January/February 2015 - Florida CPA Today | Volume 31, Number 1

florida C P A

TODAY

contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 1

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E F LO R I DA I N S T I T U T E O F C E R T I F I E D P U B L I C A C C O U N TA N T S

cover story

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Photo by TREW Media Inc.

On the Horizon Tommye Barie looks to the future as AICPA chair

features 6

Looking Forward Florida CPA Today 2015

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Update on S Corporations

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Disclosing or Using Tax-return Information An update on IRC Section 7216

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Florida Accounting Salaries Rising

Seeing Clearly SSARS No. 21 simplifies preparation, compilation and review standards

15 Must-have Free Apps for 2015

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departments 5

Chair’s message

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President’s message DOR Update Staff reports News Briefs CPAs in the Spotlight Marketplace Cover Photo by TREW Media Inc.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

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F L O R I D A

PRESIDENT/CEO Deborah L. Curry, CPA, CGMA SR. DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jan Dobson, CAE, APR, IOM EDITOR Suellen D. Wilkins GRAPHIC DESIGNER Loleta K. Bolden PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Dianne Dearduff EDITORIAL COMMITTEE David J. Hochsprung, CPA, chair Vicki H. Meyer, CPA, vice chair Walter C. Copeland, CPA • Douglas E. Day, CPA Lynda M. Dennis, CPA • Casey A. Fletcher, CPA Michael S. Kridel, CPA • Troy Y. Manning, CPA William C. Quilliam, CPA, Ph.D. All articles submitted to Florida CPA Today are subject to technical review, Editorial Committee review, space availability and editing requirements and restrictions. Please contact the editor before submitting unsolicited manuscripts.

Florida CPA Today publishes letters to the editor in its Members’ Forum. For information about the guidelines, visit www.ficpa.org/letterstoeditor.

Statements expressed herein are those of the identified authors and not necessarily those of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., nor should statements be considered endorsements of products, procedures or otherwise.

The FICPA reserves the right to reject any editorial material or paid advertising that does not meet Florida CPA Today criteria or detracts from its ethical and professional standards.

Florida CPA Today is published bimonthly by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., P.O. Box 5437, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Telephone: (850) 224-2727 or (800) 342-3197. (Street address: 325 West College Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301.) Visit our website at www.ficpa.org.

This magazine is provided to members of the FICPA. No specific amount of your dues, either expressed or implied, is for this publication. This magazine is not available for purchase by either FICPA members or nonmembers.

For display advertising information, contact the FICPA Marketing Department at (850) 224-2727, Ext. 270. © 2015 by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the FICPA.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

chair’s

MESSAGE

Managing the Challenge of Change

H

appy New Year!

It’s hard to believe my term as chair is already half over. So far I’ve had the pleasure of visiting with many different chapters as well as several classrooms and talking with many of our members along the way.

The primary theme of my chapter presentations is the rapid pace of change our industry is experiencing through technology, the workforce, education and quality standards. Each of these areas bring unique challenges that already are shaping the way we do business, interact with our clients and customers, recruit employees and assess risk in our businesses.

Based on my interaction with our members during those presentations and the comments and discussions afterward, I believe we all agree change is coming, and that we need to be open to and prepared for it. The FICPA’s challenge is to be a resource throughout the evolution.

To that end, I’m delighted that many of our members continue to cite access to continuing education as the most valuable aspect of membership. The FICPA works hard to bring high quality, affordable and relevant educational courses to our members. However, there are many other membership benefits that bring equal or greater value. Among them are leadership- and network-development opportunities FLORIDA CPA TODAY

for young and “seasoned” CPAs, as well as professional-support services such as firm portals; time-management tools; online communities through FICPA Connect; women’s leadership development; intern-matching services; legislative advocacy; and many more.

The key to realizing the benefits of membership is active participation.

Have you visited the FICPA website or turned to the FICPA for help addressing challenges? Have you encouraged (or even required) the young CPAs you work with to get actively involved? Do you talk with students about our profession and the importance of their involvement as future leaders?

Our participation in and interaction with the FICPA is critical to the continued development of services that are valuable to all members. Participation also is critical to upcoming generations’ loyalty to and pride in our profession, which has kept it relevant for over 100 years.

In January, our current and incoming Board of Governors will attend a working retreat to discuss the results from your Vision Force 20/20 and define the strategies needed to better align our services with your needs. We welcome your participation in the process.

Jeff Barbacci, CPA

“We all agree change is coming, and that we need to be open to and prepared for it. The FICPA’s challenge is to be a resource throughout the evolution.”

Please send your ideas and input about the tools and services you need to manage the challenge of change to chair@ficpa.org. FCT www.ficpa.org

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Looking Forward Florida CPA Today 2015

By Suellen Wilkins, Florida CPA Today editor

F

lorida CPA Today (FCT) is our award-winning, bimonthly magazine published exclusively for FICPA members. We need great authors to write timely, informative articles that address the latest developments in the CPA profession. With an audience of more than 18,000, FCT is the perfect place to be published and recognized as a leader in your field.

Have a story idea? For information about proposing articles for publication, contact FCT Editor Suellen Wilkins at (850) 2242727, Ext. 383 or wilkinss@ficpa.org.

Here are highlights of the 2015 Editorial Calendar.

March/April Cover Story FICPA 26 Under 36 Technical Articles Cultivating Your Capacity for Leadership Membership Sustainability How to be a CPA and Not be a CPA At All

FICPA Thanks Editorial Committee The FICPA Editorial Committee is made up of member CPAs whose professional backgrounds mirror the practice areas of the FICPA membership. The ninemember Committee sets the annual FCT editorial calendar; oversees publication policies; provides guidance to authors; and completes editorial reviews.

The FICPA thanks the 2014-2015 Editorial Committee for their service.

David Hochsprung, CPA – chair Vicki Meyer, CPA – vice chair Walter Copeland, CPA Douglas Day, CPA Lynda Dennis, CPA Casey Fletcher, CPA Michael Kridel, CPA Troy Manning, CPA William C. Quilliam, CPA 6

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

May/June Cover Story Legislative Session 2015 Technical Articles The New GASB Pension Standards Social Purpose and Benefit Corporations Asset Protection for Florida July/August Cover Story Meet New FICPA Board Chair Mia Thomas Technical Articles How Changes in Health Care Law Have Impacted CPAs September/October Cover Story How Prevalent is Organizational Fraud?

Technical Articles *Ethics & Circular 230 Update Bitcoin Transactions November/December Cover Story Getting Ready for Tax Season Technical Articles IT Security Policies for Small Firms The Changing Role of CPAs in the U.S. *Scheduled for publication in the Web Digest section of FCT. To read the FCT writing guidelines and article-review process, visit ficpa.org/Content/Members/Tools/ Publications/FCT/Guidlines.aspx.

president’s

MESSAGE

Laying the Track for the New Year “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice.”

– T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets

O

h, those New Year’s resolutions! We

make them, we break them. We have good intentions to improve ourselves and make more meaningful contributions in the coming year, but we lose focus. Life calls, emergencies arise and work demands our attention. And soon, we find the promises we made to ourselves and our families somehow have slipped from our grasp.

Not to worry – if you fall into the category of those with good intentions, you’re not alone!

So go ahead and make a few resolutions that are really important to you – and ask those around you to help you stay on track. Pause once in a while to consider how it’s going. And remember that you can always get back on track if you’ve derailed.

Here are a few tips to make my year more productive, and help me devote more attention to those who are important in my life.

• Turn it off – the mobile device, I mean.

During dinner or conversations with family, focus on the “here and now” and give everyone the attention they deserve.

• Take time to think – Devote quiet time to consider what I’m trying to accomplish.

Build a daily plan rather than rushing through the day in a daze of activity.

• Make time for self-improvement – Schedule time to train for my half-marathons (exercising for health of mind and body) and read for enjoyment (not just work stuff).

At right, some of our FICPA past presidents and chairs were kind enough to share some words of wisdom for 2015. We appreciate their sage advice. It was impressive to note how many mentioned the importance of integrity, personal value, positive attitude and respect for others (especially family). And if something works for them, it just might work for the rest of us. FCT

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Deborah L. Curry, CPA, CGMA

Richard Berkowitz (2005-06): Focus on the relationships that need your attention in the new year, and create a plan for how you’ll devote the necessary time to them. Relationships include family, friends, clients, colleagues, referrers, prospects, advisors and other relationships that you wish to enhance. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Skipp Fraser (1996-97): I subscribe to the view that, “He who hesitates is lost.” Therefore, my bit of advice is, “JUST DO IT.” (Nike has it right.)

Steve Nouss (2001-2002): Always remain positive. See the glass as half full, no matter what the challenge or stress level, and you’ll be successful for yourself, your family and your clients!

Dom Pino (2003-04): Value people in all you do. Treat them with respect and help them achieve their desired goals.

Hard work and integrity pays large dividends in the end.

Scott Price (2012-13): Make sure you schedule downtime in your day just to stare out the window and daydream.

Bill Pruitt (1989-90): Not all addictions are damaging. Get addicted to healthy exercise – it builds stamina, reduces stress and makes you look more professional. And it’s a great bargain – all you need is one snazzy exercise outfit.

Scott Rhine (1988-89): If you make a mistake, admit it, and then fix it. Your personal integrity means much more to your clients and associates than you can ever put a price tag on.

John Rowe (1991-92): Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself so seriously. Spend time with your family and find time to laugh. Balance is important!

Jose Valiente (2009-10): • Always do the right thing. It’s so important at the end of the day for all of us to know that we have to live with our decisions and we have to look ourselves in the mirror.

• Never compromise your integrity for anything or anyone – it’s all you have!

• Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

• The most valuable asset we all have is our name. It is our calling card. Everything we do in life carries our name, so developing a good reputation early in your life will guarantee success in years to come. www.ficpa.org

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Update on S Corporations T

By Sydney S. Traum, BBA, JD, LLM (Tax), CPA

he author adapted this outline from material written for the Wolters Kluwer Law & Business Loose-leaf tax service (updated quarterly) entitled The S Corporation: Planning & Operation.© All rights reserved.

DEBT BASIS

Final Regulations Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §1366 limits the amount of losses and deductions flowing through to each S corporation shareholder to the total of that shareholder’s tax basis of stock plus loans that shareholder has made to the S corporation. In June 2012, the IRS proposed regulations dealing with the calculation of the basis of shareholder loans. These regulations were issued in final form in the Federal Register dated July 23, 2014.

Prior to the issuance of these final regulations, there were a number of court cases involving the question of whether purported loans from a shareholder to an S corporation should be considered in this calculation of debt basis. Some cases struggled with the question of whether there was “an actual economic outlay” on the part of the shareholder. Other cases considered whether the shareholder was “poorer in a material sense.”

Final-regulations section 1.1366-2(a)(2) is effective July 23, 2014. It seeks to clarify the standard to be used in determining debt basis and provides a special rule for loan guarantees. The test is “bona fide indebtedness.” The final regulations state: “Whether indebtedness is bona fide indebtedness to a shareholder is determined under general federal tax principles and depends upon all of the facts and circumstances.” The regulation provides four examples.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Example 1 involves a loan made to an S corporation by its sole shareholder. If the loan is “bona fide indebtedness” determined under general federal tax principles, the shareholder will have basis which will allow the pass through of losses.

The same result also would apply if the loan was made through a disregarded entity owned by that shareholder.

Example 2 deals with a back-toback transaction. In it, the sole shareholder of two S corporations received a $200,000 loan from one of the corporations and then loaned the same amount to the other S corporation. Whether the shareholder’s loan to the second S corporation is bona fide indebtedness from that corporation to the shareholder, is determined under general federal tax principles and all of the facts and circumstances.

If it is bona fide indebtedness, then the back-to-back loan would increase the shareholder’s basis of indebtedness.

Example 3 refers to loan restructuring through distributions. The sole shareholder of

FICPA CPE Resources two S corporations caused the first one to make a loan to the second one. Prior to the end of the tax year, the first corporation assigned its creditor position in the note to its shareholder by making a distribution of the note. Under local law, the second corporation no longer owed the money to the first corporation; but instead now owed the money to the shareholder. Whether that also is true for tax purposes must be determined under general federal tax principles and all the facts and circumstances. If the note does constitute bona fide indebtedness from the second corporation to its shareholder, then it increases the shareholder’s basis of indebtedness that can be used for the allowance of the pass through of losses and deductions.

Example 4 illustrates the rule for loan guarantees. A shareholder will not obtain basis for a loan guarantee until such time as the shareholder actually makes

S Corporations: A Complete Guide to Planning and Compliance Webcast (4141442E) Jan. 27, 2015 – 8 TB Don Paul Cochran, JD, CPA, CFP®, CRC® For more information or to register, visit www.ficpa.org/CPE.

payments on bona fide indebtedness of the S corporation for which the shareholder has acted as guarantor, surety or accommodation party, or in a similar capacity.

STOCK BASIS Limitation on Pass-through of Foreign Tax Credit As indicated here, the basis limitation rule of IRC §1366(d) (1) limits the amounts of losses and deductions that each S corporation shareholder may deduct on his or her return.

In ECC 201429025, not able to be cited as precedent, the IRS advised that this rule applies to limit the amount of creditable foreign income taxes paid or accrued by an S corporation that its shareholders may take into account in computing their allowable foreign tax credit under IRC §901. FCT This information is an excerpt from a longer article. To read the entire article, visit www.ficpa.org/Content/Members/ Tools/Publications/FCT/Technical.aspx.

Sydney S. Traum, BBA, JD, LLM, CPA practices law in Miami-Dade County. His professional association is “Of Counsel” to a local law firm. He is author of The S Corporation: Planning & Operation and The S Corporation Answer Book, published by CCH/Aspen Publishers Inc. (Wolters Kluwer) He received the FICPA Editorial Committee’s 2011 Writing Excellence Award for his article, “Update on S Corporations,” which appeared in the January/February 2011 issue of Florida CPA Today.

A licensed CPA and attorney in New York and Florida, Traum is Board chairman of the Florida Association of Attorney-CPAs and treasurer of the Harvard Club of Miami. He is a member of the American Association of Attorney-CPAs Executive Committee; the American Bar Association Tax Section S Corporations Committee; The Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee; the FICPA Federal Taxation Committee; and the FICPA Miami-Dade Chapter Board of Directors. www.ficpa.org

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Seeing Clearly SSARS No. 21 simplifies preparation,

By James F. Anderson, CPA, CFE, CGMA

A

t its Aug. 21, 2014 meeting, the AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC) voted to issue Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) No. 21, which addresses accountants’ preparation of, compiling and reviewing financial statements. Issuance of this standard, for the first time, provides guidance when an accountant in public practice is engaged to prepare financial statements.

Currently, an engagement under which financial statements are presented to management is considered

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a submission of financial statements. Accordingly, the accountant is subject to the compilation requirements.

Since SSARS No. 1, Compilation and Review of Financial Statements, was issued in 1978, there have been significant changes in accountants’ methods of service delivery to their clients. Many practitioners have raised the concern that it is difficult to determine who has prepared financial statements and whether the financial statements are presented to management in the course of an accountant’s service. To say there is a level of confusion and a lack of clarity regarding these matters is an understatement.

compilation and review standards Table 1: Services that accountants may be engaged to perform, and whether Section 70 applies AR-C Section 70, Preparation of Financial Statements Applies

AR-C Section 70, Preparation of Financial Statements Does Not Apply

Preparation of financial statements prior to audit or review by another accountant

Preparation of financial statements when the accountant is engaged to perform an audit, review or compilation of such financial statements

Preparation of financial statements for an entity to be presented alongside the entity’s tax return

Preparation of financial statements with a tax return solely for submission to taxing authorities

Preparation of personal financial statements for presentation alongside a financial plan

Personal financial statements that are prepared for inclusion in written personal financial plans prepared by the accountant Financial statements prepared in conjunction with litigation services that involve pending or potential legal or regulatory proceedings Maintaining depreciation schedules Preparing or proposing certain adjustments, such as those applicable to deferred income taxes, depreciation or leases

Preparation of single financial statements, such as a balance sheet or income statements, or financial statements with substantially all disclosures omitted

Drafting financial statement notes

Using the information in a general ledger to prepare financial statements outside an accounting software system

Entering general ledger transactions or processing payments (general bookkeeping) in an accounting software system

The issuance of SSARS No. 21 has successfully addressed this issue. The new standard creates a clear and bright line between preparation of financial statements and reporting on financial statements (compilation and review) services.

By doing so, it creates a new service, preparation of financial statements, which also is considered a nonattest service.

AR-C Section 70 provides clear guidance regarding the preparation of financial statements. That guidance includes the following: • Preparation of financial statements is not an attest service FLORIDA CPA TODAY

• An accountant is not required to be independent • An accountant is not required to verify the accuracy or completeness of information provided by management or gather evidence to express an opinion/conclusion on the financial statement • A report is not required to be issued Note that under SSARS No. 8, if there is a departure from the financial-reporting framework employed for a management-use only engagement, the accountant does not have an obligation to address the departure. SSARS No. 21 changes this. The title of each statement must ➡ www.ficpa.org

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FICPA CPE Resources SSARS Update and Related Issues Webcast (FICWR02) TBD, 2015 – 2 AA Cecil “Pat” Patterson, Jr. CPA, MBA Audit Standards Update: Clarity Standards Overview Webcast (4142546E) Jan. 22, 2015 – 8 AA Thomas E. Noce, CPA, CFE Financial Statement Disclosures for the Tax Practitioner Webcast (4141246G) Feb. 6, 2015 – 8 AA Al Partington, CPA Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting Fundamentals Webcast (4142308G) March 24, 2015 – 8 AA Thomas E. Noce, CPA, CFE Analytical Procedures in a Review Engagement Webcast Replay (MEGAWR23) May 13, 2015 – 1 AA Michael L. Brand, CPA, CGMA For more information or to register, visit www.ficpa.org/CPE.

identify the basis of accounting used for a financialreporting framework other than U.S. GAAP (e.g., cash basis, tax basis, regulatory basis, etc.). If there is a departure from the financial reporting framework identified, that departure should be disclosed. The location for that disclosure is not proscribed. However, it should be in the notes to the financial statement(s) or in the accountant’s report.

In addition, the public accountant is required to obtain an engagement letter that the accountant and client both should sign. The letter should obtain management’s agreement that it acknowledges and understands its responsibility for 1) the selection of the financial reporting framework; 2) internal control relevant to the preparation and presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement; 3) preventing and detecting fraud; 4) compliance with laws and regulations; 5) accuracy and completeness of information; and 6) providing the accountant with information the accountant requests and needs.

Each page of the financial statements should include a statement that no assurance is being provided on those statements. If the accountant is not able to include a statement of “no assurance is provided” on each page of the financial statements, he or she should issue a disclaimer that makes it clear that no level of assurance is provided, or perform a compilation engagement.

The accountant is required to obtain an understanding of the applicable financial reporting framework and the significant accounting policies used in preparing the financial statements. A description of the financial reporting framework used should be made (location not 12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

specified, but notes to the financial statement(s) is the best place). If the financial statements omit substantially all disclosures required by the applicable financial reporting framework, disclosure of that omission should be made.

Moreover, the accountant may assist management with significant judgments (e.g., alternative accounting policies, material accounting estimates, etc.).

AR-C Section 70 includes examples of services that accountants may be engaged to perform and whether Section 70 would apply. The ARSC pointed out that the examples are not intended to be inclusive, and that professional judgment still should be applied. That information is included in Table 1.

The guidance for compilation and review engagements remains largely intact with no significant changes.

Compilation reports are streamlined so that the standard report may consist of a single paragraph. If an accountant is not independent, the requirement for modification of the report is retained. Also, the report is required to be modified when substantially all of the disclosures ordinarily included in financial statements have been omitted.

SSARS No. 21 supersedes all existing AR sections in the AICPA Professional Standards with the exception of AR section 120, Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information. SSARS No. 21 is effective for engagements performed in accordance with SSARS for periods ending on or after Dec. 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. FCT James F. Anderson, CPA, CFE, CGMA is a former partner with KPMG. He has served as CFO and corporate controller of public and private companies and has 30 years of experience in accounting financial reporting. He has presented at numerous seminars and recently co-authored an article published in the Wall Street Lawyer regarding Sarbanes Oxley and internal control over financial reporting.

“The new standard creates a clear and bright line between preparation of financial statements and reporting on financial statements (compilation and review) services. By doing so, it creates a new service, preparation of financial statements, which also is considered a non-attest service.”

dor

UPDATE

By Kimberly Bevis, revenue program administrator

• Reducing the existing E911 fee to $0.40 per month and providing a mechanism for sellers of prepaid wireless services to collect the fee.

Changes affecting businesses

DOR Issues TIPS on Tax-law Changes

T

he Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) has

issued several Taxpayer Information Publications (TIPS), available at dor.myflorida. com/dor/tips/, on tax-law changes made during the 2014 Legislative Session. DOR is revising its forms and rules to incorporate the changes.

Some of them include:

Changes affecting individuals • Creating permanent sales-tax exemptions for youth bicycle helmets; child-restraint systems and booster seats; therapeutic veterinary food; and certain prepaid college-meal plans.

• Expanding the list of event admissions that are exempt from sales tax to include the Major League Soccer all-star game and National Basketball Association all-star events.

• Reducing the rental-car surcharge for users of certain membership-based carsharing programs. For short-term uses (less than 24 hours), members of car-sharing services now are subject to a reduced $1 surcharge, rather than the standard $2 per day surcharge.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

• Increasing the tax credits available under the Community Contribution Tax Credit and New Markets programs.

• Providing that certain tax credits from the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program can be transferred between members of an affiliated group of corporations.

• Reducing the tax rate for non-residential electricity from 7 percent to 6.95 percent.

This change also shifts some proceeds to the Public Education Capital Outlay Trust Fund for education construction and maintenance projects.

• Creating a sales-tax refund for new or existing businesses that receive a tax credit under the Rural Job Tax Credit Program. These businesses now are eligible for a refund of up to 50 percent of the sales tax they paid for purchases of electricity during the year after the date they received the Rural Tax Job Credit.

Access resale certificates online DOR has created a secure method for taxpayers to access their annual resale certificates online.

Currently, taxpayers receive resale certificates by mail and must request copies from DOR. Beginning with the 2015 Annual Resale Certificate, Sales and Use Tax and Communication Services Tax dealers who file electronic returns will not receive paper resale certificates. They may access their certificates online or request paper certificates from DOR. Taxpayers who file paper returns still will receive their certificates by mail. Paper filers also will be able to access their certificates online. FCT For more information contact Kimberly Bevis, revenue program administrator, at beviskim@ dor.state.fl.us. www.ficpa.org

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Disclosing or Using Tax-return Information

An Update on IRC Section 7216

By Russell Dunn, CPA

T

ax-return preparers have a duty under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to keep confidential taxpayer information obtained while providing tax-return preparation services.

This is not a new concept in that IRC §7216 – Disclosure or Use of Information by Preparers of Returns was enacted by the Revenue Act of 1971 (P.L. 92-178), effective Jan. 1, 1972.

The purpose of this article is to familiarize tax-return preparers with the requirements of this provision, and to provide guidance regarding the changes that became effective Jan. 1, 2014. These requirements become increasingly relevant as tax practitioners expand their practices beyond tax-return preparation.

IRC sections 6713 and 7216 provide for civil and/or criminal penalties for two possible actions: 1. The disclosure of information furnished to the preparer in connection with the preparation of a tax return.

2. The use of such information for any purposes other than the assistance or preparation of a tax return.

(Section 6713 does not require that the disclosure be knowing or reckless, as it does under IRC §7216).

These prohibitions are subject to exceptions as outlined in the IRC and Treasury Regulations. Such exceptions

FICPA CPE Resources Tax Practice Conduct Standards: Circular 230 and AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services Webcast (4141525D) Jan. 15, 2015 – 8 TB Arthur Dellinger, CPA Advanced Tax Planning Techniques Webcast (4141054F) Jan. 20, 2015 – 8 TB Jacob Stein Esq., JD, LLM For more information or to register, visit www.ficpa.org/CPE.

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include a disclosure pursuant to a court order and disclosures for the purposes of a quality or peer review.

In addition, further disclosure or use may be permissible subject to the quasi-legislative regulations, as provided in the Code.

Treasury Regulation Section 301.7216-3 provides guidance for obtaining written consent from a taxpayer for disclosure or use of information that otherwise would be prohibited under IRC Section 7216. The consent obtained under this regulation must be “knowing and voluntary.”

The regulation provides specific form and content requirements of the consent. It also provides an important difference between consents obtained from 1040 clients and consents obtained from non-1040 clients, such as an engagement for the preparation of Form 1120. For non1040 clients, the consent may be in any format as long as it complies with the content requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 301.7216-3(a)(3)(i). Such consent language may be contained in an engagement letter.

However, consents for 1040 taxpayers must be in the specific format and contain specific content as specified by further administrative law.

Treasury Regulation Section 301.7216-3(b) provides “Timing Requirements and Limitations.” These limitations include the prohibition against retroactive consents and consents solicited after a tax-return preparer has provided a completed tax return to a taxpayer for signature. Also, if a taxpayer has refused to sign a consent, a tax-return preparer is precluded from soliciting a consent for a purpose substantially similar to that of the rejected request.

There also is a duration provision in this subsection.

Unless otherwise provided in the consent language, the consent will be effective for one year from the date the taxpayer signed the consent.

This regulation also contains “Special Rules” in Section 301.7216-3(c). One of them specifies that separate consents must be obtained for disclosures and for uses.

However, within each of those separate disclosures, multiple disclosures or uses may be specified. Also, if

disclosure of an entire return is provided in the consent, the consent also must provide that the taxpayer has the right to request a more limited disclosure. A copy of any and all consents must be provided to the taxpayer, in paper or electronic form, at the time of execution.

In 2008, the IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2008-12, which was modified and superseded by Rev. Proc. 2008-35.

These administrative pronouncements provided specific requirements regarding form and content of the consents required under IRC §7216. The pronouncements provided examples of the language of the consents. The effective date of Rev. Proc. 2008-35 was Jan. 9, 2009.

This pronouncement was modified and superseded by Rev. Proc. 2013-14.

According to the IRS, taxpayers expressed confusion about whether they needed to sign consents solely to engage a tax-return preparer to prepare a tax return. The IRS also stated that a distinction needed to made between tax-return preparation services and other financial or accounting services. Rev. Proc. 2013-14 was issued to provide such guidance. It also changed the format and content of the consents previously specified in Rev. Proc. 2008-12.

information obtained on or after Jan. 1, 2014. After this date, tax-return preparers could use only the specific language of Rev. Proc. 2013-14.

Tax-return preparers have evolved into providers of ancillary services, such as selling financial products and assisting tax clients with financing proposals. As such, these rules become a necessary component of a compliant tax practice. Some tax-return preparation software companies have incorporated the specific language into a consent option in their software. Prudent tax practitioners will become more familiar with these recordkeeping requirements on a client-by-client basis.

FCT

Russell F. Dunn, MS (Tax), CPA, CGMA is a former IRS revenue agent whose CPA practice in Hollywood focuses on IRS controversy. He also is a tenured professor at Broward College in Davie and has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University. He has authored several articles and provides FICPA CPE lectures.

The effective date for the changes made by Rev. Proc. 2013-14 was Jan. 14, 2013. From the issue date of Rev. Proc. 2013-14 – Dec. 27, 2012 – until Jan. 14, 2013, taxreturn preparers had the option of using the mandatory language of either Rev. Proc. 2008-35 or Rev. Proc. 2013-14. As of Jan. 14, 2013, tax-return preparers were required to use only the language of Rev. Proc. 2013-14.

If these effective dates and a window for the use of either pronouncements language sound confusing, it gets worse.

Several months after the release of Rev. Proc. 2013-14, the IRS released Rev. Proc. 2013-19 on Feb. 6, 2013. This administrative pronouncement extended the time frame for the option to use either prior pronouncement’s specific language until tax-return FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

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Florida Accounting Salaries Corporate Accounting Chief Financial Officer a Company Sales in Millions $100-250K $ 50-100K

$142,000 - $204,000 $116,500 - $167,000

$148,750 - $208,750 $121,750 - $17,100

3.3% 3.3%

$132,388 - $185,788 $140,569 - $197,269 $108,358 - $15,219 $115,054 - $16,160

Controller a Company Sales in Millions $100-250K $ 50-100K

$103,250 - $142,750 $108,250 - $148,250 $85,000 - $122,000 $90,000 - $124,750

4.3% 3.7%

$96,343 - $131,943 $102,296 - $140,096 $80,100 - $111,028 $85,050 - $117,889

Public Accounting 2014 2015 Tax Services Mid-size Firmsb,c Senior Manager/Director a $104,000 - $161,500 $107,750 - $167,500 Manager a $86,750 - $117,250 $88,750 - $123,250 Senior $68,750 - $91,750 $70,500 - $96,000

% change

Audit/Assurance Services Mid-size Firmsb,c Senior Manager/Director a Manager a Senior

2014 2015 %

change

$102,500 - $159,250 $106,000 - $164,750 $85,500 - $115,500 $88,250 - $119,000 $68,750 - $90,000 $71,000 - $92,750

Fort Myers Jacksonville 2015 2015

3.7% 3.9% 3.7%

$95,898 - $149,075 $101,824 - $158,288 $78,988 - $109,693 $83,869 - $116,471 $62,745 - $85,440 $66,623 - $90,720

3.4% 3.1% 3.1%

$94,340 - $146,628 $100,170 - $155,689 $78,543 - $105,910 $83,396 - $112,455 $63,190 - $82,548 $67,095 - $87,649

Bonuses and incentives reflect an increasingly large part of overall pay at this level and are not included in the salary ranges listed above. Advanced degrees or professional certifications also are assumed at this level. a

b

Large firms = $250+ million in sales; Midsize firms = $25 million to $250 million in sales; Small firms = up to $25 million in sales.

c

Salary does not reflect overtime or bonuses, which are significant portions of compensation for these positions.

Unless otherwise noted (see footnote “a”), add 5-15 percent to graduate degrees or professional certifications.

R

obert Half International recently published its 2015 Accounting & Finance Salary Guide, which features information on the latest compensation and hiring trends in the financial-services industry. The data is based on the thousands of job searches, negotiations and placements that Robert Half manages each year, along with the company’s ongoing surveys of executives.

“Organizations of all sizes, in all industries and specialties, are looking for talent and competing with each other to hire the best people” said Ryan Skubis, Robert Half district president for Florida/North Carolina/South Carolina. “Roles in accounting and finance call for a stronger mix of finance and technical knowledge than in previous years. And for every position, hiring managers are looking more closely at interpersonal skills than ever before.

“Strong candidates have multiple options – and can get snapped up quickly,” Skubis said. “Employers know they can’t grow without the right accounting professionals in place.”

Here’s a snapshot of the company’s findings: • Accounting and finance professionals can expect starting salaries to rise an average of 3.5 percent.

16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

• Staff accountants, senior financial analysts and business-systems analysts are in strong demand.

These professionals can expect to see higher-thanaverage salary increases.

• The regulatory environment is driving hiring for risk, compliance and internal audit professionals.

Robert Half’s 2015 Salary Guide includes local variances for many U.S. cities. Readers can use the variance numbers to calculate local salary ranges based on national ranges.

Above are national salary averages for eight positions in corporate and public accounting, along with local-variance calculations for nine major Florida cities. FCT To access Robert Half’s Salary Calculator, or to order or download a free copy of the 2015 Accounting & Finance Salary Guide, visit www.roberthalffinance.com/ salarycenter.

Portions of this article are reprinted from the 2015 Accounting and Finance Salary Guide with permission of Robert Half International.

From FICPA communications staff reports

Rising

Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Melbourne

2015 2015

Orlando 2015

St. Petersburg 2015

Tampa 2015

West Palm Beach 2015

$159,163 - $223,363 $133,131 - $186,831 $147,263 - $206,663 $142,056 - $199,356 $143,544 - $201,444 $148,750 - $208,750 $130,273 - $18,297 $108,966 - $15,305 $120,533 - $16,929 $116,271 - $16,331 $117,489 - $16,502 $121,750 - $17,100

$115,828 - $158,628 $96,300 - $133,483

$96,884 - $132,684 $107,168 - $146,768 $103,379 - $141,579 $104,461 - $143,061 $108,250 - $148,250 $80,550 - $111,651 $89,100 - $123,503 $85,950 - $119,136 $86,850 - $120,384 $90,000 - $124,750

$115,293 - $179,225 $94,963 - $131,878 $75,435 - $102,720

$96,436 - $149,913 $106,673 - $165,825 $102,901 - $159,963 $103,979 - $161,638 $107,750 - $167,500 $79,431 - $110,309 $87,863 - $122,018 $84,756 - $117,704 $85,644 - $118,936 $88,750 - $123,250 $63,098 - $85,920 $69,795 - $95,040 $67,328 - $91,680 $68,033 - $92,640 $70,500 - $96,000

$113,420 - $176,283 $94,428 - $127,330 $75,970 - $99,243

$94,870 - $147,451 $104,940 - $163,103 $101,230 - $157,336 $102,290 - $158,984 $105,470 - $163,926 $78,984 - $106,505 $87,368 - $117,810 $84,279 - $113,645 $85,161 - $114,835 $87,809 - $118,405 $63,545 - $83,011 $70,290 - $91,823 $67,805 - $88,576 $68,515 - $89,504 $70,645 - $92,286

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

17

COVER

story

On the Horizon Tommye Barie looks to the future as AICPA chair

By Suellen Wilkins, Florida CPA Today editor

I

n October 2014, FICPA Past President Tommye Barie was installed as 2014-2015 board chair of the AICPA, the world’s largest member organization representing the accounting profession. She served as the FICPA’s 77th president in 2004-2005, and she is the first Florida woman to serve as AICPA chair.

In her acceptance speech, Barie compared the nimbleness and strength required in kiteboarding, one of her favorite sports, with the skills CPAs must wield in an increasingly competitive global economy.

“You can’t control the wind, but you can ride it,” said Barie, a partner with Mauldin & Jenkins LLC in Bradenton. “This is a good analogy for what we continually face in our profession.

External forces change the landscape seemingly overnight, and we ride that constantly changing wind.”

“I’m incredibly proud that our own past president is leading our profession’s national organization,” said FICPA President/ CEO Deborah Curry, CPA, CGMA. “Tommye’s expertise is matched only by her enthusiasm for achieving goals and leading the AICPA and the profession to new heights. The members and leadership of the FICPA are honored to support Tommye throughout her year as AICPA chair.”

Barie has said that accounting is in her family’s DNA – her father was an accountant and her brother is a CPA. But it was her mother, the founder of two small businesses, who got Barie hooked on numbers at age 12 by enlisting her help with bookkeeping.

A graduate of Stetson University, Barie’s work focuses on audit and consulting services for governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. She says two former AICPA chairs – Robert R. “Bob” Harris, CPA/CFF, CGMA and Olivia Kirtley,

18 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 Photo by TREW Media Inc.

“Serving as a mentor to Tommye these last 20-plus years has been wonderful,” Bob Harris said. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch her grow and hone her leadership and speaking skills. She’s become the closest of friends and will be an amazing AICPA leader who long will be remembered. For Tommye, this is only the beginning of many great things to come.”

Profession focuses on the future When Barie joined CPA Associates over 10 years ago, it was a large local firm with about $6 million in annual billings. Three years ago, the firm was acquired by Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, a Top 100 firm with six offices in four states generating about $47 million in annual fees.

The additional and diversified resources have allowed the firm to expand service areas.

“Mauldin & Jenkins sees Florida as a market with significant opportunity,” Barie said. “As the economy ➡

Photo provided by AICPA

Barie is a member of the AICPA Council and Board of Directors. She has chaired the AICPA’s Finance Committee and National Accreditation Commission and has served in numerous other AICPA positions. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the

Florida Government Finance Officers Association.

Barie lives in Sarasota. Her hobbies include kiteboarding, paddle boarding, golfing, snow skiing and Pilates.

Photo by TREW Media Inc.

CPA, CGMA – were significant mentors for her career and service activities.

Robert R. “Bob” Harris congratulates Barie on becoming AICPA chair during the AICPA Fall Council meeting in Boston last October.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

After passing the gavel to incoming leadership, each outgoing FICPA president/board chair receives a gold ring. Barie wears hers every day. www.ficpa.org

19

COVER

story

Photo provided by AICPA

continues to improve, we plan to continue expanding our client service in our existing practice areas, such as governmental and entrepreneurial services. We also want to concentrate on growth in niche practices that have been slow in Florida as a result of the troubled economy, such as banking and health care. In 2018, we’ll celebrate our 100th anniversary of providing quality work; helping our clients achieve their business and financial objectives; and fulfilling our responsibility to the public as CPAs. Barie believes the top challenges CPAs face today involve relevance, quality and the future of learning.

“In this continually changing and increasingly global environment, CPAs risk losing relevance in the marketplace without ensuring our services provide value in a timely and meaningful way,” Barie said. “Our profession must cast a wide net to address ever-increasing business needs.”

And in our increasingly complex business landscape, Barie said, there’s increased awareness about the importance of our profession demonstrating commitment to quality in all practice areas.

“Regulators demand it, the public expects it, and we demand and expect it of ourselves,” Barie said.

She said some of the proposals related to the AICPA’s Enhancing Audit Quality initiative will be unpopular; may be difficult or disruptive; and could have additional costs or other burdens. But the complexity of the world, and the speed at which business moves, demand that CPAs embark on this heightened approach to quality.

Regarding the future of learning, Barie said, CPAs must modernize their learning model.

AICPA President/CEO Barry Melancon, Tommye Barie and FICPA President/CEO Deborah Curry (left to right) attended the AICPA’s 2013 Fall Council meeting in Los Angeles.

Adding to these challenges, FASB recently issued the new revenue recognition standard and is finalizing its approach on leases and financial instruments. Each of these areas affects virtually all U.S. companies, which means virtually all CPA firms are affected, too. As a CPA whose practice area is auditing, Barie has her eye on these significant changes in key GAAP standards.

“Revenue recognition will have a big impact. I cannot imagine a single more important accounting standard being issued. It should mean something to every single entity that follows FASB GAAP,” Barie said. “And while it seems like a long time before it becomes effective, please don’t be fooled. We’re imploring auditors to engage with their clients and start determining how to account for the most common transactions, and the only way to do that is to dig into the details.”

Choices are central to work-life balance

“Education is changing,” she said, “and everyone – from our parents to our grandchildren, and the businesses we serve – is learning differently.”

In addition to her AICPA service, Barie has a history of service with the FICPA. She served as the Institute’s president from 2004 to 2005 and has served in several chapter officer positions; as a regional vice president; and on numerous FICPA committees.

The AICPA convened a broad representation of the profession to study this issue. The Future of Learning Task Force has identified solutions that will lead to a more contemporary, powerful and personal way of learning.

The Task Force’s vision blends traditional learning models with new methods, and incorporates competency testing.

“My first volunteer experience with the FICPA was with a local chapter,” Barie said. I missed the meeting during which the chapter officers were looking for someone to assume the treasurer’s role, and the partner I was working for volunteered me! My service to the profession through the FICPA has been a fantastic experience that afforded

20 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills with a nationally respected organization.

chapter early in my career, I never dreamed I’d become AICPA chair.

Barie said she’s been fortunate to have had the support of partners when it came to giving back to the profession.

“I would tell CPAs who want to develop their leadership skills, and aspire to become involved with the AICPA, to go for those stretch assignments. Embrace opportunities that are outside your comfort zone. Demonstrate your commitment to the organization and contribute value. Be bold, brave and diligent about what you want.”

“Unfortunately, fewer and fewer companies and firms encourage or even allow young professionals to take the time to be actively engaged in professional organizations,” she said.

As a busy professional who also pursues several leisure activities – and has just begun a year of intense volunteer work – Barie is well versed in the difficulty of juggling professional demands and personal time. She says maintaining a healthy work-life balance is all about choices.

“We have a choice in most everything we do in life. For me, having a satisfying life is about making the right choices – and by that, I mean making decisions that resonate with my own values and passions,” she said.

“I’m passionate about providing quality and valuable service to our clients, and about my service to our profession. I’m also passionate and disciplined about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which requires me to maintain a balance between my career and my personal life. I schedule time for myself, just as I would for a client, and I honor those ‘appointments.’ I also, as best I can, disconnect when I’m on vacation, so I can return energized and engaged.”

Leadership requires courage, persistence Barie says volunteerism has been an important part of her career, and the satisfaction she’s received from her service has far outweighed any contribution she’s made.

“I enjoyed contributing to our profession’s success at the FICPA chapter and state levels, then through AICPA committee, council and board service,” she said. “At each stage I realized the impact one person’s hard work could have, so I continued to strategically pursue opportunities that interested me. I was dedicated to seeking high-profile assignments that allowed me to develop leadership skills and make a difference in the profession. When I accepted my first volunteer officer’s position with a local FICPA FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Barie recently attended World Congress of Accountants in Rome, Italy. There, more than 3,900 accountants from 125 countries debated issues the accounting profession deals with globally.

“My goal is to understand the breadth and depth of international issues; ensure our profession remains well positioned to adapt rapidly to the changing and complex global business environment; and help our members see the opportunities in the changing global landscape,” Barie said.

Barie believes there’s never been a better time to enter the accounting profession. She says opportunities for everyone, including young CPAs and women CPAs, are endless.

“Be bold, brave and diligent about what you want.”

“What an awesome and exciting time to be a CPA!” Barie said. “To create opportunities, we need to do whatever we can to eliminate stereotypes and prejudice. We need to do all we can to eliminate unintended bias – assumptions made about attributes and characteristics – when assessing leadership abilities. The goal is for ethnicity, gender and age to be invisible.

“Diversity and inclusion are critical to the profession’s continued success,” she said, “and the AICPA’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion is doing great work in this area.

CPAs must look like the people we serve, and those people are changing. With diversity, we become stronger through different perspectives, views and differences of opinion – which allows us to better understand, relate to and serve the business community. FCT www.ficpa.org

21

STAFF

reports

Educational Foundation

By Jason Zaborske, FICPA educational foundation development director and Elise Caruthers, coordinator

Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary of 1040K Run/Walk

Registration Open Now!

More than 700 runners participated in last year’s 1040K Run/Walk in Coconut Grove.

T

he FICPA Educational Foundation will hold its 25th Anniversary 1040K Run/ Walk in Coconut Grove on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 a.m.

The Foundation has hosted the race in South Florida since 1989 and we’re excited to continue the tradition.

The race has tremendous support from the local and CPA communities. It’s a celebration of the end of tax season and a fun, unique way to raise scholarship funds for South Florida accounting students. At this year’s event, our specialguest CPAs will continue the custom of dressing in shirts, ties and running shorts, and

What: 2015 1040K Run/Walk 5K and 10K When: Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 7:30 a.m.

Where: Coconut Grove Register: www.1040K.org

we’ll provide all runners with “necktie” running bibs!

The 1040K Run/Walk is a passion in our CPA community.

With your help, we plan to provide more than $12,000 in scholarships this year. Please join us in Coconut Grove. FCT

New Members The FICPA happily welcomes many

Registration for the 2015 1040K Race is open at www.1040K.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact FICPA Educational Foundation Development Director Jason Zaborske at (850) 251-7274, or edfound@ ficpa.org.

new members throughout the year.

To see a list of members who have recently joined, visit the FICPA website at www.ficpa.org/meetnewmembers.

Save the Date

T

he Educational Foundation and the Suncoast Scramble Committee invite you to play the 2015 Suncoast Scramble Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament will be held Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar. Please mark your calendar! FCT For more information visit, www.ficpa.org/golf or contact Jason Zaborske, FICPA Educational Foundation Development Director, at (850) 251-7274 or edfound@ficpa.org.

26 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

From FICPA staff reports

Governmental Affairs

Young CPAs

By Justin Thames, FICPA governmental affairs manager

By Angie Brooke, FICPA emerging professionals manager

Florida CPAs Win Re-election

Ambassadors Connect with Students, Faculty

A

mong the candidates who found themselves on the winning side of the November elections were four CPAs. Congressman Patrick Murphy and Reps. Michael Bileca, Dan Raulerson and David Richardson all were soundly re-elected by the constituents they represent.

Congressman Murphy, from the 18th Congressional District, won a highly contested race against former Florida Rep. Carl Domino with 60 percent of the vote.

Murphy will return to Washington as one of 10 CPAs serving in the U.S. Congress.

“I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish as an independent voice in Congress,” Murphy said in an email to his supporters.

“We demonstrated that a positive campaign can win – even in our district that is closely divided on politics.”

Rep. Patrick Murphy, CPA University of South Florida (USF) Student Ambassador Ivan Gnatyshyn greets students at a USF Accounting Society Meeting.

A

Rep. Michael Bileca, CPA

Overcoming an effort by the Democratic Party in Miami, Rep. Bileca defeated his Democratic opponent with 59 percent of the vote. Reps. Raulerson of Plant City and Richardson of Miami Beach both were re-elected without Rep. Dan Raulerson, CPA opposition during the primary elections in August.

The FICPA congratulates all the CPA legislators for winning re-election. We look forward to working with them on issues important to the profession. FCT For more information about FICPA governmental affairs, call (850) 227-2727, Ext. 202, or email govaffairs@ficpa.org.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

s part of the profession’s efforts to build a pipeline of future CPAs, the FICPA created a Student Ambassador Program.

Throughout Florida, fourth- and fifth-year accounting students are volunteering on university campuses, serving as liaisons between faculty and FICPA members, leadership and staff. Student ambassadors’ primary responsibilities include promoting the CPA profession; providing information about FICPA member benefits; and creating student programming related to accounting careers, resume writing, interviewing skills and preparing for the CPA exam.

In return for their efforts, the FICPA helps connect its ambassadors with local FICPA members to build their network and support them on their journey to becoming CPAs. The program, now is in its second year, has grown from three to seven ambassadors.

This year, ambassadors served as hosts for several student events on campuses and at local chapters, garnering a great response from accounting students. FCT For more information about young CPA and student initiatives contact Angie Brooke, emerging professionals manager, at (850) 224-2727, Ext. 300 or brookea@ficpa.org.

The FICPA thanks its 2014 FICPA Student Ambassadors

Rep. David Richardson, CPA

Florida A&M University – Netali Chapple Stetson University – Chris MacLeod University of Central Florida – Pablo Vera University of South Florida – Edison Qendro, Ivan Gnatyshyn University of South Florida (Manatee-Sarasota) – Alicia Whitworth University of Tampa – Rebecca Alicea

www.ficpa.org

27

NEWS

briefs

FICPA Members Elected to AICPA Offices

T

he AICPA Nominations Committee recently elected Abigail F. “Abby” Dupree of Carrol and Company, CPAs in Tallahassee and Maria A. “Mia” Thomas of Maria A. Thomas CPA in Orlando to the AICPA Council. Dupree and Thomas will serve three-year terms that began in 2014 and will end in 2017.

Abigail “Abby” Dupree, CPA

Maria A. “Mia” Thomas, CPA

Steven M. Platau, JD, CPA, ABV

F LO R I D A Florida CPA Political Action Committee, Inc.

Firm Support Grows for the PAC

I

n the November/ December 2014 edition of Florida CPA Today, more than a dozen firms were recognized for supporting the Florida CPA/PAC’s annual Top 250 fundraising campaign.

The PAC is pleased to announce two additions to the 2014 campaign. Crowe Horwath, LLP, with managing partners L. Ira Anderson in Lakeland and Ron Sompels in Tampa,

has joined the campaign as a Gold Club member. Also from the Tampa area, Robert Watkins and Company, with managing partner Robert I. Watkins, has joined as a Silver Club member.

With the support of these FICPA members and the other Top 250 campaign participants, the PAC raised more than $25,000 during this year’s fundraising effort. FCT

The Committee also appointed Steven M. Platau of the University of Tampa to an additional three-year term on the Joint Trial Board. FCT

Schultz Receives AICPA Award

S

heri Schultz, CPA/ ABV/CFF, director of valuation and business support services at Fiske & Company in Plantation, recently received the AICPA’s 2014 ABV Champion of the Year Award. The AICPA presents the award annually to a member who has played a leadership role in advancing the ABV credential and fostering a sense of community among credential holders in his or her state.

Sheri Schultz, CPA/ABV/CFF

Schultz is a member of the ABV Credential Committee and chair of the ABV Champion Program Taskforce. She is a member of the FICPA Valuation and Litigation Conference Planning Committee and chair of the FICPA Business Valuation/Litigation Committee. FCT

Pie Challenge You! Foundation launches new fundraiser

T

he FICPA Educational Foundation will kick off its new “Pie Challenge You” fundraiser on Jan. 23, 2015 – National Pie Day. We encourage CPAs throughout the state to challenge their colleagues to take a pie in the face, share a video and make a donation to the Foundation.

The Foundation plans to provide $150,000 to Florida accounting students in 2015, but can’t do it without your help. Look for the first pie video from the Foundation Board of Trustees and prepare to be challenged! FCT For information, visit www.ficpa.org/PieChallengeYou. 28 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

From FICPA staff reports

Nominate Now for 2015 Women to Watch

T

he AICPA Women to Watch Awards highlight the accomplishments of women in the profession, and demonstrate to emerging female leaders that success is within their reach.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for her achievements and contributions to the accounting profession? Are you a woman to watch?

Nominations are open until Jan. 15 and awards will be presented June 11 during the Women’s Leadership Summit at the Mega CPE Conference at Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort.

To learn more or to nominate, visit www.ficpa.org/Women/ WomentoWatch. FCT For more information contact Debra Kelly, member connection manager at kellyd@ficpa.org or (800) 342-3197, ext. 431.

Wait for it…

March/April FCT to feature 26 Under 36

W

e can’t wait to share the news! Our 26 Under 36 judges have reviewed the nominations and chosen the cream of the crop. Want to know who the up and coming, movers and shakers of accountancy are? Don’t miss the March/April 2015 issue of Florida CPA Today, which will mail to members in early March, to view the best and brightest CPAs younger than 36!

FCT

Choosing a Health Plan for 2015

Open enrollment ends Feb. 15

T

he 2015 national open-enrollment period for health insurance coverage is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. During this period, insurance carriers offering coverage must guarantee acceptance into Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant health insurance plans without limitations on pre-existing conditions.

The FICPA was a platinum sponsor of the Cuban American CPAs Association (CACPA) 2014 Annual Installation Gala, held recently at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach. Here, CACPA President Beatriz Martin (left center) presents FICPA Board Chair Jeff Barbacci with a plaque recognizing the FICPA’s sponsorship. Also pictured are Master of Ceremonies Ed Duarte (left) and CACPA Past President Nestor Caballero (right).

For information about the CACPA, visit www.cacpa.org.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

The CPA Insurance Marketplace offers FICPA members competitive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accident and wellness insurance from leading providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, United Health One, Aetna and more.

The Marketplace is an exclusive member opportunity available to sole practitioners, individuals and members’ employees. Employer accounts with defined contribution tools also are available through the Marketplace. FCT For more information, visit www.memberbenefits.com/ficpa. www.ficpa.org

29

C PA s I N

the spotlight

Transitions

Jacksonville: Akins Professional Brokerage announces that Buddy Turman has joined the firm.

Boca Raton: Yip Associates announces its latest expansion with the opening of its second Florida office at 1001 Yamato Road.

Michael Balter

Bradenton: Shinn & Company PA announces that Garrett Shinn, Christine Yekel and Christy Cardillo have been named as new partners. Also, Nicola Peterson has joined the firm as audit principal and Marsha Weisse has joined the firm as audit senior.

Matthew Walker

Tallahassee: Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC welcomes Alabama-based Boohaker, Schillaci and Company’s seven partners and team of professionals to the firm.

Coral Gables: Joshua Rader of Appelrouth Farah & Co. has been named partner.

Shivam Jadeja

Brian Lukasik

Coral Gables: Cherry Bekaert LLP welcomes Jose Vila as an audit partner and Steven A. Wolf as a director with the firm’s litigation support services practice.

Daytona Beach: NASCAR announces that Susan Schandel has been promoted to senior vice president and chief accounting officer, leading the finance and accounting functions of NASCAR, NASCAR Media Group and United SportsCar Racing.

Enterprise, Ala.: Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC has acquired Level Four Advisory Services, a national wealth management firm.

Elaine Sutter

30 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Miami: The Sharpton Group PA, formerly Sharpton, Brunson & Company PA, will expand its emphasis on consultancy services – including business advisory services, infrastructure consulting and forensic and valuation services – under the leadership of president and CEO Darryl K. Sharpton.

Steven A. Wolf

Florida Offices: Michael Balter has joined Marcum LLP as partner-in-charge of its Florida region.

Florida Offices: James Moore congratulates Jennifer Forrester for her admission into the partnership.

Fort Myers: CliftonLarsonAllen announces the promotions of Brian Stockman to manager, commercial services; Jessica Buther to senior, commercial services; Jessica Huntington to senior, financial institutions; and Jacqueline Montalvo to senior, state & local government.

Tallahassee: Thomas Howell Ferguson PA congratulates Micah Kunkel, Elaine Sutter and Matthew Walker on their recent promotions. Kunkel has been promoted to manager, tax services; Sutter to senior, tax services; and Walker to senior, assurance services.

Tampa: Kerkering, Barberio & Co. announces that its Tampa office has moved to Urban Centre at 4830 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 600.

Tampa: Warren Averett LLC announces the expansion of client services by opening a Warren Averett Staff & Recruiting office.

For more news about members and other Florida CPAs, visit CPAs in the Spotlight at www.ficpa.org/Content/News/Spotlight.aspx.

The space for Who’s News, Transitions and other announcements published on this page is limited to news focusing on promotions and new hires for FICPA members; speeches by members at professional conferences; and other firm news, such as recognition of business achievements. We do not publish FICPA committee appointments as a part of this feature because of space limitations. Submissions for CPAs in the Spotlight can be emailed to communications@ficpa.org.

Tampa: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP announces the appointment of Brian Lukasik as the new Tax Leader for the firm’s Florida market. Lukasik brings over 23 years of experience to the role having served a diverse set of clients across multiple industries, including automotive and industrial products, as well as clients in the firm’s Private Company Services group.

Dan Hevia of Gregory, Sharer & Stuart in St. Petersburg has been appointed to the AICPA Auditing Standards Board AICPA.

D. Todd McGee of McGee CPA PL in Fort Myers has been recognized by the IRS as a certifying acceptance agent.

Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund in Pensacola announces that Ronald Jackson has been named chairman of the board of directors of PKF North America for 2015.

Winter Park: Moore Stephens Lovelace announces that it will relocate its Central Florida practice office and its corporate headquarters to downtown Orlando in January 2015.

Shivam Jadeja of Morrison Valuation & Forensic Services in Orlando has been awarded the certified fraud examiner credential by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Myers, Brettholtz & Company PA in Fort Myers announces the five finalists for the 2015 Uniting Nonprofits In Teaming for Excellence (UNITE) Award – Guidance Programs for Success; Partners in the Fight Against Human Trafficking; Teen Outreach Program; Lee Community Healthcare; and Bonita Springs Assistance Office.

Who’s News

Kerkering, Barberio & Co. in Sarasota has been selected as a 2014 “Best of the Best Accounting Firm” by Inside Public Accounting.

Gilman Ciocia Inc in Aventura announces that Daniel Bengio has been certified as an acceptance agent by the IRS. Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants has been honored with Inside Public Accounting’s Pyramid Award. The accounting industry publication honors 50 firms in the country with the Best of the Best ranking each year. Three of the 50 are further honored with Pyramid honors.

Cross, Fernandez & Riley LLP (C/F/R) in Orlando has been named the Best CPA Firm in Florida in Acquisition International’s Finance Awards.

CS&L in Bradenton held a Halloween costume contest to benefit their local nonprofit, Goodwill.

Cross, Fernandez & Riley LLP in Orlando announces the firm’s co-founder and partner, Melanie Fernandez, is the recipient of the 2014 Service to UCF Award.

Horace Gordon of Gordon & Associates in Tampa has been elected to serve as the incoming vice chair for the CPAConnect Advisory Committee for 2015.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Joshua Rader of Appelrouth, Farah & Co. PA in Coral Gables has been appointed president of the Alper Jewish Community Center board of directors.

Justin Sroka of Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra LLC in Fort Lauderdale has been elected treasurer of ArtServe.

FCT

Florida A&A Requirements

What’s your opinion?

The FICPA is considering pursuing a statutory change allowing an alternative to the required Accounting and Auditing (A&A) continuing education every two years. Please weigh in by taking the short survey at www.ficpa. org/A&Asurvey.

(Note: Only voting-class FICPA members are eligible.

Thank you!)

www.ficpa.org

31

MARKET

place

Positions available Kendall-area CPA firm is seeking to hire a tax manager(s) CPA w/nearterm partnership potential. The candidate(s) must have a strong tax background & personal skills. Compensation will be commensurate w/the candidate’s ability. Our firm has a good reputation & is well-established & profitable. Reply to reply@ficpa.org & reference file number R PA 01 02 15.

Thompson Staffing is looking for a CPA to work for an accounting firm in Miami. Candidate must have at least 3 yrs of exp working w/corporations & individual processing tax returns. Direct hire w/full benefits. Salary – $60k-$85k. Send resumes to Sharon@thompsonstaffing.com.

Established Miami law firm seeks accounting manager/ law office manager for dayto-day operations of 10-15 attorney ofc. Full time or part time considered. Responsibilities include active participation in billing/accounting functions, reporting to managing partner, coordinating w/accountants, preparing various financial reports, payroll & overseeing HR, insurance programs, & mgmt of firm’s physical facilities. Exp w/law firm a plus. Compensation based on exp/ qualifications. Please email resume to jsmalloy@malloylaw.com.

Fort Lauderdale-area senior staff & experienced staff accountants – Ouw r firm specializes in audits of not-for-profit organizations. We are searching for career-minded

professionals. Required education – bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Please send your contact information to Resumes.Broward@ gmail.com.

Florida Gulf Coast University invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of assistant director, finance & accounting.

FGCU is located in Fort Myers.

Apply at http://jobs.fgcu.edu. Req. #2228. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability Employer.

Tallahassee – The Bean Team needs a supervisor-level professional to join our tax branch.

CPA preferred, but exp in CPA firm will be considered. Call (850) 893-7710 or visit beanteam.com to learn more.

Polk County EA firm seeking CPA or EA for partnership/ merger or staff accountant w/ buy-in potential. Position includes financial statement review & prep, individual & corporate tax returns, research & consulting, etc. Must possess a great attitude, excellent communication & computer skills (QuickBooks & ProSeries preferred). Email resume to lakelandconsultant@gmail.com.

Information technology audit specialist – Broward County Office of the County Auditor – Fort Lauderdale. Responsible for performing IT audits of a variety of process environments throughout the county. Duties will include assessing control environments, performing risk assessments, conducting reviews of dataprocessing applications, systems

& networks. Min of 3-5 yrs of relevant IT audit exp. CISA, CPA or CIA preferred. Degree in MIS, computer sciences, accounting, business administration or related field w/a min of 12 hours computerscience coursework. Send resumes to Brenda Smith-Allen at bsmithallen@broward.org.

James W. Walker, P.A. in Naples, a small CPA firm w/a diverse tax, auditing & accounting practice, has the following position available: Tax preparer/supervisor – established tax-accounting firm has an excellent growth opportunity for a tax preparer/supervisor (seasonal/part-time/full-time/ per diem) who has a min of 4 or more yrs of tax exp. The qualified individual will be responsible for preparing & reviewing bookkeeping services, corporate, partnership, LLC, individual, trust & estates & non-profit tax returns. This person will supervise & review staff in preparing year-end bookkeeping, compilations, reviews & incometax returns; assist clients & staff; work directly w/clients & partners as needed; perform tax research & provide administrative assistance for firm activities as needed. Email resume to info@jameswalkercpa. com.

Positions Wanted CPA experienced in individual & business income-tax preparation, HOA & non-profit audit exp.

Broward/ Palm Beach counties.

Available per diem email klp.cpa@ att.net or call (954) 439-4580.

For complete classified policies, visit www.ficpa.org/Content/CPAResources/ClassifiedsJobs/Classifieds.aspx.

32 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

CPA (FL & NY) w/small practice in Orlando available per-diem 2-3 days per week. Telecommute option available. Contact mhlh@msn.com.

ofc equipment, filing cabinets, & Internet access included. Free parking. Call (305) 661-1040 or email ronweintraubcpa@bellsouth.net.

Experienced auditor/CPA/ auditing professor. Seeking per diem assurance-services work in Tallahassee/N. Fla. Great for analytical review, compliance & substantive testing, inventory counts, OMB-133, 122 & 78 compliance, documentation, more.

I can help with clients’ compilation, cash recs, aged receivables, footnotes, etc. Reasonable fee.

Email jwncce@comcast.net.

Practices wanted for purchase or merger

West Palm Beach – semiretired licensed CPA (FL, NY) & attorney (NY) specializing in taxation available for per diem work preparing or reviewing tax returns, consulting, IRS & state representation. Please call (561) 833-3440 or write LGinsbergEsqCPA@comcast.net.

Office Space Shared professional offices – Class A newly renovated office suite available to share w/established life insurance firm. Off of Glades just west of I-95. Offering one to three window offices (one corner) & one administrative workstation. Includes use of reception area, conference room, phone system, copier/fax, Internet, utilities & kitchen. Friendly environment. Available January.

For more information call (561) 8078544 & leave message.

Dadeland-area CPA has ofc & cubicles available for lease in CPA suite. Furnished, floor-toceiling windows, conference room, kitchen, telephone & other

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Established quality Fort Lauderdale CPA firm seeks to acquire practice from retirement-minded CPA w/ transition of your choice. Email inquiries to ajcpapa@aol.com or call Cary at (954) 985-1040.

Growing South Florida CPA firm looking to purchase a practice from a retirement-minded CPA in Dade or Broward counties.

Favorable purchase terms offered w/continuing employment opportunities available. Please contact Jeffrey Taraboulos at info@ ksdt-cpa.com or (305) 670-3370.

For sale

Successful transitions require experienced, confidential, professional services you can trust.

This is what Akins Professional Brokerage provides. Specializing exclusively in the brokerage of CPA firms, we have no upfront fees. List your firm with a professional. Call David Akins, CPA, at (877) 2770272. Visit our website at www.

ProfessionalCPAbroker.com.

Practices Wanted! Cash buyers waiting! List your practice w/ Florida’s No. 1 Accounting Brokerage Firm. No upfront fees.

Recent references available. Selling practices in Florida for over 31 years. Contact Erwin Rosenblatt (561) 666-6737 or Leon Faris, CPA (800) 729-9031 w/Professional Accounting Sales, or visit our website at www.cpasales.com.

CPA firm – accounting, tax & other services, no attestation services.

Must be a CPA. West Palm Beach area. Complete sale in whole or part. Respond to reply@ficpa.org & reference file number A FS 01 02 15.

Accounting & tax practice for sale in the Orlando area. This firm generates annual revenue of $1.1 million. The client mix consists of write up & tax work for small to medium-sized businesses & individuals. A turnkey staff is in place. Seller will be available for a reasonable transition period. For more information, please email todd@newclientsinc.com or call (800) 338-0778, Ext 15.

Well-established Coral Gables firm w/a solid tax practice seeks partner/ merger for retirement-minded partner. Currently 2 partners & 4 staff. Reply to reply@ficpa.org and reference file number C FS 01 02 15.

www.ficpa.org

33

15 Must-have Free Apps for 2015

G

et the latest smartphone or tablet over the holidays?

Here are the FICPA Technology Team’s picks for the 15 coolest free apps for 2015.

CardStar iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Nokia Keep your rewards and membership cards on your phone.

Daily Stocks iPhone Stock market scans and analysis.

Evernote Hello Android Remember everything about everyone you meet.

GoToMyPC iPhone, Android Access your Mac or PC from anywhere.

HP ePrint iPhone, Android, BlackBerry Access your ePrint-enabled HP printers at home and work.

MapMyFITNESS iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone Record duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation and calories burned data for each workout.

Moviefone iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone Get showtimes, movie info and critics’ ratings.

OpenTable iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone Make and confirm a restaurant reservation instantly!

34 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

OurGroceries iPhone, Android, BlackBerry Sync your grocery list with other family members’ smartphones.

Point Inside iPhone, Android Map out airports and malls. Get terminal and store location with address and contact info.

Shazam iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone Identify any song playing and purchase it.

Starbucks iPhone, Android Scan to pay with your phone and earn rewards.

TeamViewer Touch Windows 8/RT Control any remote computer within seconds.

Umit Network Scanner Android Run an Nmap scan and get options for scanning ports, port ranges and network ranges.

Xero iPhone, Android Track your finances, manage your cashflow, check bank balances, invoice customers and upload receipts. FCT To see a full list of recommended apps, visit www.ficpa.org/apps.

SEMINARS

Contents Seminars................................... 36 Destin..................................... 36 Ft. Lauderdale........................ 36 Ocala...................................... 36 Orlando.................................. 37 Tampa.................................... 37 Value-Priced Seminars............. 37 A&A........................................... 38

Destin

Ocala

TAX

TAX

The Best Federal Tax Update Course by The Best Federal Tax Update Course by Surgent Surgent **Value-Priced Seminar

**Value-Priced Seminar

Date: Jan. 16, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: BFTU35 Location: Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Instructor: James A. Vastarelli Early Bird Price*: $200 • Regular Price: $255

Date: Jan. 13, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: BFTU30 Location: Courtyard by Marriott Ocala Instructor: Patrick Deo Early Bird Price*: $200 • Regular Price: $255

Tax/PFP..................................... 39

Ft. Lauderdale

Ethics........................................ 39 LearnLinx Online CPE............... 40

TAX

Conferences ............................. 42

The Best Individual Income Tax Update Course by Surgent **Value-Priced Seminar

Date: Jan. 14, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: BITU25 Location: Nova Southeastern University-Main Campus Carl DeSantis Building Instructor: James A. Vastarelli Early Bird Price*: $200 • Regular Price: $255

Advanced Tax Update for Experienced Practitioners

PRICING RULES: *Registering more than 10 days before the course date to receive the Early Bird Price ($55 off the regular registration fee).

Date: Jan. 15, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: ATU05 Location: Nova Southeastern University-Main Campus Carl DeSantis Building Instructor: E. L. Nichols Early Bird Price*: $285 • Regular Price: $340

Nonmembers of FICPA are welcome to attend but are required to pay an additional $125 per full day of instruction or $65 per half day of instruction.

For complete CPE policies, visit www.ficpa.org/policies

>A&A = Accounting & Auditing

36 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

>Industry = Business & Industry

>BIZTECH = Business Technology

Of Course!

Orlando TAX The Best Individual Income Tax Update Course by Surgent **Value-Priced Seminar

Date: Jan. 8, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: BITU20 Location: Rosen College of Hospitality Instructor: Charles Borek Early Bird Price*: $200 • Regular Price: $255

Getting Ready for Busy Season: A Guide to New Forms, Filing Issues and Other Critical Developments Date: Jan. 9, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: NFFI05 Location: Rosen College of Hospitality Instructor: Charles Borek Early Bird Price*: $290 • Regular Price: $345

Advanced Tax Update for Experienced Practitioners Date: Jan. 14, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: ATU00 Location: Rosen College of Hospitality Instructor: E. L. Nichols Early Bird Price*: $285 • Regular Price: $340

Quality Courses for Cost-Conscious Professionals Get exceptional value from our Value-Priced CPE line. These streamlined, high-quality courses enable you to gain essential knowledge and skills at a lower price — our most popular courses, taught by our best educators,

Tampa

in modest facilities that are conveniently located around Florida. We may not serve you lunch, but we’ll serve you valuable CPE at great savings.

TAX The Best Federal Tax Update Course 8 Technical Business hours Jan. 13 BFTU30 Ocala Jan. 16 BFTU35 Destin

Effective and Efficient Senior-Level Review of Individual Tax Returns Date: Jan. 15, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: ERTW00 Location: Marshall Student Center – USF Instructor: Dennis Benvie Early Bird Price*: $290 • Regular Price: $345

Getting Ready for Busy Season: A Guide to New Forms, Filing Issues and Other Critical Developments Date: Jan. 16, 2015 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: NFFI10 Location: Marshall Student Center – USF Instructor: Dennis Benvie Early Bird Price*: $290 • Regular Price: $345 >GOV/NFP = Government/Not-For-Profit

The Best Individual Income Tax Update Course 8 Technical Business hours Jan. 8 BITU20 Orlando Jan. 14 BITU25 Ft. Lauderdale

www.ficpa.org/ValuedPriced >TAX/PFP = Tax/Personal Financial Planning

To register, call 800.342.3197 or 850.224.2727, or visit ficpa.org/cpe.

>VFALS = Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services www.ficpa.org

37

Learn on the move with Right Time. Right Place. Right Price.

Your busy schedule can make earning CPE credits difficult. The FICPA’s LearnLinx CPE is the only source you need for online courses. With more than 200 offerings, we have the topics and instructors you want.

Check out these upcoming sessions!

Date Topic

Credit Hours Code

Title

Jan. 5

Taxes

8 TB

4141519F

Everything You Need to Know About Trusts

Jan. 5

Accounting

8 AA

4142284D

Stmt of Cash Flows: Prep & and Analysis Workshop

Jan. 6

Auditing

4 AA

4142872F

Fraud: Essential Audit Tools and Techniques

Jan. 6

Auditing 4 AA 4142889G

The New Group Audit Std Understanding the Essentials

Jan. 6 Jan. 7 Jan. 7

Taxes

1 TB

WEBNAR33

Trust Planning from A to Z

Computer Science

8 TB

4141030E

Advanced Excel Workshop (WR)

Admin Practice

8 TB

4141453F

Advising Clients of Social Security Benefits

Jan. 7 Jan. 7

A&A

1 AA

MEGAWR28

Emerging Issues in Accounting & Auditing (WR)

Accounting 8 AA 4141227C

FIN 48: Acctg for Uncertain Tax Positions (ASC Topic 740.10)

Jan. 7 Jan. 7

Taxes

8 TB

4142929D

Investment Finance & Income Tax: 2 Worlds Collide

Taxes

8 TB

4141507D

Strategies for Tax Dispute Resolution

Jan. 8

Accounting 8 AA 4142500F

Tax Practitioner’s Guide: Acctg and Reporting Issues

Jan. 8

Tax Research Skills

Taxes

8 TB

4141354E

Jan. 9

Finance 8 TB 4142558B

Corp Fin Checkup: Renovate Your Analytical Toolbox

Jan. 12 Accounting (Gov.)

8 AA

4142279E

Nor-for-Profit Accounting and Auditing Update

Jan. 12 A&A Jan. 13 A&A

1 AA

ASWR12

SSAE 16 and the New SOC Standards (WR)

1 AA

MEGAWR22

Analytical Procedures in a Review Engagement* (WR)

Jan. 13 Jan. 13 Jan. 14 Jan. 14

Regulatory Ethics

4 ETH

ETHWBR13

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs* (WR)

Taxes

1 TB

WEBNAR36

IRS and NYS Tax Collections

Taxes

8 TB

4141375F

Preparing Complex 1040s

Computer Science 8 TB 4142879B

Transform Your Busy Season w/Tech Tools You Already Use

Jan. 14 Auditing (Gov.)

Yellow Book and Single Audit Update* (WR)

1 AA

MEGAWR17

*Note: (WR) Webcast Replay >A&A = Accounting & Auditing

38 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

>Industry = Business & Industry

>BIZTECH = Business Technology

Of Course!

Jan. 15 Mgmt Advisory Svcs 1 TB Jan. 15 Taxes 8 TB Jan. 15 Taxes 8 TB

ASWR17

Financial Analysis and Dashboards* (WR)

4141495D

Form 1041: Down to the Basics

4141525D

Tax Practice Conduct Stds: Circ 230 & AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services

Jan. 16 Jan. 16 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 19 Jan. 20 Jan. 20

A&A, Finance

1 AA

ASWR41

Fresh Start Accounting (WR)

Accounting

8 AA

4142905C

Private Co Acctg: New Challenges, New Directions

Regulatory Ethics

4 ETH

ETHWBR14

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs* (WR)

Taxes

8 TB

4141519H

Everything You Need to Know About Trusts

Auditing

4 AA

4142867E

Practical Guide to Accounting Fraud

Taxes

8 TB

4141054F

Advanced Tax Planning Techniques

Auditing 8 AA 4141664G

Effective Work Paper Techniques: A Better Work Paper

Jan. 21 Jan. 21 Jan. 21 Jan. 21 Jan. 22

Auditing

8 AA

4141913D

Audits of 401(k) Plans

Accounting

8 AA

4142293F

Controls, Risks and Financial Reporting

Biz Law, Finance

2 TB

HCCWR10

Health Care Reform from Employer Perspective* (WR)

Taxes

8 TB

4141528E

Top 10 Things Financial Planners Need to Know

Auditing 8 AA 4142546E

Audit Standards Update: Clarity Standards Overview

Jan. 22 Auditing (Gov.) 1 AA Jan. 22 Computer Science 2 TB Jan. 23 Auditing 8 AA

HCCWR03

Not-for-Profit Audit Guide Update* (WR)

4142389B

Working With Your Quick Books Clients

4141060E

Audit Standards Update: Clarifying Risk Assessment

Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 26 Jan. 26 Jan. 27 Jan. 27 Jan. 27 Jan. 28 Jan. 28 Jan. 28

Taxes

8 TB

4141360E

Preparing Form 706: The Federal Estate Tax Return

Taxes

8 TB

4141979D

Form 1041 Workshop

Accounting

8 AA

4142296D

Private Co Reporting Options: Changes Ahead

Auditing

8 AA

4141447D

Stopping Fraud in Your Business

Mgmt Advisory Svcs 8 TB

4141033G

Advanced Personal Financial Planning Update

Taxes

8 TB

4142314E

Estate Planning Intro: Know Your Q-tip From a QTIP

Taxes

8 TB

4141442E

S Corp: Complete Guide to Planning & Compliance

Auditing (Gov.)

8 AA

4141039D

Advanced Auditing of HUD-Assisted Projects

Taxes

8 TB

4141063D

Asset Protection Planning

Taxes 8 TB 4141398F

Partnership & LLC Taxation: Adv Issues, Inc Transfers

Jan. 29 Personnel/HR Jan. 30 Taxes

8 BE

Leadership Skills Training

4 AA, 4 TB 4141115E

Construction Contractors: Special Tax & Acctg Considerations

Feb. 2

8 TB

Create Reports that Matter: Turn Info into Action

Accounting

4142663F

4142555B

*Note: (WR) Webcast Replay >GOV/NFP = Government/Not-For-Profit

LearnLinx Webcasts continued on pg. 40 >TAX/PFP = Tax/Personal Financial Planning

To register, call 800.342.3197 or 850.224.2727, or visit ficpa.org/cpe.

>VFALS = Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services www.ficpa.org

39

LearnLinx Webcasts continued from pg. 39

Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 6 Feb. 6

Accounting

8 TB

4141536D

Dealing with Venture Capitalists

Accounting

8 AA

4141416F

Key Ratio Analysis

Accounting

8 AA

4141246G

Fin Statement Disclosures for Tax Practitioners

Feb. 9 Feb. 9

Auditing

Computer Science 8 TB 4141407E

8 AA

QuickBooks Accounting Software Overview and Update

ACAUWBR5 Annual Accounting and Auditing Update (WR)

Auditing 8 AA 4142809D

Corp Governance, Fraud & Control: Setting Strategy, Execution

Feb. 9 Auditing Feb. 10 Auditing

4 AA

Mitigating Fraud Engagement Risk for Non-auditors

8 AA 4142785F

Documentation Requirements, Design and Reviewing Techniques of Workpaper

Feb. 10 Accounting (Gov.) Feb. 10 Accounting

8 AA

Governmental and Nonprofit Annual Update

1 AA ASWR47

Value Proposition for Interal Control - Integrated Framerwork by COSO (WR)

Feb. 11 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 13

Auditing (Gov.)

8 AA

4142770F

A-133 Audits A Case Study Approach

Biz Mgmt & Org

2 TB

4142696B

Building a Remote Consulting Practice

Auditing

8 AA

4142645F

Fraud and the CPA Profession

4142873D

4141268C

Auditing (Gov.) 8 AA 4142232C

Frequent Frauds in Governments & Not-for-Profits

Feb. 18 Auditing (Gov.) Feb. 19 Finance Feb. 20 Accounting

8 AA

4141554B

Interpreting The Yellow Book

8 TB

4142904E

Multi-Task Role of the CFO/Controller

8 AA 4142588C

Activity-Based Costing: A Resource Consumption Approach

Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 24 Feb. 24 Feb. 26 Feb. 26 Feb. 27 Feb. 27

Finance

8 TB

4142558D

Corp Finance: Renovate Your Analytical Toolbox

Auditing

4 AA

4142868D

Financial Statement, Tax, and Government Fraud

Auditing

4 AA

4142867F

Practical Guide to Accounting Fraud

Finance

6 AA, 2 TB

4142906C

Annual Fin Mgmt Spotlight: 4 Current Topics

Accounting

8 AA

4142528F

Leases: Past, Present and Future

Finance

8 AA

4141249D

Financial Statement Analysis

Accounting

8 AA

4142516F

Revenue: Past, Present and Future

Auditing (Gov.)

8 AA

4142015C

Administrative Rules for Federal Grants

Auditing

8 AA

4141303G

Internal Control: #1 Defense Against Errors & Fraud

Accounting

8 AA

4141408E

Fin Statement Prep for Your QuickBooks Clients

Accounting 8 TB 4142811D

Top10 Tools for CFOs to be More Effective Business Partners

www.ficpa.org/LearnLinxCPE *Note: (WR) Webcast Replay >A&A = Accounting & Auditing

40 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

>Industry = Business & Industry

>BIZTECH = Business Technology

Of Course!

>GOV/NFP = Government/Not-For-Profit

>TAX/PFP = Tax/Personal Financial Planning

To register, call 800.342.3197 or 850.224.2727, or visit ficpa.org/cpe.

>VFALS = Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services www.ficpa.org

41

CONFERENCES 2014-2015 CPAs in Industry Conference (17 CPE)

Health Care Industry Conference (Up to 18 CPE)

Tampa www.ficpa.org/IC

Orlando April 23-24, 2015

Ft. Lauderdale www.ficpa.org/ICM March 19-20, 2015

Florida State Spring Accounting Conference

Not-For-Profit Organizations Conference (17 CPE)

Tallahassee May 14-15, 2015

Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale May 28-29, 2015

Mega CPE Conference Orlando June 10-13, 2015 www.ficpa.org/megaCPE

30th Annual Accounting Show

30th

Ft. Lauderdale Sept. 16-18, 2015

F L O R I D A

Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants P.O. Box 5437 Tallahassee, FL 32314-5437