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New York -The American Institute of CPAs has introduced a new course of study leading to a Certificate of Educational Achievement in International Financial Reporting Standards, allowing accountants to demonstrate IFRS competency to employers, firms and clients.

The sweeping changes brought about last year through the Patient Protection and Care Act and national health care reform have had a significant impact on a number of health care providers, particularly in terms of financial reporting and compliance. Familiarity with these new regulations is essential to the long-term fiscal health of the organization. Many of them have already taken effect, while others will do so at a later date.

The development of talent will differentiate your firm. The firm takes cares of talent, talent takes care of the client, and the client takes care of the firm. Talent development is a core element of widely referred firms. This all begins with the training of daily processes required to complete ordinary engagements (onboarding) and everything associated with the firm's marketing and growth strategy. This includes market strategy, positioning, messaging and focusing on the profile of the ideal client.

MAY

Norwalk, Conn.

Marketing professionals are fond of telling clients to look to the logo and beyond when it comes to branding. But for many CPA firms, the economic downturn had managing partners' eyes trained on only one line - and it wasn't underlining a focus-group-tested font.

Thousands of tax credits, deductions and other incentives are hidden throughout the Tax Code. Some, such as the Blender's Credit, are obscure, while others, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the various energy credits, are well known.

The old adage of "Put it in writing" remains as valid today as ever as a hedge against firm malpractice claims.

Not so long ago, I read a story about a woman who, while cleaning her house, inadvertently shattered one of those energy-saving compact fluorescent lights with the end of a broom handle.

Nearly 40 percent of working Americans say that they will never afford retirement, according to a new survey by the American Institute of CPAs.