Gas Prices Zap Accountants’ Energy

June 18, 2008

Talk about a moving target…I went by Costco last week about 10 a.m. – a gallon of gas was about $4.38. Shortly after lunch, I drove by that same station and gas had jumped up to $4.45 per gallon! The unthinkable is just around the proverbial corner: $5 a gallon. Would you believe the possibility [...]

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Who’s Leading the Charge Toward International Accounting Standards?

March 4, 2008

Earlier this month I posted a blog about the globalization of accounting and reporting standards, and how those proposed changes could adversely impact American accountants’ careers.  I have a vested interest in this subject: as an owner of an accounting staffing firm, the future of the profession has an enormous impact on my business. Since [...]

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Globalization Strikes the Accounting Profession

February 4, 2008

I hate to be an alarmist, but did anyone notice that the SEC agreed to let foreign companies file their reports under International Accounting Standards? Plus, three years from now, US companies will be able to elect to file using international instead of US GAAP.  What happened, why and what could it mean to us [...]

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The Secret to Retaining Key Employees

January 22, 2008

A friend of mine called me complaining about the rapid rate of turnover at his mid-sized accounting firm. He swore he was doing everything right: he paid great salaries and hired only the best and brightest “star” CPAs. Yet still, he was constantly having to fill positions. First off, I told him, it’s true that [...]

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Bay Area Accounting Professionals on the Move

January 15, 2008

As most of you have probably noted by now, our recent salary/job satisfaction survey yielded some interesting results. If you haven’t read it already, download a copy at www.kulaconsulting.com. Conducted last November, the survey polled accounting professionals in public accounting and in the private sector. This was our first salary survey and, I believe that [...]

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6 Steps to a Successful Job Search

January 7, 2008

Finding a job is a job in and of itself. Know that going in, and having realistic expectations removes a layer of stress and uncertainty from the process. Before going further, I suggest that you read (or re-read) my last posting about whether changing jobs is the right move for you. That post offers a [...]

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A Stragtegic Guide to Changing Jobs – Or Not.

December 31, 2007

You’re working countless hours, and not real happy with your current position. But the thought of changing jobs is so daunting that you remain mired in your current accounting slot. It doesn’t have to be this way. Yes, making a job change is a time-consuming and often-disruptive process. That’s a given. However, my clients who [...]

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What’s the Big 4 Sweet Spot?

December 10, 2007

Working for one of the Big 4 CPA firms offers money, prestige and an upwardly mobile career path. Right? Not so fast. As it turns out, unless you are one of those rare chosen few who makes partner, staying too long at one of these powerhouses can actually harm your earning power and career choices [...]

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Meet Your Career Goals by Forming a Strong Team

November 30, 2007

If you want to improve your odds of reaching your career goals, you need a knowledgeable support team. Lance Armstrong didn’t just buy a bike, ride it a lot and show up for the Tour de France. The race was the icing on the cake. It simply demonstrated the committed team supporting his efforts. Closer [...]

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Baseball Meets The IRS

October 4, 2007

I found it interesting that CPAs can no longer simply enjoy a day at the ballpark. Life has become a bit more complex with the advent of Big Money sports. Take, for example, the potential tax consequences for the rabid fan who grabbed Barry Bonds’ historic home run may face. Check out the CPA Blog [...]

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