Audit & Accounting

Harper, Van Scoik & Co. is merging with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, the fourth largest accounting firm in the Southeast, expanding the combined firms' services in the Tampa Bay area.

A recent survey by Harris Interactive conducted for Charles Schwab and Age Wave asked some 4,000 Americans ages 21 to 83 what they thought of different generations. It was broken down into Generation Y (ages 13-31), Generation X (32-43), Baby Boomers (44-62), the Silent Generation (63-83), and the Greatest Generation (ages 84 and older). Some of the findings show that Baby Boomers (35 percent) are most widely viewed as having a positive effect on society followed by Generation X (25 percent), the Silent Generation (33 percent), and the Greatest Generation (30 percent). These are considered the most widely admired generations. Actually, the Silent and Greatest Generations are viewed as the most generous while the Bay Boomers and Generation X are deemed the most productive. Interestingly, Gen X is considered the most self-indulgent followed by the Baby Boomers and Gen Y. There is no consensus as to which generation is most socially conscious although Baby Boomers and Gen X appear at the top of the list. One fascinating aspect is that the results show that Gen Y would like to rename themselves the Internet Generation. The survey shows that 53% of respondents view Gen Y as the most self-indulgent generation. They really dislike being called Generation Y or Millennials. And Gen X says that it would rename to Generation Tech. From the survey, some 41 percent view Gen X as the most innovative generation. Only the Baby Boomers seem to like the name given to them. In fact, 45 percent of the respondents view them as the most productive, and The Silent Generation would re-name themselves the Responsible Generation. They strongly dislike being called Silent or Invisible. I can affirm that because it’s my generation. I was certainly not silent or invisible, and was downright responsible. Some 33 percent of respondents view them as the most admired. I like that. The survey is entitled “Rethinking Retirement.” For more information, see http://rethinkingretirement.schwab.com/survey.

A group advocating the First Amendment right of pastors to endorse political candidates plans to stage a protest this Sunday encouraging clergymen to defy the rules governing tax-exempt organizations.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has decided to delay the implementation of a new standard on loss contingencies after receiving comments from organizations concerned that it would lead to increased litigation.

Jefferson Wells has introduced an online IFRS Readiness Calculator to help companies assess their preparedness for the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards.

The American Institute of CPAs has expanded its financial literacy campaign, Feed the Pig, with a new educational program aimed at tweens.

The Internal Revenue Service issued a revenue procedure that provides guidance on the treatment of taxpayers who accept certain types of settlements of potential legal claims relating to auction rate securities.

Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting has acquired CI Consultancy Limited, an Irish developer of operational risk control systems for financial institutions and corporations.

Forty percent of CEOs surveyed by Grant Thornton agree with the Securities and Exchange Commission's decision to allow foreign firms listed on U.S. exchanges to file financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, without reconciling them to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The New York State Society of CPAs plans to hold a conference next month on international accounting standards.