March/April 2016 - Florida CPA Today | Volume 32, Number 2

florida C P A

TODAY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

VOLUME 32, NUMBER 2

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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departments 5 Chair’s message 7 President’s message 8 Staff profile 9 26 28 30 32 35

Milestones

Sherrill Norman Serves as Auditor General

Meet Morgan Gibbons Watson DOR update CPAs in the spotlight Staff reports News briefs Marketplace Of Course! Your CPE Source

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smile

Cover Photo by TREW Media Inc.

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FLORIDA CPA TODAY

features 10

Practitioners’ Guide to the Florida Cyber Breach Notification Statute

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Tax Sinkhole: IRS Changes Closing Letter Procedure

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PCI Data Security Standards An Update, and What it Means

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Web Digest PCI Compliance An End User’s Perspective www.ficpa.org

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F L O R I D A

PRESIDENT/CEO Deborah L. Curry, CPA, CGMA DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Dave Cone EDITOR Suellen D. Wilkins GRAPHIC DESIGNER Loleta K. Bolden EDITORIAL COMMITTEE David J. Hochsprung, CPA, chair Keith C. Blackman, CPA • Walter C. Copeland, CPA Douglas E. Day, CPA • Lynda M. Dennis, CPA Michael S. Kridel, CPA • Troy Y. Manning, CPA Ryan A. Myers, CPA • William C. Quilliam, CPA 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. © 2016 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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MARCH/APRIL 2016

chair’s

MESSAGE

Getting to the Finish Line G

ood news! For all you tax-return preparers out there, we get four extra days this tax season. Because of leap day – Feb. 29 – and the April 15 observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C., our deadline this year is April 18. We can look at this from two different perspectives.

We can keep our normal pace and give ourselves or our families some of that extra time. Or, we can have 32 (four days times eight hours) or more extra billable hours during tax season.

However you look at it, it’s a good thing.

Everything is an evolution to the next step. As I travel throughout the state and meet with accounting students, I’m glad to hear they’re looking forward to getting to the finish line of graduation, passing the CPA exam and finding their dream job. Many want to work for private companies. Others want to work in public accounting firms, government, or charitable organizations. Many want to be entrepreneurs, using their accounting knowledge to run or be the CFO of their own companies after gaining experience. I love their spirit and vision.

Now, in the midst of busy season (isn’t there a deadline every month for something?), we’re closing out the month, quarter, or year. Or perhaps we’re preparing budgets or getting ready for audits and management meetings. Instead of worrying about the work that lies ahead, just remember all the things you’ve already accomplished.

It’s such an accomplishment to juggle our schedules and keep going. Back in the day we called it “work-life balance” – the notion that work was separate from life, and we needed to delicately keep them equal. Now we have “work-life integration,” which is much better! The mission is to enjoy work and life, without having to compromise either one to attain the end goal.

FICPA Board Chair Mia Thomas finishes the Florida Hospital Lady Track Shack 5K in January.

Oh, the joy of crossing the finish line.

Going final on a return. Signing off on a financial report. Being more than just a CPA for a client – becoming a friend and confidant. Just like running in a 5K race and crossing the finish line, it brings a smile to my face! I’m sure getting to the finish line in whatever you do feels the same. FCT

“Instead of worrying about the work that lies ahead, just remember all the things you’ve already accomplished.”

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

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president’s

MESSAGE

Idea Sharing Facilitates Success I

Deborah L. Curry, CPA, CGMA

n January, I had the privilege of joining CEOs from other state societies at the Annual Mid-winter meeting of the Certified Public Accountants Society Executives Association (CPA/SEA). CPA/SEA is comprised of all state CPA society CEOs in the U.S. and focuses on four strategic values – leadership, integrity, collaboration and exploration – that enable its members to shape responsive strategies for trends and professional issues affecting CPAs. Held in Santa Barbara, the meeting included a look at pressing professional issues from AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon; a session on major business disruptions affecting CPAs and state societies; discussion of new staff performance evaluation models; a look at emerging state legislative issues and positioning the profession as a leader in the business community; and more.

The conference began with the session, “What’s Your Uber,” presented

by Florida-based Tom Morrison, CAE of Tom Morrison & Associates Inc. Executives reflected on changes that will create havoc in the profession and discussed proactive responses state societies can take to support their members. He challenged us to imagine what could take the place of our state societies in the future and imagine new ways to prove our value.

At the meeting I led a workshop, “Share Your Association’s Accomplishments,” during which other society CEOs and I shared highlights of our most transformational accomplishments of 2015. I collected related data from each society and our FICPA communications and marketing staff created a publication called the Idea Book, which I shared during my presentation. To see the Idea Book, visit the FICPA website at www.ficpa.org/IdeaBook.

During the coming year I will serve as chair of the CPA/SEA Advocacy Committee. Our objective is to “promote the business, management, regulatory/legislative, operational and related interests of state CPA societies.” A primary goal will be to share the most pressing legislative issues that need to be addressed in order to consolidate our knowledge and efforts, such as the concerted goal of the profession in objecting to a sales tax on professional services.

Visit www .ficpa.org/I de

aBook

I look forward to representing the FICPA on this committee, and facilitating an exchange of programs, ideas and platforms to help all of us more successfully serve our members and represent the CPA profession. FCT FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

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STAFF

profile

Meet Morgan Gibbons Watson

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organ Watson, CPA, CGMA, recently celebrated her second anniversary as the FICPA’s market development manager. She is responsible for developing and deepening professional relationships with CPAs in public firms and business and industry (B&I) throughout Florida. Morgan travels the state to meet with members and prospective members. She enjoys building connections with attendees at FICPA conferences and calling members to discuss the variety of services and resources the FICPA provides the accounting profession.

Morgan telecommutes from her home office in Tampa.

As a CPA, she enjoys sharing her firsthand experience of the value of membership and her belief that CPAs have a responsibility to promote and protect their profession.

Q: As an FICPA member, what would you say are the biggest benefits of membership?

A:

FICPA membership is invaluable for CPAs. We inform members about issues impacting the profession, and monitor CPE regulations and legislation to protect the value and strength of the CPA license. And to me, networking and connecting with peers is priceless. I encourage active membership – volunteer for a committee and take advantage of leadership opportunities. You’ll find commonalities that may benefit you in a week, a year or years in the future.

Q: Tell us about your background as a CPA. How/why did you decide to pursue a career in accounting?

A:

I’ve always loved numbers and been fascinated with money. My dad was an attorney and a banker.

He taught me about internal controls and financial statement basics when I had my first job as a cashier at Burger Chef in Clearwater. My interest grew with other jobs, and as I worked my way through USF. I began my career as an auditor with Deloitte, which provided a wonderful breadth of experience and exposure to various businesses. I left public accounting to be an internal auditor, then became an accounting manager at another company before starting my own consulting business. I love that with lifelong learning, there are almost endless career opportunities for CPAs. My job descriptions have changed along the way, but my love for the profession is stronger than ever.

excellence, follow our interests and give back to our community by volunteering. U.S. Congressman Sam Gibbons, my late, former father-in-law, was another role model. He was a paratrooper who jumped on D-Day. Sam championed free trade throughout his political career because he believed trading alliances encouraged peace.

He often said, “You don’t go to war with people you trade with.” I agree with the philosophy. Protectionism divides and causes animosity, for countries, companies and individuals. Finding common ground encourages positive relationships and outcomes. That’s why I advocate for diversity and inclusion. I believe diversity enriches businesses, communities and families.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My husband, Charlie, is a retired banker, expert witness

and citrus grower. We’ve been married three years. Our blended family includes one son and four daughters, ranging in age from 18 to 41, and two grandchildren. I was a single mother for 10 years and I’m forever grateful that I “had it all” as a self-employed CPA – a rewarding career and time with my children.

Q: How do you like to spend your free time?

A: I love combining exercise and the outdoors. During

the week I hit the gym, but on the weekends I love running along Bayshore Boulevard or any outdoor activity with friends and family. I’m taking golf lessons and can see how people become obsessed with it! FCT Morgan likes to hear from and connect with our members.

Please contact her at (850) 508-4219 or watsonm@ficpa.org.

Q: Have you had role models in your personal life? If so, who, and what have you learned from them?

A:

My parents, Jay and Charlotte Tiffin, and my stepmom, Sue, were amazing role models. I’m one of six siblings. We were encouraged to work diligently, pursue 8

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Morgan Watson meets with Ash Noah (left), AICPA VP – CGMA External Relations and Ken Kelly, retired senior VP and controller of McCormick & Co., at the 2015 CPAs in Industry Conference in Tampa.

dor

UPDATE

Taking Taxpayer Data Security Seriously

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By Renee Watters, DOR chief of public information

he Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) handles public and confidential data related to tax administration, and takes steps to ensure this data is protected. This involves providing employee training and implementing procedures that add security to confidential information DOR holds or shares.

DOR shares information with all employees about top cyber-security threats each year during National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October. Topics include phishing/social engineering, ransomware, Internet of things, mobile device exposure, cyber theft and cyber espionage.

Four times annually, DOR trains all employees on protecting confidential data. Employees must take and pass all training and a record of this training becomes a part of their training file. The training also includes an emphasis on the careful handling of federal tax information (FTI).

DOR has a Confidential Incident Response and Disclosure Officer to assist employees and the public with questions about confidential data. DOR also shares data security information in various communications throughout the year.

Also, to protect its network, DOR uses an information security monitoring program that includes: •• •• •• ••

Social media monitoring Virus/malware protection Network bandwidth monitoring Monitoring for unauthorized wireless access points •• Server vulnerability scanning •• Data loss prevention •• Monitoring for inappropriate use

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

In 2014, DOR adopted a secure email procedure that automatically encrypts email employees send outside the agency. Large data files are sent by ShareFile, which provides further protection for the information in those files.

Information security at DOR is and will always be one of our highest priorities as we focus on confidentiality, integrity, access and availability of information. FCT Email Renee Watters at wattersr@dor.state.fl.us for more information.

www.ficpa.org

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Practitioner’s Guide to the Florida Cyber Breach Notification Statute

By Clinical Professors Kerry Myers and Christine Andrews

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ata breaches can strike organizations without warning, disrupting business and causing severe reputational damage. The average organizational cost of a data breach was $5.9 million in 2014.1 Legislation requiring entities to notify affected individuals differs by state, with 47 states enacting separate legislation.

under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (Section 501.201, Florida Statutes (F.S.), et seq.).

However, if the breach is limited to encrypted data, the FIPA Safe Harbor provision applies and notice to customers is not required. This alone should convince all Florida businesses to encrypt their stored data.

The Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 (FIPA), effective July 1, 2014.

FIPA includes new legislative mandates and obligations regarding the breach of security concerning confidential personal information (PI) held by third parties. The act repealed Florida’s existing cyber breach statute, which exempted government entities from its terms. The new statute applies to any commercial or government entities operating in Florida and contains significant changes in the legal duties and responsibilities for Florida businesses.

These changes also apply to accounting firms that possess clients’ personal information, such as when processing payroll or performing other accounting duties.

Safe Harbor Provision: Arguably its most important provision, the statute specifically exempts encrypted data from its terms through its definition of “personal information.”3 The statute states “personal information” does not include “information that is encrypted, secured or modified by any other method or technology that removes elements that personally identify an individual or that otherwise renders the information unusable” (Section 501.171(1)(g)(2), F.S). This provision is a strong incentive for all Florida businesses to consider encrypting all customer, client and patient data. The statute also exempts information made public by a governmental entity such as real estate records, etc. These provisions protect any business using encryption and avert the reputational damage and brand risk associated with publicly disclosing a breach and disseminating the written notice discussed below.

This article succinctly outlines the most relevant requirements of the new statute for practicing accountants, attorneys and information-security experts.

The Basic Statutory Obligations: The FIPA requires all Florida businesses and governmental agencies or “covered entities,”2 to take “reasonable measures” to protect and secure electronic data containing customers’ PI. The new law further specifies written notice must be sent to customers affected by the breach and the Florida Department of Legal Affairs (DLA) within 30 days of discovery. Notice to the national credit reporting agencies also is discussed. FIPA also dictates the proper disposal method for all customer PI, regardless of the form in which the data is held (paper or digital). Violations are subject to fines of $1,000 per day for the first 30 days and $50,000 per month for six months thereafter, not to exceed $500,000. Violations of the statute also are considered an “unfair and deceptive trade practice” which allows the DLA to use any other enforcement procedures available 10 MARCH/APRIL 2016

Written Notice to Individuals: FIPA mandates a Florida business provide detailed written notice, within 30 days of discovery,4 to all individuals the business “reasonably believes” lost PI as a result of the breach (Section 501.171(4), F.S.). There are two exceptions: 1) a law enforcement agency can request delayed notice to prevent the interference with, or compromise of, an ongoing investigation (Section 501.171(4), F.S.); and 2) written notice also is not required if the Florida business finds and documents it has made a “reasonable determination” the breach will not result in identity theft or any other financial harm to the individuals involved. The argument for encrypting data to protect the business brand is equally relevant here. Finally, the statute specifically details the information that must be contained in the written notice.5

Written Notice to DLA: Any breach affecting 500 individuals or more also must be reported to the DLA “as expeditiously as practicable” but, again, not later than 30 days after discovery (Section 501.171(3), F.S.). However, a 15-day extension is possible if requested during the original 30-day window. The FIPA again specifies the information that must be provided in the written notice.6 The Florida business also must provide incident reports, police reports, forensic reports, applicable insurance policies and remediation plans to the DLA if requested.

Notice to Credit Reporting Agencies: The Florida business must give written notice to all “national credit reporting agencies” without “unreasonable delay” if the breach concerned more than 1,000 individuals (Section 501.171(5), F.S.).

Duties of “Third Party Agents” or Cloud Vendors: Florida businesses increasingly are contracting with cloud vendors for electronic data storage. FIPA addresses this common business practice with its “Third Party Agent” rules with a markedly tighter time limit.7 The cloud vendor must notify its client (the contracting Florida business) and provide all information it needs to comply with the Act within 10 days of the discovery of a breach (Section 501.171(6), F.S.). Although a Florida business can contract its statutory obligations under the statute to the cloud vendor, any compliance failures by the vendor are deemed a violation by the Florida business.

Disposal of Customers Records: A new provision of FIPA mandates how a Florida business must dispose of a customer’s PI, regardless of its physical or digital form. The statute provides Florida businesses must take “reasonable measures” to dispose of customer information through “shredding, erasing or otherwise modifying the personal information in the records to make it unreadable or undecipherable by any means” (Section 501.171(8), F.S.).

In effect, Florida businesses now have an affirmative legal duty to thoroughly destroy customer PI during disposal regardless of the form in which the business retains the information (paper or electronic).

Enforcement: FIPA violations assess statutory fines of $1,000 per day for the first 30 days and $50,000 per month for six months thereafter to a maximum of $500,000 (Section 501.171(9), F.S.). Following federal law, violations of the statute also are considered an “unfair and deceptive trade practice” under Florida law, which greatly expands the DLA’s power to enforce the FIPA with any other enforcement procedures available under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (Section 501.201, F.S., et seq.). This essentially grants administrative subpoena power to the DLA and allows it to issue cease and desist orders; seek declaratory judgments and injunctions; and appoint a Special Master to seize and sequester business assets (Section 501.206, F.S., et seq.). ➡

Private Cause of Action: An inconsistency exists in the statute. On one hand, FIPA specifically states the statute does not establish a private cause of action for aggrieved individuals.8 Section 501.171(10), F.S.). However, the Act also declares such violations an “unfair and deceptive trade practice” under Florida law as previously mentioned. The inconsistency lies in the conflict that the “Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act” specifically establishes a private cause of action for aggrieved individuals to recover damages, costs and attorney fees for violations (Section 501.211, F.S.).

Kerry Myers is a clinical professor of forensic accounting and law. He also is assigned to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. He earned his juris doctorate, with distinction, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law and a bachelor of science in business administration-accounting, summa cum laude, from Central Missouri University. He is a licensed attorney in Missouri where he practiced law and was a federal prosecutor for many years. He recently retired from the FBI, where he served as the supervisory special agent of the Technical Operations Squad.

Everyone conducting business in Florida must be aware of their legal obligations to protect and secure customer PI and thoroughly destroy those records upon disposal.

By its Safe Harbor provision, FIPA encourages all businesses to encrypt stored data because a cyber breach and resulting loss of properly encrypted customer PI does not have to be reported. This provision protects customer PI, enhances identity-theft prevention and protects the business brand and reputation of cyber victims. In addition, FIPA arguably makes encryption of customer PI the statutory standard of care. Encryption of stored data has become relatively inexpensive and it is difficult to present convincing arguments why a business should not encrypt its stored data. FCT

Christine Andrews is a clinical professor in the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, teaching courses in financial, managerial and cost accounting. She has more than 25 years of experience teaching accounting, in addition to a previous career as a CPA. She holds a doctorate of business administration from Cleveland State University, and an MBA and bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo. Andrews has been published more than 20 times, in publications including the Journal of Accountancy and the CPA Journal. Her research interests include fraud hotline effectiveness, accounting for environmental liabilities and other financial accounting issues.

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Endnotes 1

Ponemon Institute 2014 Cost of Data Breach: Global Analysis. Retrieved from: http://www.ponemon.org/blog/ ponemon-institute-releases-2014-cost-of-data-breachglobal-analysis The statute broadly defines “Covered entities” as any commercial or governmental entity in any form that acquires, maintains, stores or uses customer personal information. Section 501.171(1)(b), F.S. This broad definition includes any business operating in Florida and is a significant change because the prior Florida cyber breach notification (which was repealed) exempted governmental entities.

2

The statute defines “Personal information” to include all the normal targets of identity theft including name, SSAN, any identifying number (DL, passport, etc.), any financial account and companion security information, medical and health information and any e mail address and companion security information. Section 501.171(1) (g)(1),F.S. 3

This is another major change from the prior Florida statute allowing 45 day notice which was repealed.

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FLORIDA CPA TODAY

The Act mandates that the written disclosure include, at a minimum: 1) the date or estimated date range of the breach; 2) a description of the customer PI lost; and 3) identity and contact information for a person the customer may contact to obtain specifics of the exact PI lost for that customer.

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The Florida business must provide: 1) an event summary; 2) the number of Florida individuals affected; 3) services offered by the business to customers to mitigate damages (credit monitoring, etc.); 4) a copy of the written notice sent to customers concerning the breach; and 4) the identity and contact information of a specific person for additional information or requests.

6

A “Third Party Agent” is defined as any entity contracted to maintain, store or process PI for a “covered entity.”

Section 501.171(6), F.S. This definition would arguably include accounting firms processing a client’s payroll.

7

However, a creative attorney would most certainly argue that violations of FIPA would be negligence per se. See Acosta v. Byrum, 638 S.E.2d 246 (NC App2006) and I.S. v. Washington University, 2011 WL 2433585 (E.D. Mo. 2011).

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COVER

story

Milestones Sherrill Norman Serves as Auditor General

I

n July 2015, FICPA member Sherrill Norman, CPA was sworn in as Florida auditor general. She is the state’s sixth auditor general and the first female to serve in the position. Norman has been employed by the Auditor General’s Office for 26 years and served as deputy auditor general for three years.

“Auditor General Sherrill Norman has embraced her role, which spans a wide range of duties and carries tremendous responsibility in overseeing the process of government accountability,” said FICPA President/CEO Deborah Curry, CPA, CGMA. “Her career as a CPA speaks to the importance of many CPAs who serve our state. The FICPA is proud of her accomplishments and we look forward to working with her office to promote sound financial audit practices in Florida.”

In Florida, the auditor general is a constitutional officer appointed by the Legislative Auditing Committee and confirmed by both houses of the Legislature. As the state’s independent auditor, Norman’s mission is to “provide unbiased, timely, and relevant information which can be used by the Legislature, Florida’s citizens, public entity management and other stakeholders to promote government accountability, and stewardship and improve government operations.”1 “When I read Ms. Norman’s qualifications, and her responses on administering the office, I knew she would be a phenomenal leader as auditor general,” said Sen.

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Audrey Gibson, D- Jacksonville.

“We are indeed fortunate to have Sherrill Norman as our auditor general,” said Rep. Dan Raulerson, R-Plant City. “Her experience and proven integrity will make her a leader in ensuring the auditing process maintains its vital role of independent reporting on government performance. I look forward to working with Sherrill on this important initiative.”

The auditor general’s duties include: •• Conducting financial audits of the accounts and records of state agencies; state universities; state colleges; district school boards; and, as directed by the Legislative Auditing Committee, of local governments.

•• Conducting operational and performance audits of public records and information technology systems and performing related duties as prescribed by law or concurrent resolution of the Legislature.

•• Adopting rules for financial audits performed by independent CPAs of local governmental entities, charter schools, district school boards and Florida Single Audit Act nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

•• Reviewing all audit reports of local governmental entities, charter schools, charter technical career centers and district school boards submitted pursuant to Section 218.39, Florida Statutes. ➡

Photo by TREW Media Inc.

From FICPA staff reports

COVER

story

We spoke with Norman recently about the journey to her new position, and how she approaches work, life and all that lies in the balance.

Q: How did you make your way to the Office of the Auditor General? What lessons have you learned working in government, and how have they impacted your life?

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: Although I grew up in Florida’s capital city, I wasn’t aware of the Office of the Auditor General until a representative from the office spoke at an Accounting Society meeting my senior year at Florida State. Around that same time I became engaged, and since my husband and I decided to stay in Tallahassee, I was excited to pursue the many opportunities the office offered.

A: I was born in Fort Lauderdale and my family moved to Tallahassee when I was eight years old. I’ve lived here ever since.

Q: How did you like to spend your free time growing up, and how do you spend it now?

A: I’ve always enjoyed music and am an avid reader.

Growing up, my sister and I spent many of our summer vacations visiting my grandparents in North Carolina. We had great fun hiking mountain trails and playing in the creeks and waterfalls near my grandparents’ home. I still enjoy hiking, as well as traveling and spending time with my family. I also love to watch college football.

Q: Where and when did you earn your accounting degree, and why did you decide to pursue accounting as a career?

A: I received my accounting degree from Florida State University in 1989. After high school, I worked in my family’s business in various bookkeeping roles. When my family decided to sell the business in 1987, the new owner’s accounting firm sent auditors to review our books. I interacted daily with the auditors while they were at our offices, and that sparked my interest in auditing as a profession. I had received my associate of arts degree from Florida State, so I re-enrolled later that year to pursue my accounting degree.

In the 26 years I’ve worked for the office and audited various governmental entities, I’ve learned quality of leadership affects the operation of government at all levels. When leaders hold steadfast to their ethical principles while embracing the changing environment and equipping others to meet the challenges created by change, positive progress can be made. These lessons have taught me to guard my own ethical principles, in my professional and my personal lives, and to view changes as opportunities.

Q: How does it feel to be the first woman to serve as Florida’s auditor general?

A: I feel very honored to have been selected as the first woman to serve as Florida’s auditor general. However, I believe my selection is a reflection of the Legislature’s high regard for all the highly dedicated professionals in our office. We have an exceptional group of people who work hard to uphold the office’s impeccable reputation and to ensure its continuing success.

“As a state auditor, what I find most rewarding is knowing our office helps promote accountability and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and that our work is used to find ways to improve government operations.”

Rep. Dan Raulerson, R-Plant City (left) and FICPA Director of Governmental Affairs Justin Thames congratulate Auditor General Sherrill Norman on being sworn into office.

Q: How many people are you responsible for as Auditor General?

A: We currently have 324 audit professionals and support staff. We have people assigned to our office headquarters in Tallahassee and to 13 other locations throughout the state.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

A: As a state auditor, what I find most rewarding is knowing our office helps promote accountability and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and that our work is used to find ways to improve government operations.

As a manager, I find it rewarding to encourage and then observe the skills development of our young professionals.

It’s always exciting to watch people excel and reach new levels of responsibility.

A: Take time to explore your options and don’t be afraid to try different things. With an accounting degree and your CPA certification, you have many career opportunities available to you. Discover what you enjoy doing and do it well. Success will follow.

Q: What are your thoughts about the importance of, or your approach to, work-life balance?

A: I believe a healthy work-life balance is necessary to achieve success and satisfaction in life. To establish a healthy work-life balance, you have to learn to set daily priorities and make the right choices based on your values and what’s most important to you. Like most CPA firms, we have busy seasons during which it’s difficult to juggle the demands of our profession with our personal time and commitments. I don’t mind working long hours when we have project deadlines or particularly challenging tasks to complete. However, I make a conscious choice not to let my work detract from my personal life. For example, when my children were younger, I always made it a point to attend school activities and sporting events they were involved in, even if that meant returning to work afterward.

Thoughtful planning and decision making has helped me keep my personal and work lives well balanced.

Q: Have you had role models in your life, and what have you learned from them?

A: My parents have been my greatest role models. Although neither were college educated, their intelligence, integrity and strong work ethic made them successful. My mother lived her faith and modeled grace and compassion. She demonstrated daily how to be a loving and supporting wife and mother while excelling at her job. I consider it a great compliment when people tell me I remind them of her. FCT

Endnote 1

Photo by TREW Media Inc.

Q: What advice would you give 20-year-old Sherrill Norman, or other up-and-coming CPAs?

Off the Clock How many people are in your family?

My husband, Chris, and I have two wonderful children, Jacob (24) and Katie (21). Jacob is married to our lovely daughter-in-law, Lauren.

What was your first car?

A bright red 1979 Chevrolet Monza.

What was your first dog and what was its name?

A Manchester Chihuahua named Toby.

What’s your favorite sports team?

The Florida State Seminoles!

Who’s your favorite Floridian?

I don’t have just one favorite Floridian but, being a loyal Seminole fan, Coach Bobby Bowden is high on my list.

www.myflorida.com/audgen FLORIDA CPA TODAY

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17

Tax Sinkhole: IRS Changes Closing Letter Procedure

By Liz Opalka, CPA

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he effect of Florida’s estate tax disappeared in 2005, but the federal estate tax is still with us, and so are Florida probate courts’ expectation that the federal estate closing letter be filed in order to close a taxable estate. Problem: The IRS doesn’t automatically issue estate tax closing letters anymore, starting with all Forms 706 filed on or after June 1, 2015.

In the past, the IRS automatically issued closing letters about five months after receipt of the return, provided no inaccuracies were found. However, in June 2015, the IRS changed protocol: Taxpayers and their representatives now are required to wait four months after filing Form 706, then call the IRS at (866) 699-4083 and provide the decedent’s name, social security number and date of death.

Recently Revised Procedure for Estate Tax Closing Letters

Telephone calls to the IRS reach a live representative only on Mondays through Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Even during these periods, callers may be put on hold until a representative is available. The IRS representative will accept the closing letter request only by speaking directly to the executor (personal representative) or the taxpayer representative (such as a CPA or attorney) listed on Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.

The purpose of an estate tax closing letter is to document the IRS’ receipt and review of a federal estate tax return (Form 706). Although the closing letter does not mean the statute of limitations has expired, Florida attorneys typically advise personal representatives to wait for it before making distributions to beneficiaries because it means the IRS is unlikely to audit the Form 706.

18 MARCH/APRIL 2016

According to the IRS website’s “Frequently Asked Questions on Estate Taxes,” once an estate tax closing letter is requested by telephone, it will be issued to the executor (personal representative) at the “address of record.” That’s another procedural change, because typically the preparer of Form 706 received a copy of the closing letter at his or her office address. If the federal estate tax closing letter now is mailed only to the executor’s address on line 6b of Form 706, complications could develop if the Florida personal representative misplaces the closing letter and it’s not filed properly for probate purposes. Some attorneys and CPAs now are entering their office addresses on Form 706, line 6b, in order to receive the closing letter at the “address of record,” pursuant to the new IRS procedure.

Transcripts as Substitutes for Closing Letters?

Beginning in early December 2015, the IRS website suggested tax professionals should consider requesting account transcripts online as acceptable substitutes for closing letters. To pursue this alternative procedure, the professional must register for e-Services on irs.gov and have Form 2848, Power of Attorney, or Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, for the estate already on file with the IRS. Another way to obtain a transcript is to file Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

Although not strictly required by statute, a Florida probate court generally wants to see the IRS closing letter before it will discharge the personal representative, unless the Petition for Administration contains language that the estate is not required to file a federal estate tax return. It’s too soon to know whether all 67 Florida probate courts will agree with the IRS that a transcript is an acceptable substitute for a closing letter.

The Role of Closing Letters in Estate Tax Liens The closing letter also can be helpful for removing a tax lien on the decedent’s property. Generally unrecorded, these tax liens are a trap for Florida estates seeking to

sell a decedent’s real property sooner rather than later, as well as for buyers of such property. But there’s already a substitute for a closing letter for discharging a tax lien: Form 4422, Application for Certificate Discharging Property Subject to Estate Tax Lien.

The issue of the estate tax lien typically arises when a title insurance company is aware a property recently was the asset of a decedent’s estate and seeks proof of estate tax clearance. If the estate administration is still open, and there is no proof of discharge, the buyer typically will require the purchase price monies be held in escrow until discharge is obtained. And those escrowed funds can be just as problematic for the estate as the asset that was sold.

Residential real estate values in Florida’s retirement communities are booming again. And personal representatives of Florida estates often prefer to liquidate these properties quickly in case the market turns cold again or to avoid ongoing maintenance expenses. When a buyer is found before a closing letter is available, filing Form 4422 can help hasten a lien discharge.

Now that the IRS has abolished the automatic estate tax closing letter, Florida estate administration must adapt.

Florida professionals and their clients who are not aware of this procedural change could wait for estate closing letters that never arrive, creating costly delays and irritating beneficiaries who are waiting for their distributions. Until probate clerks in all 67 Florida counties understand federal estate tax closing letters no longer are automatic and transcripts are acceptable substitutes, it may be somewhat easier to use the new IRS telephone request procedure to obtain closing letters. FCT Liz Opalka, CPA (liz.opalka@quarles.com) is a trusts and estates paralegal for Quarles & Brady LLP in Naples.

Quarles & Brady attorneys David Slenn (david.slenn@ quarles.com), Bob Kline (robert.kline@quarles.com), and Jennifer Nackley (jennifer.nackley@quarles.com), were technical reviewers of this article.

“Florida professionals and their clients who are not aware of this procedural change could wait for estate closing letters that never arrive, creating costly delays and irritating beneficiaries who are waiting for their distributions.”

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

19

PCI Data Security Standards

An Update, and What it Means

By Kim Autrey, CPA, CITP, CGMA and Suzanne Miller, PhD, CHS-III, CRISC, CISM, CISA, PCIP, QSA

M

ost small and medium-size businesses perceive the risk of a credit card data breach as small or inconsequential. They do not understand the potential severe impact on their business and may not be aware of current card data security requirements. Verizon reported in their 2015 report on Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance1 two requirements every breached organization failed to meet in 2014:

Effective April 15, 2015, the use of SSL (all versions) and TLS 1.0 encryption protocols is forbidden to protect cardholder data. The PCI SSC has allowed merchants until June 30, 2018 to migrate off TLS 1.0

•• Requirement 6: Develop and maintain secure systems and applications •• Requirement 10: Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data

There are additional changes, some of which are:

What is the impact if your client suffers a breach relating to processing card transactions within their business?

Who is blamed? What are the consequences? Who suffers either a financial liability or a reputational “hit?”

Almost daily, data-breach incidents are reported. Most merchants don’t understand the potential financial impact of the breach until it occurs, and that is too late.

Since our article in the September/October 2011 issue of Florida CPA Today, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC),2 the authoritative body, has evolved a risk-based approach to standards. Small merchants now are classified into eight categories, or Self-assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Types, in an effort to reduce their compliance requirements while not relieving them of the necessity to maintain proper internal controls. Merchants, to assure proper compliance, must know how they are classified to determine the applicable requirement(s). The SAQ categories are detailed on www.pcisecuritystandards.org.

Major changes in PCI DSS Version 3.1 On April 15, 2015, the PCI SSC announced an unscheduled version release to the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

20 MARCH/APRIL 2016

These changes responded to several vulnerability disclosures that can allow a “man-in-the-middle” attacker to decrypt messages on SSL 3.0. The PCI SSC classified SSL and TLS 1.0 as “vulnerable protocols.”

•• SSL and early TLS no longer are considered strong cryptography and cannot be used as a security control after June 30, 2016. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCISCC) is extending the migration completion date to June 30, 2018 for transmitting from SSL and TLS1.0 to a secure version (currently TLS 1.1 or higher).

The dates mandated by PCISCC as of December 2015 supersede the original dates issued in PCI Data Security Standard v3.1 (DSS 3.1) and in the Migrating from SSL and Early TLS Information Supplement in April 2015.

•• Prior to June 30, 2016, all existing implementations of the vulnerable protocols must have a formal Risk Mitigation and Migration Plan in place.

•• New technology implementations must not use SSL or early TLS. Terminology changes also were made to clarify some requirements; e.g., “financial institutions” was changed to “acquirers, issuers” in the section on applicability information.

The three requirements most affected by these changes are, in part: •• 2.2.3 – Implement additional security features for any required services, protocols or daemons considered insecure.

•• 2.3 – Encrypt all non-console administrative access using strong cryptography.

•• 4.1 – Use strong cryptography and security to safeguard sensitive cardholder data during transmission over open, public networks.

Requirement to resolve these issues If your business currently uses a vulnerable protocol, you must submit a risk mitigation and migration plan as part of the PCI DSS assessment process prior to June 30, 2016.

The PCI DSS requires that, until merchants are compliant, they must have a Risk Mitigation Plan in place to reduce the chances of a breach. Also required is a plan to migrate to accepted protocols.

The PCI SSC indicated a sound risk mitigation and migration plan should include: •• How the vulnerable protocols are used and the type of payment channels in which they are used •• The data transmitted with those protocols

•• The number and types of systems using the protocols •• Risk-assessment results •• Risk reduction controls, such as configuring firewalls to restrict SSL/early TLS only to known IP addresses •• Any implementations that monitor for new vulnerabilities in SSL and TLS v1.0 •• Changes to control processes that ensure SSL and TLS v1.0 are not implemented in new environments •• Overview of the migration plan project and a description of the systems being migrated to secure protocols

What the changes mean Any POS/POI device implementations relying on SSL or early TLS must support only secure protocols. All implementations must be configured so they cannot fallback to vulnerable protocols. PCI SSC recommends any POS/POI implementation relying on vulnerable protocols be immediately upgraded to use TLS v1.1 at a minimum. ➡

Contact your POS/POI software and hardware vendors if you are unsure whether you or your clients are using an implementation relying on SSL or early TLS. Vendors should be readily able to determine whether systems are current with the new standards. They also should be able to provide the necessary steps for reconfiguring or upgrading to secure implementations. Additionally, any system using a version of Internet Explorer that is older than IE 6.0 or Windows XP is a definite indication of a vulnerable protocol. The vulnerabilities of SSL and TLS v1.0 pose a serious threat to businesses and their sensitive data. Accordingly, it is critical to upgrade to a secure protocol as early as possible.

EMV cards New credit cards have an embedded microprocessor chip that creates a dynamic authentication code for each transaction. The primary benefit of an EMV card is to prevent counterfeit “card-present” fraud. In an effort to force the use of these cards in the United States, Visa issued a mandate that as of Oct. 1, 2015, a merchant that has not been certified through its acquirer as EMV-compliant will be responsible for all card-present counterfeit fraud losses. Prior to Oct. 1, 2015 issuers were responsible for card-present losses.

Becoming EMV-compliant is not as simple as buying EMVenabled terminals. A merchant must ensure = its payment application is certified for EMV and obtain certification through its acquiring bank for each card brand. There is a backlog of certification requests caused by merchants who have waited to start the process.

The challenge It’s difficult to estimate the potential liability for a cardpresent counterfeit fraud. Merchants are trying to compare the dollar amount of liability if they don’t move to EMV for card-present counterfeit fraud, versus the cost of moving to EMV solely to eliminate fraud liability.

transactions are routed through EMV-enabled terminals.

There are some limiting conditions on this waiver and merchants must submit an application for approval. More information about the PCI SSC and PCI DSS is available on the Council’s website, pcisecuitystandards.org. For information about EMV, visit www.EMVCo.com. The company manages the specifications and related testing processes for EMV card and terminal evaluation, security evaluation and management of interoperability issues.

The bottom line All CPAs performing attest functions with clients accepting payment cards should address these requirements with their clients, including accessing the internal controls, compliance efforts and associated applicable risks with respect to the impact of a breach (if one occurs). These reviews, inquiries, representations, etc. will be very similar to those involving your client’s controls of their information technology systems; e.g. data access, systems security, data governance, etc.

Although many clients may assess the risk of a breach to be low, the costs and impact of a breach can be very significant. CPAs may be at risk if a client breach occurs and there is an inquiry as to why they didn’t address this risk. FCT Kim E. Autrey, CPA, CITP, CGMA is the practice director for finance, accounting and risk analytics within North America for Teradata Corporation. His experience providing accounting, auditing, financial, tax, technology, data governance/internal controls and the related analytics with general business consulting services, as a practitioner, CFO and CIO, spans the financial services, insurance, health care (providers and insurers), real estate and manufacturing industries.

Being EMV-compliant does not reduce the scope of PCI DSS and EMV does not encrypt the credit-card number.

Merchants must still provide protection according to PCI DSS. Additionally, EMV is not helpful for ecommerce transactions. It only works for card-present transactions.

Suzanne H. Miller, PhD, CHS-III, CRISC, CISM, CISA, PCIP, QSA is a partner at Vaco Risk Solutions and heads up the national and international practice for security operations and compliance in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Dr. Miller’s extensive experience in information security, governance and risk management has made her a leader in helping organizations meet their obligations associated with privacy and security risks and regulations.

An incentive

Endnotes

The card brands have announced they will waive the requirement of an annual obligation to revalidate PCI DSS compliance using a QSA if 75 percent of

1

http://www.verizonenterprise.com/placeholder/ resources/reports/rp_pci-report-2015_en_xg.pdf 2 https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/

Most merchants don’t understand the potential financial impact of the breach until it occurs, and that is too late.

web DIGEST

PCI Compliance

An End User’s Perspective

By Alan West, CPA

L

ike other public universities in Florida, the University of Florida has been active in 2016 in implementing new processes and procedures to meet the new Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS) Version 3.1 that went into effect in April 2015.

As a major public institution, we have many activities occurring on our campus with the various components of the university. Our campus is decentralized, resulting in various payment card processing activities occurring simultaneously across all units. For example, we frequently will have visitors buying tickets to a museum while others are purchasing items from a bookstore or making an online donation. Ultimately, we have to ensure the University is, at a minimum, meeting PCI Data Security Standards.

To help UF on the PCI compliance journey, we took these actions: •• Established a PCI oversight department •• Established an internal cross-functional PCI Committee •• Partnered with a new Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) •• Conducted an on-campus assessment with the new QSA •• Required department Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), visits and reviews Operating in a decentralized environment has been challenging, but taking these steps has helped us meet PCI compliance. Establishing an internal cross-functional PCI Committee was an important first step. This helped increase awareness about being PCI compliant throughout campus. The PCI Committee also is a great platform for bringing together different campus perspectives to discuss the various activities and transactions occurring on campus daily. The varying perspectives have led to good discussions and useful resolutions.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Departments send their completed, appropriate SAQs to our PCI oversight department for review. The SAQs are useful in helping departments understand the implementations needed to comply with PCI standards.

The PCI oversight department reviews each merchant location SAQ and provides feedback to help ensure compliance. The PCI oversight department compiles the results of all submitted SAQs and, in the end, certifies compliance for the University.

Effective Jan. 1, 2015, the University partnered with a new Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to assist with our PCI compliance efforts. The relationship with the new QSA required an on-campus assessment. Our internal PCI Committee and PCI oversight department decided this would be an excellent opportunity to have an independent assessment of the various components on campus. An additional benefit of an independent onsite assessment is that merchants tend to certify compliance based on their understanding of the standards, which may not coincide with the QSA’s interpretation.

Our on-campus assessment occurred in February 2015 and was extremely beneficial for all involved. Before the independent QSA arrival, our staff notified participating departments and made arrangements to ensure we maximized the QSA’s time while on campus. The independent QSA visited with us for about a week. FCT Alan West is a member of the FICPA Executive Committee and has been with the University of Florida since 2006.

Currently, he is an assistant vice president and university controller. He previously was the controller for the UF Foundation. West worked in public accounting with James Moore and Company in Gainesville and has over seven years of public accounting experience throughout Florida.

To read this article in its entirety, visit the FICPA’s website at www.ficpa.org/FCT/Technical. www.ficpa.org

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smi

With up to 40 hours of CPE, national speakers, fun for everyone and an exciting new location, we think you will.

The 2016 Mega CPE Conference will be held in Orlando this June at the award-winning Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center – less than 10 minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World® Resort. Here are five reasons you’ll be smiling.

1. Because You Can Earn 40 CPE Hours for Less Earn up to 32 live CPE credits from elite instructors and up to eight hours of bonus online CPE with your registration. Choose the “Mega Buy” and get CPE as low as $17.48 per credit – the best value for all 40 hours.

You won’t want to miss the keynote presentations from Tom Hood, Executive Director/CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and The Business Learning Institute, and Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation.

Tom Hood

Tony Carvajal

Tom will prepare you to be among the Future-Ready CPAs, leaving you with valuable takeaways about industry trends and your opportunities, and Tony will share the critical factors that determine Florida’s future and how developments will affect the state’s CPAs.

2. Because You’ll Be at the Center of Fun The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is a destination on its own. Just outside your room, you’ll find the breathtaking South Beach Pool, Cypress Springs Water Park, the Four-Star Relâche Spa, five full-service restaurants and plenty of shopping.

Hop to Walt Disney World® Resort in minutes with the Gaylord’s complimentary shuttle. Take your family to the famous Magic Kingdom® Theme Park; explore world culture at Epcot® Theme Park; enjoy shopping and nightlife in the Downtown Disney® area; and so much more. Start planning your adventure at disneyworld. disney.go.com.

New this year: Family and Fun Casino Night. Take part in this fun evening for the whole family and try your luck at poker, blackjack, roulette, Texas hold ‘em, craps and slot machines. *

*Family and Fun Casino Night is a registration option that requires an additional fee.

24 MARCH/APRIL 2016

mile

Download the Official App + Have a Chance to Win Prizes Onsite

ficpa.org/MegaApp

3. Because Your Next Connections are Here Networking is on your to-do list, and Mega will be one of your best opportunities. With over 500 accounting professionals attending, receptions included in your registration and the bustling Vendor Expo, you’ll have many chances to connect with experienced CPAs and professionals.

4. Because You’ll Find Solutions for Your Firm Over 50 vendors will be ready to empower your business and expand your professional capabilities in the 2016 Vendor Expo. Come with questions and learn how to meet your firm’s needs in the Mega Marketplace.

We’ll see you in the Exhibit Hall! Join us: •• On Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the Vendor Reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

•• On Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5. Because You’ll Want to Smile This is not your typical CPE event. For the most fun-filled way to meet your requirements, make Mega CPE Conference your summer destination. Your family and friends will love it.

June 8-11, 2016

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center | Orlando Register and book your room now – visit www.ficpa.org/MegaCPE or call (800) 342-3197. #MegaCPE FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

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C PA s I N

the spotlight

CORRECTION: The January/February 2016 issue of Florida CPA Today incorrectly reported Daszkal Bolton Accountants & Advisors had acquired Barnes & Associates, a Fort Lauderdale accounting firm. The announcement should have read:

BRUNO

Boca Raton: Daszkal Bolton Accountants & Advisors announces the addition of Alexander E. Petrone and Roger A. Cole as directors.

Aventura: Klein Mendez & Rothbard LLC and Molieri & Co., P.A. merged to form the CPA firm Mendez Rothbard Molieri & Co., LLC. Birmingham, Ala.: Warren Averett, LLC is expanding its southeast presence by merging with Jinks & Moody, PA of Panama City, Fla.

GELIA

Clearwater: CBIZ & MHM announced the hiring of Shay Bruno as a tax manager, Philip Gelia as a tax intern, Israel Ibiapina as an assurance intern, Joshua Hogan as an audit associate, John Lazarz as an assurance associate, Ryan Maxwell as a tax associate and Brenden Wilkinson as an assurance intern. The firm also announced the promotion of Jessi Engelhard to assurance manager.

Hollywood: Goldstein Schechter Koch has announced the promotions of Fran Housman and David Mittenthal to tax director.

INTERIAN IBIAPINA

Boca Raton: Pete Wellman was named the Office Managing Partner for Ernst & Young’s Boca Raton office.

LAZARZ

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

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.

26 MARCH/APRIL 2016

ENGELHARD

Gainesville: James Moore, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants has added Joshua Kimmell to serve as the firm’s controller and Caleb Thompson as a staff consultant in the accounting and controllership services department.

Coral Gables: Goldstein Schechter Koch has announced the promotions of Jose Fernandez to tax supervisor, Natasha Hylton to tax director and Albert Kredi to senior tax manager.

Coral Gables: Firms Lopez Levi and Associates, P.A., CPAs and Lowenstein and Company, P.A. merged to become Lopez Levi Lowenstein, P.A. Coral Springs: J.H. Gomes Company opened a new office in Coral Springs.

Miami: Berkowitz Pollack Brant has promoted Lisa Interian to associate director.

BOUR

Miami: Marcie Bour has joined Yip Associates as a partner.

Orlando: Grennan Fender has promoted Teresa Adams to partner.

Pensacola: Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund announced the promotions of Lee Bell to president, Laura Harris to manager in the financial institutions consulting services department, Gabe Shibly to manager in the audit & assurance services department, Josh Strickland to manager in the audit & assurance department and Margaret Vining to senior in the audit & assurance department.

Sarasota: Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants, announced that Brian Leidel, Phoebe Trumpler and Heather Williams were admitted as shareholders. The firm also added Laura Krueger Bock to its audit segment.

Tallahassee: Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs added Becky Roberts as the assurance services department manager and Chandler Russell as an assurance services staff member.

Tampa: Betty Viamontes has been appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees.

O’CONNOR

TERRIGINO

Tampa: Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. promoted managers Kevin Bass, Jim O’Connor, Jon Stein and Chris Terrigino to partners.

STEIN

Winter Park: Acosta Tax & Accounting Services, P.A. will be expanding and moving into a new company headquarters at Keewin Winter Park.

BASS

BRINSON

Tallahassee: Lanigan & Associates, P.C. announced the promotions of Walker Bridges to tax senior III, Kevin Brinson to tax senior I, Blaine Click to tax manager II, Patrick Eierhart to tax manager II and David Strange to audit manager.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

27

STAFF

reports

Educational Foundation

By Jason Zaborske, FICPA Educational Foundation Development Director

The Suncoast Scramble is Back!

T

he FICPA Educational Foundation is pleased to announce plans for the 2016 Suncoast Scramble Golf Tournament.

Grab your nine iron and join your fellow CPAs and local business leaders to score a hole in one for Florida’s accounting students.

Again this year, the tournament will be held at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar. Located at the northern tip of the Tampa Bay, the club hosts two 18-hole championship golf courses that present fun, challenging rounds of golf.

There are many ways to get involved with the 2016 Tournament. Simple and exclusive sponsorship packages are available providing free CPE, VIP golf passes and the opportunity to What:

Don’t miss your chance to hoist the Florida CPA Champions Cup. Simply register your team and have at least one CPA in your foursome to qualify to win the coveted trophy.

All registered golfers can enjoy three free hours of CPE featuring top-notch speakers and cutting-edge topics. Visit www.ficpa. org/golf to register, or to find out how to get involved as a sponsor or committee member. FCT For more information contact Development Director Jason Zaborske at (850) 251-7274 or zaborskej@ficpa.org.

2016 Annual Suncoast Scramble Golf Tournament

Where:

East Lake Woodlands Country Club, Oldsmar

When:

Friday, May 6, 2016 Four hours of CPE – 8 a.m. to noon Registration/Warm Up – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Shotgun Start – 12:30 p.m.

Awards Dinner – 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost:

$200 per player (Includes greens fees, CPE, lunch, dinner, practice balls, cart, contests, giveaways)

Register: www.ficpa.org/golf

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network with more than 140 business professionals from Tampa Bay!

MARCH/APRIL 2016

New and Newly Certified Members The FICPA welcomes many new members throughout the year and congratulates those who recently have become certified.

Visit www.ficpa.org/ newmembers to meet our new members.

Visit www.ficpa.org/ newlycertified to congratulate our newly certified members.

Save the Date for Ocean Reef The FICPA Educational Foundation will host the 8th Annual Family Retreat at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo July 28 to 31. Join more than 200 CPAs and their families for a funfilled weekend of casual networking at the exclusive Ocean Reef Club. There’s no conference registration fee, you only have to book your hotel – so make your reservations today! FCT For more information visit www.ficpa.org/Retreat or contact Development Director Jason Zaborske at (850) 251-7274 or zaborskej@ficpa.org

From FICPA staff reports

Governmental Affairs

By Justin Thames, FICPA Director of Governmental Affairs

Florida Cabinet Recognizes FICPA Past President David Dennis

O

n Jan. 21, FICPA Past President David Dennis, CPA, received a proclamation from the Florida Cabinet recognizing his longstanding record of service to the CPA profession at the state and national levels. Dennis is the current chair of the Florida Board of Accountancy.

FCT

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Pictured left to right: Attorney General Pam Bondi, FICPA Director of Governmental Affairs Justin Thames, FICPA President/CEO Deborah Curry, Gov. Rick Scott, David Dennis, FICPA Consultant Jennifer Green, Florida CFO Jeff Atwater and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

www.ficpa.org

29

NEWS

briefs FICPA Members Named Among Top 100 Power Leaders

T

Photo by B.W. Todd Photography

he South Florida Business Journal recently released its list of Top 100 Power Leaders of 2016. Among the honorees were seven FICPA members.

“We congratulate these members on being named to this prestigious list,” said FICPA President/CEO Deborah Curry, CPA, CGMA. “We’re honored to have them as active participants in our organization and we thank them for their contributions to the profession and to the South Florida business community.”

Nancy Watkins, CPA

HCC Brandon Names Road for FICPA Member

H

illsborough Community College (HCC) recently named a new road after FICPA member Nancy Watkins. With the opening of Nancy Watkins Drive, HCC now has a second entrance to its Brandon campus.

•• Tony Argiz, chairman and CEO, MBAF •• David Appel, managing partner, South Florida practice, Cherry Bekaert •• Michael Balter, partner-in-charge southeastern region, Marcum LLP •• Richard Berkowitz, CEO, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants •• Blain Heckaman, CPA managing principal, Kaufman Rossin & Co. •• Peter Pruitt, managing partner, Florida/Puerto Rico practice, Deloitte LLP •• Oscar Suarez, Florida market leader, Ernst & Young LLP

Watkins is a CPA with Robert Watkins & Company, PA in Tampa.

She is an HCC graduate and the longest-serving member of the HCC Board of Trustees. She also is a graduate of the University of South Florida (USF) and serves on the USF Board of Trustees.

To view a slideshow of the complete list, visit ficpa.org/Top100.

FCT

FCT

Vogt Wins Writing Excellence Award

T

he FICPA Editorial Committee has named Travis Vogt, CPA, CISA as the winner of the 2015 Writing Excellence Award.

Vogt received the annual honor for his article, “IT Security Policies: Not Just 30 MARCH/APRIL 2016

for Big Business,” which was published in the November/ December 2015 issue of Florida CPA Today.

Vogt is the IS compliance manager at Landstar System Inc. in Jacksonville. He holds

a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Florida and a master’s in accounting from the University of North Florida. Before joining Landstar, Vogt worked as an auditor for KPMG. FCT Travis Vogt, CPA, CISA

The FICPA was a gold sponsor of the Cuban American CPAs Association (CACPA) 2015 Annual Installation Gala, held at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach.

Pictured left to right: CACPA Past President Beatriz Martin, CACPA President Andrew Fierman and Master of Ceremonies Ed Duarte enjoy the gala.

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

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

31

MARKET

place

Positions available Walton & Company CPAs is seeking a full-time CPA or CPA candidate with 1-5 years recent tax and accounting experience.

Work includes preparation of complex corporate and individual income tax returns, including some with FBAR and other foreign disclosure forms; CCH ProSystem fx or CCH Axcess Tax experience; knowledge of QuickBooks, Excel and Word; knowledge of Compilation and Review standards; ability to manage multiple complex diverse assignments; friendly with strong interpersonal skills. Competitive salary and benefits including PTO, group health, immediate 401(k) including employer contributions after one year. Email confidential cover letter, including salary expectations and resume, to keith@waltoncpas.com.

Experienced tax professional – Hollywood CPA firm is seeking a tax professional (seasonal/ part-time/full-time/per diem) with minimum 5 years recent public accounting experience; proficient with Microsoft Office suite, QuickBooks, and strong analytical skills. Additional experience in compilations, reviews and audits is a plus. Outstanding opportunity. Salary based on experience. Email reply@ficpa. org and reference file number L PA 03 04 2016.

Financial Reporting Accountant – Florida’s Turnpike Headquarters.

Salary range: $38,876.38$45,469.45 annually. Posted: 01/15/16. Closing: 01/31/16.

Position number: 55001004.

Applicants must complete a State of Florida application online through PeopleFirst at https:// jobs.myflorida.com/index.html.

Expanding CPA firm in Doral seeks per diem audit CPA and a tax CPA w/min 5 yrs recent public acctg exp; flexible hrs; international tax; possible affiliation opportunity – employment@aol.com.

Expanding CPA firm in Doral seeking a staff accountant with public accounting experience.

CSA, QuickBooks and tax preparation experience a must; 5+ yrs accounting & taxes; selfmotivated & independent worker.

Resumes to employment@aol. com.

Office Space Well-established South Broward CPA firm seeking to share office space in upscale class “B+” building located near all major highways. All amenities. Email inquiries to ajcpapa@aol.com or call Cary at (954) 985-1040.

Shared office space with other CPAs near downtown Sarasota available immediately. Two rooms available. Expense sharing possible. No long-term commitment required. Email inquiries to adm@mastcpa.com or call Allen at (941) 953-5036.

SW Broward CPA firm (owner and 3 staff) seeks to share office with another SW Broward CPA firm.

Will consider all options. Email reply@ficpa.org and reference file number P OS 03 04 16.

Practices wanted for purchase or merger Quality-oriented experienced CPA (taxes, accounting, CIRA Audits, write-ups) seeks to acquire practice from retirement-minded CPA in Palm Beach County. Will consider part-time work for upcoming tax season to ensure smooth transition. Email inquiries to westpalmcpa@gmail.com.

SW Broward CPA firm (owner and 3 staff) seeks to merge with another SW Broward CPA firm of similar size. Will consider all options. Email reply@ficpa.org and reference file number P PM 03 04 16.

Expanding CPA Firm in Doral ($500+) seeks to merge with another CPA firm of similar size in the Doral-Miami area. We have a brand new A+ office space w/ superior IT platform – affiliation@ aol.com.

Growing S. Florida CPA firm looking to purchase or merge with a retirement-minded CPA in Florida. Favorable purchase terms offered with continuing employment opportunities available. Please contact Jeff Taraboulos at info@ksdt-cpa.com or (305) 670-3370.

Practices for Sale Well-established NE Florida CPA firm w/solid business, estate and personal bookkeeping/tax practice seeks partner, merger

Visit www.ficpa.org/classifiedsonline for complete classified ad policies.

32 MARCH/APRIL 2016

or acquisition for retirementminded partner. Currently 2 partners and 3 professional staff.

Annual receipts of $600k + and growing. Principals will continue employment for any desired time period. Email reply@ficpa.org and reference file number L FS 03 04 16.

Practices Wanted! Cash Buyers Waiting! List your practice with Florida’s No. 1 Accounting Brokerage Firm: Professional Accounting Sales.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

No upfront fees. No long-term listing agreements. Recent references available. Selling practices in Florida for over 33 years. Available for sale: Ft. Myers $350,000... St Augustine $250,000… Gainesville $750,000 & $150,000… Boynton Beach $105,000... Ormond Beach $125,000…North Palm Beach $650,000+… West Palm $225,000+… Westside of Orlando $145,000… Lakeland area $200,000+…. Ocala area $650,000… Ft. Lauderdale $1,250,000… Tampa Bay $525,000; Sarasota area $120,000+… many others!

Contact Erwin Rosenblatt: (561) 666-6737 or Leon Faris, CPA

(800)729-9031 with Professional Accounting Sales, or visit our website at www.cpasales.com.

Fintz CPA, PA, a growing Plantation-based CPA firm, is looking to acquire retirementminded CPAs in the Tri-County South Florida area (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach). We offer customizable succession-planning solutions. Please email Betsy, betsy@fintzcpa.com, or call us at (954) 440-0320.

www.ficpa.org

33

34 MARCH/APRIL 2016

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Good to Know.......................................................... 36 Seminars.................................................................. 37 Ft. Lauderdale....................................................... 37 Orlando.................................................................. 37

Tallahassee............................................................ 38 Tampa.................................................................... 38 Save These Event Dates......................................... 39 LearnLinx.................................................................. 40

GOOD TO KNOW The Florida Institute of CPAs understands how important continuing professional education is toward your success as a Certified Public Accountant. To help you meet your professional development needs, the FICPA has brought together an outstanding collection of CPE programming designed to sharpen your skills, keep you informed of the latest developments and enhance your career. With hundreds of programs, the FICPA can help meet any CPE need: accounting & auditing updates, ethics, specialized topic conferences, governmental courses, the latest on taxation and much more! The FICPA is your one-stop shop for high-quality CPE courses in any format.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration Prices Take advantage of Early Bird Prices by registering more than 30 days before the course date and receive $55 off the regular registration fee.

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

36 MARCH 1-APRIL 30, 2016

Four ways to register for FICPA CPE programs: • LOGON to www.ficpa.org/cpe.

• FAX a completed registration form with your credit card information to the FICPA at (850) 681-2433.

• CALL the FICPA Member Service Center at (800) 342-3197 or (850) 224-2727 to place a credit card order.

• MAIL a completed registration form with your credit card information or check made payable to the Florida Institute of CPAs to: Continuing Professional Education, FICPA, P.O. Box 5437, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5437.

CPE Polices You May Need To Know CPE policies can be found on our website at www.ficpa. org/policies.

Event Times Check-in begins 30 minutes before the program starts.

Schedules for conferences and seminars may differ.

Of Course!

IN-PERSON EVENTS Ft. Lauderdale Ethics Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs in Industry Date: Mar. 23, 2016 Time: 8:30 a.m.

(Registration at 8 a.m.)

CPE Credit: 4 CPE Hours Course Code: ETHICM Location: Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $99 FICPA • $164 Nonmember Regular Price: $154 FICPA • $219 Nonmember This new ethics seminar is designed for CPAs practicing in business and industry. Join us to address ethical practices in business, including fraud, corporate accounting, the ethical climate in today’s workplace and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct for Members in Business.

Conferences CPAs in Industry Conference 2016 Date: March 24 - 25, 2016 Time: 7:15 a.m.

(Registration at 7:15 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 17.5 CPE Hours Course Code: ICM Location: Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $445 FICPA • $695 Nonmember Regular Price: $500 FICPA • $750 Nonmember Start off 2016 with two full days of sessions designed specifically for CPAs in Industry. Learn how to cultivate and motivate your financial talent.

Explore current wage and hourly hot topics. Discuss issues in forensic accounting, selling your business and A&A for industry. This, and much more, at the only FICPA conference tailored to address your unique issues.

Not-for-Profit Organizations Accounting Conference Date: May 26 - 27, 2016 Time: 7:30 a.m.

(Registration at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 16 CPE Hours Course Code: NPC2 Location: Signature Grand Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $445 FICPA* • $695 Nonmember Regular Price: $500 FICPA* • $750 Nonmember *PILS section members of the Florida Bar may attend at member rates. = Blended Learning Workshop

•

When your profession changes, it’s our business. Are you prepared to face the changes coming to not-forprofit reporting, peer review and employment law?

Up to date on the implications of the Affordable Care Act for your organization or clients?

The 2016 Not-for-Profit Organizations Accounting Conference covers everything you need to know about these changes and much more. Join us in Ft. Lauderdale or Tampa to earn up to 16 hours of CPE. For your convenience, this conference will also be available online via Simulcast.

Orlando Conferences Health Care Industry Conference Date: April 28 - 29, 2016 Time: 7:30 a.m.

(Registration at 8 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 18 CPE Hours Course Code: HCC Location: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $550 FICPA • $800 Nonmember Regular Price: $605 FICPA • $855 Nonmember You need instructors who understand the relationship between the complex, changing business of health care and the regulations that you are trusted to navigate. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the FICPA’s Health Care Industry Conference, coming to Lake Buena Vista in April.

This specialized conference covers population health, the retail-like transformation of health care business models, effects of the new revenue recognition standards and much more.

Mega CPE Conference Date: June 8 - 11, 2016 Time: 7:00 a.m.

(Registration at 6:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 32 Live CPE Plus 8 Bonus Hours Course Code: MEGA Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: Fees Vary Regular Price: Fees Vary With up to 32 live plus 8 bonus hours of CPE, national speakers, fun for everyone and an exciting new location, the 2016 FICPA Mega CPE Conference will give you plenty of reasons to smile. Join more than 500 accounting professionals at the awardwinning Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.

You’ll be less than 10 minutes from the main gates of Walt Disney World® Resort.

= Live Conference Simulcast

•

= Seminar Days

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

•

Customize your schedule from 70 breakout sessions plus leadership events, the Employee Benefits Flextrak, the State Tax Flextrak and Women’s Leadership Summit. Choose the “Mega Buy” to earn all 32 hours of CPE credit plus 8 bonus hours – that’s just $17.48 per hour!*

State and Local Government Accounting Conference Date: August 18 - 19, 2016 Time: 7:15 a.m.

(Registration at 7:15 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 16 CPE Hours Course Code: SLGAC Location: Rosen Plaza Hotel Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $450 FICPA • $700 Nonmember Regular Price: $505 FICPA • $755 Nonmember Attend our annual conference designed for CPAs working in state and local government. The sixteenhour agenda will cover compliance with the latest standards, the risk landscape and much more. Don’t pass up this opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, learn from the experts and get ahead of the coming changes.

Tallahassee Conferences Florida State University Accounting Conference Date: May 5 - 6, 2016 Time: 8:15 a.m.

(Registration at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 17 CPE Hours Course Code: FSUAC Location: FSU Center for Professional Development - Turnbull Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $435 FICPA • $685 Nonmember Regular Price: $490 FICPA • $740 Nonmember Join us for THE most notable conference in North Florida: the Florida State University Accounting Conference held on May 5-6, 2016 in Tallahassee.

You’ll have the opportunity to earn 17 CPE credits and hear from a host of dynamic instructors.

Build your expertise with informative sessions on a wide range of topics, including Economic Data and Developments; Best Practices for Internal Controls; Social Security Strategies; the Challenges of Investigation Bias; and Social Media Marketing Benefits for CPAs. Experience the comradery of networking with fellow FSU alum and local professionals. For your convenience, this conference will also be available online via Simulcast. = Take Two!

•

= Value-Priced Seminars www.ficpa.org

37

Conferences

Tampa

CPAs in Industry Conference 2016

Ethics Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs in Industry Date: Mar. 23, 2016 Time: 8:30 a.m.

(Registration at 8:00 a.m.)

CPE Credit: 4 CPE Hours Course Code: ETHIC Location: Tampa Airport Marriott Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $99 FICPA • $164 Nonmember Regular Price: $154 FICPA • $219 Nonmember This new ethics seminar is designed for CPAs practicing in business and industry. Join us to address ethical practices in business, including fraud, corporate accounting, the ethical climate in today’s workplace and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct for Members in Business.

= Blended Learning Workshop 38 MARCH 1-APRIL 30, 2016

Not-for-Profit Organizations Accounting Conference

•

Date: March 24 - 25, 2016 Time: 7:15 a.m.

(Registration at 7:15 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 17.5 CPE Hours Course Code: IC Location: Tampa Airport Marriott Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $445 FICPA • $695 Nonmember Regular Price: $500 FICPA • $750 Nonmember Start off 2016 with two full days of sessions designed specifically for CPAs in Industry. Learn how to cultivate and motivate your financial talent. Explore current wage and hourly hot topics. Discuss issues in forensic accounting, selling your business and A&A for industry.

This, and much more, at the only FICPA conference tailored to address your unique issues.

= Live Conference Simulcast

•

= Seminar Days

•

Date: May 26 - 27, 2016 Time: 7:30 a.m.

(Registration at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 16 CPE Hours Course Code: NPC Location: Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Early Bird Price: $445 FICPA* • $695 Nonmember Regular Price: $500 FICPA* • $750 Nonmember *PILS section members of the Florida Bar may attend at member rates.

When your profession changes, it’s our business. Are you prepared to face the changes coming to not-forprofit reporting, peer review and employment law? Up to date on the implications of the Affordable Care Act for your organization or clients?

The 2016 Not-for-Profit Organizations Accounting Conference covers everything you need to know about these changes and much more. Join us in Ft. Lauderdale or Tampa to earn up to 16 hours of CPE. For your convenience, this conference will also be available online via Simulcast.

= Take Two!

•

= Value-Priced Seminars

Of Course!

S AVE THE SE EVEN T DAT E S From full-fledged conferences to flexible Seminar Days, we offer the highest quality CPE to meet your needs. Mark your calendar for these events around the state!

MARCH

JUNE CPAs in Industry 2016 Ft. Lauderdale (17.5 CPE) Ft. Lauderdale March 24-25, 2016 www.ficpa.org/ICM CPAs in Industry 2016-Tampa (17.5 CPE) Tampa March 24-25, 2016 www.ficpa.org/IC

Mega CPE Conference (Up to 40 CPE) Orlando June 8-11, 2016 www.ficpa.org/MegaCPE

AUGUST Summer Vacation Cluster (Up to 20 CPE) Orlando August 4-6, 2016

APRIL State & Local Government Accounting Conference (16 CPE) Orlando August 18-19, 2016 www.ficpa.org/SLGAC

Health Care Industry Conference (18 CPE) Orlando Apr. 28-29, 2016 www.ficpa.org/HCC

MAY

SEPTEMBER Not-for-Profit Organizations Conference (16 CPE) Ft. Lauderdale May 26-27, 2016 www.ficpa.org/NPC2

Accounting & Business Show Ft. Lauderdale September 28-30, 2016 www.ficpa.org/ABS

Not-for-Profit Organizations Conference (16 CPE) Tampa May 26-27, 2016 www.ficpa.org/NPC1

Live Simulcast Attendance Can’t attend in person? We bring select FICPA

Florida State University Accounting Conference (17 CPE) Tallahassee May 5-6, 2016 www.ficpa.org/FSUAC

conferences to the convenience of your home or office! Conferences offering simulcast coverage are denoted with this symbol

. To register,

visit the conference webpage or call the FICPA Member Service Center at (800) 342-3197.

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

www.ficpa.org

39

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 hundreds of offerings, we have the topics and instructors you want, even on evenings and weekends. See the FICPA website for a complete listing of online courses. Check out these upcoming sessions!

Simulcast Conferences CPAs in Industry Conference 2016 Simulcast

Date: March 24 - 25, 2016 Time: 8 a.m.

(Opens at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 17 CPE Hours Course Code: ICWEB Location: Online Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Regular Price: $445 FICPA • $695 Nonmember Start off 2016 with two full days of sessions designed specifically for CPAs in Industry. Learn how to cultivate and motivate your financial talent. Explore current wage and hourly hot topics. Discuss issues in forensic accounting, selling your business and A&A for industry. This, and much more, at the only FICPA conference tailored to address your unique issues.

Health Care Industry Conference Simulcast

Date: April 28 - 29, 2016 Time: 8 a.m.

(Opens at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 16 CPE Hours Course Code: HCCWEB Location: Online Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Regular Price: $550 FICPA • $790 Nonmember You need instructors who understand the relationship between the complex, changing business of health care and the regulations that you are trusted to navigate. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the FICPA’s Health Care Industry Conference, coming to Lake Buena Vista in April.

Florida State University Accounting Conference Simulcast

Date: May 5 - 6, 2016 Time: 8:15 a.m.

(Opens at 7:45 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 15 CPE Hours Course Code: FSUAC Location: FSU Center for Professional Development - Turnbull Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Regular Price: $435 FICPA • $685 Nonmember Join us for THE most notable conference in North Florida: the Florida State University Accounting Conference held on May 5-6, 2016 in Tallahassee. You’ll have the opportunity to earn 15 CPE credits and hear from a host of dynamic instructors. Build your expertise with informative sessions on a wide range of topics, including Economic Data and Developments; Best Practices for Internal Controls; Social Security Strategies; the Challenges of Investigation Bias; and Social Media Marketing Benefits for CPAs.

Not-for-Profit Organizations Accounting Conference Simulcast

Date: May 26 - 27, 2016 Time: 8 a.m.

(Opens at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 16 CPE Hours Course Code: NPCWEB Location: Online Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Regular Price: $445 FICPA • $685 Nonmember *PILS section members of the Florida Bar may attend at member rates.

This specialized conference covers population health, the retail-like transformation of health care business models, effects of the new revenue recognition standards and much more.

When your profession changes, it’s our business. Are you prepared to face the changes coming to not-for-profit reporting, peer review and employment law?

Up to date on the implications of the Affordable Care Act for your organization or clients?

State and Local Government Accounting Conference Simulcast

The 2016 Not-for-Profit Organizations Accounting Conference covers everything you need to know about these changes and much more. Join us to earn up to 16 hours of CPE.

Date: August 18 - 19, 2016 Time: 8 a.m.

(Opens at 7:30 a.m.)

CPE Credit: Up to 16 CPE Hours Course Code: SLGACWEB Location: Rosen Plaza Hotel Developer: Florida Institute of CPAs Regular Price: $450 FICPA • $700 Nonmember Attend our annual conference designed for CPAs working in state and local government. The sixteen-hour agenda will cover compliance with the latest standards, the risk landscape and much more. Don’t pass up this opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, learn from the experts and get ahead of the coming changes.

40 MARCH 1-APRIL 30, 2016

Of Course!

Accounting and Auditing Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 1 8 AA SUIATK1 Mar. 4 8 AA SUCRAU3 Mar. 7 8 AA AIPDIT8 Mar. 7 2 AA SUSSAR4 Mar. 7 8 AA SUAITS1

Mar. 8 8 AA SUGAAS1 Mar. 9 8 AA SUADCR2

Mar. 10 2 AA SUFRAU1 Mar. 11 8 AA AIRRM3 Mar. 14 4 AA AIAAU5 Mar. 14 4 AA 4152789E Mar. 14 2 AA SUAAAL2

Mar. 14 4 AA 4152963E

Mar. 14 8 AA SUSOXB1 Mar. 15 4 AA AIACFS8 Mar. 15 8 AA SUAEB22 Mar. 15 4 AA AIFRFRF7 Mar. 16 8 AA SUAAUW7 Mar. 16 4 AA AICPRE8 Mar. 16 2 AA SUFRAU2 Mar. 17 4 AA AIFAUSS7 Mar. 18 8 AA SUADCR3

Mar. 18 2 AA WEBNAR20 Mar. 18 8 AA 4152513N Mar. 18 8 AA AIICCE7

Mar. 21 8 AA 4151010R Mar. 21 8 AA 4151010Q Mar. 21 8 AA AIEEPCR8

Mar. 21 8 AA SUIFRI1 Mar. 22 4 AA 4152873E Mar. 22 4 AA 4152889F Mar. 24 9 AA SUCRAU4 Mar. 24 4 AA AIFCR8 Mar. 24 4 AA AISCFPP6 Mar. 25 8 AA 4151973C Mar. 28 8 AA SUAAUW8 Mar. 29 8 AA SUIATK2 Mar. 30 4 AA AIMCFS9

Title Industry Accountant Toolkit (IATK) Compilations and Reviews: Engagement Performance and Annual Update (CRAU) Preventing and Detecting Identity Theft Successfully Navigating the Impacts of SSARS No. 21 (SSAR) Surgent’s Accounting for Income Taxes: Applying ASC 740 (SFAS No. 109 and FIN 48) (AITS) GAAS from A to Z (GAAS) Advanced Compilation and Review Engagement Issues: Striking the Right Balance Between Compliance, Client Service, and Practice Management (ADCR) Fraud? A Fresh Perspective on its Impact (FRAU) Revenue Recognition: Mastering the New FASB Requirements Accounting and Auditing Update Fraud Practical Approaches to Prevention & Detection Lease Accounting: The Impact of Changing Standards on Both Lessors and Lessees (AAAL) Preserving Independence and Otherwise Complying with the New AICPA Code of Professional Conduct Surgent’s SOX 404 Internal Controls: Best Practices (SOXB) Analyzing a Company’s Financial Statement Auditing Employee Benefit Plans (AEB2) Fraud: Recent Findings, Red Flags and Corruption Schemes Accounting and Auditing Update (AAUW) Compilation, Preparation, and Review Engagements Update Fraud? A Fresh Perspective on its Impact (FRAU) Forensic Accounting: Uncovering Schemes and Scams Advanced Compilation and Review Engagement Issues: Striking the Right Balance Between Compliance, Client Service, and Practice Management (ADCR) GAAP Changes for Industry - Why, Who, What, and When GAAP Update Internal Control and COSO Essentials for Financial Managers, Accountants and Auditors Accounting and Auditing Update Accounting and Auditing Update Engagement Essentials: Preparation, Compilation, and Review of Financial Statements IFRS and U.S. GAAP: Examining Major Differences (IFRI) Mitigating Fraud Engagement Risk for Non-audit Practitioners The New Group Audit Standard: Understanding the Essentials Compilations and Reviews: Engagement Performance and Annual Update (CRAU) Fraud and Cash Receipts: Common Frauds and Internal Controls Statement of Cash Flows: Preparation, Presentation, and Use Accounting Analysis Basics Accounting and Auditing Update (AAUW) Industry Accountant Toolkit (IATK) The Most Common Financial Statement and Asset Fraud Schemes: How to Detect and Prevent Them LearnLinx Webcasts continued on pg. 42

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

www.ficpa.org

41

LearnLinx Webcasts continued from pg. 41

Accounting and Auditing (continued) Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 31 2 AA SUSSAR5 Mar. 31 8 AA SUSOXB2 Apr. 4 2 AA SUAMLP1

Apr. 6 8 AA SUAAUW1 Apr. 7 4 AA SUREV41 Apr. 8 8 AA AIEEPCR1

Apr. 11 8 AA AIRRM4 Apr. 11 4 AA SUDRF41 Apr. 12 4 AA AIFRFRF1 Apr. 12 8 AA SUSOXB1 Apr. 13 8 AA SUCRAU1 Apr. 14 2 AA SUAERM1 Apr. 14 4 AA AIFCR1 Apr. 18 8 AA AIA401K1 Apr. 19 8 AA 4151010T Apr. 19 8 AA SUAAUW2 Apr. 19 8 AA SUIATK1 Apr. 19 8 AA AIPDIT1 Apr. 20 8 AA 4152308K Apr. 20 4 AA 4152775F Apr. 20 4 AA AISCFPP1 Apr. 21 2 AA SUAGRC1 Apr. 21 4 AA AIFAUSS1 Apr. 21 4 AA 4152867G Apr. 22 4 AA AIACFS1 Apr. 22 8 AA AIICCE1

Apr. 22 4 AA SUREV42 Apr. 25 8 AA SUADCR1

Apr. 25 4 AA AICPRE1 Apr. 26 2 AA SUSSAR1 Apr. 27 8 AA SUAAUW3 Apr. 27 4 AA AIMCFS1

Apr. 28 4 AA AIAAU1 Apr. 28 8 AA 4152513P Apr. 28 8 AA 4152513O Apr. 29 8 AA SUCRAU2 Apr. 29 4 AA SUDRF42

42 MARCH 1-APRIL 30, 2016

Title Successfully Navigating the Impacts of SSARS No. 21 (SSAR) Surgent’s SOX 404 Internal Controls: Best Practices (SOXB) Auditing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Programs and Controls: Know Your Customer “Outside - In” and the Fundamentals of Comprehensive AML Regulatory Guidance Integration (AMLP) Accounting and Auditing Update (AAUW) Understanding and Implementing the New Revenue Recognition Standard (REV4) Engagement Essentials: Preparation, Compilation, and Review of Financial Statements Revenue Recognition: Mastering the New FASB Requirements What Drives Fraud and How to Stay Out of the Fraud Ditch (DRF4) Fraud: Recent Findings, Red Flags and Corruption Schemes Surgent’s SOX 404 Internal Controls: Best Practices (SOXB) Compilations and Reviews: Engagement Performance and Annual Update (CRAU) Auditing ERM Programs and Controls: Strategies and Opportunities for Grow (AERM) Fraud and Cash Receipts: Common Frauds and Internal Controls Audits of 401(k) Plans Accounting and Auditing Update Accounting and Auditing Update (AAUW) Industry Accountant Toolkit (IATK) Preventing and Detecting Identity Theft Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting Fundamentals Small-Business Financial Statements Statement of Cash Flows: Preparation, Presentation, and Use Auditing GRC: A Strategic and Integrated Approach (AGRC) Forensic Accounting: Uncovering Schemes and Scams Practical Guide to Accounting Fraud Webcast Analyzing a Company’s Financial Statement Internal Control and COSO Essentials for Financial Managers, Accountants and Auditors Understanding and Implementing the New Revenue Recognition Standard (REV4) Advanced Compilation and Review Engagement Issues: Striking the Right Balance Between Compliance, Client Service, and Practice Management (ADCR) Compilation, Preparation, and Review Engagements Update Successfully Navigating the Impacts of SSARS No. 21 (SSAR) Accounting and Auditing Update (AAUW) The Most Common Financial Statement and Asset Fraud Schemes: How to Detect and Prevent Them Accounting and Auditing Update GAAP Update GAAP Update Compilations and Reviews: Engagement Performance and Annual Update (CRAU) What Drives Fraud and How to Stay Out of the Fraud Ditch (DRF4)

Of Course!

Government/Not-for-Profit Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 4 8 AA SUFANG2

Mar. 8 8 AA 4152326C Mar. 11 8 AA AIAUGFA6 Mar. 15 8 AA 4152888D Mar. 16 8 AA 4151646C Mar. 22 8 AA SUFANG3

Mar. 22 8 AA AINFPAR8 Mar. 25 8 AA 4151554D Mar. 25 8 AA 4151554C Apr. 11 8 AA AINFPAR1 Apr. 14 8 AA SUFANG1

Apr. 18 8 AA 4152018E Apr. 18 8 AA 4152018D Apr. 21 8 AA 4152015C Apr. 25 8 AA 4151260C Apr. 27 8 AA 4152232E Apr. 27 8 AA 4152232D Apr. 28 8 AA 4151554F Apr. 28 8 AA 4151554E Apr. 29 8 AA AIAUGFA1

Title Fraud and Abuse in Not-for-Profit Entities and Governments: Stealing from Everyone (FANG) Avoiding Problems in Conducting Single Audits Applying the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards in Your Single Audits Audits of State and Local Governments: What You Need to Know Basic Concepts of Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Auditing Fraud and Abuse in Not-for-Profit Entities and Governments: Stealing from Everyone (FANG) Not-for-Profit Accounting & Reporting: From Start to Finish Interpreting The Yellow Book Interpreting The Yellow Book Not-for-Profit Accounting & Reporting: From Start to Finish Fraud and Abuse in Not-for-Profit Entities and Governments: Stealing from Everyone (FANG) Cost Principles for State and Local Governments and Nonprofit Organization Cost Principles for State and Local Governments and Nonprofit Organization Administrative Rules for Federal Grants GASB Basic Financial Statements for State and Local Governments Frequent Frauds Found in Governments and Not-for-Profits Frequent Frauds Found in Governments and Not-for-Profits Interpreting The Yellow Book Interpreting The Yellow Book Applying the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards in Your Single Audits

Leadership Development Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 2 2 TB AIEIP3 Mar. 2 4 TB SUETHC4 Mar. 3 4 TB 4152600M

Mar. 11 4 TB SUETHC5 Mar. 24 4 TB SUETHC6 Apr. 5 4 TB SUETHC1 Apr. 7 4 TB 4152600N

Apr. 13 2 TB AIEIP1 Apr. 18 4 TB SUETHC2 Apr. 21 4 TB 4152600O

Apr. 28 4 TB SUETHC3

Title Ethics in Practice: AICPA Code and Real Life Applications Surgent’s Ethical Considerations for the CPA (ETHC) Professional Conduct and Ethics Webcast: Anticipating and Preventing an Ethical Crisis Surgent’s Ethical Considerations for the CPA (ETHC) Surgent’s Ethical Considerations for the CPA (ETHC) Surgent’s Ethical Considerations for the CPA (ETHC) Professional Conduct and Ethics Webcast: Anticipating and Preventing an Ethical Crisis Ethics in Practice: AICPA Code and Real Life Applications Surgent’s Ethical Considerations for the CPA (ETHC) Professional Conduct and Ethics Webcast: Anticipating and Preventing an Ethical Crisis Surgent’s Ethical Considerations for the CPA (ETHC) LearnLinx Webcasts continued on pg. 44

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

www.ficpa.org

43

LearnLinx Webcasts continued from pg. 43

Management/Consulting (continued) Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 1 2 TB SUTUAI1 Mar. 2 2 TB SUNEGU2 Mar. 3 2 AA SUCONT1 Mar. 3 4 AA AIPICD9

Mar. 3 2 AA SUGAAP1

Mar. 7 8 AA 4152516G Mar. 8 8 TB SUKFFE1 Mar. 9 4 TB AICUTLT8 Mar. 9 2 TB SUFRMT1 Mar. 10 4 AA AINFDBI8 Mar. 10 8 TB SUBLAW2 Mar. 11 2 TB SUCON21 Mar. 15 8 AA SUFFFE1 Mar. 17 8 AA 4151109E Mar. 17 8 AA 4151109D Mar. 18 8 AA 4152585C Mar. 18 2 TB SUMPUT1 Mar. 21 2 TB SUCON31 Mar. 21 4 TB AIRCCMC8 Mar. 22 8 AA SUBPFA1 Mar. 23 8 AA 4152293I Mar. 23 8 AA 4152293H Mar. 23 4 TB AISSM7 Mar. 24 6 AA, 11 TB ICWEB Mar. 24 8 BEH 4152904E Mar. 24 8 BEH 4152904D Mar. 28 2 TB SUHMMP1 Mar. 29 2 TB SUTUAI2 Mar. 31 4 TB AIFFPS8 Apr. 1 2 AA SUAUTO1 Apr. 1 8 TB SUBLAW1 Apr. 4 4 TB AICUTLT1 Apr. 5 8 TB SUKFFE1 Apr. 5 2 TB SUNEGU1 Apr. 6 2 TB SUFRMT1 Apr. 6 4 AA AINFDBI1 Apr. 7 2 AA SUCONT1 Apr. 7 4 AA AIPICD1

Apr. 8 2 TB SUHMMP1

44 MARCH 1-APRIL 30, 2016

Title Surgent’s Tax Update for Accountants in Industry (TUAI) Negotiating Unmasked (NEGU) Controllership Skills Update: Risk Management (CONT) Purchasing, Inventory, and Cash Disbursements: Common Frauds and Internal Controls Recently Issued U.S. GAAP -- What Small and Mid-Size Nonpublic Entity CPAs Need to Know and Do Now, Not Later (GAAP) Revenue: Present and Future Key Financial and Economic Issues Facing the Financial Executive (KFFE) Controller’s Update: Today’s Latest Trends Financial Risk Management (FRMT) New FASB Developments for Business & Industry Surgent’s Business Law Essentials for Practitioners and Controllers (BLAW) Controllership Skills Update: Current Survival Skills (CON2) Future Financial Issues Facing the Financial Executive (FFFE) Cash and Credit Management Cash and Credit Management Cost Reduction Strategies: Best Practices Managing and Planning in Uncertain Times (MPUT) Controllership Skills Update: Budgeting and Forecasting (CON3) Risk, Cost, and Cash Management for Controllers and Financial Managers Best Practices in Finance and Accounting (BPFA) Controls, Risks and Financial Reporting Controls, Risks and Financial Reporting Social Security and Medicare: Maximizing Retirement Benefits CPAs in Industry 2016 Ft. Lauderdale Simulcast Multi-Task Role of the CFO/Controller Multi-Task Role of the CFO/Controller Hiring and Motivating for Maximum Employee Productivity (HMMP) Surgent’s Tax Update for Accountants in Industry (TUAI) Financial Forecasting: Planning for Success A Review of an Automotive Dealership Balance Sheet and Income Statement (AUTO) Surgent’s Business Law Essentials for Practitioners and Controllers (BLAW) Controller’s Update: Today’s Latest Trends Key Financial and Economic Issues Facing the Financial Executive (KFFE) Negotiating Unmasked (NEGU) Financial Risk Management (FRMT) New FASB Developments for Business & Industry Controllership Skills Update: Risk Management (CONT) Purchasing, Inventory, and Cash Disbursements: Common Frauds and Internal Controls Hiring and Motivating for Maximum Employee Productivity (HMMP)

Of Course!

Apr. 8 8 AA 4151303G Apr. 8 8 AA 4151303F Apr. 11 2 AA SUAUT21 Apr. 12 8 AA SUFFFE1 Apr. 12 2 AA SUGAUD1

Apr. 13 2 TB SUCON21 Apr. 13 4 TB AISSM1 Apr. 18 4 TB AIFFPS1 Apr. 18 2 TB SUMPUT1 Apr. 19 4 TB AIRCCMC1 Apr. 20 2 AA SUAUT31 Apr. 20 2 TB 4153001B Apr. 21 8 AA SUBPFA2 Apr. 22 2 TB SUCON31 Apr. 22 8 AA 4152811E Apr. 22 8 AA 4152811D Apr. 25 2 TB SUCLCM1 Apr. 25 8 AA 5152784B Apr. 26 2 AA SUBANK1

Apr. 26 8 AA AICCAAT1 Apr. 28 10 AA, 5 TB HCCWEB

Internal Control: Your First Defense Against Errors and Fraud Internal Control: Your First Defense Against Errors and Fraud Automotive Dealership Internal Control Activities (AUT2) Future Financial Issues Facing the Financial Executive (FFFE) Introduction to Governance Auditing: Strategic Opportunities for Assessing and Enhancing Key Entity Level Controls (GAUD) Controllership Skills Update: Current Survival Skills (CON2) Social Security and Medicare: Maximizing Retirement Benefits Financial Forecasting: Planning for Success Managing and Planning in Uncertain Times (MPUT) Risk, Cost, and Cash Management for Controllers and Financial Managers Dealership Benchmarking Review (AUT3) Student Loans Best Practices in Finance and Accounting (BPFA) Controllership Skills Update: Budgeting and Forecasting (CON3) Top 10 Tools for CFOs to be More Effective Business Partners Top 10 Tools for CFOs to be More Effective Business Partners Credit, Liquidity, and Capital Management (CLCM) Employee Benefit Plans Annual Audit Conference Bank Audit Fundamentals: A Foundational Approach with Cross-Industry Practical Application (BANK) Construction Contractors: Accounting, Auditing, and Tax Health Care Industry Conference Simulcast LearnLinx Webcasts continued on pg. 46

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

www.ficpa.org

45

LearnLinx Webcasts continued from pg. 45

Tax Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 3 4 TB AIHCRA9 Mar. 23 2 TB 4153000B Apr. 6 4 TB AIHCRA1

Title Health Care Reform Act: Critical Tax and Insurance Ramifications Graduate School: Admission, Financial Aid and Educational Tax Benefits Health Care Reform Act: Critical Tax and Insurance Ramifications

Technology Credit Date Hours Code Mar. 4 8 AA 4151408F

Mar. 4 8 AA 4151408E

Mar. 11 2 TB 4152985C Mar. 17 2 TB SUEXLU1 Mar. 17 2 TB SUEXTB1 Mar. 23 2 AA SUQBBS2

Mar. 23 2 AA SUQBIC2 Mar. 25 2 TB SUEXBI2 Mar. 25 2 TB SUEXPV2 Mar. 25 2 TB 4152986C Mar. 30 2 TB SUQBES1 Mar. 30 2 TB SUQBCR1

Apr. 4 2 TB SUEXHL1 Apr. 8 3 TB SUEXSC1 Apr. 19 2 TB SUEXBI1 Apr. 20 2 TB SUQBBK1 Apr. 20 2 TB SUQBTK1 Apr. 26 2 TB SUEXPV1 Apr. 27 2 AA SUQBBS1

Apr. 27 2 AA SUQBIC1

46 MARCH 1-APRIL 30, 2016

Title Efficient Financial Statement Preparation for Your Desktop and Online QuickBooks Clients Efficient Financial Statement Preparation for Your Desktop and Online QuickBooks Clients Excel Power User Module 5: Date and Text Functions Excel Lookups: Moving Beyond VLOOKUP Limitations (EXLU) Excel Tables and Conditional Summing (EXTB) QuickBooks: A Systematic Approach to Reconcile Balance Sheet Accounts and Create Supporting Schedules (QBBS) QuickBooks: Improving Security and Internal Controls (QBIC) Excel Budgeting Ideas (EXBI) Excel PivotTables: What You Need to Know (EXPV) Excel Power User Module 6: Time-Saving Techniques QuickBooks -- Getting the Most out of QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions (QBES) QuickBooks Customizing Reports -- Getting the Information You Need Quickly (QBCR) Excel 2013 Highlights (EXHL) Excel Shortcuts for Accountants (EXSC) Excel Budgeting Ideas (EXBI) QuickBooks: Saving Time with Bank Feeds (Online Banking Updated) (QBBK) QuickBooks: Tips & Tricks for Accountants (QBTK) Excel PivotTables: What You Need to Know (EXPV) QuickBooks: A Systematic Approach to Reconcile Balance Sheet Accounts and Create Supporting Schedules (QBBS) QuickBooks: Improving Security and Internal Controls (QBIC)

Of Course!

F L O R I D A

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

Together We Can Be Stronger in 2016 Number of CPAs Running for Re-election for State Office in 2016:

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Total Number of CPAs Running for State Office in 2016:

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www.ficpa.org/PACContribute Contributions are strictly voluntary and are not deductible for federal tax purposes. The Florida CPA/PAC is an entity completely separate from the FICPA. The Florida CPA/PAC is supported solely by the voluntary contributions of members of the FICPA and others. The Florida CPA/PAC is register as a corporation with the Florida Division of Corporations and as a Political Committee with the Florida Department of State.