CalCPA Buzz

Attention! Tax Boot Camp

denglish — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:54:29 +0000

Looking to provide new CPAs with realistic, hands-on training in tax return preparation, workpaper technique and basic tax law? Then Tax Boot Camp is just what you’re need.

Co-sponsored by the University of San Diego Accountancy Institute and the CalCPA San Diego Chapter, Tax Boot Camp provides new CPAs with concentrated tax preparation experience. A comprehensive, realistic tax problem developed with the help of San Diego CPAs provides real-life examples of common tax reporting forms, escrow statements, business and rental records, lease agreements and other commonly encountered tax-related supporting documents. Students also practice using checklists and worksheets.

San Diego tax practitioners and former San Diego Chapter presidents Frank Beiser, Kate Leonard and Tom Dalton will instruct this year’s course to be held Jan. 11-14.

More information and registration instructions are available online or by calling Tom Dalton at (619) 260-4102.

FTC ‘Red Flag’ Rule Compliance Delayed Until June 1

denglish — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:40:44 +0000

The FTC’s “Red Flag” Rule compliance deadline has been extended until June 1, requiring small businesses and other entities to implement a written ID theft prevention program.

The FTC has issued a how-to guide for businesses and the AICPA has released a guide for CPAs to create an ID theft prevention program.

The Most Profitable Positions in Finance

denglish — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:39:07 +0000

Robert Half International’s 2010 Salary Guide found the positions with the best prospects include:

Tax accountant: Those with one to three years of experience at large companies (more than $250 million in sales) are expected to see an average national starting salary in the range of $46,500 to $61,500.
Compliance director: The starting salary range at a small company (up to $25 million in sales) is forecast to be $83,750 to $108,500.
Credit manager/supervisor: Base compensation in small companies is projected to range between $42,500 to $57,500.
Senior financial analyst: Those at a midsize company ($25 million to $250 million in sales) are anticipated to earn $57,750 to $74,000 in starting salary in 2010.

Learn specifics about the reasons for the prospects and view more findings.

Order your copy of the survey.

Support Your Profession and Join CPA Day at the Capitol

denglish — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:37:16 +0000

Join your colleagues Jan. 20 for a visit to Sacramento to speak with your representatives about issues important to CPAs statewide.

CalCPA Service Awards: Nominate Your Favorite Today

denglish — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:34:54 +0000

Each year, CalCPA recognizes those members who go above and beyond the call of duty by awarding the Public Service and Distinguished Service awards, and the Public Service Award for Firms. If you know any person or firm deserving such accolades, let us know. Review the qualifications and download a nomination form. Nominations are due Jan. 31.

High Quality CPE for Your Needs

denglish — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:34:04 +0000

• Bankruptcy Conference: Nov. 6, Los Angeles; Nov. 6, webcast
• CPA Firm Best Practices Conference: Nov. 10, San Francisco; Nov. 10, webcast
• Employment Practices Conference: Nov. 11, Universal City; Nov. 11, webcast
• Negotiation and Power—How to Get, Use and Share Power in Any Negotiation While Building Relationships: Nov. 9, San Francisco
• Implementing a Successful Wealth Management Business: Nov. 12, San Francisco
• Measure What Matters to Customers—Using Key Predictive Indicators: Nov. 16, Burbank

Red Flag Warning: Create an Identity Theft Prevention Program

denglish — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:52:16 +0000

The FTC’s “Red Flag” Rule takes effect Nov. 1, requiring small businesses and other entities to implement a written ID theft prevention program. The FTC has issued a how-to guide for businesses and the AICPA has released a guide for CPAs to create an ID theft prevention program.

Become a CalCPA Officer or AICPA Council Member

denglish — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:51:07 +0000

Put your leadership skills to use for the betterment of the CPA profession. The CalCPA Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for 2010–11 CalCPA officers and council members at large. Nominees are also being sought for AICPA Council positions. Nominations must be received by Dec. 1.

Learn what it takes to be CalCPA leader.

Governor Signs Four Critical Bills

denglish — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:50:01 +0000

Gov. Schwarzenegger signed SB 819, which will require all California CPAs licensed after 2014 to have 150 hours of college education prior to licensing. The governor also signed AB 138 (mandatory peer review), AB 117 (license status disclosure) and AB 129 (reinstatement of taxpayer privilege).

Webcast: Cornering FASB Codification—What You Need to Know

denglish — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:33:16 +0000

FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification entails a radical new way of contextualizing much of our work. This Oct. 28 webcast is designed to ease the transition for CPAs and other potential users, and will include tips on how to understand the new landscape as well as navigating through it. There will also be discussion of the many advantages within this new environment of researching and understanding the accounting standards.