Should you name a trust as IRA beneficiary?
An IRA is a popular vehicle to save for retirement, and it can also be a powerful estate planning tool. Some people designate a trust as beneficiary of their IRAs, but is that a good idea? The answer: possibly.
AUP Engagements: A Middle Ground Between Audits and Consulting Services
Your CPA offers a wide menu of services. An audit is a familiar type of attestation service that provides a formal opinion about whether the company’s financial statements conform to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Compete Carefully in a Fierce Job Market with Signing Bonuses
Is your organization looking to hire new employees? Join the club. The U.S. unemployment rate hit a historic low this past April, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics household survey. It fell to 3.6%, the lowest rate since December 1969 — that’s almost 50 years!
Are health club memberships or on-site fitness centers an ERISA benefit?
More and more employers are contributing dollars toward the cost of health club memberships for employees. Some are even building their own on-site fitness centers.
Measuring "Fair Value" for Financial Reporting Purposes
The standard for valuing certain assets and liabilities under U.S.
Targeting and converting your company's sales prospects
Identifying and winning over a steady flow of new buyers can safeguard your business against sudden sales drops or, better yet, push its profitability to new heights. Here are some ideas for better targeting and converting your company’s sales prospects.
Laying the foundation for a functional incentive plan
Employee incentive plans can be among the most meaningful benefits that an employer can offer. This is because participants receive awards tied directly to their professional accomplishments or their organization’s success.
Consider a Roth 401(k) plan — and make sure employees use it
However, despite the prevalence of employers offering Roth 401(k)s, most employees aren’t choosing to contribute to them. Perhaps it’s because they don’t understand them. If you offer a Roth 401(k) or you’re considering one, educate your employees about the accounts to boost participation.
Lean Manufacturers: Reap the Benefits of Lean Accounting
Standard cost accounting doesn’t necessarily work for lean operations. Instead, lean accounting offers a simplified reporting alternative that generates more timely, relevant financial data. But it’s not right for every situation.
Buy vs. Lease: Business Equipment Edition
Life presents us with many choices: paper or plastic, chocolate or vanilla, regular or decaf. For businesses, a common conundrum is buy or lease. You’ve probably faced this decision when considering office space or a location for your company’s production facilities.