International Accounting Firm News:

Online accounting software maker Xero has partnered with online payroll product ZenPayroll, aiming at small businesses to integrate ZenPayroll data directly with Xero.

Former Financial Accounting Standards Board chairman Robert Herz has written a new book on his experiences chairing the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the challenges he faced during the financial crisis.

A proposed Integrated Reporting Framework unveiled by the International Integrated Reporting Council this week is attracting some early support.

Sage North America today released Sage 50 Accounting 2014–U.S. Edition, which boasts enhancements to accounts receivable, streamlined accounts payable processes, and the addition of a business intelligence tool.

The promise of integrated reporting that combines financial reporting with a host of other factors, including sustainability, governance and community involvement, finally appears to be on the horizon.

Cloud-based accounts receivable platform maker TermSync has released TermSync Scorecard, an interactive dashboard designed for financial executives to take a deeper look into the accounts receivables department.

The International Integrated Reporting Council has issued a consultation draft of its International Integrated Reporting Framework, which aims to create the foundations for a new reporting model that will enable a business to provide a concise communication of how it creates value over time.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Private Company Council have released an invitation to comment on their proposed decision-making framework for determining when exceptions to accounting standards should be made for privately held companies.

SmartVault has enhanced its QuickBooks Online integration process from the initial account provisioning all the way through attaching a document to an entry.

A new study indicates that despite calls for greater auditor independence, investors prefer companies to be audited by the same firm that also provides it with tax services.

Editor-in-chief Dan Hood gives an executive summary of our April ACI.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has voted unanimously to adopt rules requiring broker-dealers, mutual funds, investment advisers, and certain other entities regulated by the agency to adopt programs to detect red flags and prevent identity theft.

New accounting class-action lawsuit filings declined sharply last year after a spike in 2011, according to a new report, but settlement amounts in such cases have grown since 2011.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has sworn in Mary Jo White as the 31st chair, bringing with her experience as a federal prosecutor and securities lawyer.

Free online accounting software maker Wave has added a receipt-scanning tool with companion mobile apps to their suite of small business offerings.

The European Union has been considering an overhaul of the audit profession that could have a far-reaching impact on the Big Four.

In the midst of busy season, Philadelphia-based tax accountants Drucker & Scaccetti are taking a moment to enjoy the lighter side of taxes -- by hosting a special exhibit of great cartoons about taxes.

Helen Brand, chief executive of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, talks about ACCA's alliance with the Institute of Management Accountants and how she views the international expansion efforts of the American Institute of CPAs.

Members of the Accounting Standards Advisory Forum held their inaugural meeting in London on Monday and Tuesday and signed a joint memorandum of understanding under which the standard-setters from around the world will provide advice to the International Accounting Standards Board.