Audit & Accounting

The next meeting of the Financial Crisis Advisory Group is scheduled for March 5 as accounting leaders and regulators sort out issues related to the recession.

Ric Rosario is stepping into some big shoes at Camico Mutual Insurance Co.

Bankers could start huffing and puffing after a few minutes on the treadmill once Tim Geithner cranks up the dial a few notches.

Talking with your clients about investment strategies may not be easy given the current economic climate, but preparation and ongoing assessment of an investor's portfolio are the keys to restoring confidence.Money managers agree that mutual funds continue to be a strong investment vehicle, offering investors a number of options for accessing the market - that is, if they stick with their investment strategy.

As the 111th Congress grapples with tax legislation and other issues of concern to CPAs, more than a few House and Senate leaders are likely be feeling a deeper appreciation for the accounting profession.At least that's what political fundraisers for the profession are hoping for after contributing a record $5.5 million dollars to support congressional candidates during the 2008 election campaign.

In today's economic climate, companies and accounting firms that give opinions on their clients' financial statements are sure to face new and significant challenges.Determining fair value, new policies regarding loan covenants and going-concern considerations are chief among them. This article takes a brief look at each of these challenges.

ACCOUNTING FIRM TARGETS MADOFF INVESTORSWestport, Conn.-Walter C. King Associates is offering tax recovery and forensic accounting services to investors who fell victim to Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme.

A growing number of Baby Boomers, America's largest generation, are considering retirement in the midst of what many are calling the worst economic environment since the Great Depression. This year alone, Americans have seen the value of their 401(k) and other retirement plans decline by over $2 trillion.If Boomers are planning to use these assets to retire in the lifestyles they envision, advisors owe them some straight talk before they retire.

An economic triple threat - the collapse of equity markets, declining top-line revenue, and stingy banks - makes it a risky time to be in business or investing, and equally risky to be a CPA.All businesses are being squeezed hard. This creates pressure to cut corners or ignore the facts. Human nature being what it is, you must be extra-vigilant. CPAs are also expected by clients - and juries - to "advise and warn" clients who are teetering on the brink of losing their credit and their footing in business. If CPAs don't, a possible lawsuit could easily follow.

The Internal Revenue Service has published new tax-withholding tables as a result of the economic stimulus bill that should give most workers a bigger paycheck this spring.