Fall
Showing 593–608 of 741 results
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Discover new opportunities with joint ventures and strategic alliances
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 299
Abstract: For many contractors — particularly smaller ones — a joint venture or strategic alliance offers an opportunity to join forces with other construction companies to achieve business goals that one business couldn’t achieve on its own. This short article explains the difference between these two arrangements and the advantages that both offer to the partners involved.
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Is your construction company at risk? Understand how to account for claim revenue
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 622
Abstract: If a construction company encounters unanticipated income, also known as “claim revenue,” it might find itself in hot water with the taxing authorities. So when is a company at risk? As this article explains, it’s important to know when to use the percentage-of-completion accounting method vs. the completed-contract method. And, in deciding what to include each year, contractors need to gather objective, verifiable evidence supporting each claim.
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Year end tax planning – Contractors should take a strategic approach
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1164
Abstract: As 2011 winds down, it’s time for contractors to think about year end tax planning. It’s critical to take a strategic approach, balancing the desire for short-term tax savings against one’s interest in preserving the long-term financial strength of the business. This article discusses timing issues and accounting methods, followed by a look at 2011 tax breaks and the impact that various tax moves may have on lending and bonding relationships. A sidebar shows why bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing are particularly valuable this year for contractors investing in equipment and other fixed assets.
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BANK Wire – Tighter cybersecurity rules in place for 2012
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 416
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” notes that, to comply with updated federal banking rules that take effect Jan. 1, banks must add control measures to make Internet banking safer for customers. It also shows how FASB has amended its guidance on determining if a debt restructuring is a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). For most community banks, the guidance will apply to all restructurings after 2011.
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Lending to start-up businesses
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 479
Abstract: In this down economy, it pays to be more cautious than ever when lending to start-up businesses. This article reviews some of the factors to look for when a potential customer walks in the door — and what to require of the borrower. Specifically, bankers should consider the business’s industry and the entrepreneur’s qualifications and objectivity. Then they should determine what the benchmarks for success will be and ensure that they’ll be getting timely and reliable financial data.
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Mobile banking: How do we get there?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: Many banks now allow customers to access their accounts, make transfers and payments, and conduct other transactions — all from their mobile devices. However, despite the many benefits of mobile banking, customers are still wary of electronic banking methods. As a result, many community banks are reluctant to fully plunge into the mobile arena. This article shows some of the procedures banks can implement to make the most of this fast-growing market.
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Handle mergers with care
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 954
Abstract: The possibility of rising regulatory capital requirements has prompted many banks to consider a merger as a potential compliance strategy. These complex transactions raise a variety of corporate, financial, valuation, regulatory, tax and liability issues. This article provides an introduction to the merger process — with a focus on tax-free transactions. A sidebar offers a checklist to ensure that all the bases are covered during each phase of the merger process.
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How much should you be paid?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 845
Abstract: Among the tough decisions dealer-owners face at year end are how much money to take out of the business and how to split that amount between salaries, bonuses and dividends. Although owners’ compensation is somewhat discretionary, it needs to withstand IRS scrutiny. As this article explains, the IRS is looking for both over- and underpayments, depending on whether the subject company is a C corporation or a flow-through entity. A sidebar discusses other parties that have a vested interest in how much dealer-owners are getting paid.
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Buying fixed assets never looked so good
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 493
Abstract: Dealerships that are considering purchasing equipment and other “fixed assets” should take a look at Section 179 and bonus depreciation deductions — they’re especially generous in 2011 but will diminish after the end of the year. This article offers details.
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Nip it in the bud – Background checks thwart fraud, but be careful
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 738
Abstract: No matter how strong a dealer’s internal controls, it needs to “begin at the beginning” with complete employee background checks. It’s one of the best ways to protect one’s business and customers, although it’s still important to be careful with the final decision. This article explains how to conduct background checks without violating privacy rights and other laws, and why dealers that choose to hire an outside agency need to check its credentials.
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Your next warranty audit: Be prepared!
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 641
Abstract: Manufacturers’ periodic warranty audits have become more frequent as they seek ways to compensate for more dealer-friendly warranty laws that some states have passed to increase warranty reimbursement rates and eliminate manufacturer surcharges. Every dealer gets audited at least once, so this article shows how they can prepare.
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Newsbits – Dos and don’ts of setting prices
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 406
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” discusses the dos and don’ts of setting prices for products; how cash-strapped state and local governments are considering rescinding tax breaks for nonprofits and increasing fees; and IRS guidance to make it easier for tax-exempt organizations to find out if they qualify for the new health care tax credit.
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Internal controls: Is it time for a checkup?
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: Many nonprofits might have cut staff during the recent recession — and that means fewer people to “mind the store.” As the economy continues to mend, now is a good time to inspect the condition of the internal controls that safeguard an organization’s finances. This article looks at how to ensure strong internal controls, while a sidebar emphasizes that an annual audit shouldn’t be relied on, in and of itself, to detect fraud.
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Just for nonprofits – Accounting rules change for mergers and acquisitions
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 610
Abstract: Those who are considering joining forces with another organization will want to understand the effects of new accounting standards for mergers and acquisitions — and plan their financial strategies accordingly. This article takes a look at Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 164, Not-for-Profit Entities: Mergers and Acquisitions, which outlines how to determine if a new business combination is a merger or an acquisition, and addresses the different methods of accounting involved.
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Wrapping up a gift acceptance policy
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 956
Abstract: All gifts aren’t created equal. Having a gift acceptance policy to refer to — and using it to decide whether to accept a donation — is important to an organization’s balance sheet, workload and reputation. This article explains why it’s important to reject gifts that are incompatible with an organization’s mission or that might present financial or administrative problems. It discusses the elements of a good gift acceptance policy and the particular considerations that may be involved with different kinds of gifts.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Construction company owner tires of failing fleet
Fall 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” addresses the concern of a hypothetical owner: Is there a better way of maintaining a fleet of construction vehicles? This article answers “yes”: Fleet management is a formalized, comprehensive approach to buying, using, maintaining and disposing of construction vehicles. With the appropriate software and GPS technology, owners can keep track of where their vehicles are and how they’re maintained, and make more informed lease-vs.-buy decisions.