Taft administration, the Ohio General Assembly passed a $48.8 billion biennium budget that increases general revenue spending by 10...

The controversy over stock options.(expensing of stock options supported by Financial Accounting Standards Board and International Accounting Standards Board)
July 1, 2003... The controversy over whether to require the expensing of stock options once again is making the headlines in the financial press. The controversy is over whether stock options granted to employees should continue to receive an exception to the...

Staying within the network: assembling your referral team.(networks can lead to long-term referrals for certified public accountants)
July 1, 2003... Sooner or later, many CPAs begin thinking about owning a private practice, either as an individual or in partnership. Assuming start-up costs are viable, and even a limited number of initial customers to carry over from previous jobs with...

Accounting education: changing skill sets to meet modern needs.
July 1, 2003... The accounting environment has changed dramatically over the past five years. We continue to feel the cascading effects of the fallouts from two years ago. At the same time, we are adjusting to the daily headlines of yet another CFO or firm...

HR spotlight.
July 1, 2003... Find out what you need to know in our special HR Spotlight. Member Survey: Policies on HR Issues Human resource departments take care of many day-to-day tasks a normal employee may never hear about or see. Some issues that affect how...

Nonprofit recovery: starts during budget season.
July 1, 2003... Yearning for that nonprofit organization or client to turnaround financially? The word nonprofit--contrary to popular belief--does not infer a preference of having a deficit over a surplus. Nonprofit means no ownership, no dividends, and no one...

The Center for Leadership--a success story.
July 1, 2003... It's a beautiful May morning at Wedgewood Golf Club in Powell, Ohio; a perfect day for golf. But the people getting out of their cars and greeting each other are heading inside to hone their skills at a far more important game. They're...

Wireless and the workplace.(Business Bytes)
July 1, 2003... In one of Woody Allen's movies, a character portraying an executive has to call his secretary everytime he goes somewhere. Throughout the story, he is calling and saying, "Sandy, this is Steve. I'll be at 555.9098 for the next 10 minutes, then...

PDA perfection.(Business Bytes)(Product/Service Evaluation)
July 1, 2003... The Blackberry isn't the only PDA worth talking about. (See the March/April 2003 issue of Catalyst for an in-depth review.) The following are four other viable options based on user needs: * Palm Tungsten ($499,...

Self-assessment exam Catalyst--July/August 2003.(from The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountant )(Illustration)
July 1, 2003... Self-Assessment Exam Catalyst--July/August 2003 Answer Sheet 1. (a) (b) (c) (d) 2. (a) (b) (c) (d) 3. (a) (b) (c) (d) 4. (a) (b) (c) (d) 5. (a) (b) (c) (d) 6. (a) (b) (c) (d) 7. (a) (b) (c) (d) 8. (a) (b) (c) (d)...

E-Mail 101: timely & accurate correspondence.
July 1, 2003... In the continually changing technology world, there is one staple that will never disappear. The way it's transmitted and read will undoubtedly change, but the basic elements of e-mail will continue to be an indispensable tool in the business...

Tablet PCs: the marriage of handhelds and laptops.(Gadgets & Gizmos)(Product/Service Evaluation)
July 1, 2003... New portable computers using Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition, with pen-based input capabilities, take off for mobile users who need note-taking and collaboration capabilities. We tested one model for use in a standard business setting....

Counting the money: the benefits of being a political treasurer.(Mark LaPlace serves as Bob Taft's campaign treasurer)(Interview)
July 1, 2003... Mark LaPlace, Society member and 2000-2001 chair of the board, has served as Governor Bob Taft's campaign treasurer since 1993 when Taft was Secretary of State. Taft is now in his second term as Governor. LaPlace sat down to tell us why...

Reasonable civil justice system draws closer to reality.(Ohio Senate's passage of SB 80, tort reform bill)
July 1, 2003... One of The Ohio Society's top legislative priorities took a big step forward June 11 with the Ohio Senate's passage of SB 80, an omnibus tort reform bill of critical importance to Ohio's business community. The bill seeks to bring greater...

Taking it to the streets-legislative updates, luncheons held in Toledo and Cincinnati.(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants hold meetings)
July 1, 2003... In an effort to provide the latest information on state legislative issues and foster relationships between CPAs and their individual legislators, the Society sponsored two legislative updates and luncheons in June. The first, held in...

Young CPAs: get connected with Ohio CPA/PAC.(Capitol Access)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Young PAC Nights Coming This Summer Are you a young professional interested in politics? Have you ever wished you could tell a lawmaker what you really think, or knew whom to call when legislative issues facing the profession arise? Maybe...

Dickson installed as 2003-2004 society chair.(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants new chair)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Michael R. Dickson, CPA, was officially inducted June 17, 2003 as the 94th chair of The Ohio Society of CPAs. Dickson was sworn in by his father, Ralph D. Dickson, CPA, who served as president of the Society during the 1987-1988 activity year....

Esselstein receives 2003 Gold Medal Award.(Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession)
July 1, 2003... Jerry L. Esselstein, CPA received the 2003 Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession during The Ohio Society's Annual Meeting on June 17, 2003. Esselstein, currently a member of the Educational Foundation's Board of...

2003 Member Award recipients.(2003 Annual Meeting/Members Summit)
July 1, 2003... Several members were recognized this year for their expertise in their chosen arena and their service to their community, the profession and the Society. Here are the recipients of the 2003 Member Awards. Outstanding Ohio Accounting...

Over 400 CPAs gather for Society's Member Summit.(2003 Annual Meeting/Members Summit)(certified public accountants)(summaries of presentations)
July 1, 2003... New regulations facing the CPA profession and a prediction for the economy were the main topics of discussion at this year's Member's Summit, which boasted a record 434 attendees for this annual conference. Update on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act...

Four! Ohio CPA/PAC golf outing a hole in one.(2003 Annual Meeting/Members Summit)(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Despite the gray skies and intermittent showers, the annual Ohio CPA/PAC golf outing was another success. CPA/PAC supporters from around the state gathered at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard, Ohio for the yearly prequel to the Member's Summit....

Nearly $11,000 raised at annual Society BBQ and auction.(2003 Annual Meeting/Members Summit of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The 2003 Leaders' BBQ, held June 16, brought 88 Society leaders together at The Ohio Society office in Dublin, Ohio. The golf-themed evening offered an array of auction items and food as members from all over the state connected with each other...

A CPA in the statehouse: representative Mary Taylor, CPA.(Interview)
July 1, 2003... As both a CPA and the state representative for Ohio's 43rd district, Mary Taylor has a unique perspective on Ohio's business community. Below are her thoughts on where she got started and where Ohio is going. What first attracted you to...

The computerized CPA exam experience.
July 1, 2003... There will be no more paper and pencil for CPA exam candidates beginning April 5, 2004. The final paper-based version of the Uniform CPA Examination will be given this November as the American Institute of CPAs prepares to launch a completely...

Ethics course debuts, Ohio Accounting Show a success.
July 1, 2003... Over 500 members took advantage of the spring Ohio Accounting Show in Dayton. Most noteworthy of all was the premier of the "Ethics and Professional Standards for CPAs," a new session designed to meet the new ABO requirement for three hours of...

Show your support at the fall 2003 High School Educator Symposiums.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Ohio Society of CPAs will continue its successful series of High School Educator Symposiums by hosting three events in October. * Wednesday, October 1 - Holiday Inn French Quarter, Perrysburg * Friday, October 3 - Marriott Dayton,...

Member initiatives at the local level--what does it mean to me?(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants)
July 1, 2003... As previously published in both the Ohio e-CPA Weekly and Catalyst, The Ohio Society has adopted a new member initiatives model at the local level that will bring a wider variety of programming choices to local communities. In addition,...

College students compete in statewide accounting scholarship competition.
July 1, 2003... College accounting students from across the state competed for top honors at The Ohio Society of CPAs' third annual Scholarship Day on April 25. The day-long event consisted of individual and panel interviews with member judges. To compete, the...

Get the information you need as a CPA.(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants)
July 1, 2003... As a CPA, clients, customers and management rely on you for a breadth and depth of knowledge no one else has. They know you can be a trusted source of information on topics as varied as financial forecasting, current audit rules, tax planning,...

In memoriam.(list of certified public accountants from Ohio who passed away)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... In memory of our friends and colleagues: William J. Dries, CPA Loveland, OH T. S. Johnson, CPA Covington, OH Samuel Laderman, CPA Cleveland, OH Kevin J. Steyer, CPA Bryan, OH Thomas C. Taylor, CPA ...

The Ohio Society of CPAs: financial report 2002-2003.
July 1, 2003... Summary of Financial Results Fiscal 2003 was a year of crisis for the CPA profession, and The Ohio Society responded with a number of initiatives to restore confidence and rebuild trust. The Society's commitment to excellence in program...

The Florida Atlantic University 30th Annual School of Accounting Banquet.(Dan Hinchliffe elected accounting professor of the year)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... At The Florida Atlantic' University 30th Annual School of Accounting Banquet, Dan Hinchliffe, CPA was elected Accounting Professor of the Year by the student body.

Russell E. Phillips, Jr., CPA managing partner of The Phillips Organization, has successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA).(Akron/Canton)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Russell E. Phillips, Jr., CPA managing partner of The Phillips Organization, has successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) to earn his designation of Certified...

Accredited Business Valuation.(Tami M. Whatley passes exam)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Tami M. Whatley, CPA/ABV, MBA, has passed the Accredited Business Valuation (ABV) exam.

Certified Financial Planner.(Thomas A. Kotick earns certificate)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Thomas A. Kotick, CPA, has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificate.

CFP.(Matthew J. Ramer completes certified financial planner exam)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Matthew J. Ramer, CPA, has successfully completed the CFP exam.

University of Notre Dame's Alumni Club of Cleveland.(presents Kenneth M. Haffey with award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The University of Notre Dame's Alumni Club of Cleveland presented Kenneth M. Haffey, CPA with the 2003 "Notre Dame Award of the Year" certificate. Haffey is a 1978 graduate of the University.

An article by Karen Schuele, CPA, was published in the June issue of the Journal of Accountancy.(Cleveland)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... An article by Karen Schuele, CPA, was published in the June issue of the Journal of Accountancy. Her article, "Practitioners As Members," outlines ways practicing CPAs can be involved with college programs and positively impact the profession.

U.S. Small Business Administration.(Thomas D. Bechtel named Financial Services Advocate of the Year)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named Thomas D. Bechtel, CPA, Ohio's Financial Services Advocate of the Year.

Marietta College.(Edward Osborne elected chair faculty)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Edward Osborne, professor of accounting at Marietta College, was recently elected chair of the Marietta College faculty. He was also selected as this year's receipient of the Marietta Community Leadership Award for Outstanding Volunteer Work in...

Fairfield County Foundation.(Penny L. Wasem accepts financial officer position)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Penny L Wasem, CPA, CFP has accepted the position of financial officer for the Fairfield County Foundation.

Certified Valuation Analyst.(Frank A. Wisehart and Robert J. Kellerman earn designation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Frank A. Wisehart, CPA, and Robert J. Kellerman, CPA have successfully earned the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).

Terrence A. Grady & Associates Co.(opens own law firm)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Terrence A. Grady, JD, CPA (inactive) has opened his own law firm, Terrence A. Grady & Associates Co., LPA

Ohio University Accounting Alumni of the Year award.(Lee Beall receives award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Lee Beall, CPA, has received the Ohio University Accounting Alumni of the Year award.

Edward Osborne, CPA, Professor of Accounting at Marietta College, was recently elected Chair of the Marietta College faculty.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Edward Osborne, CPA, Professor of Accounting at Marietta College, was recently elected Chair of the Marietta College faculty. He was also selected as this year's recipient of the Marietta Community Leadership Award for "outstanding volunteer...

Murray Wells Wendeln & Robinson CPAs, Inc.(Sandra Hoehne and Elizabeth Buckingham appointed principal of the firm)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Murray Wells Wendeln & Robinson CPAs, Inc. is announcing that Sandra Hoehne, CPA and Elizabeth Buckingham, EA, FNTPI have been names principals of the firm. Hoehne as client services principal and Buckingham as tax principal.

Kentner Sellers, LLP.(Gregg DeVibiss becomes partner)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Gregg DeVilbiss, CPA, has been admitted as a partner at Kentner Sellers, LLP.

American Board of Forensic Accounting.(Gregory Bestic earns credential of Certified Forensic Accountant)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Gregory Bestic, CPA, is the first in the state of Ohio to earn the advanced credential of Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA, from the American Board of Forensic Accounting

Barnes Dennig & Co., Ltd.(Thomas J. Groskopf promoted to director)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Barnes Dennig & Co., Ltd. (Barnes Dennig) congratulates Thomas J. Groskopf, CPA on his promotion to director of the firm.

Wooster Chamber of Commerce.(Robert Mapes appointed chairman)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Robert Mapes, CPA, has been appointed chairman of the board for the Wooster Chamber of Commerce. * The Ohio Society welcomes submissions to the Members in Motion column. Send photos and accomplishments to the Editor at...

Gain an edge: educational opportunites.(Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants courses and conferences)
July 1, 2003... Registration Fees * Member--This fee applies to Ohio Society member and affiliates, or members of other state societies. * Non-member--All individuals who qualify for membership in The Ohio Society and choose not to be members/...