accounting

What’s “Fair Value” in an Accounting Context?

In recent years, the accounting rules for certain balance sheet items have transitioned from historical cost to “fair value.” Examples of assets that may currently be reported at fair value…

Liabilities for Unused Time Off Mount as Pandemic Lingers

During the pandemic, many employees have postponed using their allotted paid time off until COVID-related restrictions are lifted and safety concerns subside. This situation has caused an increase in accruals…

Drive Success with Dashboard Reports

Timely, relevant financial data is critical to managing a business in today’s unprecedented conditions. Similar to the control panel in a vehicle or machine, dashboard reports provide a real-time snapshot…

Accounting for Cloud Computing Arrangements

The costs to set up cloud computing services can be significant, and many companies would prefer not to immediately expense these setup costs. Updated guidance on accounting for cloud computing…

Is it Time to Outsource Finance and Accounting?

Outsourcing may appeal to organizations that are currently struggling with mounting overhead costs during the COVID-19 crisis. By outsourcing, you convert certain fixed overhead costs associated with compensating and supporting…

5 Steps to Streamline the Month-End Close

Many companies struggle to close the books at the end of the month. The month-end close requires accounting personnel to round up data from across the organization. Under normal conditions,…

COVID-19: A Reminder of Why Cross-Training Your Accounting Staff is Key

Why is cross-training important? Imagine this scenario: A company’s controller is hospitalized for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and she’s the only person inside the company who knows how its accounting…

Still Struggling With How to Account for Contributions?

After the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB’s) 2014 release of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, many nonprofits were confused about whether grants and similar…

4 Key Traits to Look for When Hiring a CFO

Finding the right person to head up your company’s finance and accounting department can be challenging in today’s tight labor market. While it may be tempting to simply promote an…

Year-End Accounting Recap

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) hasn’t issued any major new accounting rules in 2019. But there have been some important developments to be aware of when preparing annual financial…

Valuing Profits Interests in LLCs

The use of so-called “profits interest” awards as a tool to attract and retain skilled workers has increased, as more companies are being structured as limited liability companies (LLCs), rather…

FASB Simplifies Merger Accounting for Nonprofits

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued guidance that should ease the financial reporting burden on nonprofits that enter “business combinations,” such as mergers and acquisitions. The title of…

Year-End Tax Planning: Tax Benefits Available to Small Construction Businesses

Companies that qualify as “small businesses” enjoy several tax benefits, including simplified tax reporting and the ability to defer taxes under certain circumstances. Your construction company’s eligibility for these advantages…

5 Ways to Improve Your AR

Failure to collect accounts receivable (AR) in a timely manner can lead to myriad financial problems for your company, including poor cash flow and the inability to pay its own…

Close-Up on Professional Standards for CPAs

The accounting profession is largely self-regulated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Part of its mission involves the development and enforcement of a broad range of standards…