The Washington CPA September/October 2011

September/October 2011 Volume 54, Number 2

www.wscpa.org

washington

CPA

The Value of a Learning Management SystemLifelong Learning: The Essential Ingredient in Career SuccessIRS Eliminates the High-Low Substantiation Method—Now What?

Learning Trends

3www.wscpa.org WashingtonCPA September/October 2011

www.wscpa.org • [email protected] Tel (425) 644-4800 • Toll free in WA (800) 272-8273

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark A. Hugh Chair Mary D. Marino Vice Chair Randy L. Wells Secretary Lucy L. Liu Treasurer James R. Ladd Immediate Past Chair Richard E. Jones President & CEO

Peter E. Doubleday Sharon K. Philpott Joyce G. Etheridge Russell D. Price Waylon P. Jones Rosemary Sanchez Karissa A. Lackey Lisa J. Sunderman Susan E. Legel David E. Trujillo Peter R. E. Miller William L. Wells David J. Miniken Glenn G. Wisegarver Nerelys M. Ortiz

CHAPTER BOARD CHAIRS Waylon P. Jones Bellevue Area

Joseph W. Crowther Central Joseph M. Reid Central — North Seattle Jack W. Curnow Northwest Kathryn A. Dixon Olympia — Peninsula — Pierce County Mary H. Hawkins Sammamish Valley Connie L. Griffith Seattle H. Court Carter Snohomish County Michael K. Briggs South King County John Vogel South Sound Industry Trayson J. Harmon Southwest Lucas M. Zarecor Spokane

— Wenatchee Katrina L. Cantu Yakima

Jeanette Kebede Editor

The WashingtonCPA is published by the Washington Soci-ety of Certified Public Accountants for its members. Views and opinions appearing in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the WSCPA.

The products and services advertised in The Washington CPA have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Wash-ington Society of Certified Public Accountants, its board of directors or staff.

The WashingtonCPA (USPS 009754) is published six times annually by the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, 902 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005-3480. $12 of members’ annual dues goes toward a subscription to The WashingtonCPA.

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DeparTmenTs

CPAwa s h i n g t o n

5 Leadership Lens14 News Briefs15 Advocacy 22 Industry Voice23 Washington CPA Foundation25 Photo Album

26 Financial Literacy28 CPE Digest29 Conferences38 Registration Form39 ClassifiedAds40 Events

CONTENTS

Learning Trends

8 The Value of a Learning Management System

11 Lifelong Learning: The Essential Ingredient in

Career Success

12 Expanding Your Options for CPE

12 CPE Technology Cheat Sheet

13 CPE Survival Skills: How to Get the Most Out of Your Continuing Education Experience

15 Retired CPAs...and Advocacy

17 IRS Eliminates the High-Low Substantiation Method—Now What?

20 Sound Real Estate and Facilities Decisions for Your Business

23 A Closer Look at Washington CPA Foundation Accounting Scholarships

24 The Fastest Way to Create a Chart in Excel


LEADErSHiP LENS

a Look at the Future of Our profession By Rich Jones, CPA, President & CEO

First, a bit of history… in the late ’90s the AiCPA and the state CPA societ-

ies cooperated in bringing together CPAs from across the country to develop an unprecedented grassroots vision for the profession for the 21st century and beyond. The CPA Vision Project identified the profession’s core competencies, core values and core services. The purpose of the project was to envision the account-ing profession in the year 2011. Here is the Vision Statement that resulted from the study:

CPAs are the trusted professionals who enable people and organizations to shape their future. Combining insight with integrity, CPAs deliver value by:

• Communicatingthetotalpicturewith clarity and objectivity,

• Translatingcomplexinformationinto critical knowledge,

• Anticipatingandcreating opportunities, and

• Designingpathwaysthattransformvision into reality.

And the Core Purpose statement about CPAs was:

CPAs…making sense of a changing andcomplexworld

These statements are obviously very brief, which is generally a goal of this type of exercise. However, the amount of input and analysis that supports these conclu-sions is very significant.

Since we have now arrived at the target date of 2011, it is appropriate to review the vision created 13 years ago and again take an educated look at how we believe the CPA profession will look in, say, another 14 years. That is exactly what the AiCPA is doing in its CPA Hori-zons 2025 project, an initiative launched in March 2011 and led by Paul Stahlin, current Chair of AiCPA.

CPA Horizons 2025 builds upon the foundation of the earlier Vision Project. To date, it has engaged more than 5,000 CPAs across the nation. in-person discus-sion forums were held this Spring in eight U.S. cities (Hartford, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Chicago, Albuquerque, Denver, San Fran-cisco, and Miami), with two, three hour long sessions conducted in each city. In-person and virtual focus groups were also conducted to drilldown into themes identified from other processes. The AiCPA also reached out to many of the profession’s regulators (e.g. DOL, FDiC, GAO, SEC, NASBA, PCAOB and three State Boards of Accountancy, including our own State Board), asking the same questions that were being asked of AiCPA members.

One difference in this project and the one conducted in 1998 is the CPA Hori-zon 2025 project makes much greater use of technology. The greatest amount of input came from more than 5,000 AiCPA members who provided their comments through an online survey. in fact, more than 70,000 comments were received through this process. Sophisticated survey analysis tools were then used to identify the key findings and themes from these comments and survey responses.

At the beginning of the project, Paul Stahlin (who also served on the task force that conducted the prior vision study) created an Advisory Panel of 22 AiCPA members to help with the design of the study and to assist with the devel-opment of the final report of the study. Bob Bunting and i are privileged to serve on this advisory panel. The panel includes CPAs in industry, public accounting, con-sulting, education, government, nonprofit organizations, two prior Chairs of the AiCPA and two CEOs of state CPA societies. The demographics of the panel match quite closely the representation of each of these groups in the overall mem-bership of the AiCPA. The role of the

Advisory Panel is to:• Synthesize the data collected;• Help isolate important themes

and categories and their impor-tance to different member seg-ments; and

• Assist in the development of the final report.

The Advisory Panel met in Chicago in July to review, discuss, and drill-down on initial research findings in the following areas: education, technology, economy, globalization, CPA services, demographics, regulations and standards, and reputation.

We also reviewed and revalidated or updated the Core Values, Core Services, and Core Competencies of CPAs as iden-tified in the prior visioning project.

Here is the timeline for the conclusion of this study:

CPA Horizons 2025July-August 2011 Preliminary report

drafted and presented to AiCPA Board of Directors

September 2011 Final report drafted

October 2011 Presentation of final report to AiCPA’s Governing Council at Fall Council Meeting and recommendation for approval by the Council

i believe all CPAs will find the final report of this project to be interesting and relevant in terms of looking to the future of our profession. Watch for the final report in the Short Form e-News-letter and on the WSCPA website. For additional information about the CPA Horizons 2025 study, visit AiCPA.org.

You can contact Rich Jones at [email protected].


LEADErSHiP LENS

Taking a Tip from IcelandBy Mark Hugh, CPA, WSCPA Chair for 2011-12

While visiting iceland last summer, i was struck by the fact that every

icelander was fluent in four languages. A waiter could converse in English, talk to the next table in German, the next table in Danish, and then yell at the cook in icelandic. And this scene was repeated throughout my visit, whether i was in a retail store or striking up a conversation with someone at the next table.

With my high school foreign language long faded, I felt ignorant when compared to the language skills of every icelander. Why would everyone in a small self-suf-ficient country need to be fluent in four languages?

That’s because long ago, to prosper and grow, Icelanders realized they needed to communicate in the world’s languages. Similarly, over the next few years every accountant, whether in public practice, private industry, education, or govern-ment, will need to make the same choice about accounting languages.

An example is international Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. These are global accounting standards for listed companies. Approximately 120 nations and reporting jurisdictions permit or require iFrS. Other countries are expected to transition to IFRS soon or converge their national standards. And, those 120 nations represent a significant portion of the industrialized world.

In the US, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not yet made a deci-sion as to whether and, if so, how, to incorporate IFRS into the US reporting system. However, the decision is drifting out of their hands. As Bob Bunting noted at the WSCPA’s annual meeting, it’s not the regulators who decide, it will be the markets.

No regulator gives up their sovereignty readily, but markets don’t care about who regulates the market. Regulators cannot stop the worldwide market and its global flow of goods, capital, and people, and the resulting consequences of those changes and the impact on reporting systems.

Foreign ownership of US companies and US infrastructure continues to accel-erate. it’s currently at 22% with some estimates of greater than 50% foreign ownership of all US companies coming within 20 years. And the owners of com-panies, those users of information, already expect, and will continue to want, their information in a common accounting lan-guage they can readily understand.

Therefore, every accountant needs to be prepared to be at least bilingual in accounting languages. If not, their world will become smaller and their skills dated, making them uncompetitive in the econ-omy. New US CPAs don’t have a choice, as starting this year the CPA Exam now includes questions on iFrS.

it’s not limited to financial statements. The choice includes every element of accounting, finance, and manage-ment, including indirect taxes such as the VAT, banking relationships, and human resources.

Another example is that the American institute of Certified Public Accountants, the AiCPA, is offering a new credential, the Chartered Global Management Accoun-tant, CGMA. This designation for manage-ment accountants is co-sponsored with the London based Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, CiMA, the largest management accounting organiza-tion in the world with members in 168 countries.

Some misunderstand the purpose of this new credential, remembering the AiCPA’s terribly misguided effort a decade ago with “Cognitor.” That’s not the case here. Not only is the AiCPA offering its members in business and industry sup-port for their careers that reflect increas-ing globalization, but the CGMA is part of the AiCPA’s own preparation for being relevant in a global economy.

Currently, the CGMA is being offered to members of the AiCPA and CiMA by a new joint venture between the 360,000 member AiCPA and the 183,000 member CiMA. As part of the joint venture agree-ment, every two years the organizations will engage in merger discussions. A merger would create a powerful world-wide advocacy organization, which could offer its members global resources and have influence in every country. if there is any doubt about the AiCPA’s strategy, the name of the joint venture is the Asso-ciation of international Certified Profes-sional Accountants. The acronym? AiCPA.

In Iceland, I bought one of my sons a shirt that said “Ég hef ekki hugmynd um hvað stendur á þessum bol,” which trans-lates as “i have no idea what is written on this t-shirt.” Over the next few years, all of us will need to make choices to become bilingual in accounting to stay relevant in a global world. Or like the t-shirt, we will have no idea of how to translate information and will not be competitive in the economy.

You can contact Mark Hugh at [email protected].

8 WashingtonCPA September/October 2011 www.wscpa.org

COVER STORy

People often are competent in some parts of their jobs, but they may need help with others. Howcanfirmsdeterminewhere more education is needed?

The Value of a Learning management systemBy Mark Koziel, CPA

Are your team members prepared to handle their current assignments as

well as the future challenges you envision for them? Do you know what training and professional development they will need to work at full capacity? And are you making the most of the money your firm invests in training and education?

if people are a CPA firm’s most impor-tant asset, then the knowledge and skills that they bring to the job are the foun-dation of any firm’s success. That fact was underscored by the findings of the 2011 PCPS CPA Firm Top issues Survey. Although staffing problems have abated in an uncertain economy, in the survey all but the very smallest firms cited finding or retaining qualified staff as a concern. if hiring and keeping the best people is a top priority, firms will surely want to ensure that their team members are being given every opportunity to work at their high-est and best level. At the same time, lean budgets require that firms get the most bang for their training budget buck.

A learning management system (LMS) can help firms accomplish all of those goals. People often are competent in some parts of their jobs, but they may need help with others. How can firms determine where more education is needed? And what’s the best way to track which educational resources are already available in house? That’s where the learn-ing management system comes in.

What Do You Do? Let’s first look at the steps firms must

take before implementing an LMS, includ-ing creating meaningful job descriptions for every professional position. Every-one has a general sense of what it means to be a staff person, a manager or a part-ner, but what do these people actually do? What expectations does the firm have for them? And what specific levels of knowledge or competency are they expected to have in order to achieve

peak performance? Those are critical questions for CPA firms.

To best answer them, begin with role descriptions that describe:

• The purpose of the position; • Who the position reports to;• The job’s key success factors;• The responsibilities;• The key performance indicators;• The qualifications, skills, experi-

ence and personal attributes needed to perform the job.

As an example, the CPA Firm role Descriptions in the AiCPA Private Com-panies Practice Section (PCPS) Human Capital Center set forth up to 20 respon-sibilities for each position. For associates they include not only technical skills but also “seeking to gain knowledge of client businesses” and “building strong team relationship skills.” Expectations for managers include “building strong coach-ing skills” and “managing the assignment budget and profitability.” Critical success factors for seniors include project man-agement skills and coordinating a team, while managers are also expected to

have business acumen and deeper client relationship skills. Once it’s clear what someone in a specific position should accomplish, it’s easier to map out the kinds of training that will develop and enhance the skills they need.

Getting a PerspectiveA competency model takes those job

descriptions and puts them into con-text for the entire firm. it describes the core competencies—knowledge, skills and attributes—required for each posi-tion. The PCPS Firm Competency Model identifies five areas in which core compe-tencies are needed:

• Technical ability/business knowledge;

• Client service;• Productivity;• Business development;• People development and

teamwork.

Building off the information in the job descriptions, it’s then possible to list the competencies needed for various firm positions. For practical purposes,


COVER STORy

the PCPS model consists of one grid for each competency with columns list-ing the attributes needed for associate, senior, manager, senior manager/director and partner. This graphic presentation clarifies the pathways that firm members take as they move up and offers a per-spective on the training they may need to improve in their current job or rise to the next level.

Moving Up the Learning Ladder

Firm members can use the compe-tency model to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses using a combination of realis-tic self evaluation and input from supervi-sors and others. Enhancement to existing competencies can be achieved through in-house training, formal education, men-toring or another approach.

With a better sense of training needs, it’s time to turn to a learning ladder, a robustly detailed chart that sets forth pre-cisely the skills needed and how the firm member can get them. Exhibit 1 shows a sample section adapted from the AiCPA Learning Ladder showing the courses and resources recommended to provide a foundation in attestation subjects. This is just one small piece of the ladder. in fact, under technical knowledge, the AiCPA’s full ladder covers topics including:

• General attestation;• Employee benefit plan specialization;• Forensic accounting;• Government accounting;• Not-for-profits;• Private companies; and • Taxation.

Another section of the ladder covers people development and teamwork. Each area recommends courses for levels from associate to senior manager/director/ partner, and makes suggestions for the

General

Associate 1 Hours needed

Vendor options

Delivery formats available

Accom-plished?

Associate Training - Basic

Auditing Current Liabilities

Auditing Property and Equipment

Auditing Long-Term Debt & Equity Accounts and income Statement Accounts

Auditing Accounts receivable

Auditing Cash

Auditing inventory

FASB/APB Update and Review

Income Statement Presentation: Separate Line Item reporting requirements

Cash Flow Statement: Basic Presentation requirements

Accounting for income Taxes

Accounting for research and Development Activities and for Computer Software

Other Liabilities issues: Convertible Debt, Unrealistic interest rate and Compensated Absences

Accounting for Certain investments in Debt and Equity Securities - SFAS No. 115

income Statement Presentation: EPS, Comprehensive Income and Interim Reporting

Cash Flow Statement: Industry Issues, Illustration, Financial Statement Analysis and Application

Long-Lived Assets: impairment, interest Capitalization, and Nonmonetary Exchanges

Post-retirement and Post-Employment Benefits

Pension Plans and related Benefits

Contingencies and Other Uncertainties

Accounting for Debt

Accounting for Leases: Personal Property, real Estate and Operating Leases

Accounting for Leases: Sale-Leaseback Transactions, Subleases and Lessee/Lessor Disclosures

Segment Disclosure

Exhibit 1 Getting Started

This sample learning ladder for an associate sets out the courses needed in auditing and accounting and helps firm track what’s available.


COVER STORy

Senior 1 Hours needed

Vendor options

Delivery formats available

Accom-plished?

EmployeeBenefitPlans: Audit and Accounting Essentials—Senior 1

Employee Benefit Plans: Other Audit issues and Wrapping Up the Audit

Employee Benefit Plans: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOPs) Audit issues

Employee Benefit Plans: Accounting and reporting Standards and recent Developments

Employee Benefit Plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Employee Benefit Plans: Health and Welfare Plan

Employee Benefit Plans: 401(k) and Other Defined Contribution Plan (Except ESOPs) Audit issues

Employee Benefit Plans: Audit Planning

EmployeeBenefitPlans: Reporting and Audit Requirements

Employee Benefit Plans: The Basics

Employee Benefit Plans: Audit and Accounting risk Update and Alert

2006-2007 EBP risk Alert: Accounting and related Developments

2006-2007 EBP risk Alert: Audit Developments

2006-2007 EBP risk Alert: industry and Economic Developments

2006-2007 EBP risk Alert: regulatory and Legislative Developments

Exhibit 2 Moving to the Next Level

This is a sample section of a learning ladder for a senior who is ready to specialize.

firm library. Firms can use the AiCPA Learning Ladder as a template for their own curriculum planning.

Putting It into PracticeA learning management system is

the last step in the process. To under-stand how it works, we’ll follow Alice, a staff member at a mid-size firm. Alice has shown great talent in her work on audits, fulfilling the requirements in her job description and demonstrating the necessary core competencies. Using the learning ladder, she has taken the training she needs to reinforce her skills, but she is ready to move on to the next level. She is on the verge of becoming a senior and her supervisor thinks it’s time to begin training in a niche area. They decide on a special-ization in employee benefit plans and use the learning ladder to select the courses and resources she needs (see Exhibit 2). With that training under her belt, Alice can now further her edu-cation by working with firm experts and getting CPE as necessary. In time, she becomes a firm “expert” who can consult with others knowledgeable in the area and take part in training those who need an introduction to it.

An LMS makes it possible to track the initial and continuing education of firm members like Alice and enhance your investment in education. Firm leaders sometimes question the value of training younger people who may leave the practice within a few years, taking their knowledge with them. We recommend packaging the training people receive in ways that can benefit others. So, when Alice begins her ben-efit plan courses, her supervisor asks her to create a presentation summa-rizing what she learns. Depending on the staff member’s presentation skills, either she or the supervisor can give the presentation to other firm mem-bers. The presentation could also be added to the firm archives for future use as needed. The presentation and Alice’s knowledge would also be noted in the firm’s learning management system, expanding training resources

and allowing the firm to better leverage its investment.

Well Worth the EffortThe steps recommended in this article

can help firms track the tremendous store of experience and expertise they have in house. There are many robust learn-ing management systems on the market, some targeted to general business, and some dedicated to the CPA profession. The AiCPA now has its own LMS and has incorporated the learning ladders, job

responsibilities and competencies I refer-enced in this article.

You can view the AiCPA Learning Management Solution at www.cpa2biz.com (click on Online Learning), or go toxwww.cpa2biz.com/AST/AiCPA_ CPA2B iZ_Browse / S to re /On l i n e Subscriptions.jsp.

Mark Koziel, CPA, is Vice President – Firm Services & Global Alliances at the American Institute of CPAs. You can contact him at [email protected].

An LMS makes it possible to track the initial and continuing education of firm members and enhance your investment in education.


COVER STORy

If you’re just starting your CPA career and you’re not sure which

specialty path to take, don’t fret. Many experienced CPAs are confounded by the same question.

Based on CPA Trendlines research by Bay Street Group LLC, practitioners from all parts of the profession note that select-ing a niche is among the more befuddling issues facing newly minted accountants.

But making the right choice is not of paramount importance to success. A commitment to lifelong learning is.

“There are so many areas to branch out into. it’s much more than a choice between public and private,” Grace Ghezzi, a CPA and senior executive with a consulting firm in Syracuse, N.Y., told us in the course of our research.

Selecting the right niche is part of what a vast majority of CPAs see as a need to be committed to lifelong learning. In our ongoing study, we’re asking practitioners to name the most important ingredients to a successful CPA career. Lifelong learn-ing consistently ranks with people skills and integrity.

“Just because you have a college degree does not mean you are prepared for the many varied engagements that are dealt with by a CPA everyday,” said Michele Heyman, CPA, CVA, CFE, then a senior manager at a public firm in Austin, Texas. “This profession requires lifelong learning that begins the day you graduate from college.”

Lifelong learning emerges as par-ticularly important for CPAs in public

Lifelong Learning: The essential Ingredient in Career successThe world is changing, your career path will change with it.

By Rick Telberg

practice. And it’s a key indicator of the more successful firms, according to our study. In addition, partners are more likely than staffers to see the importance of lifelong learning.

One small public firm managing part-ner noted, “today the expected technical knowledge level and the standard that CPAs are held to require most of us to pick one or a few areas to specialize in and just sort of keep a working knowl-edge of other areas.”

Charles Perkins, a senior staffer in business and industry who also runs his own public practice in Burien, Washing-ton, added, “CPAs, just like firms, need to stand out. Specialize and become knowl-edgeable in one specific area and you are likely to become more valuable and better compensated.”

But finding that niche, much like selecting a college major, can be daunt-ing. Mark Kolman, a government sector senior staffer in Tampa, Florida, advised new CPAs to “try out different specialties within the profession (like tax, auditing or consulting) to find out which ones you like the most and which ones you abso-lutely hate.”

One public practice mid-level staffer on the job for fewer than three years advises younger CPAs, “Don’t believe you’re done learning once school’s over -- every day is a new learning experience.”

Dennis Fogarty, a mid-level staffer in business and industry in Columbus, Ohio, told us, “Get as wide a variety of work experiences as you possibly can. This will enable you to determine what your real ‘niche’ is.”

In addition to gaining work experience, Kelly Katerakis, a senior staffer at a large public firm in Dublin, Ohio, advises fellow CPAs to “talk to as many people as you possibly can” to find your niche and then “learn as much as you can, both from a practical and technical standpoint.”

“Never stop learning,” says ignacio Fortuno, a senior staffer at a large firm in Raleigh, N.C.

Now, that’s good advice we can all learn from.

Rick Telberg is editor and publisher of http://cpatrendlines.com, the outlet for action-able intelligence from Bay Street Group LLC, serving the decision-making needs of tax,accounting and finance professionals. Con-tact him at [email protected].

Copyright 2007-2011 Bay Street Group LLC

Selecting the right niche is part of what a vast majority of CPAs see as a need to be committed to lifelong learning.


COVER STORy

Self study

Seminars

Conferences

Webcasts

Webinars

WSCPA offers 12,000 hours of live CPE • seminars each year. Choose from hun-dreds of live programs held statewide.WSCPA members save $75 per 8-hour • CPE seminar. Earn • Í to Ñ CPE credits for each seminar. Includes catered lunches and time to network with other attendees.

• Watch real-time streaming video of the instructor. View the instructor’s presentation slides and submit your questions with online chat.

• Earn Ë, Ì, Í or Ñ CPE credits.• Choose from hundreds of webcasts

on a wide range of topics, including A&A, management or tax.

If you are ready to try online learning, • start with a webinar.Listen to real-time live instruction • via your computer, view presenta-tion slides, and ask your questions via online chat. Earn • Ê or Ë CPE credits for each WSCPA webinar.

Explore emerging trends and strategies for niche accounting areas with WSCPA conferences. Earn Ñ, or credits. Oct 21 Accounting and Auditing ConferenceNov 7-9 Pacific Tax instituteNov 10-11 Pacific NW Construction industry ConferenceNov 17-18 Not-For-Profit ConferenceDec 2 Fraud ConferenceDec 12-13 Information Technology Conference

Fall

2011

WSCPA members save on self study...

• WA Pros - Save on annual subscrip-tions, starting at $189 (+tax) for dozens of streaming video or text-based CPE courses (Ê to Î credits each).

• Self study from vendors such as Thom-son Reuters, Surgent McCoy and more!

New! Evening and Saturday webcasts!

16 20

WebcastA WSCPA webcast is a media presentation distributed over the internet with a live instructor available for questions and answers during the presentation. CPE credit is available (2, 3, 4, or 8 hours).

Webcast ReplayThis is a replay of a live WSCPA webcast that occurred earlier. You are able to view the entire webcast, and time is available to ask questions of the instructor, who is standing by to respond to questions. CPE credit is available.

WebinarA workshop delivered over the web. This may either be a one-way presentation or there may be an instructor available to answer questions. WSCPA webinars qualify for CPE credit.

Live Conference WebcastThis is a webcast of the conference sessions. General sessions and selected concurrent sessions are included in the broadcast. View and hear the speaker and see and download presentation slides. CPE credit is available.

Online Self StudyWA Pros subscrip-tions include streaming video or text-based CPE courses, which you can take your time to complete. Other vendors may have different formats. CPE credits are avail-able, after you take and submit a test.

What is that? CPE Technology Cheat Sheet

expanding Your Optionsfor Cpe

Whether you prefer to take CPE in a classroom or convention

center, from your desk or living room, the Washington Society of CPAs offers a CPE delivery format that meets your needs. review the options listed here and contact the Society if you need assistance determining which option is right for you.

The choice is yours!


COVER STORy

The Washington Society of CPAs strives to make your continuing edu-

cation experience the best it can be. your needs and expectations are our number one priority, so the WSCPA seeks the best speakers and the most relevant con-tent for the Society’s seminars, confer-ences, webcasts and webinars.

The Society also focuses on all details of your education experience, including the setting of the room to the food pro-vided. We want you to be comfortable, happy and ready to learn.

But, the Society can’t do it alone. Here is a list of 10 things you should consider in order to get the most out of your learning experiences with the WSCPA.

1. Locate the right courses for your personal and professional needs. Choose carefully and select courses that will increase your produc-tivity and value. if you have questions about programs or study options, please do contact the WSCPA to discuss your needs and interests and a Member Ser-vices representative will point you in the right direction.

2. Read and understand the course/session description. Make sure you know what the session is about before you register and attend the class. Course descriptions are available in the online CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/cpe/catalog.

3. Dietary needs. Feel free to request a special dietary meal. The WSCPA will always try to meet your request, as long as you make your request in advance of the event.

4. Plan ahead on being “unavail-able.” Though it may be difficult, try

to make yourself unavailable to your office and coworkers. Planning to be out of touch, except for emergencies, will help limit interruptions to your learn-ing experience.

5. Try to arrive on time and avoid leaving early. CPE credits are calcu-lated by your contact minutes. Fifty minutes equals one credit hour. Once you reach 400 contact discussion minutes, you receive 8 CPE credits. The WSCPA is required to monitor arrivals and departures, so make sure you check the schedule.

6. Pay attention. Put down the Black-berry and iPhone and leave the comic books, newspapers and knitting needles at home. These are all distractions to you, other attendees and the speaker.

7. Dress in layers. The WSCPA aims to keep the room comfortable. Unfortunately, the temperature in the meeting rooms often fluctuates beyond our control.

8. Ask questions! Take advantage of

the expert(s) leading your course and ask questions. Whether you hear some-thing during the session that you want to clarify or you come prepared with a list, please feel free to ask questions.

9. Network. Look around. You’re surrounded by peers and experts in the profession. Network. Network. Network. Bring plenty of business cards and make some connections. You never know who you might meet, what you might learn and how it might help you in the future.

10. Anticipate webcast instruc-tions. if you have registered for a webcast, please watch your e-mail for instructions on viewing the webcast and testing your system. When you receive the e-mail, take the time to test your system. If you need assistance, you can contact the help desk provided in the e-mail. Going through this process will ensure your webcast viewing experience is as smooth as possible on the day of the webcast.

Adapted and reprinted with permission from www.ohioscpa.com. ©2011 The Ohio Society of CPAs.

Cpe survival skills: How to Get the Most Out of Your Continuing Education Experience

Here are 10 things you should consider in order to get the most out of your learning experiences with the WSCPA.


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Enroll or renew today!www.wscpa.org (click “Find a CPA”)

With tax season around the corner, now is a great time to enroll your firm in the WSCPA Find a CPA referral Service.

For just $175 you can list your firm with this service. Plus, you can add satellite offices for $50 each. Act now to be enrolled in the service through June 30, 2012.

How does the service work? This service is marketed in directo-ries statewide, online directories, and via Twitter. Each firm in the referral service is promoted via Twitter to our followers. Hundreds of individuals and businesses statewide looking for CPAs visit this service at www.wscpa.org or call the Society to receive a list of participating CPAs based on services offered.

A recent user of the CPA referral Service said: “Very helpful. it was a quick and easy-to-use resource, which produced half-a-dozen suggested CPAs [in my area that met my desired service needs].”

Whatarethebenefits?Consumers seeking a CPA will learn about your firm’s services and contact information. Provides inexpensive, effective marketing for your firm.

Questions? Call (425) 586-1142, or toll-free in Washington at (800) 272-8273, Ext. 1142, or e-mail [email protected].

We “tweet”

your firm!

Special Member Discount from CCH Save25%onCCHU.S.MasterTaxGuide-OrderbyDecember31

The sooner you reserve your copy of the industry’s leading tax guide, the higher your discount—reserve your copy by December 31, 2011 and save 25% off the list price of $86.50. The WSCPA member price is just $66.38 plus tax and shipping. you will not be billed until after the book ships. (Cancel before shipment without charge.)

The 2012 edition will contain timely and precise explanations of federal taxes for individuals, corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts.

To order, visit http://tax.cchgroup.com/members/wscpa [Click “Browse CCH-Group.com, select “Books” and search for “U.S. Master Tax Guide (2012)]. Enter your member discount number (y5596) at checkout.

Membership TerminationThe membership of Julie DiAnn Smith,

Tieton, Washington, has been terminated in accordance with paragraph 11.6 of the WSCPA bylaws. This termination follows disciplinary actions imposed by the Wash-ington State Board of Accountancy.

Violation: Smith, in her capacity as Chief Financial Officer of Yakima Heart Center, inc. PS, converted $59,277.25 to her personal account. Smith repaid the $59,277.25 plus interest to her former employer.

Register today!

new! WSCPA Conferences

Oct 21 Accounting & Auditing Conferencewww.aawscpa.com

Nov 7-9 Pacific Tax institutewww.pacifictaxinstitute.com


ADVOCACY

retired Cpas ... and advocacyByJudyLove,WSCPADirectorofAdvocacy

Seven years ago, as part of the WSCPA’s Centennial celebration, 60 of our most

senior members attended a luncheon in their honor. As i recall, the qualifying age to be on the invitation list was 70 years and older. Several in attendance that day were over 80, and at least one, John L. O’Brien, was over 90. it was a pleasant gathering that turned quite lively when one of the attendees asked, “When are you going to do something so we can refer to ourselves as CPA retired?” As i recall, several suggested if the Society would charter a bus they would hop aboard and storm the Capitol – “like we used to” – to lobby for a solution.

Did i mention that was seven years ago? And it was hardly a new issue at that time. Every year since then, at least one member calls to ask, “Is this on the agenda for this legislative session?” And every year, for a variety of reasons, the answer has been, “No, not yet.”

2012 may well be the year to finally “do something” about CPA retired. Over the next several months, a Task Force of WSCPA and the State Board members will be working together to develop a proposal for a solution that satisfies CPAs and does not mislead the public. The Task Force will be reviewing a broad range of models from other states. There are vari-ous combinations of statute and rules, from very simple to very detailed. The most comprehensive treatment incorpo-rates statutory language that grants the Board authority to write rules about how and when such a designation may be used. The Task Force will also look at the com-bination of law and rules that define how retired engineers in Washington State may refer to themselves as retired, and under what circumstances.

South Carolina, for example, created a retired designation for CPAs in this way:

A licensee who is retired and does not perform or offer to perform for compensation one or more kinds of services involv-ing the use of accounting or auditing skills, including issuance of reports on financial state-ments or of one or more kinds of management advisory, financial advisory, or consulting services or the preparation of tax returns or the furnishing of advice on tax matters, may apply to the board for permission to place the word “Emeritus” adjacent to the licensee’s “Certified Public Accountant” title or “Public Accountant” title on any docu-ment or device on which the “Certified Public Accountant” or “Public Accountant” title appears. (emphasis added)

South Carolina’s “Emeritus” status is renewed annually with no fee required.

The Task Force will be grappling with such items as age requirement, if any; years of practice required, if any;

continuing education requirements, if any; fees, if any. As important as these more procedural aspects are, we also expect there will a great deal of thoughtful dis-cussion about how to insure that the public is not mislead by any retirement designation. Any solution is also likely to define disciplinary measures in place should the designation be misused.

The Task Force begins its work with no preconceived idea of the best, most obvious path to a solution. The many options that already exist will provide the Task Force with substantial informa-tion to help in the development of the most appropriate solution for Washing-ton State CPAs.

if you have thoughts, suggestions, con-cerns or questions about the creation of a designation for use by retired CPAs, please let me know. I will forward your feedback to the Task Force. We look for-ward to hearing from you.

You can contact Judy Love at [email protected],(425)586-1130or(800)272-8273,Ext.1130.

2012 may well be

the year to

finally “do

something”

about CPA

Retired.


CArEEr rESOUrCES

Use Your membership to Find Your next employee or position

Career Workshops Complimentary for WSCPA Members

• Career Workshops. Compli-mentary sessions designed to help you make your job search effective. From resumes to interviewing skills, learn tips and techniques from expert Jill Walser. For upcoming sessions see information below.

in addition to the traditional services above, the WSCPA also provides:

• WashingtonCPAClassifiedAds. Looking for office space to rent, or even a practice to purchase? You may just find what you are looking for in the Classified Ads at www.wscpa.org/Content/classifieds.aspx.

• Volunteer Positions. Seek-ing an opportunity to give back to your community? Need a way to show that you are still active while you are looking for your next job? Browse volun-teer opportunities for CPAs as requested by bona fide not-for-profit organizations in need of pro bono work by a CPA, or looking for CPAs to serve on their boards of directors.

Whether you are an employer or a job seeker, the WSCPA Career Center is your resource. Visit www.wscpa.org/Content/careers.aspx and start using these tools to your advantage!

Date Career Workshop (code)

Sep 14 Job Search Strategies (CW02)

Sep 28 Resumes from Top to Bottom (CW03)

Oct 12 Interview Questions Part 1 (CW04)

Oct 26 Interview Questions Part II (CW05)

you are invited to attend Career Workshops at the the WSCPA in

Bellevue from 12-1:30 pm. Space is limited and registration is required. If you are unable to attend in person, a teleconference option is available. To register visit the CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org. Enter the code in the keyword search box or enter “CW” to view all sessions.

Whether you are an employer or a job seeker, turn to the WSCPA Career Center online at www.wscpa.org.

Whether you are an employer look-ing to fill a vacant position or an

individual looking for a job, the WSCPA Career Center and online Community Section are online resources designed to meet these needs and so much more.

FOR EMPLOyERS looking to hire a CPA the Career Center offers:

• Online Job Posting. Inexpen-sive job posting targeting Wash-ington CPAs. Post job openings for up to 60 days for just $100.

• Non-ProfitOrganizations. List open positions for free.

• Online Resumes—Members can view online resumes.

FOR MEMBERS looking for the perfect job or career information, the WSCPA offers the following services:

• Networking. Connect with other members to find your next job. Attend WSCPA net-working events, chapter events or participate on a committee. Visit the WSCPA Community section at www.wscpa.org to explore these options.

• Social Networking. Join the WSCPA on Facebook and on LinkedIn to make connections and to find your next job lead. Join today at www.wscpa.org.

• Online Job Listings. View local jobs posted on the WSCPA Job Listing Service.

• Nationwide Job Listings. Keep track of out-of-state list-ings posted on jobtarget.com.

• Resumes. Post your resume in the WSCPA Career Center.

• Salary Calculator. Use this calculator from PayScale. Members also have access to a premium salary report for six months ($19.95 value). To access log on as a member and click on Career Center, then Salary Information.


TAxATiON

Irs eliminates the High-Low substantiation method—now What? By Eric P. Wallace, CPA

In late July 2011 the irS announced (via irS Announcement 2011-42) that it is

discontinuing permitting the use of the high-low method as a method for sub-stantiating lodging, meal, and incidental expenses that are incurred in travel away from home. The irS had requested public comment on the need for the IRS to con-tinue computing and issuing the rates for the high-low method and no one sub-mitted any comments. Apparently the irS equated the fact that they did not receive any responses as a lack of need for the high-low method. The IRS also promised that it would publish a revenue procedure that would provide the gen-eral rules and procedures for substantiat-ing lodging, meal, and incidental expenses incurred in travel, just now without the use of the current high-low substantia-tion method. What are the rules related to the substantiation of overnight travel and the significance of the elimination of the high-low alternative in that process? Companies and their tax preparers have been confused by the per diem rate for some time. Often erring on the side of caution, many businesses overstate their disallowance of meal expenses.

The general rule under IRC Section 274(d), and its associated Treas. reg. Sec. 1.274-5, provides that no meals and lodg-ing are permitted as a deduction unless the taxpayer can substantiate the busi-ness purpose “by adequate records or by sufficient evidence corroborating the taxpayer’s own statement.”i The substan-tiation must include the amount, the time and place of travel, the business purpose of the expense, and the business relation-ship to the taxpayer.ii Where the high-low substantiation comes into place is the statement in irC Section 274(d)(4)(D) that “the Secretary may by regulations provide that some or all of the require-ments of the preceding sentence shall not apply in the case of any expense which

does not exceed an amount prescribed pursuant to such regulations.”iii

Until the Service actually issues that new, promised revenue procedure on substantiating lodging, meal, and inciden-tal expenses, the current revenue proce-dure that continues to rule on using a per diem rate is rev. Proc. 2010-39. Unless a

taxpayer substantiates the actual travel expenses incurred, he or she will get no deduction unless he or she complies with the per diem rules.

Generally, an employer or self-employed individual has three choices when it comes to expenses that were incurred for business travel (assuming that the travel is substantiated or the travel days are substantiated, in the case of the per diems):

1. Reimburse the employee the actual expenses incurred. The business will be limited in the amount allowable as a deduc-tion under IRC Section 162 for any expense for food or beverage to 50 percent of those amounts, and the employee must properly account to the employer for those expenses.

2. Use the per diem allowances (overcomes the requirement to adequately account to the employer) even if the per diem amount paid exceeds the actual expenses incurred. Under this method the employer’s deduc-tion will be limited for the por-tion of the per diem deemed to

be paid for meals and inciden-tals, even if the employee only incurred lodging expenses.

3. reimburse or pay the employee an amount for travel, and the employee does not have to account to the employer. Under this alternative, the employer has to include the amounts paid to the employee in the employ-ee’s wages, but the employee can claim the actual expense as a miscellaneous itemized deduc-tion subject to the 2% of AGi disallowance.

Per Diem in General or the “regular per diem”

A per diem is a payment under a reimbursement or expense allowance

i IRC Section 274(d)(4)iiIRSSection274(d)(4)(A)-(D)iii274(d)(4)(D)

What are the rules related to the substantiation of overnight travel and the significance of the elimination of the high-low alternative in that process?


TAxATiON

arrangement that is paid by the employer for ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred, or anticipated to be incurred, by an employee for lodging, and meal and incidental expenses (M&iE), or just meal and incidental expenses alone, for travel away from home for performing services as an employee of the employer. It is paid at or below the applicable fed-eral per diem rate, a flat rate or stated schedule, or in accordance with any other Service specified rate or schedule. The last sentence is key in this discussion. If an employer chooses to pay a per diem it has three choices (a) use the federal per diem rate, (b) use a flat rate, or (c) use any other Service specified rate or schedule (i.e. the High-Low method).

Therefore, even though the high-low substantiation per diem alternative is going to be eliminated, an employer who desires to pay employees’ away from home travel expenses can still use

the federal regular per diem rate or a flat rate.

The federal per diem rate and fed-eral M&iE rate are published from time to time by the GSA (the U. S. General Service Agency). For travel in the conti-nental United States these are known as the CONUS rates. These can be found on the internet at www.gsa.gov. For example, the per diem rate for Seattle for 2011 is $169, of which $56 is the M&iE rate.

[Note that there is a per diem rate for meals and incidental expenses and one for meals and incidental and lodging, but not one for lodging alone. For 2011 the GSA established the standard CONUS that covers most of the US as $123 ($77 for lodging and $46 for M&iE). So for dis-allowance of the 50% meals, an employer would add back $23 (50% of the $46) and be able to take an actual tax deduc-tion of $100 for a full per diem paid.

Many employers reduce their deduction by 50% of $123 by mistake. if an employer pays more than the federal per diem rate, the M&iE rate is the limitation subject to the 50% disallowance. On the other hand, if the employer pays less than the fed-eral per diem rate, the employer can treat as M&iE the whole M&iE rate or 40% of the total allowance paid as the M&iE portion subject to the 50% deduc-tion disallowance.]

Flat RateInstead of the per diem, an employer

can pay a flat rate. This is defined as an allowance or amount paid at a flat rate or stated schedule if it is provided on a uniform and objective basis for the travel and as long as the flat rate is reasonably calculated not to exceed the amount of the expenses or anticipated expenses. The allowance may be paid for the number of days away from home performing services as an employee or on any other basis that


TAxATiON

is consistently applied and in accordance with reasonable business practice. There are other limitations imposed by the IRS on flat rates. (Consult rev. Proc. 2010-39, section 3.03)

The High-Low Substantiation Method of Per Diem

Prior to the time that the IRS comes out with the changes terminating the high-low per diem method, instead of using the CONUS per diems described above, an employer can employ the high-low substantiation method for travel in the continental US. The amount of the expenses deemed to be substantiated for each calendar day is equal to the lesser of the per diem allowance for that day or the amount computed at the high-low rate. The high-low is a per diem rate, just measured as $233 for travel to any “high-cost locality” that the irS specifies, and $160 for travel to any other place for post September 30, 2010 travel. For these

high-low per diems, the M&iE portion is deemed to be $65 and $52 respectively for the high and low places. An employer can mix the regular per diem with the high-low per diems for its employee pool, but once an employer uses the high-low method for a particular employee, that employee must use that method for all amounts paid for travel during the calen-dar year (or still reimburse the employee’s actual expenses, use the M&iE per diem only, or the regular per diem for travel outside the continental US.) (Note that the Seattle area is deemed to be one of the “high” locales eligible for the high per diem rate of $239 instead of the regular per diem rate of $169).

ConclusionEven though the elimination of the

high-low per diem method takes away from employers an alternative of one of the per diem methods currently available, employers will still be left with other per

diem methodology choices or paying the actual travel expenses incurred. The rules for substantiation and reimbursement of employee travel expenses continue to be very complicated even with this (high-low) per diem alternative elimina-tion. Employers and their tax preparers need to be wary of the numerous traps that remain in the per diem rule “mine field.” An employer who does not mind his or her step will find a FiCA and FWH bomb eventually planted by the irS for deemed errors on employee travel reim-bursements that do not meet the IRS rules and guidance.

Eric P. Wallace, CPA, is a Partner and member of the Construction & Real Estate Services Team for Carbis Walker LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and author for CCH. HeisafeaturedspeakeratthePacificNWConstruction Industry Conference, Novem-ber 10-11 at Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle.


OFFiCE SPACE

Office space leases affect finance, operations, marketing, retention and

recruitment – and often you as a senior member of the decision making team are asked to lead the charge. you want the outcome to be celebrated – a true win for your company, employees and a situ-ation that supports the goals and values of the firm. Here are some of the key lessons learned and suggestions from the former CFO of a commercial real estate developer and a tenant rep broker who have helped many companies with these decisions.

Your finance background will of course help with many key aspects – conducting a thoughtful, whole system assessment, clarifying your firm’s needs, identifying options, negotiating lease details and finally, moving in. Some people in this role find it challenging to handle the required communications and deal with various people. Others find it difficult to create buy-in and develop subjective but critical goals your organization needs to accom-plish from the process. Incorporating the broad range of stakeholder concerns and objectives into the process produces better results.

Identifying Your Company’s Goals

Taking the time to articulate your company’s values, and getting input from key stakeholders and decision makers is a good starting point. C-suite, VPs or other key leaders can be expected to greatly influence what the final goal should look like. Depending on the company, however, often it can be very important to get input from staff with modest sounding titles as well, such as a shipping manager in a com-pany that relies on distribution or the IT department if you are extraordinarily reliant on advanced technology and con-nectivity, or the production manager of a manufacturing firm. For each of these the

sound real estate and Facilities Decisions for Your BusinessByDanWhitaker,CPA,andKevinGrossman,MBA

location decision can critically affect the company’s future.

you will want to consult others during the decision making process, namely:

• your attorney for lease review and possible land use issues;

• perhaps a Pr firm; • space programmer and

designer; • banker; • key business partners; and• a real estate broker represent-

ing your interests, not the land-lord’s – during the process and transaction, through completion and move-in.

A good team that works together well will help save you time, as well as provide peace of mind about the decision making process.

The RFP ProcessOnce you have identified your space

needs, taking a request for proposal (“rFP”) approach provides a systematic path to follow. To start, you or your broker can pull together a list of key issues – deal breakers, nice to have items and their rel-ative importance. Then structure a set of questions for information on the top 3-5 candidates for which you want to invest time in serious negotiations. The draft of the rFP items will provide a good screen for determining what sites, properties and alternatives are worth your time for a personal site visit in the first place. The rFP process at its simplest: clarifies your requirements, requests specific informa-tion you need to assess and negotiate, and gets to a detailed letter of intent that can be used as the basis for moving for-ward with clarifying and negotiating the lease document.

Once you have identifiedyour space needs, taking a request

for proposal (“RFP”)

approach provides

a systematic path to

follow. To start, you

or your broker can

pull together a list

of key issues – deal

breakers, nice to

have items and their

relative importance.


OFFiCE SPACE

When Selecting a BrokerSelection of a broker who’s a good

fit for you and your company is impor-tant. A good broker will ask the impor-tant questions, work to really understand your company’s values, goals and objec-tives, offer expert advice, and work to negotiate the best overall agreement. This refers to the overall transaction, including outcomes of both objective and subjective characteristics. Some items dif-ficult to capture in a quantitative assess-ment of the deal are equally as important, such as flexibility, expansion, contraction, personal vs. corporate signatures on the lease, the requirement or parameters of a landlord’s approval for assignment or subletting, off-hours access, signage and quality of building management. When interviewing potential brokers, listen to what they are asking and see if you feel that they are listening to you. Identifying space for lease is easy for any competent broker. The skill to deeply listen, then understand and reflect your company’s needs through the process is where criti-cal value is added to the process.

Improving Communication and Decision-Making: Tools and Tips

If you are the point person, commu-nicating the process to fellow decision makers is critical. Using a net present value worksheet (download a sample worksheet here: www.smartofficespace decisions.com/wscpa/example.xls) is a useful tool to help you stay attuned to and communicate issues around how tenant improvements are handled, oper-ating expenses passed through (be sure to get actual numbers, not just bud-geted charges from past years), and of course base rent numbers. An additional refinement is to have the NPV rela-tive to the efficiency of the space. if you need to house 100 employees, the way

the floor plate lays out could result in a 20% variation of the amount of space you need to accommodate the same number of people and functions. Some-times the rent isn’t related to the most cost effective solution. Boiling the final couple of options down to this level of detail is very helpful in negotiating and finalizing decisions.

A related tool that can be quite helpful is a forced ranking of the subjective items (find an example in file mentioned above). This list can include aesthetics, neighbor-hood amenities, other tenants in the building, market perception of the city or specific address of the subject property, sustainability or green aspects such as composting, natural ventilation, access to good public transit, bike racks and show-ers, and other concerns you choose to acknowledge and rate. While the weight-ing is of course very subjective as well, the discussion of the items on the list and their relative value is often the most valuable portion of this exercise. The out-come of the conversations generally pro-duces an agreement on prioritization, and identifies conflicting issues which you will need to resolve.

The frequency and breadth of the communications will vary widely depend-ing on organizational cultures and how much time you have to work with the process. Asking for input and keeping people informed should be distinguished

from joint decision making, unless that is your intention. Soliciting input can be misinterpreted by some stakeholders that the process is democratic. Most times it is not. The input and communica-tion is intended to acknowledge valuable feedback, not to abdicate the process or responsibility for the final outcome.

With a solid process in mind, clearly articulated goals and a terrific team to work with, you are ready to lead the charge and get the business space decision made and implemented. The company will celebrate your success at the open house (or more quietly if it’s a renewal).

DanWhitaker,CPA, isa real estateandfinancialadvisor.Duringhis28yearcareerhe has been the senior finance officer fora number of real estate development and investmentfirms. Dan’sconsultingpracticefocusesonassistingfirmstomakesmartrealestate investment and financial decisions.You can contact Dan at [email protected].

Kevin Grossman is the President and Managing Broker of Grossman Services, Inc., specializing in representing business tenants, helping companies in Western Washington make informed real estate and facilities deci-sions on over three million square feet of business space. Learn more at www.smart officespacedecisions.com or www.business spacedecisions.blogspot.com.

Download a sample net present value worksheet at www.smartofficespacedecisions.com/wscpa/example.xls


INDUSTRy VOICE

On Fire CpeFor Industry CPAs

Technology for CPAs: Don’t Get Left Behind (TEC) September 21, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Technology continues to accelerate rapidly, and CPAs need to keep pace. review today’s iT environment, while you learn about computer hardware, software, operating sys-tems (including Windows 7 and what it means for you), and peripheral devices. Explore significant trends in information technology and how to take advantage of the opportuni-ties presented by these trends. Discover what CPAs need to know about the latest Excel features, working with PDF files, and security and privacy issues related to iT. View practical applications of the latest tools that provide CPAs in all disciplines with the information they need to harness the power of technology, both now and in the future.

Driving Corporate Performance: The CFO’s Role in Developing Competitive Advantage (DCP) September23,2011|WSCPALearningCenter,Bellevue

Successful companies have strategies that allow them to use their resources efficiently by focusing on a portion of their industry where they can have a competitive advan-tage. Most financial managers can recognize a successful business strategy when they see it, but may have little experience creating a roadmap to take them there. Get the skills necessary to tie your company’s strategy to its per-formance metrics and drive achievement of its objectives.

AICPA’s Controllership: 25 Critical Lessons form the Trenches (CDLT01) September 28, 2011 | Hampton Inn Spokane

Tired of CPE that has no practical application? Put into practice 25 practical tools that will improve your daily job performance in the controllership area. Learn practical skills required to be a successful controller and to enhance the profitability of any growing company. Discover how to shift from a reactive to a proactive mode of operation as well as how to avoid the constant crisis techniques common to many private companies. Walk away with various financial and managerial tools and techniques to improve day-to-day decisions that affect business opera-tions and profitability.

Charting with Excel (COMEX06) October 5, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Charts help you get your point across. With a chart, you can transform worksheet data to show comparisons, pat-terns, and trends. Learn the basics of charting with Excel, such as custom formatting, techniques and useful tricks. Note: Computers are supplied for participants.

Gary Zeune’s Guide to Controller to CFO: 11 Skills to Make the Trip (GCFO) October 12, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Learn the skills needed to become a world-class small business CFO. Learn how to use different “styles” to accomplish what needs to get done. Find out how to get employees to take bold risk and solve their own problems. Discover how to “brand” yourself to maximize your value. Discuss how to manage employee conflict, anger and emo-tions; how to cultivate finance talent from bottom to top; how to get customers, employees, vendors and manage-ment to trust you.

ChiefFinancialOfficer:ExecutiveLevelSkillsforFinancial Managers (CFO) October 24, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Being a great accountant alone will not qualify you to be a chief financial officer. Effective CFOs are strong business people whose knowledge goes well beyond accounting. Discuss the CFO’s role in four important aspects of run-ning a business.

PerformanceAnalysis:IdentifyingProfit Improvement Opportunities (PA) October 25, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Discover ways to make your company more profitable. This fast-paced, interactive seminar will teach you how to use operational auditing and performance analysis techniques to identify and implement cost saving oppor-tunities through process reviews. Learn how to be more efficient and add value in your field, whether you are an experienced financial manager or a professional operational auditor.

Looking for additional CPE? Learn about more seminars for CPAs working in business and industry at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog.


WASHiNGTON CPA FOUNDATiON

a Closer Look at Washington Cpa Foundation accounting scholarshipsBy Kimberly Scott, CAE

It is no secret that the cost of a college education is skyrocket-

ing. However, the need for college graduates is also growing at an alarming rate. Although America still has a high rate of unemploy-ment, accounting jobs are once again on the rise. Experts say that within a few short years we will have a shortage of CPAs.

One of the key missions of the Washington CPA Foundation is to provide scholarships to future CPAs, making their dream of an education a little more attainable. Anyone can support the Founda-tion, and more than 400 WSCPA members do each year. Contribu-tors at the Leadership Circle level have the opportunity to meet other influential professionals and the scholarship recipients at an annual reception held in January. Learn more at www.wscpafoundation.com.

The foundation annually awards $40,000 in scholarships. Historically, this has been distributed as 20 scholarships, each in the amount of $2,000. Due to the rise of tuition, the Foundation Trust-ees decided larger scholarships would make a difference. The current goal is to provide $60,000 in scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year, giving $3,000 scholarships. Although the funds raised for scholarships this year remained at $40,000, the Trustees and the scholarship selection committee agreed to increase the amount of the awarded scholarships. Thirteen scholarships were awarded for the 2011-2012 school year to the deserv-ing future CPAs listed in the box and pic-tured online at www.discovercpa.org/discovercpa/scholarships/winners.cfm.

I want to highlight a couple of incred-ible items related to this year’s and future scholarships.

Memorial Scholarships First, the largest scholarship provided

this year is the Roy J. Polley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was funded by Linda Polley, Mr. Polley’s widow, in his honor and by his wishes. He was an accounting educator in Washington State for many years. Many of his stu-dents will testify to how wonderful of an influence he was in their lives. Anyone can request their donation to the Wash-ington CPA Foundation contribute to roy’s fund by making a notation to do so. George Waterman also has a memo-rial fund set up many years ago, and you may contribute to support his scholar-ship as well.

Named ScholarshipsSecondly, the Foundation introduced

a program this year to allow contribu-tors to create a one time or yearly named scholarship without an endow-ment. Under this program, anyone that contributes $3,000 at once may name a scholarship (thank you to the

Sambataro Family for being the first to support this program). Through this pro-gram you can show your family’s support, remember a loved one, celebrate a retirement, or showcase your firm or company, for example. There are three named scholarship participants for the 2012-2013 school year and more contributors are taking advantage of this new program.

• Sambataro Family Foundation • Shimer Family Scholarship • KPMG LLP Accounting

Scholarship

you can learn more about the program at www.wscpa.org (search for “named scholarships”) or go directly toxwww.wscpa.org/Content/Named Scholarships.aspx. you can also call (425) 586-1108 for details on this opportunity.

Kimberly Scott is WSCPA Director ofMember Services and Executive Directorof the Washington CPA Foundation. You can contact her at [email protected].

Roy J. Polley Memorial ScholarshipTracy Sager, Western Washington UniversityGeorge Waterman Memorial ScholarshipEli Wang, Seattle UniversitySambataro Family Foundation Accounting ScholarshipEmily Kulm, Gonzaga UniversityWashington CPA Foundation Scholarships Travis Bean, Washington State University Lindsey Borgens, Central Washington University Teri Garza, Washington State University - VancouverMonica ittes, University of WashingtonTara Low, Washington State University Kristin McMahon, Washington State University - VancouverEliza Nesvog, University of Washington Aymeric Prieur, University of Washington Amy rufener, University of Washington Lauren Surek, Pacific Lutheran University

2011

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hola

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ps

Makeyourtaxdeductiblecontributionatwww.wscpafoundation.com


TECHNOLOGy TIP

The Fastest Way to Create a Chart in excelBy K2 Enterprises

Charting has long been one of Excel’s least understood features.

Sure, most people know that you can highlight a range of data and then insert a Chart from the ribbon in Excel 2007 and Excel 2010 or from the Insert menu in Excel 2003 and prior. But what most users do not know is that those steps are not even necessary!

Building a chart in Excel requires noth-ing more than clicking in the range of data you wish to chart and pressing F11. Doing so causes Excel to chart the data range in your default chart style. For exam-ple, by first clicking in cell D4, shown in

Figure 1, and pressing F11, Excel creates a chart of the data in the default chart style and does so on a separate work-sheet, as shown in Figure 2. If you prefer for the chart to be on the same work-sheet as the data, instead of pressing F11, press ALT + F1. Of course, in either case, once you have created the chart, you can customize it to your particular needs to communicate your desired message.

For a video demonstration of this tip, please visit www.tinyurl.com/k2tips76.

K2 Enterprises provides WSCPA

members with CPE courses on a variety of technology topics, including the Information Technology Conference (ITC), Dec. 12-13.Visit the CPE/Event Catalog for more infor-mation about ITC and a schedule of other technology classes.

Learn MoreExcel PivotTables for Accountants - Part II (PT2401)Monday, September 19 WSCPA, Bellevue

Security Tools - Up Close and Personal (SEC401)Monday, September 19 WSCPA, Bellevue

Word for Accountants (WOR)Tuesday, September 20 WSCPA, Bellevue

Technology for CPAs: Don’t Get Left Behind (TEC)Wednesday, September 21 WSCPA, Bellevue

Information Technology Conference (ITC)Monday-Tuesday, December 12-13 Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue

For details and to register, visit www.wscpa.org/cpe/catalog. Figure 2

Figure 1


MEMBER DISCOUNTS

IRS or Washington State Tax Problems?Experience Can Make A Difference.

IRS, Revenue and Labor & Industries Audits: Administrative and Judicial Appeals & Refund Actions; Lien & Collection Problems; Tax Planning; Commercial Litigation.

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photo album

Trivia NightApril 2011 Steam Plant Grill, Spokane

Wine TastingJune 2011 Patterson Cellars, Seattle


FiNANCiAL LiTErACY

Going for extra CreditByAmyO’Donnell,WSCPAFinancialLiteracyProgramManager

Financial education is a lifelong process. As we age our challenges and con-

cerns around building and maintaining assets change. Products and the market change as well forcing us to become more savvy consumers. While the under 18 crowd is learning the basics so they can spend the next five plus decades build-ing assets and investments and preparing for retirement, those over 65 are focused on finding ways to stretch their funds. We’ve seen in recent years that changes in the economy can disrupt even the best laid plans, which reinforces the need for education and knowing where to go for trustworthy information as times change.

Starting to understand how to manage your funds can begin at an early age as demonstrated through the recent addi-tion of financial literacy to Sesame Street. Elmo and friends have started to break it down for children by having a conversa-tion on needs and wants. Cookie Mon-ster even talks about saving—and we know how much restraint he has. If he can save, there is hope for the rest of us. Sesame Street also created materials for parents to use at home. Starting family discussions about money when children are young helps build a solid financial foundation, rather than one that looks like Swiss cheese.

When kids move past the Sesame Street phase of life, they face new chal-lenges like peer pressure and become aware of product marketing. Teenagers often act as if they know everything and do not need to listen to parents. Actually, teenagers are quite interested in learning how to be financially independent. This age group needs to hear financial les-sons over and over to make sure that the message sticks and to ensure they can avoid some financial potholes. Websites like Practical Money Skills have online games to help the video game generation learn more about money management in an interactive format. Apps also pro-

vide educational videos, lessons, and help teenagers to track their spending.

After high school, teenagers enter a phase which lasts until retirement—the reality of money management. Credit and credit scores are a big factor for this group. Credit assists you in reach-ing goals and provides access to lower interest rates, or it acts as a weight that limits financial growth and future options. it’s easy to get off to a rough start with credit, especially credit cards. They are seductive with the promises of a better life—one that is filled with the latest and greatest. Too often people realize too late that unchecked use of credit cards is like realizing you are hanging with the wrong crowd after you have gotten in trouble. This lack of understanding can be very costly and cause you to build debt rather than wealth. Avoiding the traps that destroy credit is much easier than the lengthy process of improving poor credit.

Some tips for all ages:

• Pull your credit reports through www.annual creditreport.com. Annually, you can request one free credit report from each bureau. Check what is being reported and address any errors. This information deter-mines your credit score, so you want it to be accurate.

• Look for signs of fraud on your credit reports and address them right away. Keep a close eye on your credit card and bank accounts. you might think it is OK to ignore a 30 cent mystery charge, but it may be an early warning sign of identity theft. You don’t want someone ruining the credit you have worked hard to build.

• Use credit wisely. Only ask for the credit you need and once you have the lines of credit, handle them with care. Keep your balances to under 30% of your limit, 10% or less is ideal.

• Shop around to save money. Assess the cards and bank accounts you have and shop around for better terms and rates. Use websites like Bank rate.com to find your options. Evaluate other financial and insurance services you use to see if you can get a better deal.

• Educate yourself on the basics of retirement plan-ning and know how much you need to save. Stay on top of scams and frauds that may affect your nest egg by using resources and newsletters from groups like NASAA and FiNrA.

• Work with a CPA or finan-cial planner to help you assess retirement options. Determine your goals, evaluate whether they are realistic, and what you need to do to reach them.

Finding trusted resources online is a challenge. You will find reliable informa-tion on websites like 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy from the AiCPA, the American Saves, Federal Trade Commis-sion, Kiplinger’s, Mint.com and Bankrate.com. Their RSS feeds and blogs will help you track the latest issues, changes in financial products and how to protect your assets. If Cookie Monster can alter his cookie eating ways after a little educa-tion, then we can, too.

AmyO’[email protected].

If Cookie Monster can alter his cookie eating ways after a little education, then we can, too.


Self-Study CPE Subscriptions

CPE Digest

Subscriptions start at only $189 (+tax) for • dozens of streaming video or text-based CPE courses

Earn • Ê to Î CPE credits for each course

Choose from four subscription options•

WA Pros online annual self-study subscriptions provide unlimited access to text-based and streaming video CPE at unbeatable prices. These CPE packages will keep you up to date on ever-evolving rules, regulations and trends affecting public accounting, business, government or NFPs. Order at www.wscpa.org/selfstudy or call the Society, (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington).

Designed for CPAs

Unlimited CPE. Unmatched value.

As a WSCPA member, you can train your non-CPA professional staff and associates at the discounted member rate. The WSCPA will extend your member discount on live education courses to your non-CPA staff, saving your organization up to $75 on each 8-hour course. To receive this discount, please call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273, toll-free in Washington.

Shareyour CPE discount with your non-CPA staff

When was the last time you attended a WSCPA conference?

LOOk WHAT’S NEW! INCLUDING TWO NEW CONFERENCES.

More national speakers • and local favorites

High level content •

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Excellent locations and venues•

www.wscpa.org/conferences

Thriving in Challenging Times: map solutions for Cpa Firm LeadersFeaturing Rita Keller

September 21 - 8 am - 4 pm | WSCPA, Bellevue | CPE credits: 8 technical

During this special 8-hour CPE event presented by the WSCPA and the Washington Chapter of the Association for Accounting Administration, nationally recognized speaker rita Keller and other renowned speakers will explore current trends in the world of public accounting.

Keynote Session with Rita Keller: • Thriving in Challenging Times - The importance of the 3Ms - Mentoring, Marketing & ManagingPractice Growth and Development Through Social Media• Overcoming the “Perfect Storm” with the right Business Strategy• What’s Hot, What’s Not in CPA Firm Management•

Learn more and register today at www.wscpa.org/cpe/catalog (code AAA).

CPE Digest


CONFERENCESRegisteratwww.wscpa.orgorpage35

October 21, 2011 | 8:00 am - 4:05 pmMeydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA

The Accounting & Auditing Conference will provide the crucial guidance you need to stay in compliance with the many A&A rules affecting your practice, business or clients. Register today!

FASB Update• Auditing Update• Lease Accounting• Private Company Accounting •

Standards Update

Technology Update for the Lay-CPA• Single Audit Update• Fraud Prevention and Detection • revenue recognition • IFRS Update• AiCPA Accounting and review •

Standards Update

8 Technical CPE creditsWSCPA Member Fee $285Standard Fee $360

Webcast also available (WEBAAC)

Gen

eral

Se

ssio

ns:

Con

curr

ent

Sess

ions

:

Register for AAC at www.aawscpa.org

CONFERENCESFall 2011

Account ing & Audi t ing CONFERENCE

new! Pac i f i c Tax INSTITUTE

new!

November 7-9, 2011 | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Bell Harbor Int’l Conference Center, Seattle

The Pacific Tax institute, a new conference designed for experienced tax professionals, will explore the many changes in federal tax. At this premier conference, recog-nized tax experts will explain everything you need to know about the following topics:

Gen

eral

Ses

sion

s:

• Tax Credits and Strate-gies: Opportunities for you and your Clients

• Partnership Debt For-giveness

• Passive Activity rules• income Taxation of

Trusts• Estate Planning in a

Low Interest Rate Environment

• Economic Substance• Lifetime and Estate

Planning Strategies with irAs and retire-ment Plans

• An in-depth Look at the FBAr

Stay at the beautiful Marriott – Seattle Waterfront! reserve your room by Oct. 17 for the special rate of $175/night plus tax. Call (800) 455-8254 or (206) 443-5000. Mention the WSCPA Pacific Tax Institute room block. Learn more at www.wscpa.org/conferences.

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

Register for PTI at www.pacifictaxinstitute.com

LEArN MOrE. . . Find conference deta i l s ( sc hedules , speaker b ios and more) on l ine at www.wscpa.org/conferences

Other conferences coming soon:Dec. 2 Fraud Conference Dec. 12-13 Information Technology Conference

Supporting Sponsor

• it’s not Your Father’s Tax Practice … risk & regulation in Modern Tax Practice

• Nexus, Schmexus: How i Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Paying State Taxes

• Cases and rulings Update• Practical Tips and Tools to Navigate Health Care reform• Cases and rulings Update• Accountants Liability: How to Protect Your Firm and

yourself from Legal Liability• What’s New in Handling Controversies with the irS

Con

curr

ent

Sess

ions

:

All Days One Day Nov 7, 8, 9 Nov 7 or 8

WSCPA Member Fee $775 $380

Standard Fee $850 $455

Guest Registration Fee $79

20 Technical CPE credits


Registeratwww.wscpa.orgorpage35CONFERENCES

Register for CIC at www.wscpa.org/conferences

October 21, 2011 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:05 p.m.Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA

The Accounting & Auditing Conference will provide the crucial guidance you need to stay in compliance with the many A&A rules affecting your practice, business or clients. Register today!

FASB Update• Auditing Update• Lease Accounting• Blue Ribbon Panel Update•

Technology Update for the Lay-CPA• A133 Update• Fraud Prevention/Detection • revenue recognition • IFRS Update• SSArS Update •

8 Technical CPE creditsWSCPA Member Fee $285Standard Fee $360

Webcast also available (WEBAAC)

Gen

eral

Se

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Con

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ions

: CONFERENCESFall 2011

Pac i f i c NW Constr uct ion IndustryCONFERENCE

Not-For-Prof i t CONFERENCE

November 10-11, 2011 | 8:00 am - 4:30 pmBell Harbor Int’l Conference Center, Seattle, WA

The Pacific Northwest Construction industry Conference, co-sponsored by the CFMA, will bring you up to speed on recent trends and provide essential guidance on hot topics affecting construction accounting and financial management.

Accounting Update Applicable to the Construction industry • (including FASB revenue recognition and Leases Projects)Tax Update Applicable to the Construction, • Homebuilding, and real Estate Development industriesiFrS Convergence• Contractor Panel• New Day, New Strategy: repositioning After the • Great RecessionSocial Media: How Are You Capitalizing on the • Communication revolution? (non-tech credit)Fraud in the Construction Industry• Panel: Surety Credit During Tough Economic Times•

Plus four concurrent sessions covering hot topics like Cloud Computing, Coordinating Field & Accounting, and Developing your Construction Niche Marketing Plan, and much more!

16 CPE credits (includes up to 2 non-technical)WSCPA & CFMA Member Fee $525Standard Fee $600

CONFERENCE DETAILSCO-SPONSOR

SPONSOR

Stay at the beautiful Marriott – Seattle Waterfront! reserve your room by Oct. 19 for the special rate of $175/night plus tax. Call (800) 455-8254 or (206) 443-5000. Mention the WSCPA Pacific NW Construc-tion Conference room block. Learn more at www.wscpa.org/conferences.

November 17-18, 2011 | 8:00 am - 4:30 pmBell Harbor Int’l Conference Center, Seattle, WA

Are your approaches to the unique challenges facing not-for-profit organizations set on auto pilot? Be energized and get informed about trends and hot issues you need to know to be prepared for the current climate and its recent changes. Attend the Not-For-Profit Conference!

FASB Update• Nonprofit Operating reserves: rationale and Policy • Development GuidelinesJurassic Parliament: Running Great Meetings • Using robert’s rules (non-tech credit)Panel: Sharing Resources, Outsourcing and • Strategic Partnerships2011 Federal Tax Update• More than a Name: How a Communications Nonprofit Learned • to CommunicateTime Management: Techniques to Prevent Your Time from • Managing you (non-tech credit)

And numerous concurrent sessions, including these topics: FASB Hot Topics, Psychological Manipulation to Cover Fraud, NFP Financial Analyt-ics, Hot State and Local Tax issues for Nonprofits, How to Convince Your Bank to Loan Money to Your Organization, Development Metrics: Bridging the Finance Fundraising Conversation Effectively, responding to Health Care reform, Genera-tional Work Styles and Differences, Overview of risk Management for Non-Profit Organizations, registration requirements with the Washington Secretary of State: The Basics & Beyond, roadmap to Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements, and Panel: A-133 Challenging Compliance Areas.

16 CPE credits (includes up to 4 non-technical)WSCPA Member Fee $400Standard Fee $475

Webcast also available (WEBNFPC)

Register for NFPC at www.wscpa.org/conferences

SPONSORS


Registeratwww.wscpa.org/CPE/catalogorpage38 EDUCATiON AND EVENTS

ç New | non-tech credits | E Ethics credits | Conference | Y yellow Book | C CFP | l Chapter event | Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

Fees Date CPE

CreditsCourse Code WSCPA

MemberFee

Non- MemberFee

AiCPA Member Discount

Facility Subject

# Type

For more details, search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Fees Date CPE


Member Fee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type


Bellevue

Sep 7 8 Personal Financial Accounting: A Prescription for Achieving and Managing Wealth by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

PFA 305 380 0 WSCPA A&A

Sep 7-8 8 u S

Northwest Accounting Educators Conference, 8am-4:20pm NAEC 225 225 0 WSCPA A&A

Sep 8 8 Compilation and review Standards Update and review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm CrUr03 305 380 0 WSCPA A&A

Sep 9 8 GAAP Update and review for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (SMEs) by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

GUrSME03 305 380 0 WSCPA A&A

Sep 12 8 Washington B & O and Sales Tax, 8am-4pm WSTx02 275 350 0 WSCPA TAx

Sep 15 0 S Trivia Night- Networking Event, 6-8:30pm NP04 0 0 0 Rock Bottom PD

Sep 19 4 Í Excel PivotTables for Accountants - Part ii, 8-11:30am PT2401 145 180 0 WSCPA TEC

Sep 19 4 Í Security Tools - Up Close and Personal, 12:30-4pm SEC401 145 180 0 WSCPA TEC

Sep 19 8 Thirty-Plus Practical Tools and Techniques for Making Your Key Financial Decisions, 8am-4pm

TTMD 275 350 -30 WSCPA MG

Sep 20 8 Accounting for income Taxes: Applying SFAS No. 109/FiN 48: A Whole New Ballgame!, 8am-4pm

AiT01 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Sep 20 8 Word for Accountants, 8am-4pm WOR 275 350 0 WSCPA TEC

Sep 21 8 Technology for CPAs: Don’t Get Left Behind, 8am-4pm TEC 275 350 0 WSCPA TEC

ç Sep 21 8 y AiCPA’s Annual Update: Top 12 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting and Auditing issues Facing CPAs, 8am-4pm

TGNP 275 350 -30 Meydenbauer Center GNP

Sep 21 8 Thriving in Challenging Times: MAP Solutions for CPA Firm Leaders, 8am-4pm AAA 180 205 0 WSCPA SK

Sep 22 8 Acquisitions to Grow the Business: Strategy, Structure, integration & Due Dili-gence, 8am-4pm

AGB 275 350 0 WSCPA MG

Sep 23 8 Driving Corporate Performance: The CFO’s role in Developing Competitive Advantage, 8am-4pm

DCP 275 350 0 WSCPA MG

Sep 26 8 y Form 990: AiCPA’s Answer to Unlocking the Tax Complexities, 8am-4pm EOF990 275 350 -30 WSCPA TAx

ç Sep 26 8 Today’s Complex real Estate Transactions (2011) - Like-Kind Exchanges, Distressed Properties, Homeowners, investors and Developers/Contractors, 8am-4pm

TCRE 275 350 0 WSCPA TAx

ç Sep 27 8 Avoiding Legal Hassles - A Primer for Your Small Business Owners and Wealthy High-Income Clients, 8am-4pm

ALHP 275 350 0 WSCPA TAx

Sep 27 8 The Complete Guide to Payroll Taxes and 1099 Issues, 8am-4pm CGPT 285 360 0 WSCPA TAx

Sep 28 4 Í E CPE in Ethics: A requirement in Washington State, 8-11:30am CENRW402 180 215 0 WSCPA Ethics

ç Sep 29 8 AiCPA’s Controllership: 25 Critical Lessons form the Trenches, 8am-4pm CDLT02 275 350 -30 WSCPA MG

Sep 30 8 irAs, roth irAs, SiMPLEs and SEPs: Contributions, rollovers, Distributions, and More, 8am-4pm

IRSS 275 350 -30 WSCPA TAx

EVENTS BY LOCATION WSCPA education and events scheduled for Sep. 1-Nov. 15, 2011 are listed below, chronologically by location. If you are looking for a program in another location, it may be scheduled for later in the year. Using the online CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog, you can search by location.

2011-2012 EVENT SCHEDULE To view the complete schedule of events through May 2012, refer to the CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org or the Fall issue of the 2011-2012 Washington Professional Education Catalog. To request a copy of the catalog, call (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington) or e-mail [email protected].

LEARN MORE To view complete course details, please visit the CPE/ Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog.

SUBJECTS The main subject area is listed for each program.

A&A

CS

EB

PFP

Ethics

GNP

MG

PD

SK

TAx

TEC

NEED HELP finding a seminar or webcast? Call (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800. Ø

Accounting and AuditingConsulting ServicesEmployee BenefitsEstate/Financial PlanningEthicsGovernment / NFPManagementPersonal DevelopmentSpecialized KnowledgeTaxationTechnology


EDUCATiON AND EVENTS Registeratwww.wscpa.org/CPE/catalogorpage38

Fees Date CPE


Member Fee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type



ç Sep 30 8 Mastering the Applications of Budgeting While Side Stepping the Pitfalls, 8am-4pm MAPB 275 350 -30 WSCPA MG

Oct 4 8 Excel Visual Basic Macros, 8am-4pm COMEx05 240 315 0 WSCPA TEC

ç Oct 4 8 iFrS vs. US GAAP: The Differences That You Need to Know, 8am-4pm IUGD 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

Oct 5 8 Charting with Excel, 8am-4pm COMEx06 240 315 0 WSCPA TEC

Oct 6 8 Financial Statement Presentation and Disclosure - A realistic Approach, 8am-4pm FSPD 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

Oct 7 8 Audit Efficiency Workshop - A realistic Approach, 8am-4pm AEW01 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

ç Oct 10 8 Gary Zeune’s Guide to Audits + Compilations + reviews: What’s new for 2011 Engagements, 8am-4pm

ACr2011 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

Oct 10 8 y Applying A-133 to Nonprofit and Governmental Organizations, 8am-4pm EOOMB 275 350 -30 WSCPA GNP

Oct 11 8 y Cost Allocation in Nonprofits: Who Gets it?, 8am-4pm CAMN 275 350 -30 WSCPA GNP

Oct 11 8 Gary Zeune’s Guide to Detecting and Preventing internal Fraud, Theft and Abuse, 8am-4pm

iFTA 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

Oct 12 8 Gary Zeune’s Guide to Controller to CFO: 11 Skills to Make the Trip, 8am-4pm GCFO 275 350 0 WSCPA MG

Oct 17 8 y Analytical Procedures for Nonprofit Organizations, 8am-4pm EOAPF 275 350 -30 WSCPA GNP

Oct 17 8 DATE CHANGE: Getting On Top of it All: The New Science of increasing Produc-tivity in Yourself and Others, 8am-4pm

GOT 275 350 0 WSCPA PD

ç Oct 18 8 y running a Non-Profit Like a For-Profit Business, 8am-4pm RNPO 275 350 -30 WSCPA GNP

Oct 18 8 Triple Your Memory and Confidence, and Halve Your Stress, 8am-4pm TyMC 275 350 0 WSCPA PD

Oct 19 4 Í Outlook Essentials, 8-11:30am OUE401 145 180 0 WSCPA TEC

Oct 19 4 Í Word Essentials, 12:30-4pm WOE401 145 180 0 WSCPA TEC

Oct 20 8 Advanced Controller and CFO Skills, 8am-4pm ACCS01 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Oct 20 8 Advanced Excel, 8am-4pm ADE02 275 350 0 WSCPA TEC

ç Oct 21 8 Critical Skills for Creating Great Budgets: Maximizing Profits, People and Power, 8am-4pm

CSCB 275 350 -30 WSCPA MG

Oct 21 8 QuickBooks for Accountants, 8am-4pm QBP02 275 350 0 WSCPA TEC

ç Oct 21 8 u Accounting & Auditing Conference, 8am-4:05pm AAC 285 360 0 Meydenbauer Center A&A

Oct 24 8 Chief Financial Officer: Executive Level Skills for Financial Managers, 8am-4pm CFO 275 350 0 WSCPA MG

Oct 24 8 real Estate Accounting and Auditing, 8am-4pm rEAA 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Oct 25 8 Performance Analysis: identifying Profit improvement Opportunities, 8am-4pm PA 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

Oct 25 8 S Corporation Key issues, Compliance, and Strategies: An irS Target Area, 8am-4pm

SCORP 275 350 -30 WSCPA TAx

Oct 26-28

24 AiCPA/AHi Staff Training Basic, 8am-4pm STP1A 665 780 0 WSCPA A&A

Oct 27 8 y Form 990: Moving Beyond the Basics, 8am-4pm AF990 275 350 -30 WSCPA TAx

Oct 27 8 Common Frauds and internal Controls for revenue, Purchasing and Cash Receipts, 8am-4pm

CFIC02 275 350 -30 Sheraton Bellevue A&A

Oct 28 8 y internal Control Deficiencies: Assessment and reporting Under SAS 115, 8am-4pm

iCDAr 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Oct 31 8 Advanced Estate Planning: Practical Strategies for Your Clients, 8am-4pm AEP 275 350 -30 WSCPA TAx

Oct 31 8 Accounting Services, Compilations and reviews: Effective risk Management, 8am-4pm

ASCr 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Nov 1 8 Advanced real Estate Accounting, Auditing & Taxation, 8am-4pm ArE 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

ç Nov 1 8 49 Tax-Cutting Moves for individuals, 8am-4pm FNTC02 275 350 -30 WSCPA TAx

Nov 2-3 16 AiCPA’s Annual Accounting and Auditing Workshop, 8am-4pm AAUW 475 590 -60 WSCPA A&A

Nov 2 8 C What you Need to Do Now in Estate Planning Under New Tax Law, 8am-4pm NLEP 285 360 0 WSCPA TAx

Nov 3 8 Small Business Accounting and Auditing Update, 8am-4pm SBAA02 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Nov 4 8 introduction to QuickBooks for the Accounting Professional, 8am-4pm COMQB03 240 315 0 WSCPA TEC

Nov 4 8 Washington State Community Property and Estate Tax Law Update, 8am-4pm WKCP02 275 350 0 WSCPA TAx

Nov 7 8 Construction Contractors: Accounting, Auditing and Tax, 8am-4pm CAAT01 275 350 -30 WSCPA A&A

Nov 7-9 24 AiCPA/AHi Staff Training Semi-Senior, 8am-4pm STP2A 665 780 0 WSCPA A&A

Nov 8 8 y Advanced Auditing of HUD-Assisted Projects, 8am-4pm EOAHUD 275 350 -30 WSCPA GNP

Nov 9 8 Advanced Concepts in Estate Planning, 8am-4pm ACEP 285 360 0 WSCPA TAx

Nov 10 8 C Fiduciary Income Tax Returns - Form 1041 Workshop, 8am-4pm 1041 285 360 0 WSCPA TAx




Fees Date CPE


MemberFee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type


Nov 10-11

16 iFrS Essentials with GAAP Comparison: Building a Solid Foundation, 8am-4pm IFRS 475 590 -60 WSCPA A&A

Nov 11 8 The Complete Guide to the Preparation of Form 1041, 8am-4pm CG1041 275 350 0 Meydenbauer Center TAx

Nov 11 8 y Governmental & Nonprofit Annual Update, 8am-4pm GNAU02 275 350 -30 WSCPA GNP

Nov 14 8 internal Controls for Small Business Accounting Systems, 8am-4pm ITCB 275 350 0 WSCPA A&A

ç Nov 14 8 Websites, Software, Tax Quality Control, Engagement, 8am-4pm WSTQ 275 350 0 WSCPA TAx

Nov 15 8 QuickBooks Advanced Features, Tools, and Techniques, 8am-4pm ADQ02 275 350 0 WSCPA TEC

Nov 15 4 Í E Washington CPA Ethics and New Developments (WA State requirement), 8-11:30am

CENRW409 180 215 0 Meydenbauer Center Ethics

ç Nov 15 8 your 2011 Update on Estate Planning, Health Care Reform, Eldercare, and Long-Term Care Planning, 8am-4pm

UEPE 275 350 0 WSCPA TAx

Bellingham

Oct 26 8 Common Frauds and internal Controls for revenue, Purchasing and Cash Receipts, 8am-4pm

CFIC01 275 350 -30 Lakeway inn & Conference Center

A&A

Oct 28 8 AiCPA’s Hottest Tax Topics for 2011, 8am-4pm HOT01 275 350 -30 Lakeway inn & Conference Center

TAx


CENRW404 180 215 0 Lakeway inn & Conference Center

Ethics

Nov 9 8 LLC and Partnership Taxation: Beyond the Basics, 8am-4pm NBLLC 275 350 -30 Lakeway inn & Conference Center

TAx

Everett

Sep 29 8 Basis/Distributions for Pass-Through Entities: An irS Hot Spot, 8am-4pm BDPTE01 275 350 -30 Edward D Hansen Conference Center

TAx

Oct 18 8 Advanced Update for Compilation, review and Accounting Services, 8am-4pm RPCR02 275 350 -30 Edward D Hansen Conference Center

A&A

Nov 1 8 C Federal Estate and Gift Tax returns - Forms 706 and 709 Workshop, 8am-4pm GIFT 285 360 0 Edward D Hansen Conference Center

TAx

Nov 2 8 Small Business Accounting and Auditing Update, 8am-4pm SBAA01 275 350 -30 Edward D Hansen Conference Center

A&A

Nov 14 8 Washington B & O and Sales Tax, 8am-4pm WSTx04 275 350 0 Edward D Hansen Conference Center

TAx

Kennewick

Nov 1 8 Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors, 8am-4pm AUAA04 275 350 -30 Hilton Garden Inn Tri-Cities Kennewick

A&A

Nov 3 8 Federal Tax Update - individuals (Form 1040), 8am-4pm FTUI01 275 350 0 Three rivers Conven-tion Center

TAx

Nov 4 8 Federal Tax Update - C & S Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs (Forms 1120, 1120S & 1065), 8am-4pm

FTUB01 275 350 0 Three rivers Conven-tion Center

TAx

Nov 9 4 Í E CPE in Ethics: A requirement in Washington State, 8-11:30am CENRW408 180 215 0 Hilton Garden Inn Tri-Cities Kennewick

Ethics

Lynnwood

ç Sep 28 8 Choosing, Using and Converting Small Business Tax Entities - Going Beyond Typical Choice of Entity Solutions ( “C,” “S,” LLC, LLP, T-I-C and More), 8am-4pm

CUCS 275 350 0 Lynnwood Conv Ctr TAx

Olympia

Sep 7 2 S l Federal Healthcare Reform and your Employer-Sponsored Plan, 12-1pm CHOM01 20 20 0 Indian Summer Golf SK

Sep 22 8 y The revised Yellow Book: Government Auditing Standards, 8am-4pm EOyB 275 350 -30 Red Lion Hotel Olympia GNP

Oct 20 8 Advanced Update for Compilation, review and Accounting Services, 8am-4pm rPCr03 275 350 -30 Red Lion Hotel Olympia A&A

Nov 7 8 C Social Security, Medicare, and Prescription Drug retirement Benefits: What Every Boomer Needs to Know, 8am-4pm

SSRB 285 360 0 Indian Summer Golf TAx

Nov 8 8 AiCPA’s Hottest Tax Topics for 2010, 8am-4pm HOT02 275 350 -30 Indian Summer Golf TAx

Nov 10 8 The Best Estate and Financial Planning Topics of 2011, 8am-4pm BEST01 275 350 0 Red Lion Olympia TAx

ç Nov 14 8 Strategies and Tactics in the New War Against Higher individual Taxes, 8am-4pm iWAr02 285 360 0 Red Lion Olympia TAx

Seattle

Sep 20 2 S l imperfect Storm: Upcoming Changes in Accounting, 7:30-9:30am CHSE01 30 40 0 Women’s Univ Club SK

Sep 26-27

16 SEC Reporting, 8am-4pm SECR 475 590 -60 WA State Conv Ctr A&A

Sep 27 8 y Not-for-Profit Accounting & reporting: From Start to Finish, 8am-4pm NPAr 275 350 -30 WA State Conv Ctr GNP



Fees Date CPE


Member Fee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type



Oct 17 8 Advanced Update for Compilation, review and Accounting Services, 8am-4pm RPCR01 275 350 -30 WA State Conv Ctr A&A

Oct 18 2 S l Social Engineering and the Cold Call, 7:30-9:30am CHSE03 40 40 0 Women’s Univ Club TEC

Oct 19 8 Advanced Forensic Techniques for Accountants, 8am-4pm AFTA 275 350 -30 Washington State Convention Center

A&A

Oct 20 8 international versus U.S. Accounting: What in the World is the Difference?, 8am-4pm

iUSA 275 350 -30 WA State Conv Ctr A&A

Oct 24 8 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Sales of Closely Held Businesses: Advanced Case Analysis, 8am-4pm

PSAS 275 350 -30 WA State Conv Ctr TAx

Oct 27 0 S Scavenger Hunt- New Professionals Networking Event, 6-8:30pm NP05 20 20 0 Hard Rock Cafe PD

Nov 4 8 Audit Work Papers: Documenting and reviewing Field Work, 8am-4pm ATDr 275 350 -30 Conference Center - at Convention Place

A&A

ç Nov 7-9 20 u S

Pacific Tax institute, 8am-4:30pm PTI 775 850 0 Bell Harbor Interna-tional Conf Center

TAx

ç Nov 7 8 u S

Pacific Tax institute-11/7/11 only, 8am-4:30pm PTI2 380 455 0 Bell Harbor Interna-tional Conf Center

TAx

ç Nov 8 8 Advanced Selected issues for Trusts, Estates, and Their Beneficiaries, 8am-4pm ITEB 285 360 0 Conference Center - at Convention Place

TAx

ç Nov 8 8 u S

Pacific Tax institute-11/8/11 only, 8am-4:30pm PTi3 380 455 0 Bell Harbor Interna-tional Conf Center

TAx

Nov 9 8 y Studies on Single Audit and Yellow Book Deficiencies, 8am-4pm SAYB 275 350 -30 Conference Center - at Convention Place

GNP

Nov 10-11

16 u Pacific NW Construction industry Conference, 8am-4:30pm CIC 525 600 0 Bell Harbor Interna-tional Conf Center

SK

Nov 16 0 S Bowling- New Professionals Networking Event, 6-9pm NP07 20 20 0 The Garage PD

Southcenter (Tukwila)

Nov 14 8 Variable Interest Entity Consolidation Rules: Not Just a Big Company Issue!, 8am-4pm

VIE 275 350 -30 DoubleTree Guest Suites Southcenter

A&A

Nov 15 8 AiCPA’s Annual Update: Top 10 GAAP issues Facing CPAs, 8am-4pm TTGP 275 350 -30 DoubleTree Guest Suites Southcenter

A&A

Spokane

Sep 13 0 S Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7pm NP11 0 0 0 Steam Plant Grill PD

Sep 21 8 Accounting for income Taxes: Applying SFAS No. 109/FiN 48: A Whole New Ballgame!, 8am-4pm

AiT02 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane A&A

Sep 22 8 internal Control Essentials for Financial Managers, Accountants, and Auditors, 8am-4pm

iCDAD01 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane A&A

ç Sep 28 8 AiCPA’s Controllership: 25 Critical Lessons form the Trenches, 8am-4pm CDLT01 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane MG

Oct 11 0 S Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7pm NP12 0 0 0 Steam Plant Grill PD

Oct 18 8 Cash and Tax Basis Financial Statements Preparation and Reporting, 8am-4pm CTB01 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane A&A

Oct 20 0 S Casino Night - Networking Event, 6-9pm NP06 30 30 0 Hampton Inn Spokane PD

Oct 24 8 Washington B & O and Sales Tax, 8am-4pm WSTx03 275 350 0 Hampton Inn Spokane TAx

Oct 26 8 Form 1041: Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts, 8am-4pm ITET 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane TAx

ç Oct 27 8 49 Tax-Cutting Moves for individuals, 8am-4pm FNTC01 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane TAx

Oct 31 8 Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors, 8am-4pm AUAA03 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane A&A

Nov 3 8 Washington State Community Property and Estate Tax Law Update, 8am-4pm WKCP01 275 350 0 Hampton Inn Spokane TAx

Nov 7 4 Í E CPE in Ethics: A requirement in Washington State, 8-11:30am CENRW406 180 215 0 Hampton Inn Spokane Ethics

Nov 8 0 S Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7pm NP13 0 0 0 Steam Plant Grill PD

Nov 10 8 y Governmental & Nonprofit Annual Update, 8am-4pm GNAU01 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane GNP

Nov 11 8 GAAP Update and review for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (SMEs) by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

GURSME04 305 380 0 Hampton Inn Spokane A&A

ç Nov 15 8 The Top Ten Fraud Schemes: How to Detect and Prevent Them, 8am-4pm TMCF01 275 350 -30 Hampton Inn Spokane A&A

Tacoma

Sep 23 8 internal Control Essentials for Financial Managers, Accountants, and Auditors, 8am-4pm

iCDAD02 275 350 -30 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr A&A

ç Sep 26 8 LLC Practitioner’s Workshop: A Case Studies Approach, 8am-4pm LWRK 285 360 0 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr MG

Oct 11 4 Í E CPE in Ethics: A requirement in Washington State, 8-11:30am CENrW403 180 215 0 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr Ethics




Fees Date CPE


MemberFee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type


Oct 19 8 Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors, 8am-4pm AUAA01 275 350 -30 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr A&A

Oct 21 8 FASB review for industry, 8am-4pm FASBi01 275 350 -30 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr A&A

Oct 25 8 Cash and Tax Basis Financial Statements Preparation and Reporting, 8am-4pm CTB02 275 350 -30 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr A&A

Nov 8 8 Construction Contractors: Accounting, Auditing and Tax, 8am-4pm CAAT02 275 350 -30 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr A&A

Nov 15 8 C Choosing the Best Entity Structure Under the New Tax Law in 2011, 8am-4pm CBES02 285 360 0 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr TAx

ç Nov 16 8 Complex 1040 Planning, Strategies and Solutions (Schedules A, C, D, E and Much More!), 8am-4pm

CPSS 275 350 0 Pacific Grill Ev Ctr TAx

Vancouver

Oct 18 8 Forensic Accounting: Fraudulent reporting and Concealed Assets, 8am-4pm FAFr 275 350 -30 Red Lion at Quay A&A

Oct 21 8 Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors, 8am-4pm AUAA02 275 350 -30 Red Lion at Quay A&A


CENRW405 180 215 0 Red Lion at Quay Ethics

Wenatchee

Nov 8 4 Í E CPE in Ethics: A requirement in Washington State, 8-11:30am CENrW407 180 215 0 Red Lion Wenatchee Ethics

Nov 9 8 Closely Held Business Taxation: 49 Practical Ways to Cut Taxes, 8am-4pm CHBT 275 350 -30 Red Lion Wenatchee TAx

Nov 10 8 Taxation Essentials of LLCs, LLPs, LPs and Other Partnerships, 8am-4pm TLLLO01 275 350 -30 Red Lion Wenatchee TAx

Webcasts and Webinars - your Desk

ç Sep 1 8 WEBCAST: implementing the right Business Technology - Where to Best Spend Your Money, 7am-3pm

WEB330 255 295 0 Webcast MG

Sep 1 2 WEBiNAr: Adobe Acrobat Forms, 11am-1pm WNr171 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 1 2 WEBiNAr: xBrL Level 1 - The Next Evolution in Financial reporting, 8-10am WNr172 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 2 4 Í E WEBCAST: Washington CPA Ethics and New Developments (A WA require-ment), 8-11:30am. AlsoofferedOct3,Oct22,Nov15andDec28.

WEB261 159 189 0 Webcast Ethics

ç Sep 6 3 WEBCAST: research and Development Tax Credits: Do You Know the Tax Savings These Create?, 8-11am. AlsoofferedOct12,Nov5,Nov14,Dec12andDec14.

WEB262 99 129 0 Webcast TAx

Sep 6 3 WEBCAST - EVENiNG: High road Corporate Governance from the inside Out - The CFO and Controller’s Toll Kit Part 1, 6-9pm. Also offered Sep 10, Sep 16, Oct 6.

SWEB11 99 129 0 Webcast MG

Sep 6 2 WEBCAST - EVENiNG: Change Management: Making improvement Happen, 6-8pm. AlsoofferedOct18,Nov19andNov30.


Sep 6 2 WEBCAST - EVENiNG: The CFO’s role in Banking and Financing, 7-9pmAlsoofferedNov30.


ç Sep 7 4 Í WEBCAST: Strategic Planning for SMEs: Moving from ideas to Action, 8-11:30am. Also offered Oct 11.


Sep 7 2 WEBiNAr: The Goal of the Audit, 7-8:40am WNR04 59 79 0 Webinar MG

ç Sep 8 4 Í WEBCAST: Banking Financial and Compliance Update Series 2011 - Third Quarter, 8-11:30am. AlsoofferedOct13.

WEB332 129 159 0 Webcast SK

ç Sep 8 2 TOPiC CHANGE: WEBCAST: Best Enhancements in Excel 2007/2010, 11am-1pm WEB52 79 99 0 Webcast TEC

Sep 8 2 WEBiNAr: Excel - Beginner Tips, Tricks & Techniques, 8-10am WNr173 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 8 2 WEBiNAr: Excel - Advanced Tips, Tricks & Techniques, 11am-1pm WNr174 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 9 4 Í WEBCAST: SSArS 19 Compilation, 6:30-10am. Also offered Sep 9 and Oct 10. WEB333 129 159 0 Webcast A&A

ç Sep 9 2 WEBiNAr: iPad Part 1 - What You Need to Know, 8-10am WNr175 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 9 2 WEBiNAr: iPad Part 2 - Doubling the Value of Your iPad, 11am-1pm WNr176 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 10 2 WEBCAST - SATUrDAY: The High road Approach to Difficult Conversations: How to Face and Grow from Them, 12-2pm. Also offered Sep 24, Sep 28 and Oct 7.

SWEB20 79 109 0 Webcast PD

ç Sep 12 8 WEBCAST: Financial Statement Fraud Not Just Wall Street’s Problem, 8am-4pm. AlsoofferedOct3,Nov1,andDec19.

WEB269 235 265 0 Webcast SK

ç Sep 13 2 WEBiNAr: Estate Planning and Administration After 2010, 11am-1pm WNr177 79 94 0 Webinar PFP

Sep 14 3 WEBCAST: Accounts receivable Management - “Part 1 of 6 of the Technical Controllers Series,” 8-11am. AlsoofferedOct17,Nov7,andDec13.


ç Sep 14 2 WEBCAST: Managing the Accounting Function So You Become invaluable “Part 2 of 6 in the Technical Controller Series,” 11:30am-1:30pm. Also offered Oct 17, Nov3,andDec13.


Sep 14 2 WEBCAST: Getting Stuff Done When You Don’t Own the Company - “Part 3 of 6 in the Technical Controllers Series,” 2-5pm. AlsoofferedOct17,Nov7,andDec13.


Sep 14 2 WEBCAST - EVENiNG: Lean Accounting, 6-8pm SWEB49 79 109 0 Webcast MG



Fees Date CPE


Member Fee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type



ç Sep 14 2 WEBiNAr: Outlook Part 1 - E-mail Management Tips & Techniques (Basic), 8-10am

WNr179 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 14 2 WEBiNAr: Outlook Part 2 - E-mail Management Tips & Techniques (Advanced), 11am-1pm

WNR180 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 15 3 WEBCAST: it’s ALL in the Process! How to Generate Productivity and Break-through improvements “Part 4 of 6 in the Technical Controller Series,” 8-11am. AlsoofferedOct18,Nov8,andDec14.


ç Sep 15 2 WEBCAST: Setting the riGHT Tone! A Finance Leader’s Best Tool for Employee Engagement “Part 5 of 6 in the Technical Controllers Series,” 11:30am-1:30pm. AlsoofferedOct18,Nov8,Dec14.

WEB314 79 109 0 Webcast PD

ç Sep 15 3 WEBCAST: Money Talks! Presenting Financial Concepts with Ease “Part 6 of 6 in the Technical Controllers Series,” 2-5pm. AlsoofferedOct18,Nov8andDec14.


Sep 15 2 WEBiNAr: Excel - Best Unknown Features for Accountants, 8-10am WNR181 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 15 2 WEBiNAr: Security Tools - Up Close and Personal, 11am-1pm WNR182 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 16 2 WEBCAST: Budgeting Wars Prevention: How to Ensure Accountability Exists in your Budget Process, 8-10am. Also offered Oct 6.


Sep 16 2 WEBCAST: Governance-Enhancing risk Management: Setting the right Balance innovation and Controls, 11am-1pm. Also offered Oct 6.


ç Sep 16 4 Í WEBCAST: Tax Planning Strategies with Defined Benefit Plans, 9am-12:45pm. AlsoofferedOct19,Nov4,Dec2andDec7.


ç Sep 16 2 WEBiNAr: Best Options for Backup, 8-10am WNr183 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 19 8 WEBCAST: internal Control: Your Number-One Defense Against Errors and Fraud, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEB53 255 295 0 Webcast A&A

Sep 19 2 WEBiNAr: Adobe Acrobat for Accountants i - Basic Features & Functions, 8-10am


Sep 19 2 WEBiNAr: Adobe Acrobat for Accountants ii - Advanced Features & Functions, 11am-1pm


Sep 20 8 WEBCAST: Auditing: Practical Application of Current Standards, 8:30am-4pm. Also offered Nov 29.


ç Sep 20 2 WEBiNAr: 2011 Year-End Tax Planning - Thinking Outside the Box, 8-10am WNR186 79 94 0 Webinar TAx

Sep 21 2 WEBiNAr: Setting Your Staff up for Success for the Audit, 7-8:40am WNR05 59 79 0 Webinar MG

Sep 22 8 WEBCAST: Common interest realty Associations Conference, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB56 255 295 0 Webcast SK

Sep 22 2 TOPiC CHANGE: WEBCAST: Managing External Data and How to Get the Most Out Of Subtotals, 11am-1pm

WEB55 79 99 0 Webcast TEC

ç Sep 22 2 WEBiNAr: 2011 irS Tax Update, 8-10am WNr187 79 94 0 Webinar TAx

Sep 23 8 WEBCAST: introduction to xBrL and New Opportunities for CPAs, 8:30am-4:30pm


Sep 24 2 WEBCAST - SATUrDAY EVENiNG: High road Leadership Strategies for Elimi-nating Silos, Bureaucracy or Turf Wars in Your Culture, 7-9pm. Also offered Sep 28, and Oct 7.

SWEB17 79 109 0 Webcast PD

Sep 26 8 y WEBCAST: Fraud in the Governmental and Not-For-Profit Environments: What a Steal!, 8:30am-4pm

WEB58 255 295 0 Webcast GNP

Sep 27 8 WEBCAST: Advanced Auditing of HUD-Assisted Projects, 8:30am-4pm WEB59 255 295 0 Webcast GNP

Sep 27 2 WEBiNAr: Auditing & Fraud Technology Tools, 8-10am WNR188 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 28 2 WEBCAST - EVENiNG: The CFO’s role in Operational Control, 7-9pmAlso offered Oct 18.


Sep 28 4 Í WEBCAST: Myths of Budgeting and How to Overcome Them, 1-4:30pm. Also offered Oct 7.


Sep 28 8 WEBCAST: Financial Statement Preparation for Your QuickBooks Clients, 8:30am-4:30pm


ç Sep 28 2 WEBiNAr: Windows 7 - Tips & Techniques, 11am-1pm WNR189 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 28 2 WEBiNAr: The Pros and Cons of E-mail Use During an Audit, 7-8:40am WNR06 59 79 0 Webinar SK

ç Sep 29 2 WEBiNAr: Excel - The Business Analytics Tool, 8-10am WNR190 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 29 2 WEBiNAr: Social Networking - Essentials for Business, 11am-1pm WNR191 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

Sep 30 8 WEBCAST: Washington B & O and Sales Tax, 8am-4pm. AlsoofferedDec1. WEB265 235 265 0 Webcast TAx

ç Sep 30 2 WEBiNAr: Client Portals - How to Develop A Strategic Model, 11am-1pm WNR192 79 94 0 Webinar TEC

ç Sep 30 2 WEBiNAr: Outlook Part 3 - Calendar & Contact Management Tips & Techniques, 8-10am

WNr193 79 94 0 Webinar TEC




Fees Date CPE


MemberFee

Non- MemberFee


Facility Subject

# Type


Oct 4 2 WEBCAST: Financial Statement Analysis from an Operational Perspective, 3-5pm WEB341 79 109 0 Webcast A&A

Oct 5 2 WEBiNAr: Technology - A Blessing or a Curse During the Audit?, 7-8:40am WNr07 59 79 0 Webinar TEC

Oct 6 2 TOPiC CHANGE: WEBCAST: Understanding Data at a Glance with Conditional Formatting and IF Statement, 11am-1pm


Oct 11 4 Í WEBCAST: Enterprise risk Management for SMEs - risk Plays No Favorites, 7-10:30am. AlsoofferedDec16.


Oct 14 2 WEBCAST: realistic Approach to An Audit: The Use of Substantive Procedures in an Audit in Accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, 12-2pm


Oct 18 8 WEBCAST: FASB Update, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB62 255 295 0 Webcast A&A

Oct 19 2 WEBiNAr: The Characteristics of an Auditor, 7-8:40am WNR08 59 79 0 Webinar A&A

Oct 20 2 TOPiC CHANGE: WEBCAST: Hyperlinks, Data Validation and Nested iF State-ments, 11am-1pm


ç Oct 21 8 WEBCAST: Accounting & Auditing Conference, 8am-4:05pm WEBAAC 185 260 0 Webcast A&A

Oct 21 8 WEBCAST: CPA Firm Best Practices Conference, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB64 255 295 0 Webcast MG

Oct 22 4 Í WEBCAST - SATUrDAY: A133 Audits - What Do i Need to Know? An Auditor’s Perspective for Auditors, 11am-2:30pm. AlsoofferedNov1,Nov3,Dec5,Dec9.

SWEB04 129 159 0 Webcast A&A

Oct 22 4 Í WEBCAST - SATUrDAY: A133 Audits - How Can i Do it Better? An Auditor’s Perspective for Auditors and Auditees, 10am-1:30pm. AlsoofferedNov1,Nov3,Dec5,andDec9.


Oct 22 4 Í WEBCAST - SATUrDAY: Yellow Book Audits: What is Different About Yellow Book Audits? 11am-2:30pm. AlsoofferedNov3,Dec5,andDec9.


Oct 25 8 WEBCAST: investing in Turbulent Times, 8:30am-4pm WEB65 255 295 0 Webcast SK

ç Oct 26 8 WEBCAST: Meeting xBrL Mandates: Providing xBrL Services to Clients, 8:30am-4:30pm


Oct 26 2 WEBiNAr: Total Client Service - Did You Deliver All of Your Services, or Just the Audit?, 7-8:40am

WNR09 59 79 0 Webinar SK

Oct 27 8 WEBCAST: Deal Structure for Mergers and Acquisitions Transactions, 8:30am-4:30pm


Oct 28 8 WEBCAST: Financial Statement Disclosures for the Tax Practitioner, 8:30am-4:30pm


Oct 28 8 WEBCAST: Convergence 2011-reformatted Financial Statements: The Times They They Are a Changing!, 8:30am-4:30pm. AlsoofferedDec5.


Oct 31 8 WEBCAST: Federal Taxation of Partnerships and LLCs Part ii: Sales, Bequests, redemptions and Liquidations, 8:30am-4:30pm


Nov 1 8 WEBCAST: Federal Tax Update-individuals (Form 1040), 8:30am-4:30pm WEB71 255 295 0 Webcast TAx

Nov 2 8 WEBCAST: Federal Tax Update-C & S Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs (Forms 1120, 1120S & 1065), 8:30am-4:30pm


ç Nov 2 2 TOPiC CHANGE: WEBCAST: Working with Your QuickBooks Clients, 11am-1pm WEB72 79 99 0 Webcast TEC

Nov 3 8 WEBCAST: GST Tax From A to Z, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB74 255 295 0 Webcast TAx

Nov 4 8 WEBCAST: Family Law Conference, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB75 255 295 0 Webcast SK

Nov 7 8 WEBCAST: FiN 48--Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB76 255 295 0 Webcast A&A

Nov 8 8 WEBCAST: iFrS and Financial reporting, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB77 255 295 0 Webcast A&A

Nov 9 8 WEBCAST: real Estate Conference, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB78 255 295 0 Webcast SK

Nov 10 8 WEBCAST: Dealing with Venture Capitalists, 8:30am-4pm WEB80 255 295 0 Webcast SK

Nov 10 8 WEBCAST: introduction to international Taxation, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB79 255 295 0 Webcast TAx

Nov 11 8 WEBCAST: Tax Aspects of Bankruptcy: All Need Not Be Lost, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB81 255 295 0 Webcast TAx

Nov 14 8 WEBCAST: Partnership and LLC Taxation: Advanced issues, including Transfers of interests and Liquidations, 8:30am-4pm


Nov 15 8 WEBCAST: Employment Practices Conference, 8:30am-4:30pm WEB83 255 295 0 Webcast SK

Need help finding a seminar, conference or webcast? Call the WSCPA at (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800. To view the complete schedule of events, go to www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog.

The same high quality materials and speakers featured in many WSCPA conferences and seminars are available for CPE events for your firm. To learn more about WSCPA in-house Training, call (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800 or e-mail [email protected].


rEGiSTrATiON Register at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog

Code Title Date City Fee1

3

WSCPACPEpoliciesapplytoallprogramsintheCPEDigest.ReviewtheCPEpoliciesatwww.wscpa.org.

Register online at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog or:

Questions? E-mail [email protected] or call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington).

2

2

Questions? E-mail [email protected] or call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington).


CLASSiFiED ADS

Follow WSCPA www.wscpa.org

Detailed advertising information is available online at www.wscpa.org. Classified Ads are $1 per word, $40 minimum. Active e-mail and web site addresses count as two words and are $10 additional each. Positions available ads are for magazine placement only. To post a job listing, visit the Career Center at www.wscpa.org.

Contact Sharon Olene-Marander at (425) 586-1138, (800) 272-8273, Ext. 1138, or [email protected] for more information. All ads must be pre-paid. See these and any new listings on our website under Newsroom. The submission deadline for the November/December 2011 issue is September 23, 2011.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Established Bellingham CPA firm is seeking experienced auditor to join our team of professionals. 5+ years of audit experience required. Collaborative working environment, excellent advancement oppor-tunities and salary and benefits package. Submit resume and cover letter to Varner Sytsma & Herndon, CPA’s, 2200 rimland Drive, Suite 205, Bellingham, WA 98226, Attn: H/r

Established Bellingham CPA firm is seeking experienced CPA to join our team of professionals. 3+ years of tax experience required. Collaborative working environment, excellent advancement opportunities and salary and benefits package. Submit resume and cover letter to Varner Sytsma & Herndon, CPA’s, 2200 rimland Drive, Suite 205, Bellingham, WA 98226, Attn: H/r

OFFICE SPACE

Fast growing East Vancouver location. Class A Office Space available for CPA practioner & staff. Built in 2008 Full service. Successful Financial Advisory Practice located in space. Contact Dan Foster at (360) 883-2623 ext. 101 or [email protected].

BellevueOffices.AV Bus/EP law firm has offices for small firm or solo practitioners. Great for startup! relaxed park-like setting near DT Bellevue. reception-ist, copier/scanner/shredding, conf/seminar rooms, tax library, kitchen, shower + FrEE PArKiNG for tenants/clients, and with easy in & out + freeway access (i-405, i-90 & 520). George (425) 990-1572 or [email protected].

Federal Way Business district newly remod-eled, partially furnished professional office building. 2-3 offices plus conference room and reception/secretarial station. Parking, kitchen, fax, copier, internet, utilities. Contact Eileen at (206) 399-2046 or [email protected].

SITUATIONS WANTED

Barron’sTopFinancial Planning firm seek-ing professional partnership with CPA firm. We increasingly find the need to network with other professionals. We have many ways to work together in mutually beneficial relationship. 425.228.1000 (Kevin) or [email protected] – www.randallslinde.com.

MERGERS & SALESNorth Seattle CPA tax practice for sale. Average fee approx. $250. All or part. Most are long term and loyal. Cash or contingent. Must have experience preparing tax returns. respond to [email protected].

accountant or firm looking for a quality practice to make their own.

Everett Franchise Tax Practice for Sale: The Seller is offering the opportunity to acquire a qual-ity retail tax franchise business. The business has a solid track record with two locations and two territories. The locations are firmly established with existing clients and benefit from national brand name, national name recognition and excellent sup-port. This business offers a significant investment opportunity and can be operated with little owner involvement.

Everett Tax Practice(s) for Sale: The owner of this tax practice has three locations in Everett and a client count of approx. 900 individual tax returns. The practice resembles a national tax franchise which for several years was the case but is no longer affili-ated with that organization. What remains are good locations with leases in place for two locations and/or understandings for next tax year for the third location. This practice would be an excellent addition to any firm or business with designs on expanding or with excess capacity. The best news is that the owner will consider any reasonable offer for this business with significant upside potential.

Spokane CPA Firm for Sale: This well rounded CPA firm renders professional services in the areas of write-up, income tax, compilation(s), review(s), and auditing. The firm has long term relationships with most of the clients while continuing to accept new business which fuels the continuing growth of the practice. The practice has a variety of clients in all industries but does serve a number of non-profit entities in a variety of capacities. The owner seeks to retire but would be available for transition to the new owner through tax season. This practice is primed for a new owner and continued prosperity.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONSThe following organizations need a CPA to serve on the board of directors and/or provide other guidance on financial matters. Learn more at www.wscpa.org (enter volunteer positions in the search box).

ArtsEd WashingtonCitizens for Off-Leash Areas - NewCongress for the New Urbanism – CascadiaEmergency Feeding Program - NewFamilies for Effective Autism TreatmentHearing Speech and Deafness Center (HSDC) Helping Link - NewHorizon House Northeast Washington Education Councilrelief and Education for Afghan Children - NewSave Black Diamond - NewThe Swedish Finn Historical SocietyThe Parkinson’s Project - NewTransitional Resources - NewWashington Women in Need - New

CPA looking for $150,000-$250,000 size practice to purchase in the Bellingham area. Cash purchase. Please respond to Tom by phone, (707) 545-0701 or email, [email protected].

Tax Clients Available: Seeking CPAs who can accept new tax clients. Most clients are in Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, etc. Some are in Seattle. Mostly 1040s with schedule As and Cs. Long history of loyalty and stability. Call Bob 206-575-0806, or email [email protected].

Everett/Bellevue Firm Looking for King and Sno-homish County CPA firm and/or registered investment Advisory Company to purchase. We are the second largest CPA firm in downtown Everett, manage $135m and are looking to purchase another firm. Our client base is as broad as the services we offer, as we cater to individuals and small business. Please contact the owner, Brian Evans at 425-252-6909 or email to [email protected]. You can review our websites at www.bauerevans.com and www.bondstreetwealth.com.

Considering Selling Your Practice? Consider all your options. We do the work. Confidential. We have buyers actively seeking practices. Call Mark Hause at 877-345-7722 or visit our website at www.account-ingpracticesales.com. Accounting Practice Sales. We make dreams happen!

IBA Sells Privately Held Companies. Do you represent a client who is ready to retire or has taken a company as far as they want to or can? iBA is the Pacific Northwest’s oldest business brokerage (M&A) firm. We are professional negotiators with over 4000 completed transactions. Please contact us if we can be of assistance at (800) 218-4422 or www.ibainc.com.

PRACTICES FOR SALE

Contact Mark Hause at Accounting Practice Sales by e-mail at [email protected] or call 877-345-7722 for more information on the following practices:

Anacortes CPA Firm for Sale: This CPA firm is a traditional CPA firm with income tax, write-up, along with financial services to round out the practice. The firm revenue mix breaks out 76% tax, 18% write-up, and 6% financial services. The buyer will have the opportunity to retain the current office location indefinitely as the Seller owns the building. With a loyal client base and good fees, this firm offers opportunity to a firm looking to expand or a CPA wanting to be on their own.

Bellingham CPA Firm for Sale: This CPA firm is a tax and write-up practice that focuses on small business. As a result, the firm predominantly renders tax and write-up services for a loyal group of clients who are accustomed to paying market rate fees along with being a strong referral source. The revenue dollars grossed by the firm break out 65% income tax and 33% write-up services and 2% for a small amount of compilation and review services. The client work load is continuous through the year with the normal increase in tax filing periods provid-ing for a balanced workload and revenue stream. This practice has an excellent staff which further enhances the opportunity this firm provides for an

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2011

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HAPPY HOURS - All members invited! 5-7 pm, 2nd Tuesdays At Spokane’s Steam Plant Grill and various Puget Sound locations.Find details at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog (enter “HH” in keyword search box).

The Washington CPA September/October 2011

Documents

Transcript of The Washington CPA September/October 2011