The Latest

The third quarter AICPA Economic Outlook Survey, which polls executive officers, chief financial officers, controllers and other certified public accountants in U.S. companies, has found that one in five companies expect to hire new staff in the coming year.

A trade group representing credit unions is expressing concerns over upcoming standards from the Financial Accounting Standards Board on credit losses.

For half a century, U.S. consumers have been accustomed to swiping and signing when making credit card purchases. But soon the magnetic stripe will go the way of Pan Am airlines and Bear Stearns.

I recently began a new client relationship with a partner who told me he hadn't seen much growth in his practice over the past several years. However, unlike many of my clients who aren't sure of why their practice growth has stalled, he knew precisely what was happening. He equated the stall in growth to his inability to spend time developing client relationships.

The research and advisory firm Celent has released a new report cautioning wealth management professionals to be careful about using personal information, recent location and analytical data in their communications with clients that could strike them as “creepy.”

Highlights of some of our favorite tax-related blogs from the past week.

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP and ParenteBeard LLC have agreed to merge. The deal is expected to close on Oct. 1, 2014.

Comedian and actor Chris Tucker has reportedly settled a tax lien with the Internal Revenue Service, with his representative blaming “poor accounting and business management.”

Tungsten Corporation announced it has conditionally agreed to acquire DocuSphere, provider of accounts payable automation services.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department have released their Priority Guidance Plan for 2014 to 2015, including the treatment of employer-provided meals.