Creative Financial Staffing

IRS Kicks Off 2012 Tax Season with Deadline Extended to April 17

2012-01-26T09:03:00.003-05:00

On January 4, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that taxpayers have until April 17, 2012, to file their tax returns. The IRS encourages taxpayers to e-file as it's the best way to ensure accurate tax returns and get faster refunds.

The IRS also announced a number of improvements to help make this tax season easy for taxpayers, including new navigation features and helpful information on IRS.gov. A new pilot program to allow taxpayers to use interactive video to get help with tax issues also has been launched (see the Virtual Service paragraph below).

"At the IRS, we're working hard to make the process of filing your taxes as quick and easy as possible," said the IRS Commissioner, Doug Shulman. "Providing quality service is one of our top priorities. It not only reduces the burden on taxpayers, but also helps in filing an accurate return right from the start."

To Read the Full Article: Click Here

Source: http://www.accountingweb.com

10 Secrets of a Hiring Manager

2012-01-16T11:40:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what the hiring managers who are screening your resume, interviewing you, and--maybe--making you an offer are really thinking throughout the hiring process? Here are 10 secrets that most hiring managers share:

1. Most interviewers aren't very good at interviewing. You might be going into interviews assuming that your interviewers know what they're doing, but in fact, many interviewers are inexperienced, unskilled, unprepared, or otherwise unable to conduct effective interviews. Some of them are even nervous. Most interviewers don't get good training on how to interview well, and a lot of them are winging it.

2. We want you to talk about salary first for exactly the reason you fear. Salary conversations are frustrating and nerve-wracking for job-seekers because they risk low-balling themselves by naming a number first. And that's exactly why employers push candidates to throw out a number first. In an ideal world, employers would simply let you know the range they plan to pay, but in reality, plenty of them take advantage of the power disparity by making candidates talk money first.

To Read the Full Article: Click Here
Source: YahooFinance

Choosing a Dream Team of Professionals

2012-01-09T09:05:00.001-05:00

If you own a business, then you probably realize what a challenging and time-consuming occupation it can be. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with a reliable team of professionals who can effectively manage the areas of the company for which you lack expertise and time. A great team of professionals should go beyond their required duties and share your entrepreneurial drive to improve and expand the company. Here is a short guide to assembling a dream team of professionals:

To Read the Full Article: Click Here

Source: Fox Business, Small Business Center

Filing Deadline Extended to March 30 for Some Tax-Exempt Organizations

2012-01-03T08:56:00.001-05:00

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that tax-exempt organizations that have January and February filing due dates have until March 30, 2012, to file their annual returns.

The IRS granted the extension because the part of the e-file system that processes electronically filed returns of tax-exempt organizations will be offline January and February. The remainder of the e-file system will continue to operate normally, and the IRS urged all individuals and businesses to choose the accuracy, speed, and convenience of electronic filing.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: http://www.accountingweb.com

11 Things You Should Never Put on Your Resume

2011-12-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

A new batch of December graduates is getting ready to fly the coop in search of a job and we hope they've already heard the bad news: There are a lot of unemployed people out there.

If the market far exceeds demand, how do you make sure you get past the resume screening process into the interviewing round? By making sure your resume is flawless.

"Somewhere between 95 to 99% of resumes have stuff that shouldn't be on there," Eli Amdur, senior coach and adviser from the Amdur Coaching and Advisory Group, told us. "The general rule is if you put anything on there that distracts the reader from your real accomplishments, then don't do it. Resumes need to be concise and clear."

We've compiled some tips from career experts to make sure your resume steers clear of the trash pile.

To Read The Full Article: Click Here
Source:http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com

How Web Sites Can Be Used to Recruit Clients

2011-12-13T14:40:00.001-05:00

Your Web site should be a profit center for your accounting practice and generate a steady flow of qualified leads. If it is not, then something is wrong....

What most accountants really want to know, first and foremost, is how their investment in a Web site can be used to recruit new clients. After all, at the end of the day, every expenditure needs to have some payback to justify itself.

Over the last 10+ years, most accounting firms that reside in a competitive market location created Web sites that were little more than online brochures. Calling cards, if you will. These types of Web sites would be nothing more than text on a page with no photography and poorly written content. Just the information and not pleasing on the eye.

Thanks to higher connection speeds and increased familiarity with the Internet, all of us were gradually introduced to Web sites that were rich in content, photography and graphic designs that were pleasing to the eye. Today, if you want to attract new clients, you should maximize your online potential. Whether you decide to design (or redesign) a Web site yourself or use an external resource to create one for you, you’ll want to concentrate on several key components.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: http://www.accountingweb.com

November jobs report: Hiring up, unemployment down

2011-12-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- Hiring accelerated in November, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly plummeted.

Employers added 120,000 jobs in November, the Labor Department reported Friday, marking a pick-up in hiring from October.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell to 8.6%, due to a combination of more people getting jobs, as well others giving up on their job search altogether.

To Read the Full Article: Click Here
Source: CNNMoney

"Success isn't rocket science: Be nice. That will do."

2011-11-28T16:32:00.001-05:00

The best-selling author of Love Is The Killer App, The Likeability Factor, andToday We Are Rich (which is required reading, in my humble opinion) gave an inspiring keynote address at the 2011 CCH User Conference in San Antonio.

His message was simple: Relationships matter.

Check that: Relationships don't just matter. They might be the only things that matter...

To read the full article: Click Here
Source: www.cpasuccess.com

CPA.com: New e-Mail Service for AICPA Members

2011-11-28T16:29:00.001-05:00

CPA2Biz, the technology subsidiary of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), will offer a CPA-branded e-mail service for members on CPA2Biz's new umbrella brand, CPA.com in coming weeks. Additional solutions designed for the new mobile technologies are also planned for launch later in 2011, Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA2Biz, announced at the Institute's fall meeting.

In his address to the fall meeting, Asgeirsson stressed the profound changes that cloud computing and mobile technologies are bringing to the way accounting software is developed and delivered. These changes could potentially lead to disruption.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: www.accountingweb.com

Self-Defeating Job-Search Moves to Avoid

2011-10-31T10:43:00.001-04:00

Despite the healing economy, employers are often slow to post openings and make hiring decisions. It’s a frustrating situation that can cause eager job candidates to act in counterproductive ways, scotching promising opportunities. Here’s our list of 10 real-life job-search misfires we hope will serve as cautionary tales for job-hunters. Don’t replicate these counterproductive deeds.

To Read the Full Article: Click Here

Source: http://www.businessweek.com

Managing and developing young professionals

2011-10-13T15:45:00.001-04:00

By Robbie Banks

It's no secret that young professionals (YPs) are the future of our workforce. Strategies have been developed to attract, retain, and engage this energetic, educated, and highly mobile workforce in communities and companies across the nation. Engaging YPs now ensures future workforce development needs will be met – despite the retirement of baby boomers. In Columbus, Ohio, the fifteenth largest city in the United States, our eight-county region employs 8,700 people in accountant and auditor occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2010). As the young professionals' manager at the Columbus Chamber, I meet and interact with YPs on a daily basis, including those in the accounting field. One common thread is that YPs highly value development opportunities; therefore, employers that offer YPs such opportunities can leverage them as an attraction and retention tool. If you and your company are seeking opportunities to attract and retain young associates, I am offering a few suggestions to consider for your strategy.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: http://www.accountingweb.com

AICPA Announces a Major Change for CPA Exam Candidates: Reduced Wait Time for Results

2011-10-13T15:43:00.001-04:00

By AccountingWEB Staff

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, exam scores will be released earlier and more frequently. Oliver Zhang, PhD, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Senior Psychometrician, explained that the change is in response to the most common request made by test takers since 2004 when the exam went from a pencil-and-paper format to a computerized format. The computerized format allowed CPA candidates to take the exam one section at a time, but they wanted their exam results quickly so they could plan accordingly.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: http://www.accountingweb.com

5 Tips For Career Changers

2011-10-04T09:02:00.002-04:00

(CareerBuilder.com) -- You've hit a turning point in your career. Whether it's because your job has slowly become less satisfying over the years, or you woke up one morning and realized you hated going to work, you've decided it's time for a change.

If only you knew what you wanted to do next. Details.

The "I don't know what I want to do, but I know it's not this" predicament is confusing at best. Besides the issue of figuring out what you want to do, there's also reality to consider. You might think you'd make a great marriage counselor, but do you really have the time, energy and means to get the necessary training? Will your career change require you to relocate? How will you convince potential employers that, after 10 years in one career, you have the necessary experience for a new one?

To Read The Full Article: Click Here

Source: CareerBuilder.com

9 Steps to Find the Right LinkedIn Groups to Join

2011-09-23T08:49:00.002-04:00

Groups are like informal communities based on industries, professions, themes, niche topics… since any LinkedIn member can create one, there are nearly a million groups. Find the right groups and you can keep up with news and trends, make connections, ask and answer questions…

1. Determine your goal. It’s unlikely any one group will meet all your needs. Decide whether you’re looking to connect with potential clients, establish your credentials and authority, learn more about your field — whatever you hope to achieve. Start with one goal; you can always branch out later.

To Read the Full Article: Click Here

Source: www.bnet.com (http://www.bnet.com/blog/small-biz-advice/9-steps-to-find-the-right-linkedin-groups-to-join/4296?tag=sec-river18)

10 Ways to Ruin an Employee Evaluation

2011-09-15T10:06:00.002-04:00

To the employee who receives an annual performance evaluation, the meeting is a big, literally once-a-year event. To the boss or manager who is responsible for a number of employees, delivering annual evaluations can feel like anything but.

Complacency can easily lead to making simple mistakes — mistakes that can dramatically impact the employee’s motivation and performance.

Here are 10 ways to ruin an employee evaluation — and how to make sure you don’t:

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: www.bnet.com

No Market For Lazy Job Seekers

2011-08-22T13:56:00.001-04:00

Summer is a season to relax, unless you're a job seeker.

Given the steep competition for jobs, people who are energized and organized -- and those who avoid lazy mistakes -- are the likeliest to land a spot.

"It's not all down to the economy -- it's often about how productive people are during their job search," says Richard Jordan, a staffing management panel member at the Society for Human Resource Management. "The Internet has made it really easy for people to get a sense of false security about how productive they are."

To read the full article: Click Here
Source: The Wall Street Journal

Six Interview Mistakes

2011-08-04T10:27:00.001-04:00

It's tough to avoid typical interview traps if you're unsure what they are. Here are six to watch out for.

1. Confusing an Interview with an Interrogation

Most candidates expect to be interrogated. An interrogation occurs when one person asks all the questions and the other gives the answers. An interview is a business conversation in which both people ask and respond to questions. Candidates who expect to be interrogated avoid asking questions, leaving the interviewer in the role of reluctant interrogator.

2. Making a So-Called Weakness Seem Positive

Interviewers frequently ask candidates, "What are your weaknesses?" Conventional interview wisdom dictates that you highlight a weakness like "I'm a perfectionist," and turn it into a positive. Interviewers are not impressed, because they've probably heard the same answer a hundred times. If you are asked this question, highlight a skill that you wish to improve upon and describe what you are doing to enhance your skill in this area. Interviewers don't care what your weaknesses are. They want to see how you handle the question and what your answer indicates about you.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: Monster.com

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-preparation/six-interview-mistakes/article.aspx?WT.mc_n=yta_fpt_article_6_interview_mistakes

TheLadders: Job Search in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s

2011-06-28T08:56:00.001-04:00

Whether you are 22 or 62, a job search may be in your future. But the 20-something's job search strategy should look very different than the 60-something's — and so should everyone's in between.

Especially in this economy, people of all ages are in the market for a new job. Some people are looking to improve their pay or title, some want to change their career paths and some have been involuntarily plunged into a job search due to downsizing. No matter what the catalyst, a job search should be carefully calculated and cultivated, with a great many factors taken into account. One of the most important, but often overlooked, is the impact the job seeker's age can and should have on the process.

Read the full article

Source: www.theladders.com

The Ladders: LinkedIn Profile Summary

2011-06-02T13:56:00.001-04:00

There are two things you can be sure of when executive recruiters discover your LinkedIn profile: They expect to see a summary, and they expect to learn a little about who you are, wrote Kris Dunn, HR expert and blogger of HR Capitalist.

Job titles and dates of employment alone on LinkedIn will not cut it. You need to use the “summary” area (commonly referred to as the “about” section) to frame the your narrative as a job-candidate in a way you would like to be perceived, advised Dunn in the post “Is Your “About” Page Real, or Just Real Phony?“. In this post, Dunn recommends honesty and transparency in personal branding rather than bold claims of being an expert when you are not.

To read the full article: click here

Source: The Ladders

Job Seekers: 3 Things That Make You Stand Out

2011-05-16T10:44:00.002-04:00

In a tight market, every job seeker needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd. What separates the great from the good and makes a particular candidate too irresistible to pass up? Often, it is one of these three things.

1. Ability to prove worth

It is one thing to call yourself an outstanding communicator or an effective leader. It is another to back those claims with proof. Employers want to know what you'd bring to the table if hired.

To Read More: Click Here

Source: Careerbuilder.com

10 Signs It's Time To Leave Your Job

2011-05-03T15:06:00.001-04:00

While many people may have clung to their jobs out of fear during the recession, career coaches say employees are now becoming more confident to look elsewhere and move on. According to a January survey commissioned by talent management firm Plateau, 31% of employees are not satisfied at their current jobs. Moreover, a whopping 74% of workers--satisfied or not--would consider leaving if approached with another offer. Employees cited salary, needing a change and career advancement opportunities as chief reasons to leave. Scroll through to read the top 10 signs it's time to stage a breakout.

To read the full post: Click Here

Source: Forbes.com

CFS Accounting & Finance Internship Program

2011-04-13T09:50:00.002-04:00

Creative Financial Staffing invites you to participate in our Accounting & Finance Summer Internship Program. This program has been incredibly successful across the CFS network nationally.

CFS Interns are available for either summer-long positions or short-term assignments. If extra work is piling up this summer, why not let a college student help, while also letting them build their resume with valuable accounting experience. Our Interns are…

Available for projects including, but not limited: to Data Entry, Filing, A/P, A/R, Reconciliations, Excel Spreadsheets
Very affordable and possess great computer skills
Enthusiastic and appreciative of the opportunity and valuable experience you will be giving them
No placement fees if our Interns are offered jobs by your company and hired after graduation!

CFS will handle all the recruiting, screening, interviewing & reference checking. We offer very affordable rates and take on all the work associated with matching the ‘right’ intern to meet your needs.

For more complex assignments, we always have a full complement of experienced Temporary Staff and Interim Management.

Please contact the CFS office nearest you for more information!

Jobs Report March 2011:Unemployment rate dips to 8.8%, economy adds 216K new jobs

2011-04-08T08:42:00.003-04:00

The unemployment rate fell to a two-year low of 8.8 percent in March and companies added workers at the fastest two-month pace since before the recession began.

The Labor Department says the economy added 216,000 new jobs last month, offsetting layoffs a local governments. Factories, retailers, education, health care and an array of professional and financial services expanded payrolls.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: NYDailyNews.com

February Jobs Report

2011-03-08T11:23:00.002-05:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The jobs outlook brightened in February, as strong business hiring helped trim unemployment to its lowest level in nearly two years.

The unemployment rate fell to 8.9% last month, from 9.0% in January, the best reading since April of 2009. The unemployment rate has now fallen nearly a full percentage point in the last three months, the most rapid improvement in nearly 28 years.

To read the full article, click here.

Source: CNNMoney.com

Is Your Resume Outdated?

2011-02-28T09:52:00.001-05:00

(MONEY Magazine) -- Been applying for work and have little to show for it? Don't assume the lousy job market is solely to blame. Your résumé could be working against you as well.

Best practices for résumé writing have changed a lot over the past few years, says Wendy Enelow, an executive trainer and author of Expert Résumés for Baby Boomers. If you haven't kept up, your document may be signaling that you're past your prime.

To read the full article, Click Here.

Source: CNNMoney.com

Signs of a Stronger Job Market

2011-02-24T12:14:00.001-05:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- What do higher mileage on leased cars, more crowded day care centers and fewer disability claims all have in common?

They're all under-the-radar signs of improvement in the U.S. economy.

While conventional indicators like the unemployment rate and initial jobless claims are pointing to some improvement in the job market, they're still at pretty high levels.

But a few non-traditional readings are also encouraging signs that Americans really are heading back to work.

To Read the Full Article: Click Here

Source: CNNMoney.com

BNET: Changing Jobs in 2011

2011-02-04T11:46:00.001-05:00

Economics may be the dismal science, but even its gloomy practitioners aren’t immune to a little New Year’s optimism. According to a recent CNN survey of a dozen economists, the consensus view of the coming year is that hiring will improve on a grim 2010, while not exactly offering a jobs bonanza. Unemployment will remain high at nine percent, but the economy will add between 1.3 and 3 million new jobs, according to the economists.

Great, say the 84 percent of you who told Manpower that you wanted to change jobs in 2011. But with nearly one in ten Americans likely to remain out of work, how can you improve your chances of standing out in a crowded labor market? Two career experts offer two different tacks to help you reach your goal of getting a great new gig in 2011.

To read the full article, Click Here.

Source: BNET

CNN Money: New Year's Resolution, I quit!

2010-12-28T15:30:00.001-05:00

Employers watch out: Your workers can't wait to quit.

According to a recent survey by job-placement firm Manpower, 84% of employees plan to look for a new position in 2011. That's up from just 60% last year.

Most employees have sat tight through the recession, not even considering other jobs because so few firms were hiring. For the past few years, the Labor Department's quits rate, which serves as a barometer of workers' ability to change jobs, has hovered near an all-time low.

But after years of increased work and frozen compensation, "a lot of people will be looking because they're disappointed with their current jobs," said Paul Bernard, a veteran executive coach and career management advisor who runs his own firm.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: cnnmoney.com

Best Holiday Gifts for Jobseekers

2010-12-13T16:19:00.002-05:00

Chances are you probably know quite a few people who are smack in the middle of a job search, and if any of them are on your holiday gift list this year, you may want to pay a little extra attention to what you stuff their stockings with.

Today's job search is pretty stressful and the right gift can go a long way in restoring a job seeker's positivity, giving them much-needed peace of mind or even improving their chances of landing their dream job. So before you wrap up another pair of socks or a popcorn tin, check out the gifts below for something your favorite job hunter will really appreciate.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/12/13/cb.gifts.for.job.seekers/index.html?hpt=Sbin

12 Tips for Holiday Season Networking

2010-12-01T10:50:00.003-05:00

For job hunters who are networking-challenged, holiday time is a chance to invite someone to join you for a festivity. Early December is really a super time to circulate, to network in person, over the phone, via email and through holiday cards...

To Read the full article: Click Here

Source: The Ladders. http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/12-tips-holiday-season-networking

First Impressions

2010-11-22T08:57:00.002-05:00

First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions

by Arnold Sanow
http://www.arnoldsanow.com

Many studies show that much of the message that people perceive from you comes from your body language and tone of voice.

To get your associates, employees and clients to like you, trust you and respond to you favorably you need to be sensitive to the messages your body is conveying.

To read the full article: Click Here

Source: http://cpatrendlines.com/2010/11/08/first-impressions-are-lasting-impressions/

Crowe Horwath's Accounting Alert: November 2010

2010-11-15T09:22:00.003-05:00

The Accounting Alert offers accounting news you can use from Crowe Horwath LLP’s audit and assurance experts.

To read the full Accounting Alert: Click Here

CFO's Plan to Hire

2010-11-08T09:18:00.001-05:00

Chief financial officers are slowly but surely easing from the recession, and are finding new opportunities to hire, despite unemployment levels remaining historically high.

Many companies are focused on retaining their existing talent, and are taking measures to do so. As their overall optimism rises, an increasing number of CFOs are showing interest in making acquisitions, demonstrating progress from the previous year, according to a recent survey of CFOs conducted by Financial Executives International (FEI) and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business.

CFOs are showing steady signs of increased confidence. Following last quarter’s sudden decline, the Q3 CFO Optimism Index for the U.S. economy bounced back to rise nearly two points (to 55.2 from 53.6), and the outlook for CFOs’ own companies showed a comparable increase (69.1 in Q3 from 67.4 in Q2), according to the Q3 2010 CFO Outlook Survey.

To read the full article: Economic confidence rises in Q3; CFOs plan to hire

Source:http://www.accountingweb.com/topic/accounting-auditing/economic-confidence-rises-q3-more-cfos-plan-hire#

Baker Tilly: IRS Releases Final Schedule to Report Uncertain Tax Positions

2010-10-20T15:38:00.003-04:00

On April 19, 2010, the IRS released a draft of Schedule UTP, Uncertain Tax Position Statement, and requested public comments on the draft form and instructions. The IRS received a large number of comments on the overall proposal, including concerns on how the IRS would use the reported information, the additional reporting burden on taxpayers, and the IRS’s authority to require reporting of uncertain tax positions with the corporation’s tax return. The fi nal schedule and instructions were released by the IRS on September 24, 2010.

Read the Full Article

Source: Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP.

Three Networking Misconceptions

2010-09-29T15:32:00.001-04:00

Think about the most successful people you know. What’s one thing they have in common? Probably this: They’ve built a network of contacts that provides support, information and business referrals. They have mastered the art and science of networking, and business flows to them almost as a matter of course.

It took those successful networkers years of hard work to build their networks. But many people don’t understand networking basics.

Misconceptions about networking are widespread, even among business professionals...

To read the full article, click here.

Source: http://www.bnet.com/blog/smb/three-big-lies-about-networking/2352?tag=mantle_skin;content

Recession ended in June 2009

2010-09-20T11:07:00.001-04:00

The Great Recession ended in June 2009, according to the body charged with dating when recessions begin and end.

The National Bureau of Economic Research, an independent group of economists, released a statement Monday saying economic data now clearly points to the economy turning higher last summer...

Source: CNNMoney.com

7 Jobs That Companies Need to Fill!

2010-09-01T14:39:00.002-04:00

With unemployment nearing double digits, it's hard to imagine there are jobs, ready for the taking but it's true. Many companies are hiring, and can't fill their slots fast enough. Here are seven jobs companies are desperate to fill, and how you can qualify.

To read more, Click here.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/110533/7-jobs-companies-are-desperate-to-fill

Fitts Roberts & Co., P.C. - What's new in back-to-school tax savings?

2010-08-23T09:58:00.002-04:00

It is no secret to students, working individuals going back to school, and their families that the cost of education is becoming continuously more expensive year after year. The Tax Code provides a variety of significant tax breaks to help pay for the rising costs of education, from elementary and secondary school to college and graduate school. Individuals may be surprised to learn the many different ways the tax laws can help make education more affordable these days. In addition to scholarships, loans and work-study grants, or simply by themselves, these incentives can provide valuable cost savings...
Read More

Using Culture For A Competitive Advantage

2010-07-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

Every company has its own culture and the way that things are done. However, most companies have acquired their culture by a series of habits that have developed over time with the people who work there. It takes time to change this and create a captivating culture for a company, but here are a few questions to think about and help you move in the right direction.

What is the company’s current culture?

What is the ideal culture to move towards in the future? Try to establish core values for the company.
What does the company value? Reward employees who follow the values and culture of the company.
Do the company systems and processes currently help or hinder the goal you want to move towards?
Are the company leaders good role models for employees?

Use your answers to these five questions to figure out what your next steps should be in creating an engaging culture for your company.

Source: http://blogs.bnet.co.uk/sterling-performance/2010/07/22/how-to-use-culture-for-competitive-advantage/

Making the Most out of Social Networking Sites

2010-07-15T08:47:00.000-04:00

Most people are using social networking sites to help them in their job search. If you are using one of these sites, there are a few things you should (and shouldn’t) be doing!

Don’t come across as desperate-

Never ask for job opportunities on an initial note to anyone on a social networking site. It comes across as unprofessional, no matter how well you know the person. Get into a related topic and bring it up later on.

Privacy controls should be somewhere in the middle-

Allowing the whole world to see all of your personal information is probably not the smartest idea, however; you don’t want to have everything restricted either. A nice balance somewhere in the middle is sufficient. You want people to have a glimpse of who you are so that it will be easier for them to find something to connect to you with.

Put up a picture of yourself-

If you put up a picture of yourself it makes everything more personable. Make sure it is a business appropriate picture!

Don’t use other people to market yourself-

It is not a good idea to use other people’s pages on social networking sites to market yourself. It does not look professional and is most likely annoying to the person who you are doing it to!

Take networking seriously-

If you want someone to see you as a professional, don’t play around on facebook by sending them chain messages, etc. If you want a business relationship with that person, stick to being serious.

Take it one step further-

Once you make new business connections on social networking sites, make sure to follow up with these people either face to face or over the phone to gain a better business relationship. Set up meetings and keep in touch with people.

Source:

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/career-advice/article/6-online-networking-mistakes-to-avoid/322995/

From the Hiring Managers Perspective

2010-06-24T09:55:00.002-04:00

There are certain things that Hiring Managers want perspective employees to know before interviewing with them. Listed below are the twenty-one things you should know to help improve your job-searching skills.

Honesty: Your hiring manager wants you to be honest in all aspects of the interview process. If you are honest, it will be easier for them to place you in a good fitting job and reduce the chances that you are offered a job you will not be happy in.
Be Consistent: Every aspect of the hiring process is just as important as another; so don’t slack off by acting as though only formal interviews & writing samples are the deciding factor. Every factor plays a role in the hiring process and it is important you are consistent and consider every part just as important as the next.
Prepare Questions: To show that you have done your homework & are truly interested in the position, have questions ready to illustrate that you want to learn more about the position.
Thank-You Note: Always send a thank-you note promptly after an interview. Remember, if you have more than one interview; be sure to send a thank-you note after each one.
Show Some Interest: Show that you are interested in the job by checking in or asking about the timeline, but don’t come across as desperate! The last thing you want is for the Hiring Manager to think that this is the only option you have and you will take any job.
You Have a Weakness: It is beneficial to tell the Hiring Manager what your real weakness is to show that you are able to reflect on your work and that you are self-aware. If you make something up or avoid the question, you may end up in a position that is not the right fit for you.
Qualifications: If you are overqualified for the position, be sure to make a note that you are aware of it and it does not deter you from the position. If you do not let the Hiring Manager know, they may feel that you will get bored in the position or that you are expecting a higher salary that what is available.
Resume Objective: By putting an objective on your resume you are more likely to hurt your chances of it being looked at. Instead of putting an objective, use the space to display more of your accomplishments. If you would like to have an objective, it is better included in your cover letter.
Phone Interview Etiquette: Don’t forget that a phone interview is just as important as a regular interview. Try not to fall into the trap of becoming too casual, because you still want the Hiring Manager to think that you are a serious candidate for this position.
Job Offers: Don’t get too comfortable after an interview and expect to receive a job offer from something that you feel went great. Things can change quickly, so never put all of your eggs into one basket and keep interviewing until you actually receive a job offer.
References: The Hiring Manager may check references that you have not listed, as well as the ones you put down.
Enthusiasm vs. Stalking: There is a difference between being enthusiastic and turning into a stalker. Yes, Hiring Managers want to see enthusiasm, but they do not want to be bothered on a daily basis and you may be ruining your chances of getting a job offer by doing so.
Other Perspective: There are Hiring Managers that care about candidates and would never leave them hanging without confirming the decision about a position. Unfortunately, others do leave candidates questioning the results and it is frustrating.
Cover Letters: Make sure to change your cover letter around for each position you are applying for. If your cover letter is tailored specifically for one position, instead of being a generalized statement, it will make you stand out among the crowd.
Timing: It is possible to be too early for an interview. Remember to try and get to an interview no earlier than five to ten minutes before it is scheduled to begin.
Resume Descriptions: When writing your resume, try to stay away from using subjective terms. The Hiring Managers will learn from interviewing you and seeing your personality traits what you are like. Stick to putting experience and accomplishments on the resume only.
Key Question: “What did you accomplish in this job that someone else wouldn’t have?” Answer this question in each position that you put on your resume to make it stand out!
Work Experience: Both recent graduates and college students should note that Hiring Managers specifically look for work experience on resumes. Find a way to get some sort of work experience before you graduate, even if it is volunteer work, part-time, temporary, etc., you will need it!
Personality: Sometimes a Hiring Manager will feel that you do not fit a position based on your personality, simply because you need to fit in with the people who you will be working with and around. It may have nothing to do with the skills you possess.
Interview Talk: Try to keep your answers quick & concise. Say what you need to say to get your point across, but don’t drag on and on and lose the interest of the interviewer.
Bad Experiences: Come up with an alternative way to say that you had a bad experience with a previous employer; otherwise, you may give the Hiring Manager a bad impression. Looking for a new challenge, taking the time to find the right fit, etc., are all good ways to turn it around into a positive.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/109835/21-things-hiring-managers-wish-you-knew?mod=career-worklife_balance

GAAP vs. IFRS

2010-06-18T08:49:00.002-04:00

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion on the process of changing the U.S. financial reporting system over from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IFRS is becoming the global standard of reporting for public companies.

The major differences between GAAP and IFRS are the following:

1) Methodologies for impairment of PP&E, intangibles

2) Revaluation accounting

3) Recovery of impairments under IFRS

4) Recognition and measurement of provisions (including restructurings)

5) More detailed disclosures under IFRS

As for the timeline to when U.S. public companies will be converting to IFRS - it is still not set in stone. It is anticipated that 2015 will be the year for required use of IFRS, but this is tentative and will be determined by the SEC in 2011.

Sources: http://www.swensonadvisors.com/assets/MajorDifferencesBetweenUSGAAPandIFRS.pdf

http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Web/20102656.htm

http://www.rehmann.com/default.cfm?t=service_industry.cfm&L2=ASSURA&L3=IFRSAS

http://accounting.aqimg.com/2010/04/ifrs-and-gaap-difference/

Accounting and Tax Trends in 2010

2010-05-28T13:50:00.000-04:00

1. Moving from GAAP to IFRS

The SEC has proposed a slow trend towards moving over from GAAP to IFRS. Since IFRS is international, it does have some improvements for financial reporting over GAAP.

2. Increased IRS budget = More tax audits of businesses

Due to the House approval of a $5.504 Billion increase in the IRS budget, expect more tax audits of businesses.

3. Higher taxes due to health care reform

Small businesses should be on the lookout for new taxes due to the passing of the massive health care bill.

4. Cap and trade legislation taxes

The government program for cap and trade is to help limit the amount of emissions from energy usage. If a program is put in place to control this, businesses that exceed their allocated energy usage will have to pay a tax.

5. No AMT reform

The Alternative Minimum Tax has become a great source of revenue. If congress were to eliminate it, other taxes would be raised in order to make up for the loss of revenue.

6. State and local taxes increasing

Due to some states coming very close to bankruptcy, new sources of revenue may have to come from new state and local taxes.

7. E-filing

According to the IRS, electronic filing of taxes has reached an all time high; 67.18% of individuals file electronically. Going forward in 2010, start looking for more e-filing options!

8. Tax breaks for retirement savings

In order to encourage more retirement savings, there have been new tax incentives created for both workers and employers.

9. Possibility of a VAT?

There is a possibility that a Value Added Tax could be imposed in the U.S. This would require a tax in each part of the supply chain, helping the Federal Government gain more of the revenue that they need.

To see the full article - Source: http://smallbiztrends.com/2009/12/top-10-trends-in-accounting-and-taxes-in-2010.html

Hiring For Accounting Grads On The Rise

2010-05-17T10:11:00.002-04:00

Employers plan to increase the number of new college graduates they will hire this spring for the first time since the fall of 2008. In 2009, employers severely reduced the amount of new college graduates they hired, dropping almost 22% from the previous year. It was predicted that hiring for the Class of 2010 would decrease by 7% from the Class of 2009, however, it is now estimated that hiring for new graduates will be up by 5.3%. This is good news, especially for the Northeast, where the hiring outlook seems to be the brightest.

It is predicted that the fall of 2010 will remain positive for hiring as well. Employers plan to hire the same amount of new college graduates or more, so there will be recruiters present on campuses in the fall. In the past, accounting firms have been involved as one of the most active organizations to hire new college graduates. This still rings true for the class of 2010, as there have been more offers made to new graduates with bachelor’s degrees than from any other type of employer.

While most other majors have starting salaries that are less than what they used to be, accounting majors stand strong with increased starting salaries in 2010. An increase of 0.4% brought the average offer for accounting majors to $48,575. For new college graduates with accounting degrees – this is great news!

Source: http://www.accountingweb.com/topic/education-careers/spring-accounting-grads-fare-better-hiring-their-peers

What NOT To Do During Your Job Search

2010-05-05T15:34:00.003-04:00

During the job search there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure your efforts do not go to waste. Below are a few examples of what NOT to do if you’re trying to land the position!

Texting A Thank You Note: After an interview it is courteous to send a thank you note to the person(s) who interviewed you. Texting them and/or inviting them to become part of your social network is not the correct way to go about it. Employers prefer you either take the time to hand-write a note or send it over in an email.

Resume Spam: By applying to the same position multiple times through different websites and sources, as well as applying to every open position the company has; you are creating unnecessary work for the hiring manager.

“So, what exactly does your company do?”: This is the worst question to ask during an interview! If you do not take the time to research the company and show that you are interested in what they do, then you will not be taken seriously in the interview as a candidate who truly wants the position.

Unexpected Visitors: If you must bring along a child or family member to your interview, it is a good idea to inform the hiring manager beforehand so that they are adequately prepared for your guest. Don’t start off on a bad note by bringing someone along unexpectedly!

Cell Phone Usage: Texting or receiving personal phone calls during an interview is a bad idea. It shows that you are unfocused and easily distracted from the task at hand. It is also rude and can leave the hiring manager questioning your interest in the position.

Be Aware of Your Emotions: Showing too much emotion can be a problem during an interview. If you are laughing too much or you are so nervous that you are about to cry while answering questions, it sends the wrong message. Smiling and being friendly is an important part of the interview, but don’t get caught up overdoing it!

Beverages: Sometimes bringing your own beverages into an interview with you can give the interview an informal feeling. It is better that you don’t bring any of your own beverages with you, as most interviewers will offer you something anyways.

Keeping all of this in mind, below are a few pointers from our staff of expert recruiters here at CFS…

Keep the fidgeting to a minimum. When you fidget it makes it very apparent that you are nervous and can also be distracting to the interviewer. Try to speak to the interviewer and keep normal eye contact.

Dress to impress! Make a great first impression by showing the interviewer that you are serious about the position.

Be prepared to ask questions. It shows that you are interested in learning more about what the company has to offer, as well as allowing you to hear the interviewer’s point of view.

Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-9_ways_to_ensure_you_don_t_get_the_job-1236

Positive Outlook for Hiring in Q2 2010

2010-04-20T14:35:00.002-04:00

It seems that there is hope on the horizon when it comes to finding a job in 2010. In what is now the third consecutive quarter, employers are expecting to increase staff and fewer are anticipating cut backs. Based on the noticeable increase in online job postings and the amount of temporary positions that have been created recently, it is safe to assume that there will be a possibility of more permanent positions generated in the upcoming year. CareerBuilder and USA TODAY recently teamed up to conduct a nationwide survey of employers and identified six upcoming employment trends for the second quarter of 2010.

1. Employers are looking to hire for temporary positions. The survey showed that 25% of employers forecast hiring temporary workers during Q2 of 2010 to aid in filling productivity gaps.

2. About 25% of employers anticipate hiring interns in Q2. Hiring interns is a great way to add resources to the firm without having too much of a cost burden.

3. Social Media has gained quite a presence lately in the work place. About 1 in 10 surveyed employers expect to hire someone in Q2 who will be responsible for leading social media initiatives.

4. Diversifying employees has become more evident in the work force and remains important in hiring during the second quarter. About one-third of employers have plans to hire candidates that speak more than one language.

5. 28% of employers anticipate hiring greater performing employees to take the place of employees that have not been performing well at the company.

6. Due to the apprehension that top performing employees may begin looking elsewhere as market conditions start to improve, employers are trying to increase incentives for their employees to keep them around! These incentives may consist of flexible schedules, increased training, future raises or promotions, bonuses and performance based trips and even a higher job title without the increase in salary. Take note that there are incentives which are considered budget-friendly.

Source: Job Market Showing Gradual Improvement, According to Quarterly Job Forecast From CareerBuilder and USA TODAY

Employee Retention Tools

2010-04-07T16:08:00.002-04:00

Employee retention has recently become a hot topic in many firms. As the economy improves and more job opportunities become available, employers are fearful that their top performers may jump ship at any moment.

In our previous blog post, we have discussed several strategies for employee retention. These methods included showing appreciating for your employees’ work, publicly recognizing their contributions, being available, establishing open communications, and implementing employee ideas.

Firms are now looking into implementing monetary incentives to retain employees. Based on a recent survey of 14,000 CFOs, 76% are willing to offer one of the following:

Promoting Top Performers: 50%
Raising Salaries: 48%
Increasing Investment in Professional Development: 41%
Enhancing Benefits: 32%
Reinstating or Increasing Bonuses: 26%
No Steps Planned: 26%

Remember, however, that money is often rarely the only reason why workers stay at or leave their jobs. Many long term employee retention tools will still revolve building and maintaining good employee-employer relationships!

Read More

Employee retention during an economic downturn
Survey: Promotions, salary increases are most popular retention tools

Job Search 2010: Old School v. New School

2010-03-31T17:19:00.002-04:00

Or click here to view: http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dgm77rzk_86fcc8nbc4

“They’re lucky to have a job!”

2010-03-25T14:07:00.001-04:00

How often during the recession have we heard supervisors, leaders and even owners make this statement in response to employees’ comments and complaints about their work environment?

“The smarter ones mention it behind closed doors in so-called ‘leadership meetings,’” says Art McCarthy, Vice President of Executive Search for Creative Financial Staffing, a national executive search and staffing firm. “The less savvy have been so bold as to actually tell employees just that. If employers only knew the truth: the best people always have options.”

Recruiters are already seeing signs of unrest in the marketplace. The LA Times recently reported that job satisfaction for American workers is only at 45% in 2009, the lowest level it has been in over 20 years. Most employees feel their employers have done a poor job managing through the recession. Downsizing, pay cuts, hiring freezes and a generally thankless work environment have all combined to create the least loyal workforce in history.

Poorly treated and overworked professionals are taking an “I have to look out for me” approach to their careers. As the employment market improves, these people will have the first opportunities and they will leave in droves. Therefore, talent retention will become one of the top concerns for employers in 2010. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 40% of companies polled are concerned about their top workers leaving. The following study by Manpower seems to confirm employers’ fears: 60% of employees polled said that they intend to leave their current jobs when economic conditions improve.

This puts employers in a predicament: how to incent your best people to stay, when your business has not yet benefitted from the recovery. If pay raises are not an option how can you stop the inevitable?

Finally, the good news! Money is rarely the primary motivating factor in a person’s decision to leave their company. Certainly, it is a convenient reason and feelings are rarely hurt if money is given as the purpose for a change. However, recruiters have found (and studies confirm) that the majority of professionals leave due to their relationship to leadership, specifically, their direct supervisor. This means you have the power to change how they feel.

Like your personal relationships, work relationships take effort to build and maintain. Take these thoughts into consideration:

When was the last time you gave someone a heartfelt thank you for their efforts? Thank you’s are FREE and they go a long way if sincere.
Do you praise peoples publicly? Creating a culture of positive reinforcement pays pay in multiples.
Do you listen more than you talk? Gaining feedback from your team on important decisions gives you valuable perspective and them a chance to weigh in on tough decisions.
Do your best people know they’re an important part of your company’s future? Don’t assume they do-tell them!

Sounds easy right? It is not! It requires organization and thoughtful planning. If it came naturally to the leaders in your company, you would not be faced with an impending talent crisis. The creation of a culture where employees are empowered and valued will come through targeted efforts. Just like you plan for frequent interactions and one on ones with your best customers, you must map out your plans for your best people. They are assets equal to your customers. Don’t they deserve the same special treatment?

Sources:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/06/business/la-fi-job-satisfaction6-2010jan06

http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2010/02/01/productivity-compensation-and-retention-top-the-list-of-employers-staffing-challenges-says-new-careerbuilder-survey/

http://talent.linkedin.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/discontented-workers-will-provide-opportunities-for-recruiters-in-2010/

Employment growth for accountants

2010-03-11T16:31:00.002-05:00

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors are expected to grow 22% from 2008-2018 fueled by growth in the economy, globalization, IFRS, and demand for greater financial and accounting transparency.

This is no surprise since accountants were instrumental in helping firms through last year's economic downturn. Their financial expertise and detail knowledge of their firm's financial status were needed to find ways to reduce costs, manage better cash flow, direct focus to business areas that needed attention, etc.

As the economy improves, qualified accountants are once again called upon to lead their firms through this recovery. With the anticipated market upturn, it is crucial to have capable accounting and financial professionals to make the right strategic decisions and lead your accounting and financial teams in the right direction.

These are more reasons why accounting is ranked in the top ten list of best jobs for 2010!

CPAs are #6 on this chart of the best jobs in America.

Getting your resume read

2010-02-17T14:01:00.001-05:00

With the influx of resumes that recruiters and hiring managers are receiving today, your resume has approximately 10-20 seconds to catch their attention. Below are several tips to help make your resume stand out:

Sell your achievements and results rather than just include a laundry list of your job responsibilities and skills. Employers love seeing how your accomplishments have increased sales, improved productivity, reduced expenses, etc. If you can quantify them, even better!

Use key words and customize your resume to fit each position you’re applying for. Sometimes your resume maybe not even be read by a human, but must be filtered through a computer search query that is scanning for key words. So if the job description is looking for certain certifications or computer software skills, make sure to include them if you have them.

Having a great resume is only half of the work; you need to get it in front of the right people. According to research, almost 8 out of 10 jobs are landed through a referral. Therefore, merely submitting your resume through job boards may not be enough. You need to network, either with your own contacts or through a recruiter to get that referral.

Read more
Insider secrets to get your resume read
Job seekers doom chances through poor networking
Are you making these 4 resume mistakes

Top 5 staffing challenges in 2010

2010-02-10T16:11:00.001-05:00

Many companies have identified staffing as one of the most difficult business challenges they will face in 2010. As the economy improves, employers are concerned with maintaining the right staffing levels to meet rising demand, alleviating worker burnout after last year’s motto of doing more with less, and finding qualified people to lead their companies out of this economic downturn. As more jobs slowly become available elsewhere, employers are also concerned with retaining top talent in their firms.

According to a recently released CareerBuilder survey of more than 2,700 employers; below are the top five staffing concerns for 2010:

Providing competitive compensation (34 %)
Maintaining productivity levels (33 %)
Retaining top talent (31 %)
Worker burnout (30 %)
Providing employees opportunities for upward mobility (25 %)

Pssst: If you find yourself facing any of these concerns, contact your local CFS Recruiter! We respond to these challenges by offering staffing, recruiting, and outsourcing options to our clients.

ADP January Employment Report

2010-02-03T11:03:00.002-05:00

ADP released its January employment report this morning and the data appears to support economists’ prediction that the economy is improving…slowly. With an initial estimate of the 2009 Q4 GDP at 5.7% by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, economists think that job growth will soon follow as companies seek to add employees to keep up with rising demand.

Some positive news from the ADP report:

Employment for the service sector rose by 38,000
Medium sized companies (with employee count between 50 and 499) increased by 9,000

The BLS will release its January employment report on February 5. Economists expect to see an increase in government payrolls (estimated 25,000) due to the hiring by the U.S. Census.

Sources:

ADP National Employment Report
Companies in U.S. plan to hire, spend this year, survey shows
U.S. Job Growth: Climbing back toward the green
ADP says U.S. companies cut estimated 22,000 jobs

IRS audit will focus on worker classification

2010-01-27T10:16:00.006-05:00

The IRS is cracking down on worker misclassification. Beginning February 2010, the IRS will randomly select 2,000 companies every year for the next three years to audit their worker classification, executive compensation, and fringe benefits.

Classifying workers as independent contractors has several tax benefits because it reduces the employer’s payroll tax withholdings, FICA contributions, and health insurance premiums among other things.

Misclassification, however, is a serious problem because it can result in large payroll taxes and penalties. In a report released in 2009, the IRS estimated 15% of employers misclassified 3.4 million workers, which resulted in the loss of $1.6 billion in tax revenue.

To help employers better determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor, the IRS has put together a 160 page guide for your reference available on their website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/emporind.pdf.

Sources:
Classifying employees the right way
Be careful how you classify your employees
IRS gets serious about employee classification

2009-2010 Tax Planning Guide

2010-01-21T09:13:00.005-05:00

Our CPA affiliate, Bruner-Cox has put together an informative tax planning guide filled with year round tax saving strategies.

It highlights tax law changes and provides case studies in areas such as Deductions & AMT, Family & Education, Investing, Business, Retirement, and Estate Planning. To access the full pdf version of the guide, please click here.

The 2010 Workplace

2010-01-13T14:22:00.008-05:00

The 2008-2009 economic downturn has triggered and/or accelerated many changes in the workplace. Below are several trends to look out for in 2010:

A second job. In addition to a salaried job, more individuals will likely seek out a second income source – through a side business, freelance project, consulting gig, etc.
More flexible work schedules. To promote better work-life balance, more employers are expected to offer options for telecommuting, compressed workweeks, summer hours, etc.
Less “off hours” work. In the midst of “voluntary” pay cuts and furloughs, employees are less likely work beyond their designated work hours - meaning that they will not be on call 24/7 through their Blackberries.
Delayed Retirement/Hiring Retired Employees. Companies are more opened to hiring retired employees because of their years of experience and knowledge. Older employees are also looking to delay their retirement to extend their income stream.
Temporary/Contract Work. Employers remain cautious as they prepare for the economic rebound. Rather than committing to full time hires, many are turning to the flexible option of hiring temporary and contract workers.

Sources:
10 Workplace trends for 2010
Predictions for 2010: Five Changes in the Way We Work

Job satisfaction

2010-01-07T17:04:00.004-05:00

Survey results released by the Conference Board research group earlier this week showed a large drop in job satisfaction - only 45% of workers are satisfied with their job versus 61% in 1987.

Researchers suggest that the lowered number of available job opportunities and lowered wages in the recent economic downturn may be partially responsible for the drop. Other possible causes may be the result of rising cost of health care and lack of interesting/challenging responsibilities.

Employers need to be wary of unhappy workers because these employees are less likely to be as innovative and productive as satisfied workers. Once the economy picks up, employers may also face an increase in turnover as these unhappy employees seek opportunities elsewhere.

American's job satisfaction falls to record low
Results of polls on job satisfaction are at odds
Survey: Job Satisfaction

More good news?

2009-12-22T14:57:00.003-05:00

36 states saw their unemployment rate decrease in November. (source)
Temporary workers increased by approximately 52,000 - a sign that the employers are testing the waters or is it only a temporary seasonal increase? (source)
Existing home sales rose by 7.4% - the increase was partially contributed by first time home buyers rushing to take advantage of the tax credit. (source)
Economists’ estimates for the fourth quarter GDP growth range from 2.3% to 4.5%. (source)

Branding through your job postings

2009-12-16T15:59:00.012-05:00

A well written job posting does more than just attract better applicants; it is a great branding opportunity for your firm. As we mentioned in our previous entry, job posting needs to sell your company and position because A-list candidates often have choices when it comes to job opportunities – and you want them to choose yours!

Things to consider:

Include the company logo and brief blurb about your company. According to CareerBuilder, doing so increases the credibility of your firm and positions it as an established, professional company.
Be realistic in the qualifications (education, experience, degrees, etc.) versus salary offered.
Proofread your posting for any misspellings or grammatical errors. If you think applicants are unprofessional because they have a typo on their resumes or if you reject applicants for their lack of attention to detail, then applicants can judge you the same way.

Sources:

Writing An Effective Internet Job Posting
Branding through job posting
7 Steps to a must-read job postings

What we're reading

2009-12-10T13:49:00.004-05:00

USA TODAY: Quarter of workforce could become temps as contract work grows

CNN Money: From temp gig to dream job

Slate: Coming Soon: Jobs!

NPR: Interactive Map: The economy where you live

Yahoo! Hot Jobs: The Often-Overlooked Interview Advantage: Good Grooming

The fate of Sarbanes-Oxley to be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court

2009-12-07T14:45:00.003-05:00

Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case of Free Enterprise Fund vs. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to determine the constitutionality of PCAOB, the organization created under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to oversee public accounting firms and crack down on fraudulent accounting.

The constitutional issue in question is whether the PCAOB violates the Constitution’s separation of powers and the Appointment Clause, which states that only the President of the United States has the power to appoint and oversee an executive level body. The five member Board, however, is appointed by the SEC and is given the broad authority to create whatever rules that “may be necessary or appropriate in the public interest of for the protection of investors.”

Implications:

If the Court rules against PCAOB, Congress can possibly modify Sarbanes-Oxley in compliance with the Constitution, or it needs to throw it out entirely. The latter scenario may require companies to adapt to an entirely new set of accounting rules.

If the Court upholds PCAOB, then it could set a precedent for Congress to create similarly powerful regulative bodies.

Sarbanes-Oxley on trial

The end of SarbOx? The Supreme Court weighs in

Federal Tax Updates

2009-11-24T16:25:00.003-05:00

Our CPA affiliate, Bruner-Cox LLP created a useful list of federal tax updates for your reference in their November 2009 Newsletter.

Topics include:

Service Issues Guidance on Cancellation of Debt Income Deferral
New Opportunities Available for Automatic Method Changes
The Tax Complications of Chasing Yield
Proposed Changes Affect “Check-the-Box” Strategies of Partnerships, LLCs and S Corporations
Electronic Filing Requirements for Form 5500 Q&A

To read more, click here.

Attract better candidates by writing better job postings

2009-11-17T15:22:00.003-05:00

Employers have a hard time finding quality candidates despite having a large selection of applicants to choose from. Instead they are receiving resumes from unqualified or under-qualified people who feel that they have nothing to lose by applying to positions they are not qualified for.

Employers, however, are left sifting through hundreds of resume and may end up finding only a few qualified people to interview.

One reason is that strong candidates out in the open market tend to get snatched up by another employer more quickly. Another reason is that firms are doing everything they can to retain their best employees, making them very difficult to recruit. These passive job seekers are currently employed, in demand, and selective with their options but will consider another opportunity if the right one comes.

In order to reach these individuals, your job posting need to sell your company and the position rather than just listing the job qualifications and description. In other words, these job seekers have choices and they need to be convinced to leave their current position and go to yours.

Based on a 2009 CareerBuilder survey, below are a few things job seekers say they first consider before applying to a position:

Company’s stability and longevity in the job market: 32%
Good career advancement opportunities: 20%
Good work culture: 14%

Does your job posting appeal to any of these decision factors?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

2009-11-10T09:25:00.002-05:00

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the Recovery Act), which was signed into law on February 17, 2009, makes a number of beneficial tax changes for individuals. However, most of them are temporary in nature, that is, unless extended by future legislation, they apply for 2009 only or in some cases for 2009 and 2010. Here’s a review of the more widely applicable provisions that could have an impact on you and your family.

Pending legislation complicates year-end tax planning

2009-11-02T14:41:00.002-05:00

As 2009 comes to a close, it's a good time to review your year-end tax planning strategies. Many traditional strategies are still effective for this year but you need to keep in mind the impact of pending federal legislation. Congress is debating health care reform, a possible second stimulus bill, extending many temporary tax breaks, and more.

Read the full article here.

Employer tax break for hiring

2009-10-26T16:42:00.003-04:00

According to a report by the Economy Policy Institute, 5 million additional jobs could be created in the next two years if the government would provide companies with a $27 billion tax break for hiring.

Supporters of this idea says that the tax break would help employers get over the fear of hiring. Opponents, however, say that it will only be a temporary fix (remember Cash for Clunkers?) and it is another waste of money. Or worse, some employers might lay off workers now and then rehire later just to collect.

Read More
Economists push employer tax break for new hiring
Tax credit for hiring gaining support
Can a hiring tax credit create 15 million new jobs?

Market Synopsis – Where is the marketing heading?

2009-10-21T16:40:00.000-04:00

If the staffing industry is an indicator of the overall health of the economy, then we have some good news. At CFS. we have been seeing some positive trends for both our offices as well as our clients. The first week of October was CFS’ best week so far this fiscal year. One particular client told us that even though his company’s margin remains competitive, their volume is up.

It’s not just CFS who is optimistic. Based on a survey by Bullhorn, 60% of recruiting firms believed that business has or has already improved by the end of 2009.

The signs are finally pointing in a good direction!

Motivating overworked employees

2009-10-13T16:53:00.003-04:00

Motivating your employees does not have to involve some complicated, expensive, or time consuming scheme. Below are a few simple steps you can implement to help motivate overworked employees right away:

Personally acknowledge your employees for their efforts and achievements. This is important but often overlooked, so let them know that their contributions matter.
Ensure that workload is allocated evenly. It is frustrating for an employee to see his co-worker surfing the web while he is working on three projects simultaneously.
Check for duplicate, inefficient, or conflicting processes within your organization that may cause undue stress.
Ask your employees for suggestions and listen. Not only will you empower them, you will also get ideas from people who really know your company well.
Add a little bit of fun and humor by putting up a “Humor Board” where employees can post funny pictures or stories – anything that would generate a laugh when people are still in the office at 9pm.
Make sure your employees are taking their allotted vacation days. Time away from the office help workers to distress and regenerate.
Bring in temporary help to ease the workload on current staffs.

Memo to managers: Motivating overworked employees. Sue Dwan offers a guide to picking up staff morale when it's low

Tips for improving employee morale and reducing absenteeism

5 ways to improve workplace morale

Longer you're out of work, the harder it is to find your next job

2009-10-06T08:46:00.006-04:00

Image Source: NPR

Studies by economists Lawrence Katz of Harvard University and Bruce Myer of University of Chicago show that the longer a person has been our of work, the harder it is for him to find a job.

Prolong periods of unemployment can negatively affect job seekers because they could potentially fall out of touch or lose valuable skills while being out of work. The feeling of hopelessness and despair set in and drive some people to give up on their job search completely.

If you are finding yourself in this situation, stay active! Consider consulting work or even volunteering for free - yes, free... at least it sounds better than telling people you haven't been doing anything at all. You may pick up new skills or make new connections that just may help you in your job search.

The long slot: out of work, out of hope

Can't find a job because you lost a job?

Chart: Average job search hits all-time high as chronic unemployment sets in

Be on the lookout for resume fraud

2009-09-28T10:01:00.006-04:00

With resume misrepresentation on the rise from people who are desperate for employment in this economy, hiring managers are advised to be more thorough in their candidate search.

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, approximately 20% of job seekers inflate their educational credentials and 61% of HR professionals say that they “often” or “sometimes” find resume misrepresentation while investigating prospective hires.

The most common areas for misrepresentations can be found in the candidate’s educational credentials, job title, or job responsibilities. Below are some ways to spot potential resume fraud:

If the candidate misspelled the company she claimed to have worked for
If the candidate left out specific dates of employment (ex: using the year only and not month/year)
If the candidate left out date of graduation for degrees
If the candidate is vague about his/her reasons for leaving past employments
If the candidate is unwilling to provide references

Embellishments can be found on resumes of any prospective candidate, from entry level staff to high level executives. Therefore, make sure you are carefully evaluating those candidates to avoid costly hiring mistakes!

Economy promises to fuel resume fraud

How to spot resume fraud

Resume cheating soars in tough economy

The "little white lie" or resume fraud

Being employed during an economic downturn: burnt out and unhappy.

2009-09-18T10:53:00.003-04:00

For the lucky workers who have survived rounds of layoffs in this recent economic downturn, work has not been easy. Staff shortages, hiring freezes, and budget cuts have placed pressure on those who are still employed to take on additional workloads, put in overtime, and produce the same quality and level of work with less resource.

At this point, many are either dissatisfied with their job or feeling burnt out.

According to a recent survey, 40% of employees at companies who had layoffs say they experienced lower productivity; and two-thirds of those are suffering from low workplace morale.

Job dissatisfaction, low morale, and burn out can have long term effects on a company’s profitability. These factors negatively impact employee performance and increase turnover. They can also affect an organization’s ability to attract new talent in the future if it develops a bad workplace reputation.

One cost effective solution is to utilize temporary staffing. This allows firms to quickly add and reduce staff based on seasonal activities. Because the temps work for the staffing agency, you are also not responsible for their payroll, benefits or unemployment claims. Therefore, these expenses do not affect your firm's bottom line.

Read more:
Less pay. More hours. Unhappy workers.

Hiring trends and stats

2009-09-01T16:43:00.001-04:00

Based on a recent survey conducted by International Communications Research, employers say that despite the large pool of job candidates available in the labor market, 44% of the job applicants they received are unqualified while 47% are under-qualified. Another challenge they found is getting qualified candidates to leave their secure positions. Sixty percent of the employers also said they are willing to negotiate a higher compensation for qualified candidates.

Read More
Preview of post-recession job market

Seven critical success factors of CPA firms

2009-08-25T12:02:00.003-04:00

Two marketing and market research firms, Bay Street Group and Capstone Marketing have published a joint survey that identifies seven key critical success factors today’s leading accounting firms have in common:

1. Leadership
2. Technology
3. Learning Organization
4. Marketing and Business Development
5. A Great Place to Work
6. Client Service and Satisfaction
7. Strategy Execution

Read More:
The Seven keys to success in CPA firm management

Is the recruiting process becoming more impersonal?

2009-08-17T16:38:00.006-04:00

It is not unusual for companies to receive hundreds to thousands of job applications these days. For job seekers, it is sometimes as easy as clicking an “apply” button and attaching a resume. As a result, many companies are now experimenting with new ways to review applications and interview candidates to deal with the influx of job applicants.

These new approaches, however, are decreasing the level of human interaction between candidate and employer.

One method is to require candidates to fill out extensive profiles or take pre-qualifying questionnaires. To reduce the amount of face-to-face interviews, employers are also inviting applicants to virtual interviews where applicants are asked pre-recorded questions. Their responses are then either recorded or videoed for the employer to access at his or her convenience.

While these new resources can be more cost effective or time efficient, they may not be the best option for every type of job search, such as technical and high-level positions. Employers can sometimes go overboard with the online profiles, which leave candidates frustrated with answering 15+ pages of questions. Pre-recorded interviews also do not allow for more detailed follow-up questions.

The whole process seems impersonal and cold, like talking to one of those automated customer service answering machines – not a good first impression to give a potential future employee.

Read More:
Resume overload
Copying with resume overload
Overabundance of resumes creates resu-mess

It's still an employer's market

2009-08-10T16:07:00.003-04:00

The job market is still overwhelmingly in the employer’s favor and it is changing the way companies recruit.

As a result of these tough economic times, companies are:

Becoming very selective and hiring only the perfect match.
Using more consultants, freelancers, and temps to avoid paying for employee benefits and over-staffing.
Delaying their hiring decisions or waiting longer to extend the offer since there is less competition around for job candidate.
Deferring start dates by about 6 months to a year.
Hiring less international students because TARP fund recipients are required to hire Americans before foreigners.
Experimenting with new hiring methods to cut cost, such as using resume screening software, pre-recorded phone interviews, social networks, etc.

Coping with resume overload

Globalization, IFRS and CPA hiring trends

2009-07-27T16:14:00.007-04:00

Globalization is expected to increase the demand for CPAs with IFRS skills in the world marketplace. CPAs who possess international experience, multi-lingual skills (both written and oral), and strong understanding of foreign cultures can expect to enjoy higher compensation and job stability as well as more options for job mobility and opportunities.

Stop treating your temp like a temp!

2009-07-21T04:45:00.002-04:00

Sometimes a temp is treated as just that – an outsider who is brought in for a definite period of time to complete X, Y, and Z. Since he already should have the experience and necessary skills to do the job, it is fair to expect him to jump right in. No training or guidance necessary…right?

The answer is yes and no.

As you can fairly assume, you should not have to train him on the basics of accounting. That’s what you paid the agency to do – to find someone who already knows.

However, no two company does something the same way. There are certain things that a temp would have no way of knowing on his own, such as a particular deadline he has to meet or company specific procedures he has to follow. Just like you would not expect a new permanent hire to immediately adapt to your company, a temp is the same way.

Therefore, it is good practice to sit down with him at the beginning and be clear about exactly what he needs to do. This will make mistakes and misunderstandings less likely going forward. Take the extra time to help him get familiar with your organization and culture, let him know whom he should report to, check in on him to see if he has any questions, and give him feedback. The more you make him feel like he is part of your team, the more he will work for your team.

Who knows, you may be so impressed with his work that you want to hire him as a permanent employee – so stop treating your temp like a temp and more like a valued member of your organization.

Taking a vacation should not be stressful

2009-07-10T09:03:00.004-04:00

Based on a recent survey, 77% of respondents find it difficult to deal with the work pile-up on their first day back in the office after being away on vacation – and the recent layoffs and hiring freezes that leave many departments short-staffed are only adding to their concern.

Your employees have endured the trials and tribulations of the recent economic downturn with you. They may have survived rounds of layoffs, hiring freezes, and budget cuts – putting in overtime and producing the same quality and level of work with less resources and staff.

Even your most productive people can work in overdrive mode for so long before they burnout, so the worst thing you can possibly do is take away their vacation time. Prolonged periods of stress and exhaustion can lead to poorer performance, lower productivity, burnout, and turnover.

One cost effective solution is to utilize temporary staffing. This allows firms to quickly add and reduce staff based on seasonal activities. As a result, you only pay for the labor you need. This flexibility helps firms keep productivity at more efficient levels by eliminating unnecessary overstaffing.

So encourage your people to take a break and let someone else handle the work while they’re away!

Life of a permanent temp

2009-07-01T14:54:00.003-04:00

A permanent temp is a person who prefers to take on contract assignments over a permanent job. While some people have made a successful career out of it, it is not a path for everyone.

Here are some pros and cons of being a permanent temp:

Pros

The agency does the job search for you
Flexibility in your work schedule
Constant exposure to different people, organizations, cultures, and industries
Ability to move around without the negative impact on the resume and job history

Cons

No guarantee of job security
Be ready to take on an assignment at a moment’s notice
May not receive full time benefits, such a health insurance, 401K, etc.

Job Search Email Etiquette

2009-06-22T17:21:00.010-04:00

These mistakes seem very obvious, but our recruiters still see them!

Use professional emails that resemble YourName@email.com. Emails like Bunnie_Boo@email.com and QT_Princezz@email.com do not fall under this category.
Do not write in all caps or alternating caps. IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE YELLING aNd It’S HaRd To ReAd.

Do not use shorthand, such as plz or thanx.
Semi-colons should only be used as a punctuation, not in a winking smiley.

Include your name and phone number in the email.

If you email someone, there is a high chance that the recipient will reply so please check your email at least once a day.
Reply to your emails.
Do not name your resume attachment “resume.doc.” Your recruiter probably has 10 other files with the same name in his/her inbox already.

Save your resume in MS Word unless otherwise requested.

If you need to get in contact with someone ASAP or if your message is urgent, pick up the phone and call.

How companies are using staffing agencies to remain competitive

2009-06-09T16:16:00.001-04:00

Drawing a competitive advantage from your firm’s human capital no longer pertains to merely finding, maintaining, and training the right employees.

Smarter firms are now managing people in such a way that helps them respond to changing market conditions faster and better than their competition. And they are incorporating the use of staffing agencies in their strategy.

Temporary workers help control operating costs because they allow companies to manage labor needs based on fluctuations in their own market demands. This employment model eliminates overstaffing and understaffing by providing the flexibility to add and reduce people quickly.

Temps also enable companies to be the first to reap the benefits of the latest technological advancements and respond to changes in government regulations. By bringing in someone who already possesses the knowledge and skills, companies can immediately implement the latest practices while they conduct a search for a permanent professional or train their current staffs.

How recent layoffs may be costing you

2009-06-02T10:44:00.008-04:00

In this tough economy, firms have been cutting their staffs to a bare minimum level to reduce expenses. Recent layoffs have left many employees doing the work of two people or more.

Working overtime, however, is an expensive way to get work done - often costing companies approximately 20-25% excess of payroll.

In addition, there are also indirect costs associated with understaffing, such as employee burnout, lower morale, operation/production defects, and turnover.

One cost effective solution is to utilize temporary staffing. Temporary staffing allows firms to quickly add and reduce people based on fluctuating/seasonal market demands. This flexibility helps firms keep productivity at more efficient levels by eliminating unnecessary overstaffing.

Because the temps work for the staffing agency, you are also not responsible for their payroll, benefits or unemployment claims. Therefore, these expenses do not affect your firm's bottom line.

Finding job opportunities through social networking

2009-05-19T16:01:00.005-04:00

Social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter can be valuable tools in your job search. Your online profile provides a great way to advertise yourself and let others know what you are looking for. By making the right connections, you also get direct, personal, and instantaneous access to the knowledge and insights of industry leaders, top executives, hiring managers, and recruiters.

Information on what these individuals are doing and thinking may provide you with that extra advantage needed to get ahead. You may want to attend a conference they are attending or read the books they are recommending. Or you may even get first dibs on news of a job opening through a tweet or status update.

Read More:
I found my job on Twitter
Leverage Twitter for your job search
Top 10 social sites for finding a job

Follow CFS on Twitter

Fact or Fiction: The need for executive recruiting firms is even more critical in today’s challenging economic environment?

2009-05-15T11:09:00.002-04:00

Due to recent layoffs, the quality of people seeking opportunities has increased.
Fiction. When layoffs happen, the lowest performers are often the first to go. Therefore, just because there are more candidates available does not mean there are more qualified candidates available.

The number of A-list candidates remains the same during good and tough economic times.
Fact. Employers used to get an average of five candidates to choose from for one position, now they are getting between ten to twelve. However, most of the applicants fall in the C-list category rather than the A-list because firms are doing everything they can to retain their best employees. As a result, A-list candidates are even harder to recruit during tough times.

Candidate misrepresentation is on the rise.
Fact. Desperate people do desperate things. In order to secure employment there has been an increase in misrepresentation from job responsibilities to dates of employment to educational attainment.

Accounting professionals are in high supply in the open job market.
Fiction. The percentage of unemployed accounting professionals is significantly lower than the national rate of 8.9%. Some sources indicate the current unemployment rate is as low as 3.1% for accountants. No matter what the state of the economy is, companies still need people to keep their books. Perhaps more than ever, firms need these professionals to advise on how to cut cost and conduct business during economic downturns. SOX, IFRS, and other regulatory compliance are also expected to increase demand for qualified accountants while the looming retirement of baby boomers and lower turnover among current accountants are expected to create a shortage in supply.

The need for executive recruiting firms is even more critical in today’s challenging economic environment.
Fact. Most managers today are hard pressed to find enough time to get their jobs done to their satisfaction. Your priorities are your core management responsibilities: planning, implementation, reporting, meeting deadlines, budgets, personnel issues and evaluations. This is not the best time to learn the “ins” and “outs” of professional recruiting.

Accounting trends to look out for

2009-05-11T08:54:00.004-04:00

The accounting industry is experiencing a wave of changes in recent years. Technological innovations, new regulatory compliances, and the transition to a more global business structure are requiring accounting professionals to learn and apply a new set of skills to maintain their current marketability.

Are you up to date in the following areas?

International reporting standards through the convergence of GAAP and IFRS
Migration towards the use of fair market valuation
Adaptation of XBRL in financial reporting
Proposal to change the way contingent liabilities are reported (FAS 5)
Corporate social responsibilities and their effects on the bottom line
Risk management strategies in dealing with foreign businesses
Understanding and familiarity with other cultures

Qualified accountants still a shortage

2009-04-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

Accounting happens no matter what the state of the economy is. In fact, many companies consult their accountants for advice on how to cut cost and conduct business during economic downturns.

SOX, IFRS, and other regulatory compliance are expected to increase demand for qualified accountants while the looming retirement of baby boomers and lower turnover among current accountants are expected to create a shortage in supply.

Read More:
Despite layoffs, accounting shortages continue
Accountant jobs hold steady
Accounting and tax services firms have had a good year

Tagging financial statements with XBRL

2009-04-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

XBRL is an effort by the SEC to help companies move toward IFRS, strengthen transparency to financial reporting, and make financial statements more searchable and comparable for investors.

Most of the U.S.’s largest public companies are mandated to file their first quarterly financial statements using XBRL tags beginning on June 15th. By 2011 all public companies are expected to implement interactive data tagging in their reports.

Some companies are taking the “wait-and-see” approach – waiting for a wider adoption and best practices to emerge and training key individuals internally rather than replacing staff or hiring experts on the subject. Others have voluntarily opted for early adoption to gain visibility for investor relation reasons.

Read More:
XBRL: The language of finance and accounting
XBRL is here
XBRL around the word

Life after a lay-off

2009-04-10T12:42:00.000-04:00

Optimistically speaking, losing your job could be the best opportunity to turn your career around. But the time for “self-discovery” may not be as meditative or enlightening as it sounds when most of us do not have the financial resource to take this unexpected vacation.

Consider these steps to get yourself back up ASAP:

Do not sign any termination package without reviewing it first.
Collect everything you’re entitled to: unemployment, severance, health insurance coverage, etc.
Re-budget your living expenses.
Tap into your network for your next job search.
Consider taking a part-time job, internship, freelance work, consulting, or even volunteer work.

What an MBA cannot do for you

2009-03-17T14:41:00.000-04:00

An MBA degree is still an excellent strategy for career advancement. However, many hiring managers notice the prestigious aura of the degree has created unreasonable expectations for new graduates. Experienced executives advise that a degree should not be perceived as a short cut to six-figure salary, corner office, or top-level position in place of work experience.

Read More:
Earning Your MBA - Does It Make a Difference in Your Career?
Five Hard Truths About the MBA
What Executives Really Think of MBAs
Discovering the net present value of an MBA

Your boss wants to befriend you on Facebook

2009-03-10T11:28:00.000-04:00

Social networking is now blurring the line between our personal and work lives. But even if your firm is ready to embrace social networking and everyone from the intern to your CEO is on Facebook, remember that networking and “friending” are two different concepts.

To be safe, it’s good practice to remove any unprofessional content and set your privacy options to limit the degree of access certain individuals have to your profile. Another suggestion is to create separate accounts – one for business and one for personal use.

But no matter how carefully you restrict access, remember that nothing online is truly private.

Read More:
Should your boss be your Facebook friend?
Should you 'friend' your boss on Facebook? Navigating the workplace perils

Gen Y at work

2009-03-09T15:53:00.000-04:00

There are 80 million of them ready to take over the American workforce as the Baby Boomers near retirement. Unlike previous generations, Gen Y questions the status-quo and authority, demands a work-life balance, values career development and mentorship, and possesses what the older generation view as an unreasonable sense of entitlement.

They will transform the way corporate America recruit, train, and manage its workforce. Companies who ignore them run the risk of losing valuable talent.

Read More:
10 ways Generation Y will change the workforce
What is a millennial?
What Gen Y really wants

Is it a good time to get an MBA?

2009-02-26T16:26:00.000-05:00

The downturn of the current economy has prompted many to return to B-school either to seek refuge from the job market or to change career paths. While the earning prospect of a finance MBA is not what it used to be, demands in other sectors such as healthcare, energy, or social entrepreneurship are high even during recessive times.

Read More:
Even in a down economy, MBAs can still navigate a great career path — if they know where to look
MBA Job Outlook
A Recession May Be a Time to Go Back to School

Thank-you letters: handwritten or electronic?

2009-02-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

It comes down to personal preferences - with handwritten notes leading slightly by 52% versus electronic notes at 44% based on a survey. Our advice is to take the recipient into consideration and chose the form of your message from there.

Whether it is handwritten or electronic, make sure the note is personalized and sent promptly after the interview. It is another marketing piece to sell yourself, a chance to remind the employer what your skills are and how they benefit his or her company.

Read More:
Mind Your Manners: A Job Seeker's Guide to the Thank You Card
The Lost and Dying Art of Saying “Thank You”
The power of a thank-you note

Moms as high skilled temps

2009-02-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

Companies and staffing agencies are now tapping into another talent pool for high-skilled temps: professional women who are now stay-at-home moms

Many of these women do not want to give up their career entirely and seek the opportunity to keep their skills and industry knowledge updated. Temporary project work is a perfect fit since it provides shorter work hours and schedule flexibility.

Read More:
How stay-at-home moms are filling an executive niche
Moms find balance as high-skilled temps

Implications of GAAP and IFRS convergence

2009-02-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

The GAAP and IFRS convergence impacts more than just the way accounting is taught in B-schools and financial statements are prepared. Expect possible changes in your tax reporting, cash management, IT reporting software, etc. To prepare for the transition, optional implementation periods for the new system are expected to begin as early as 2010.

Read More:
Do You Speak IFRS?
IFRS Conversion Promises Change for CFOs & Finance Departments
How Will IFRS Affect Tax Practitioners?

How to dress for business-casual success

2009-02-23T09:24:00.001-05:00

The definition of "business-casual" can leave room for many misinterpretations. Prevent workplace fashion mishaps, which can send the wrong message about your professionalism or even dilute your authority, by knowing the difference between business-casual and weekend-casual.

Update your resume at least once a year

2009-02-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

There may not be plans for a career switch in your near future, but updating your resume on a regular basis will help you with those unexpected job opportunities or layoffs. Avoid missing submission deadlines or omitting crucial information because you forgot details of your past accomplishments by always having an updated resume on-hand.