Public Companies
Showing 81–96 of 188 results
-
5 ways to leverage internal audits
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: Traditionally, the role of an internal audit (IA) function has been to test financial and compliance controls and then report its findings to the appropriate oversight. But in recent years that role has evolved. An IA, with its cross-functional perspective, is in an ideal position to help companies anticipate and mitigate a variety of risks, improve business financial and operational processes, and evaluate strategies. This article lists five ways businesses can enhance the value of their IA function.
-
Don’t overlook third-party risks
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 478
Abstract: Identifying and addressing risk is a critical function in public companies today. But while most businesses devote significant resources to risk management, third-party risk doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. This article discusses the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and continued monitoring on vendors, agents and other business partners, noting three principles as they relate to third-party due diligence and payments.
-
Audit committees: Are they on top of fraud and corruption?
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Although the audit committee’s top priority continues to be overseeing financial reporting, both regulators and investors expect it to take a proactive role in a company’s corporate governance and risk management programs. In particular, the committee should actively monitor and evaluate the organization’s antifraud and anticorruption efforts. This article examines a real-world instance of an audit committee’s failure to do so and notes ways that an audit committee should ensure that management is setting the right “tone at the top.”
-
Increasing the value of the auditor’s report – Oversight board considers changes
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 986
Abstract: The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is exploring ways to increase the value of the auditor’s report to investors and other financial statement users. It recently issued a proposal that would require auditors to report “critical audit matters,” evaluate certain information outside the financial statements and offer information about auditor tenure. However, commenters have registered concerns regarding audit scope expansion, breach of confidentiality, investor confusion and legal liability. This article discusses these issues and notes that, whatever the final standards look like, they’ll have a huge impact on financial reporting and may affect a company’s ability to raise capital. A sidebar looks at whether there’s a correlation between audit tenure and audit quality.
-
When should you disclose a contingent liability?
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 480
Abstract: For public companies, disclosure of contingent liabilities — such as those associated with pending litigation or governmental investigations — is a highly sensitive matter. Companies want to avoid alarming investors with losses that are unlikely to occur or disclosing their litigation strategies. The SEC has noted that many companies aren’t providing the required information related to reasonably possible losses. This article describes the reporting requirements, noting that even voluntary disclosure of remote contingencies may help protect companies against shareholder claims in the event a loss occurs.
-
Red flag alert – SEC cracks down on financial statement fraud
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 569
Abstract: As the economy continues on the road to recovery and stock prices rise, the SEC is showing renewed interest in financial statement fraud. Among the tools the task force is using to uncover fraud is the new Accounting Quality Model — a quantitative analysis tool that sifts through the numbers and language in financial statements filed on EDGAR for warning signs that earnings have been manipulated or results misstated. This article discusses five warning signs that are most likely to attract the SEC’s attention.
-
Going private demands transparency
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 691
Abstract: A public company might choose to go private for the tax and accounting advantages, to reduce compliance costs, or to focus on long-term goals rather than satisfying Wall Street’s demand for short-term profits. But going private is nearly as complex as going public, so it’s important to handle such transactions with care. This article cites a real-world example illustrating why it’s essential that the process be fully transparent.
-
Why crowdfunding may not live up to its billing
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: One provision of 2012’s JOBS Act creates an exemption from SEC registration for companies that wish to sell securities over the Internet through “crowdfunding” — a method of raising money through small contributions from large numbers of people. Some companies may be able to use crowdfunding to attract investors worldwide without an expensive, time-consuming public offering. However, it’s not yet clear whether it will become a viable alternative for attracting equity capital in practice. This article provides answers to some common questions about crowdfunding, while a sidebar looks at some other financing alternatives.
-
Are you covered? Red Flags Rule tackles identity theft
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 323
Abstract: Several years ago, the Federal Trade Commission issued its “Red Flags Rule,” which requires financial institutions and other organizations to implement a written identity theft prevention program. The rule is designed to detect the warning signs of identity theft in their day-to-day operations. Last year, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission jointly adopted their own Red Flags Rule for entities under their jurisdiction. This article discusses what types of entities might be subject to the Red Flags Rules.
-
Get ready for international tax reform
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 762
Abstract: The various international tax reform proposals being put forth by lawmakers provide valuable insights into the direction that tax reform is likely to take, and they give companies an opportunity to participate in the legislative process and prepare for the changes to come. This article explains current law and examines proposed changes. While it’s not yet clear what changes Congress will make, it will likely become more difficult to use controlled foreign corporations to defer U.S. taxes.
-
Goodwill impairment testing – Is a qualitative assessment right for your company?
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: According to a recent survey, most businesses aren’t using the optional qualitative assessment to evaluate goodwill for impairment. The Financial Accounting Standards Board introduced this option in 2011 to ease the often complex and costly burden of quantitative testing. But qualitative testing often requires substantial effort and extensive documentation, and many company leaders have opted to stick with the quantitative approach. However, a recent AICPA guide offers a framework for performing the optional qualitative assessment.
-
Fair disclosure: How to protect your company against Reg FD liability
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 986
Abstract: In 2000, the SEC adopted Regulation FD (fair disclosure — “Reg FD”), which prohibits public companies from selectively disclosing material nonpublic information to analysts, investors and others. To ensure compliance with Reg FD and to protect themselves against significant monetary penalties, companies need to develop a comprehensive disclosure policy. This article explains when Reg FD does and doesn’t apply, acceptable methods of making information public, and developing a written policy. A sidebar offers a list of information and events that are likely to be considered material and that companies should review carefully.
-
IFRS update: FASB may be changing course
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 317
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) are nearing completion of their 11-year-old convergence project, ironing out differences between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Still, significant differences remain, and the SEC continues to express reservations about adopting IFRS in the United States. This article summarizes recent events.
-
A job for professional skeptics – Auditor questions benefit companies — and their stakeholders
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: Public company executives often have long-standing and amicable relationships with their auditors. So it’s easy to forget that an auditor is a “public watchdog,” with ultimate allegiance to shareholders, creditors and the investing public. This article discusses the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Staff Audit Practice Alert describing auditors’ obligation to exercise professional skepticism throughout the audit process.
-
Is sustainability the future of corporate reporting?
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 707
Abstract: Companies that provide sustainability information to investors, customers, suppliers and government agencies typically realize significant benefits and competitive advantages. This is particularly true when sustainability information is combined with financial data into an integrated report. This article explains what a sustainability report is and looks at the many benefits of such reporting.
-
Handle with care – How to follow the new rules on private placements
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1034
Abstract: In September 2013, final SEC regulations lifting the ban on advertising and public solicitation for certain private placements took effect. Now, companies can finally use their websites, social media platforms, e-mail, broadcast and print advertising, and other forms of general solicitation to promote their offerings and find investors. This article explains how to screen investors and stay compliant with regulations. A sidebar offers four options to verify that all investors in Rule 506 private placements are accredited.