AT Think

Inspired by the incoming administration, specialized accountants are listed among the most wanted new jobs, according to one career Web site.

As we usher in the New Year, it’s only natural to get rid of clutter that has kicked around too long.As we usher in the New Year, it’s only natural to get rid of clutter that has kicked around too long.

As we usher in the New Year, it's only natural to get rid of clutter that has kicked around too long. I was cleaning off my desk the other day when I found a humorous and engaging article describing what partners really want to say to their younger staff. Or in the author's own words, the column offers a "few easy tactics for building better relationships with the less cool, but more experienced people in this office."

Financial statement services, especially those involving audits, third-party creditors, and fraud, produce the largest claims in terms of total dollar amounts incurred (severity), according to a new report from insurer Camico. Tax claims are the most frequent, but audit claims are typically the most severe. When review and compilation claims are added to the mix, it becomes evident that financial statement services have had the largest magnitude in claims dollars.Tax issues involving income tax, estate tax, and entity selection (Sub-C or S) are frequently prone to claims. Tax engagements represent 56 percent of all CAMICO claims when measured by frequency. More is at camico.com.

This new term, "blended living" might come in handy when formulating work/life plans in your firm.It means blending together the different aspects of your life rather than having the silo approach, according to Carol McLachlan, a professional-development coach. The philosophy has efficiency/time optimization advantages, but also allows staffers to reap the rewards of synergy between the different aspects of their lives.

"Women have been in the profession in equal numbers to men for more than 20 years, yet women represent just 19 percent of the U.S. public accounting shareholder/partner population," reads just one statistic in "The Attraction, Retention and Advancement of Women Leaders: Strategies for Organizational Sustainability, a report released in October by the AICPAs' Women's Initiatives Executive Committee.Part- and full-time flexibility programs within many accounting firms have beefed up the number of female senior managers and female managers. The report added that turnover or stagnation of these managers is still apparent as they approach higher levels or directors and owners.

Let’s be real: women have always been trailblazers when it comes to their careers because they’ve had to be. Still, even as we usher in 2009, acknowledgement has not always been given to those deserving. The California Society of CPAs [CalCPA) reminds us of the importance of honoring those in the profession with added spark.

All work and no play make Accounting Tomorrow's staff dull ladies.

Let's be real: women have always been trailblazers when it comes to their careers because they've had to be. Still, even as we usher in 2009, acknowledgement has not always been given to those deserving. The California Society of CPAs [CalCPA) reminds us of the importance of honoring those in the profession with added spark.

I’ve heard at least half a dozen people complain about their lack of a holiday party this year.