Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) articles from November 2004

Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) archives from November 2004

Completing the equation.(A message FROM THE CHAIR)
November 1, 2004... One of the most common complaints I hear from other CPAs concerns the difficulty they have finding new talent. Whether you are in a firm or business, your organization will need an infusion of fresh blood from time to time. However, when that...

Regarding the Catalyst article, "future CPA's: reaching today's students for tomorrow's profession".(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I realize that the purpose of your article was to address the future need for public accountants. I have some advice for young people considering an accounting career in industry. I have been in the accounting profession for almost 30...

Important reminder: CPE reporting deadline has changed to Dec. 31.(Ohio)
November 1, 2004... The Accountancy Board of Ohio's CPE reporting deadline has been changed from Oct. 31 to Dec. 31, and there is no longer a grace period for reporting CPE requirements. CPAs reporting to the Accountancy Board of Ohio in 2004 have until Dec....

Ohio scrutinizes Fannie Mae.(Ohio)
November 1, 2004... Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro has launched an investigation into the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, a federally chartered corporation that promotes homeownership. The investigation will determine if...

FASB delays stock option rule.(National)
November 1, 2004... The proposed new rule to deduct stock options from profits of public companies has been delayed six months. The new valuation method will take effect with financial statements beginning June 15, 2005. FASB proposed in March that options...

AICPA launches Governmental Audit Quality Center.(National)
November 1, 2004... The AICPA has launched the Governmental Audit Quality Center to promote the importance of quality governmental audits and assist purchasers of governmental audit services. The mission of the new center is to: * Serve as a comprehensive...

GASB issues Technical Bulletin to clarify pension accounting.(National)
November 1, 2004... The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has published a proposed staff Technical Bulletin, Recognition of Pension and Other Postemployment Benefit Expenditure/Expense and Liabilities. The proposed guidance clarifies requirements...

Accounting enrollment up 17 percent over three years.(National)
November 1, 2004... Results of the 2002-2003 survey of colleges and universities shows an increase in both accounting graduates and accounting enrollment. Enrollment highlights include: * Accounting enrollment increased 17 percent from 2000 to 2003. * The...

Small businesses face increased fees.(National)
November 1, 2004... Rather than face a possible service stoppage, the U.S. Small Business Administration has raised borrowing fees on its flagship loan program. The change will result in about $10 more per month in SBA administrative fees. The SBA increased...

IRS announces pension plan limits for 2005.(National)
November 1, 2004... The IRS has released cost of living adjustments for pension plans and other items for tax year 2005. Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code provides for dollar limitations on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans....

Check 21 impacts CPAs, consumers and businesses.(National)
November 1, 2004... The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, or Check 21, becomes effective on Oct. 28, 2004. The intent of the Act is to streamline check processing by enabling electronic processing. The Act provides for voluntary check truncation in the...

IRS tightens abusive tax shelter settlement terms.(National)
November 1, 2004... Tightened guidelines may make it more difficult for taxpayers involved in abusive transactions to settle with the IRS. In September, the IRS Appeals Division and the Large and Mid-Size Business Division began sending letters to taxpayers...

Summing up: shifting computer landscape.(Newsflash)
November 1, 2004... World Wide Computer Sales [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Notebooks 50% Desktops 50% By 2007, half of all computers sold in the United States will be notebooks. Note: Table made from pie chart. Source: news.com

Outsourcing: its impact on us all; Whether inside the United States or overseas, CPA service outsourcing appears here to stay.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2004... Just say the word "outsourcing" in a crowd of CPAs and watch the reactions. For some, it's a dirty word. For others, it's a best practice. But for everybody, it's a fact of life. Outsourcing is hardly new, but with the eye of the American...

Knowing right from wrong: today's young accountants need to toe a tougher ethics line. Their profession--and the public--are counting on them to do the right thing.
November 1, 2004... When John Raspante first entered the accounting profession, ethics didn't cross his mind all that much. "I didn't even think of the conflict-of-interest waiver," he says. "It didn't seem like a big deal." Today, as a veteran CPA, ethics...

Delving into peer review: a roundtable discussion.
November 1, 2004... The CPA profession's peer review program continues to receive significant public attention. At the center of the concern is whether such an impactful and influential profession can police its own--away from the light of public scrutiny. The...

Different but good: new computerized CPA exam gets two thumbs up.
November 1, 2004... With the second window of CPA examinations now complete and the third underway, does the new exam live up to expectations? Before the new computerized CPA exam was unveiled earlier this year, hype surrounding the new test soared. CPA...

Stress-busting initiatives make busy season better.
November 1, 2004... Many of us are familiar with the dreaded stories of tax season. Brutal hours. Personal plans on the shelf. Dinner at your desk. The reality of today's world is that the time pressures of "busy season" now often stretch throughout the year. ...

Doing more with less.
November 1, 2004... Work demands. Family activities. Soccer games. Church/Synagogue. Civic organizations. With all the demands for your time, volunteering for your profession can easily fall off the priority list. Since today's climate is "do more with less," The...

Self-assessment exam.
November 1, 2004... Catalyst -- November/December 2004 The self-assessment exam is provided as a convenient method for CPAs to earn CPE credit by reading Catalyst: The Leading Edge of Ohio Business. The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering...

Mark Altieri's Financial Guidance for Every American.
November 1, 2004... The AICPA has recently selected this book as part of its consumer education project, "360 Degrees of Financial Literacy," which was launched in response to heightened public awareness of low savings, poor retirement planning, a sharp increase...

Technology gift ideas for 2004.(Gadgets & Gizmos)
November 1, 2004... Here are some of the latest and greatest technology gadgets out there, perfect for the gift-giving season. Digital Cameras: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-p150-$499 This model is the first 7.2 megapixel compact digital camera. This...

Is there an overall benefit to winders server 2003 over the 2000 version?(ASK IT)
November 1, 2004... Yes. In addition to being easier to manage and use, there are several improvements and benefits to version 2003. Among the benefits to version 2003 are: Windows Server 2003 is faster, more reliable and more secure. * Provides an IT...

AICPA chair discusses challenges facing the CPA profession.(Member Initiatives)
November 1, 2004... Ohio Society members across central Ohio gathered to hear S. Scott Voynich, CPA chair of the AICPA Board of Directors discuss the latest challenges facing the profession. Voynich was keynote speaker and guest of honor at the Columbus New CPA...

Student Ambassador Program expands to nine universities across Ohio.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... College students at nine universities across Ohio are learning about the advantages of an accounting degree, and the career choices it provides, from those they listen to most--their peers. As part of The Ohio Society Student Ambassador...

2004 Ohio Accounting Show--Cleveland.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... The Society's biggest event of the year, the Ohio Accounting Show in Cleveland drew over 1,200 registrants. Held Sept. 22-23 at the I-X Center, the Accounting Show allowed participants to network with peers and view the latest in accounting...

Resources available on new AICPA independence rules.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... Following numerous inquiries, the AICPA Professional Ethics Division developed additional resources to help members apply the new nonattest services rules under AICPA Interpretation 101-3, Performance of Nonattest Services. The revised...

Over 200 members participate in Fall Town Hall programs.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... The Society's Town Hall series reached new areas this fall--involving 200 members all across Ohio. The Town Hall series is an opportunity for members to hear and discuss the latest issues impacting the profession. Clarke Price, CAE,...

Local Leadership Roundtables begin new Society leadership initiative.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... Ohio Society members have a unique opportunity for leadership development. A new series of roundtable discussions on a variety of leadership topics has been launched to help members explore the intricacies of effective leadership. These Local...

CPA2Biz helps small Ohio firms act big.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... In March of 2000, CPA2Biz was launched as the AICPA's marketing arm. Its goal was to provide CPAs with resources to "build stronger relationships with clients and employers." After a few years of financial turbulence, CPA2Biz started focusing...

Beresford inducted into Accounting Hall of Fame, receives AICPA Gold Medal.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... Passion for the profession is what first sparked Dennis Beresford's interest in being a CPA. Having made a career out of pursuing that passion, Beresford is the 74th inductee to the Accounting Hall of Fame at The Ohio State University's Fisher...

Ohio Society recognized for excellence.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... The Ohio Society of CPAs was recognized by the Ohio Society of Association Executives (OSAE) for excellence on a variety of initiatives. The Ohio Society of CPAs received Achievement Awards in the following categories: * Associations...

Opportunity to recognize peer excellence.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... Nominations are now being accepted for The Ohio Society's 2005 Member Awards. All Ohio Society members are invited to nominate candidates. Nominations are due Jan. 31, 2005. Gold Medal Award The Gold Medal is the highest award given to...

Leadership candidates sought.(Members Only)
November 1, 2004... The Ohio Society of CPAs' Nominating Committee is now seeking nominations from the membership for The Ohio Society's Executive Board. Available positions include chair-elect and six director positions. Chair-elect is a one year term but...

A budgeting approach that leads to action.(academic perspectives)
November 1, 2004... Most organizations use budgeting to plan, monitor, and evaluate their operations. Developing realistic budgets and comparing the budget plan to the actual results consumes a significant amount of time and resources. By casting budgets in terms...

Drake & Wallace LLP.(Dublin)
November 1, 2004... Thomas G. Scharf, CPA has been appointed chairman of the Management Committee at Walthall, Drake & Wallace LLP.

Certified Fraud Examiner.(Hilliard)
November 1, 2004... Daniel Click, CPA has earned the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation.

Crowe Chizek and Company LLC.(Hilliard)
November 1, 2004... Trisha Brock, CPA has been named senior staff at Crowe Chizek and Company LLC.

Certified Construction Financial Professional.(Westerville)
November 1, 2004... Robert Biehl, CPA has earned the Certified Construction Financial Professional (CCFP) designation.

Hill, Barth & King LLC.(Canfield)
November 1, 2004... Phillip L. Wilson, CPA has been named chief operating officer of Hill, Barth & King LLC (HBK). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Drake & Wallace LLP.(Cleveland)
November 1, 2004... Richard H. Cause, CPA has been appointed a member of the Management Committee at Walthall, Drake & Wallace LLP.

Drake & Wallace LLP.(Fairport Harbor)
November 1, 2004... Mark J. Gifford has been promoted to level II staff accountant at Walthall, Drake & Wallace LLP.

Howard, Wershbale & Co. and HW Financial Advisors.(Moreland Hills)
November 1, 2004... Harvey Wershbale, CPA and CEO of Howard, Wershbale & Co. and HW Financial Advisors, has been appointed Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Montefiore. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services.(Tallmadge)
November 1, 2004... David P. Di Salvo, CPA, MT has been promoted to senior manager in the tax department at CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services.

William Vaughan Company.(Adrian, MI)
November 1, 2004... Aaron D. Swiggum, CPA, CFE has been promoted to senior manager of the audit department at William Vaughan Company.

William Vaughan Company.(Swanton)
November 1, 2004... Darla Nowak, CPA and Tracy Marshall, CPA have been promoted to manager at William Vaughan Company.

Rea & Associates.(Marietta)
November 1, 2004... Jim Hensler, CPA, shareholder at Rea & Associates, has been appointed office manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Certified Construction Financial Professional.(London)
November 1, 2004... Marvin Homan, CPA of Kentner Sellers LLP has earned the Certified Construction Financial Professional (CCFP). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Kentner Sellers LLP.(Troy)
November 1, 2004... Jon Stangel, CPA of Kentner Sellers LLP has earned the Certified Construction Financial Professional (CCFP) designation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Got a promotion? Changed jobs? We want to hear about it! You are going places, and...

Gain an edge: educational opportunites.(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... Registration Fees ** Member -- This fee applies to Ohio Society members 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...