Spring
Showing 1–16 of 687 results
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ERC: Does your dealership qualify for this valuable tax credit?
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 496
Abstract: Two laws passed in the last six months have included a number of COVID-19-related provisions that could benefit dealerships. Among these are extensions and modifications of several CARES Act provisions, including the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). This article highlights the tax credit’s extended qualification period and other significant changes.
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A key lesson learned from the pandemic – Ways to lower your dealership’s cost structure
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic turned the dealership world upside down last spring, and the ramifications are still being felt. With over a year’s experience in the rearview mirror, it’s a good time to discuss a pivotal lesson learned during this precarious time: the importance of lowering the business’s cost structure. This article takes a look at three areas to examine: staff compensation, advertising and inventory.
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Thinking through the financial exec hiring decision
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Despite the pandemic, many dealerships have seen strong financial results amid bumped-up consumer demand and restored supply chain efficiency. Some have grown to the size where they’re considering stepping up the financial management of their operation by hiring a controller or a CFO. This article describes what a dealer-owner needs to evaluate when making this decision, including revenue thresholds, responsibilities of the positions, compensation and outsourcing options.
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Crime fighting – How new technology can help detect occupational fraud
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: New technologies can more efficiently analyze a dealership’s unstructured data (emails, instant messages and social media posts) as it seeks to uncover occupational fraud. This article explains how natural language processing works and its potential in identifying weaknesses in internal controls and unearthing fraudulent behavior before it’s too late. A short sidebar highlights some eye-popping fraud numbers from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ 2020 Report to the Nations.
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What’s the latest on business meal and entertainment expenses?
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: The deductibility of business meals and entertainment for federal income tax purposes has received renewed attention in recent months. The IRS’s final regulations on the deductibility of such expenses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and a provision in December 2020’s Consolidated Appropriations Act change the rules of the game. This short article delves into these complicated rules.
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Automation brings savings and efficiency
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: Law firms don’t run without racking up nonbillable hours. Those hours — spent on anything from client intake to collections — can eat up a lot of time more profitably spent elsewhere. Fortunately, automated solutions are continuing to proliferate in ways that can help firms of all sizes make better use of their time and reap cost savings along the way. This article highlights the areas of law practices, such as client intake, document drafting, and billing and collections, that can benefit from automation.
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Charting the future – How key performance indicators can help your firm succeed
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: After a tumultuous 2020, many law firms are looking towards a calmer future. But the waning COVID-19 pandemic isn’t the only factor affecting firms’ futures. Each firm needs to review some key performance indicators (KPIs) to make informed decisions on the road to success. This article reviews financial KPIs and looks at goal setting, suggesting some steps law firms can take to have a successful KPI program.
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2021 legal market – Why this year could mark an inflection point
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 861
Abstract: A recent study of the legal market suggests that 2020’s disruptions to law firm operations could end up being the impetus the industry needs to finally adapt to the market’s competitive realities. The Center on Ethics and the Legal Profession at the Georgetown University Law Center and Thomson Reuters Institute’s 2021 Report on the State of the Legal Market looks at key issues likely to influence the market in 2021 — and beyond. The article discusses the report’s conclusion that the industry may be reaching a critical inflection point when it comes to the delivery of legal services. A short sidebar reviews some findings from the report, including why firms were able to raise their rates last year, attorney growth and partner profits.
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Bank Wire – CAA provides COVID-19 relief for banks
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: This summary of recent developments in banking discusses some bank-specific relief provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). It also highlights several other CAA-related developments relevant to banks, including the SBA’s guidance for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and the CAA’s simplification of the PPP-related loan forgiveness application. In addition, it notes the recent announcement that the Federal Reserve Board intends to work with other banking agencies to develop a fintech vendor due diligence guide for community banks.
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Online account opening: Managing the risk
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 578
Abstract: Banking customers increasingly rely on electronic banking tools to open accounts, make deposits, transfer funds and otherwise manage their money — and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend. This article points out that all of these activities increase an institution’s Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) compliance risks, particularly the opening of online accounts.
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Should your bank use third-party vendors?
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 715
Abstract: In the uncertain economy resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, community banks continue to streamline operations, improve efficiency and eliminate waste. This article points out that to help in this process, banks are increasingly turning to outside vendors to provide specialized services beyond the usual offerings. It also explains that to use third-party vendors successfully, it’s important for banks to evaluate liability and assess risk.
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5 tips for fair lending compliance
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 845
Abstract: Community banks need to develop and follow fair lending practices. This article summarizes some of the important provisions of the main laws that govern fair lending, such as the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. It then offers five tips to help a community bank create an effective compliance program, including conducting a risk assessment and developing a written policy. A sidebar explains that a useful source of guidance on fair lending compliance is the Interagency Fair Lending Examination Procedures used by federal financial agencies.
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CRM systems offer intriguing benefits
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) systems offer many benefits to businesses, including stronger customer relations, service and retention. This article explains how CRM systems may be most valuable to construction companies in managing the business development process and focusing a company’s limited resources on winnable, profitable projects.
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Vetting subcontractors is more important than ever
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 545
Abstract: General contractors must work hard to recover from project shutdowns/slowdowns caused by the pandemic and capitalize on what could be a stronger economy ahead. In this environment, vetting subcontractors for quality work and financial stability is more important than ever. This article reviews some basic tenets of prequalification.
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Is your buy-sell agreement up to date?
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 665
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement is a critical tool for owners of closely held construction companies. To be effective, however, construction business owners need to review it periodically and, if necessary, modify its language to reflect changing circumstances. This article explores the importance of scrutinizing the valuation provision, which establishes the purchase price for a departing owner’s shares.
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Tax planning – Don’t forget about the CAA
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 941
Abstract: The Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, providing relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to reducing 2020 tax bills, the act provides several tax benefits for 2021. This article covers highlights that contractors should know about. A sidebar notes that expenses paid with Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds are deductible.