The WashingtonCPA Winter 2014 by Washington Society of CPAs

washington

CPA Winter 2014

Volume 56, Number 3

Firm

Sustainability What Challenges are Keeping CPAs Up at Night? Practice Continuation for Small Firms Strategies for Ensuring Firm Sustainability

www.wscpa.org

2014 Accounting Practice Sales

Head Start Program We Market Your Firm During Tax Season

Tax season is upon us and will likely be a busy time for you. That’s why Accounting Practice Sales has developed our new “Head Start” program, whereby we market your firm during tax season but allow you to defer speaking with interested buyers until sometime after April 15th.

Here’s How the Head Start Program Works: APS promotes your firm now - based on your latest results - to our registered buyers and on various websites, including www.AccountingPracticeSales.com. Once we locate interested buyers, we let them know you are unavailable for discussions until after tax season. Some of these buyers may wish to make an offer for your later consideration. This process allows you to continue working uninterrupted through tax season, retain the revenue from tax season and still have interested buyers waiting once you’re finally ready. Our “Head Start” program allows us to go to work for you – and begin the process of selling your firm. Getting started is simple… minimal documentation and information is required. We will evaluate your firm and help you establish a realistic asking price based on current market conditions. America is going through an economic time that is filled with uncertainty and risk. Fortunately, the accounting market is more stable than most other industries. People and businesses will continue to need tax filings, financial statements and other accounting services. Therefore now is the time to sell, while your firm is still at the peak of its earning history. No one knows more about selling accounting firms than Accounting Practice Sales.

Why Wait To Get Started? Call:

877-345-7722

or E-mail:

markhause@contactaps.com

www.accountingpracticesales.com

For a list of available opportunities in Washington, see page 37.

APS Head Start Ad - 2014.indd 1

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

11/8/13 1:11 PM

www.wscpa.org

CONTENTS

wa s h i n g t o n

CPA www.wscpa.org • memberservices@wscpa.org Tel (425) 644-4800 • Toll free in WA (800) 272-8273 Fax (425) 562-8853 902 140th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98005-3480

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn G. Wisegarver Chair Heather L. Fitzpatrick Vice Chair David J. Miniken Treasurer William A. Simer Secretary Mary D. Marino Immediate Past Chair Richard E. Jones President & CEO

Laurie J. Anderson Marinilka B. Kimbro Thomas G. Donaghy Lucy L. Liu Kirsten S. Duke Karissa A. Marker Dean A. Granholm Peter R. E. Miller Robert L. Grannum Sharon K. Philpott Waylon P. Jones Andrew L. Read CHAPTER BOARD CHAIRS Richard C. Meyer, Jr. Bellevue Area Alex R. King Central Molly Vander Woude Central — North Seattle Jack W. Curnow Northwest Kathryn A. Dixon Olympia — Peninsula — Pierce County Amanda J. Goodman Sammamish Valley Dora K. Leung Sammamish Valley Jeffrey A. May Seattle Rachel T. Sites Snohomish County Dani L. Espinda South King County John Vogel South Sound Industry Matthew E. Lee Southwest Lucas M. Zarecor Spokane — Wenatchee Kyle S. Meissner Yakima

Jeanette Kebede

Editor

Firm Sustainability 6

What Challenges are Keeping CPAs Up at Night?

Strategies for Ensuring Firm Sustainability

11 Practice Continuation for Small Firms

The Changing Face of the Profession

22 Introverts: Misconceptions Revealed 23 Your Gift Makes a Difference

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

24 Tax Season 2014 Discounts and Resources

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

38 An Architect, a Politician and an FBI Agent Walk Into ...

The WashingtonCPA (USPS 009754) is published four 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. Periodicals postage paid at Bellevue, Washington and additional mailing offices.

Departments

Cover photo: © Getty Images/Anne Marie Kurtz

Leadership Lens

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The WashingtonCPA, c/o WSCPA, 902 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005-3480.

News Briefs

27 Conferences

www.wscpa.org

CPE Digest

17 Advocacy

Registration Form

23 Foundation

Classified Ads

Member Discounts

Member Profiles

Photo Album WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Leadership lens

2014—A Year of Possibilities By Rich Jones, CPA, CGMA, President & CEO

Tale of Two Cities is a novel written by Charles Dickens in 1859. It is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel begins with the following famous line: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way... As I think about how the year 2014 may be different from 2013, I am reminded of Dickens’ statement. It is unlikely that 2013 was the best of times for almost anyone. However, there were some encouraging and hopeful signs during the year. In 2013, home values nearly rebounded to prerecession levels, the stock market reached all-time highs and unemployment rates improved slightly. Or was it still the worst of times? We had a “do nothing” Congress with a degree of personal animus that was unprecedented and troubling. Our federal government was unwilling to make the changes necessary to prevent economic disaster in the years ahead and our state governments, similarly situated, were paralyzed from dealing with reality. From a business point of view, the past 5-8 years have been a period of great uncertainty. Everyone acknowledges that our taxation systems are broken and need to be reformed; however, no real progress has been made to reform the tax code. In response to the collapse of many financial markets, significant new regulations have been enacted that are intended to prevent a repeat of this event. However,

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

It is too early to determine where 2014 will fall in the spectrum of the best of times and the worst of times. However, CPAs may be able to influence how these changes affect them, their clients and their businesses. very few of the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act have actually been implemented and every possible effort has been expended to try to block the effectiveness of this law. Similarly, the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) was challenged and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, although this massive legislation’s implementation has been impeded by very poor execution by the administration and a never-ending attempt to repeal the legislation by Congress. The failure to properly execute the insurance exchange provisions of the Affordable Care Act has created a great deal of uncertainty for millions of people looking for coverage under the Act. And finally, the uncertainty of the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act was resolved in 2013, but the questions of how this affects employers and individual taxpayers are still being resolved. So why do I think it is possible that we will have answers to some of these issues in the New Year? Consider the following: •

The leadership of several of our most important governmental agencies will be new in 2014, including the following agencies: o FASB—Russell Golden (WSU accounting grad, by the way); o SEC—Betty White (an experienced litigator); o IRS—John Koskinen (a government turnaround specialist); and

o Federal Reserve—Janet Yellen (very experienced; previously Vice Chair).

•

The Chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee have both released tax reform proposals to be discussed by their committees. Significant changes contained in these proposals include: o Restriction on the use of cash method of accounting for personal service firms; o Overhaul of the taxation of multi-national businesses, including deemed repatriation of offshore earnings; o Elimination of LIFO inventory method; and o Elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

•

Proposals for changes in auditing and reporting standards include: o Changes in the Accountant’s Report proposed by PCAOB; o Consultation Draft on the International Framework for Integrated Reporting issued in 2013; o Exposure Draft by AICPA’s Accounting and Review Services Committee on reviews and compilations; o PCAOB’s proposal to require that the name of the lead auditor for public companies be identified; and www.wscpa.org

Leadership lens

The Changing Face of the Profession By Glenn Wisegarver, CPA, CGMA, WSCPA Chair for 2013-14

o Decisions on various proposals in the European Union related to mandatory audit firm rotation are expected to be finalized in 2014 (this may influence similar proposals in U.S.).

•

In late 2013, FASB approved the first two private company GAAP exceptions advanced by the Private Company Council: o Exempt private companies from goodwill impairment testing subsequent to a business combination; and o Provide a simplified approach to hedge accounting for certain interest rate swaps entered into by private companies.

•

Initial IRS regulations covering DOMA and Affordable Care Act tax issues were recently released, answering a number of questions about the requirements of those Acts.

It is too early to determine where 2014 will fall in the spectrum of the best of times and the worst of times. However, CPAs may be able to influence how these changes affect them, their clients and their businesses. In today’s economy, information is certainly a source of power. Your clients and employers will want to understand how these issues apply to them. If you are able to provide these answers, you may well be able to turn these challenges into opportunities, and 2014 could turn out to be a year with many valuable solutions. Good luck. You can contact Rich Joines at rjones@ wscpa.org

www.wscpa.org

e are changing. Whether we consider broad societal evolution or within the accounting profession, we are definitely changing. The last several months have highlighted to me both the extent and speed at which these changes are occurring.And I believe the new world we are entering is both positive and welcome. I attended the fall meeting of the AICPA Governing Council in Los Angeles this past month. Among the usual legislative and regulatory updates, an economic demographer spoke at length regarding impending demographic shifts and the impact those will have on the profession. He noted that Despite recent events that the economic health of the U.S. greatly depends on continued and steady popupoint to improvements regarding lation growth. He also noted that populadiversity, tion growth over the next three decades, in particular, will be driven by increases in the reality remains that the the Latino and Asian communities. By the accounting profession must continue end of that time, the combined minority group population will exceed half of the to focus its efforts in this area. total U.S. population. As a profession, it is vital we encourage and attract students who reflect these changes in order that our firms, whether in industry or public practice, thrive and perform at the highest levels in our extremely competitive global landscape. Diversity is our strength. Around that same time I attended a student event at the Crowne Plaza in Seattle. “Meet the Firms Night” is sponsored by Western Washington University, and brings together college students and hiring firms for an evening of socializing and discussion. Accounting students from Seattle to as far away as Bellingham participated.These accounting students were as diverse in their backgrounds as they were impressive and poised. I recall thinking to myself that the room truly represented the future of our profession—a bright, diverse, and strong future. Despite recent events that point to improvements regarding diversity, the reality remains that the accounting profession must continue to focus its efforts in this area. Many young people in high schools and colleges across the U.S., at all economic levels, remain unaware of the opportunities offered by the accounting profession. At the WSCPA, we continually strive to be relevant to and representative of our members, especially when it comes to discussing the future of the profession. The WSCPA remains committed to raising awareness of the accounting profession among young people in communities across our state. However, we need your help. One of the most powerful forces is when our members volunteer to talk to students about the profession and assist WSCPA financial education programs in the community. Through our volunteers, we become the face of the profession to those in our communities, thereby encouraging students to learn more about the CPA profession and, perhaps, pursue a career in this profession. Financial education volunteers demonstrate how our expertise can help people better manage their own financial situations and have a positive impact in our own backyards. I encourage you to learn more about financial education volunteer opportunities on the WSCPA website at www.wscpa.org. You can contact Glenn Wisegarver at gwisegarver@gmail.com. WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

cover story

What Challenges are Keeping CPAs Up at Night? W

hat are the biggest concerns affecting firms like your own across the country? Results of the American Institute of CPAs’ 2013 CPA Firm Top Issues Survey, sponsored by the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), provide the answers. The 2013 survey found that greater economic stability has prompted practitioners to take a longer-term, more strategic view of the most important challenges facing their firms. Bringing in new clients was cited as an issue by firms of all sizes, and all but the smallest firms were concentrating on finding qualified talent.

Succession, which only the largest firms chose as a top issue in 2011, has also now become a challenge for nearly all firm segments.

“The 2013 survey results paint a picture of firms that are poised for future growth,” said Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA’s vice president of Firm Services and Global Alliances. “Practitioners are reassessing where they stand after the recession and preparing for renewed demand.” Using the survey results as a benchmark, CPAs can test their own experiences against those of others and make strategic planning decisions accordingly.

Top Challenges by Firm Size

The PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey is conducted biennially with results categorized by firm size. While each size grouping has a unique list of top five issues, common elements provide snapshots of general trends. Client retention, for example, was a significant concern for firms in the 2009 survey, during the midst of the economic downturn. Again, client retention was consistently cited across all firm sizes in 2011, but was not among the top

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

five issues for all firm groups this year; it ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, among sole practitioners and firms with 11-20 professionals. In the meantime,

succession, which only the largest firms chose as a top issue in 2011, has also now become a challenge for nearly all firm segments.

Scan to view all the top issues lists for 2013 and related AICPA resources.

www.wscpa.org

firm sustainability

partner unity + accountability

succession

Tax law changes + complexity and workload compression

What the Results Mean for CPAs

for partner contributions and standardizing their procedures to maximize efficiency. Those have turned out to be smart management choices and firms appear ready to stick with them even though the downturn is over.

Some of the key takeaways from the survey include: •

•

Firms have put the economic crisis behind them. Not only did client retention move out of the top five issues for firms with 2-5, 6-10 and 21+ professionals this year, but fee pressure/pricing and client collections, which were concerns for many firms in 2011 and 2013, also moved down the list and out of the top five for all firm sizes. Tax law changes and complexity and workload compression remain burdens for the smallest firms. They are perennially among the top five issues for firms with five or fewer professionals.

•

Remember when scrambling to find great staff was a major concern? Those days are on the horizon, if not here already.

•

Firms that have not begun concentrating on their transition to new ownership or leaders would be well advised to do so as baby boomers head into retirement and as strong M&A activity changes their local marketplace.

•

Both large and some smaller firms are thinking about partner unity and accountability. Many firms weathered the recession by tightening up expectations

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Action Steps for Success

How can you put the survey findings to work in your practice?

•

Review the results in a partner or strategic planning meeting. Do they track to your firm’s experiences? Are there any surprises?

•

Consider whether you would make any changes in your strategic plans based on the survey results. Discuss questions such as:

finding great staff

o Is it time to begin or revisit your succession plans?

o Will your staff recruitment and retention efforts give you a competitive edge in an active hiring market?

As part of your strategic planning, you can turn to a broad range of AICPA and PCPS resources to help you address all of the issues identified in the survey, from the AICPA’s Tax Practitioners Toolkit and Health Care Reform Resource Center to the PCPS Practice Growth & Client Services and Succession Planning Resource Centers. The PCPS 2013 CPA Firm Top Issues Survey Commentary includes links to useful tools and a discussion of what the trends mean and how CPAs can respond to them, and the survey results webpage provides the Top Issues lists for various firm sizes, plus indicates the resources that help practitioners address those critical issues. In addition, the AICPA’s PCPS team has webpages specifically for sole practitioners, small, medium and large firms, so that CPAs can more easily access resources and find practice management solutions tailored to the size of their firm. Visit the PCPS Firm Practice Center at www.aicpa.org (click Interest Areas, Firm Practice Management - PCPS). Article courtesy of the American Institute of CPAs.

o Is the firm making the most of the new business opportunities that may be available now that the economy has stabilized? If not, what changes are needed? WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

firm sustainability

Strategies for Ensuring Firm Sustainability

As discussed in the accompanying article (page 6) about responses to the American Institute of CPAs’ 2013 CPA Firm Top Issues Survey, “finding qualified talent for long-term sustainability of firms of any size is a top concern.” Four WSCPA members—Harvey Dorfsman and Jesse Sabey, MKD CPAs, PLLC in Seattle; Hal Thompson, Thompson & Kreitzberg in Walla Walla; and Dave Hawthorne, Hawthorne and Co. CPAs in Burien— recently took the time to talk about their experiences in this regard.

MKD CPAs, PLLC “I was in for an angioplasty to place a stent, when the next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital after having had quintuple bypass surgery.”

Harvey Dorfsman, CPA

Jesse Sabey, CPA

Harvey Dorfsman sold his firm early in 2013, after meeting with Jesse Sabey a number of times during the previous year to discuss various issues and agree on a price. They worked out a plan for transferring the firm’s clients—60% A&A, 15% tax, with the remainder in peer reviews and other types of consulting—to Sabey. Dorfsman planned to stay and work with Sabey during a transition year. But, as sometimes happens, that plan for an orderly transition changed mid-year, quite literally in a heartbeat. As Harvey tells it, “I was in for an angioplasty to place a stent, when the next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital after having had quintuple bypass surgery. One of my first thoughts was how was I going to complete a number of clients’ jobs in progress. However, I was assured by the Powers That Be that I would be out of the office for the next eight weeks. Fortunately, Jesse stepped in, picking up each job without missing a beat.”

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Dorfsman’s experience underscores the importance of having a plan, as outlined very clearly in the CAMICO article on page 11 of this issue of The WashingtonCPA. “Based on my experience, every practitioner should have a transition plan in effect just in case they encounter the same situation I did,” Harvey concludes. From his perspective, Sabey added, “The transition has gone very well. What’s important, what makes the difference, is taking over from someone who genuinely wants to see their clients well taken care of, know that they are in good hands, and wants to see you do well and succeed.” When asked about advice he would give to peers interested in joining a small firm with the goal of stepping in to a partner role, he adds, “You have to be willing to do it all. In a large firm, a Marketing Department handles the writing and preparation of proposals for you, an HR Department handles much of the administrative items and staff support frees you up in other areas. But at a small firm, you often wear all of those hats. Even though that can be difficult and tedious at times, I quickly realized that the flip side of being a partner at a small firm is that everything matters! Every email, phone call, meeting, and CPE matters. Every new client matters; I feel it as it drops directly to the bottom line. Having that responsibility resting squarely on your own shoulders can be daunting at times, but incredibly rewarding nevertheless.”

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firm sustainability

“A good succession plan adds value to a practice.”

Thompson & Kreitzberg

Hal Thompson, CPA

“Since we are in a rural area where potential employees and future partners are scarce. . . rather than finding the person that fits our exact needs. . . we create the position to take advantage of the specific skills of the person that comes to work for us.”

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Thompson & Kreitzberg is a firm of five CPAs and 15 staff accountants/client service staff located in the heart of downtown Walla Walla. A small firm in a small rural town is not generally at the top of young CPAs’ list of places to work, yet this firm has done a good job of attracting new staff and either retaining them or opening the door to other great opportunities in the community. According to Thompson, “We believe that the future is built upon infrastructure in both people and processes. In order to attract young people to our practice—both young CPAs and young clients —we must position the firm to be attractive to them. This includes work/personal life balance for young CPAs and a state of the art technology platform utilizing the current technologies used by young people. To this end, we belong to a national CPA firm network called Rootworks, the common denominator being the use of the technology platform developed by Thomson/Reuters suite of CS products including advanced portals and paperless interfaces with clients and our CPA firm. “In a rural area, there is no ‘one-size-fitsall’ recruiting process.The most general statement as to what works for us is ‘networking.’ We sponsor a scholarship at the local high school so high school students know about us.We keep track of accounting students from Walla Walla area schools and invite them to the firm to interview our younger people.We participate in the high school job fair. We ask family, clients, staff and the business community in our network to tell us of any possible

candidates. Often, the very best candidates come to Walla Walla because their spouse found a job here. We always interview prospective candidates even though we do not currently have a position to fill.” Hiring and developing new staff is a component of a succession plan.Thompson adds, “The biggest challenge to succession planning in our CPA firm is taking the time to think about all the various permutations and planning for each eventuality. Since we are in a rural area where potential employees and future partners are scarce, this planning is limited by the specific person who comes to work with us rather than finding the person that fits our exact needs. In other words, we create the position to take advantage of the specific skills of the person that comes to work for us.” When asked about advice he would give to other firms developing a succession plan,xThompsonxconcludes,x“Forxolder partners, make sure that the discussion of buy-out terms and succession by the next generation of partners is discussed well in advance of the actual transition and make sure the terms are written down in a formal document. “Makexsurextoxcompulsivelyxfund retirement/401(k) plans at a maximum level for all practice years so when retirement comes, the practice can be sold to the subsequent partners at a reduced price.This maintains younger partners’ interest in remaining at the firm and provides for continuity in the client transition process.” WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

firm sustainability

Hawthorne and Company

Dave Hawthorne, CPA

“Run your accounting firm like a business, not like a CPA firm. Most small firms focus so much on providing client services that they forget to run their own business. Take your own advice. Listen to what you are telling your successful clients and use that same advice in your own practice.”

The staff profiles on Hawthorne and Company’s website speak volumes about a key aspect of the firm’s sustainability strategy: the firm grows young CPAs. The staff consists of three CPAs and six recent graduates, all of whom are working toward their CPA license. As Dave Hawthorne puts it, “We continue to develop new staff, typically hiring directly out of college or in the first time in public accounting. As the staff becomes more experienced, we promote qualified persons to more responsible positions. At the same time, we are growing the client base to accommodate opportunities for staff growth.This also includes providing more and diverse services to new and existing clients. This is all a part of the bigger succession planning goal to make my retirement transition easier.” He continues, “We have been successful in recruiting and training accountants that are recent college graduates looking for their first experience in public accounting. We recruit from WSU based on our relationship with some of their faculty; we also advertise in the early fall each year, depending on current staffing requirements. For the first time this year, we are hiring tax season interns. Most of our training is more informal, “on the job,” rather than book or seminar training, but with a deliberate structure toward progressively more rigorous client engagements to keep staff challenged. Over the last 15 years we have tried to maintain a strong learning and mentoring atmosphere. “In our effort to get a younger ‘second team’ developed toward fulfillment of my succession plan, we have naturally experienced some challenges along with the successes. Some of the new hires find out that they like public accounting but don’t fit the firm’s culture. Others discover public accounting is not what they expected and move on. Still others just don’t have the skills to become a successful public accountant and have found happiness in the private sector. In a few cases, we have trained them so well that we have lost them to other opportunities where they have found their fortune. We have a somewhat

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

higher turnover at times than I like, but we seem to always have one or two bright stars out of each class that have remained at the firm. The ones that have a true passion and acumen for public accounting are the ones that stick and are here to stay. “Since there is about a 20 year gap between my experience level and the nearest staff member experience level, my informal succession plan involves my retirement in 10 to 12 years. Time and training is the biggest challenge, waiting for the staff to gain the experience to become a partner to facilitate my retirement.” To that end, Hawthorne’s advice to others is: “Create a plan!!! Plan early and be flexible in the planning. Don’t count on one person to be the successor. Be prepared with multiple succession options (staff acquisition, merger, acquisition by a larger firm) in the event that the preferred plan does not work out. Don’t wait past a point of diminishing returns.” Hawthorne’s acquisition of the practice from his father took place in 1991 with only a nine month transition, making him a relatively young owner at age 35. He now sees his multi-part succession plan starting to come to fruition. As he notes, “My feeling is that the firm needs about a five year period of preparation for transition prior to making the ultimate change. This will allow for a seamless transfer of ownership, management and client services and ultimately allow the practitioner to exit without a hitch. A good succession plan adds value to a practice.” When it comes to planning for long-term sustainability, Hawthorne concludes, “Run your accounting firm like a business, not like a CPA firm. Most small firms focus so much on providing client services that they forget to run their own business. Take your own advice. Listen to what you are telling your successful clients and use that same advice in your own practice.”

www.wscpa.org

Firm sustainability

Practice Continuation for Small Firms By Suzanne M. Holl, CPA

o one likes to think about it, but as Baby Boomers, Generation X’ers, and other demographics continue to age, some of us will become critically ill, and some of us will experience a long-term disability. We are all subject to illnesses, injuries and disabilities, which can last for several months, or even years. Family emergencies and obligations can also call CPAs away from their businesses for long periods of time. What would happen to our clients in such a scenario? When a client needs attestation services to obtain financing or satisfy loan covenants, or another client needs to have a tax return prepared by a certain deadline, who will complete the work? Potentially negative effects, such as missed opportunities or damage to a client’s business, are risk exposures that can come into play when a CPA becomes ill or disabled. CPAs who have not yet taken the time to develop a continuation plan may be: 1) inviting future lawsuits against themselves or their estates; and 2) leaving their spouses, families and heirs with the daunting task of trying to figure out what to do. What kind of contingency plan do you have in place in the event of an emergency? If the answer is “none,” what can you do now to get a plan in development and underway? The best time to plan for a crisis is before it happens. Just taking the first steps in the planning process will go a long way toward facilitating the continuation of your practice, making sure clients are taken care of, and preserving the value of the practice. CPAs interested in detailed guidance for developing practice continuation plans may want to consult “Practice Continuation Agreements: A Practice Survival Kit, Second Edition,” by John A. Eads, CPA (AICPA). Additional articles on the topic are also available online, such as, “Who Would Run Your Firm?” and “CPAs Share Continuation Strategies.”

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What kind of contingency plan do you have in place in the event of an emergency? If the answer is “none,” what can you do now to get a plan in

development and underway? Here are some basic tips from those and other sources on how to get a plan started: 1. Create a checklist of important resources and phone numbers, such as your professional liability insurance carrier (e.g., CAMICO, 1.800.652.1772), state board of accountancy, and your state and local CPA societies. Some CPA societies will put their members in touch with sole practitioner or MAP (Management of an Accounting Practice) groups in their local areas to explore ways of keeping a practice going in an emergency. Other important resources may include your office building manager, computer technical help, telephone service, and other utilities. 2. Assemble a set of practice and operating documents. These documents can be divided into sections, such as: a. A profile of the proprietorship, including types of services offered, names of key employees, location of accounting records, bank account information, and location of contracts and lease agreements. b. A client list, including key contacts, services provided

and important deadlines. (This will need to be much more detailed if you are interested in the option of negotiating a buy/sell agreement as part of a contingency plan.) c. Procedures used to monitor work in progress. This will enable others to determine the status of uncompleted work. d. A guide to using the firm’s computers. e. Location of work papers. f. Description of filing system. g. Office procedures for handling the receipt and return of client information. h. Billing schedules and collection policies. i. Procedures for identifying and paying accounts payable. j. Location of personnel files.

3. Decide on a continuation arrangement/agreement. There are three basic types: a. A one-to-one agreement with a local CPA firm that you have identified as a good fit/culture for your firm. The agreement established between the firms should cover the critical areas that are necessary to ensure a smooth transition (both short-term and long-term) if it becomes necessary. The agreement usually has a buy/ sell component with a clear formula for calculating the sales price of the firm, along with payment period and terms in the event of the CPA’s permanent disability or death. b. A group agreement, in which several CPAs may act as successors/partners to each WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

firm sustainability

other’s firms. CPA firm alliances or associations generally serve this purpose, among other purposes. c. A CPA society group that will assist the member, spouse or heirs in finding a successor/partner.

A variety of elements can be addressed in a practice continuation agreement, providing for a number of conditions and terms. It’s prudent to consult with an attorney when drafting a formal agreement or contract. A formal agreement can: • Define the circumstances under which assistance will be triggered (e.g., long-term or permanent disability, or leave of absence). • Specify a temporary timeframe. If the agreement addresses temporary disability versus permanent disability, definitions of the covered disabilities under the agreement should be included. Other applicable provisions, including client transition requirements, should also be addressed in

the event that a permanent replacement of the CPA who is unable to work is required. Keep in mind, though, that people can be disabled for several months and still make a return to full-time work. Therefore,

The worst time to craft notifications to clients is during a crisis. Prepare template notifications to clients and referral sources ahead of time.

you might want to consider also including a buy-back provision in the agreement. • Specify responsibilities to be performed by the assisting party, including financial terms or compensation for assistance, and provisions for billing, collection, record retention, confidentiality, and non-compete and

restrictive covenants. 4. Identify, approach and partner with a suitable firm(s). Network among sources of referrals. The best organization for such networking is often the local CPA society. Other sources include bankers, attorneys, and community groups. Alliances among CPA firms are active in some regions. Some are formal associations, others informal, but one of the benefits is that they can help facilitate practice continuation planning.

Some CPA sole practitioner groups will regularly meet to discuss their businesses and get to know each other. Some groups work together over a period of many years, enabling members to develop a high level of trust with each other and with their firms’ employees in case one of the CPAs needs to temporarily take over for another.

Practical matters are also covered during the meetings, such as office procedures, billing

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WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

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firm sustainability

rates, records, passwords, and other important details. Practices that have certain niches or practice specialties will need a potential replacement CPA to have similar competencies, which may include special licenses. Another factor is whether the replacement CPA will be able to dedicate enough time to performing the role that the absent CPA performed.

Some groups strategize business plans for the next five or 10 years, asking each other what they can do to make things better for their clients and themselves. In the event of a long-term disability or death, the members can act as an agent for the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business and help spouses negotiate what to do with

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the practice. The planning process can also address retirements, exit strategies, buy-sell agreements, and firm succession in case CPAs need to leave their practice altogether for health or other reasons. 5. Implement the plan. Contact your attorney to draft any agreements required by the plan. Discuss the plan with your spouse and successor/partner. Communicate in writing the instructions for all parties, and set up dates for annual reviews of the plan. The worst time to craft notifications to clients is during a crisis. Prepare template notifications to clients and referral sources ahead of time. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance that the CPA being replaced will not be available for guidance during a crisis,

so the CPA who is stepping in should be well apprised of as much information as possible. Major goals for practice continuation planning include avoiding losses of clients, keeping them happy, and allaying their fears about changes in service and operations. An organized transition that is well communicated to clients is a big step toward attaining those goals. Suzanne M. Holl, CPA, is vice president of loss prevention services with CAMICO (www.camico.com). With more than 18 years of experience in accounting, she draws on her Big Four public accounting and private industry background to provide policyholders with information on a loss prevention and accounting issues.

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

news briefs

[ Save the Date

Nominate your peers!

save the date annual meeting

WSCPA Annual Awards

[

June 12, 2014

In Memoriam John L. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Lifetime Achievement Award Vincent A. Gervais Public Service Award Business of the Year Award | Volunteer of the Year Award Rising Star Award | New Professional Award Learn more about these awards and submit your nomination by March 15 at www.wscpa.org/awards

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

The WSCPA holds in memory with families and the larger community, these members who have recently passed on: Virginia Evelyn Anderson, CPA Kuniyo Furata Donald L. Larson, CPA Herbert B. Swanson, CPA

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social media

Join the conversation! LinkedIn

Connect with fellow members, and participate in discussions at www.wscpa.org/linkedin

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Are you a member of the WSCPA group on LinkedIn? Join the conversation today! Plus, follow WSCPA news and find event photos on Facebook and Twitter.You may have missed the following discussions, news and posts:

Facebook

Like the WSCPA on Facebook WashingtonCPAs

Twitter

Follow the WSCPA on Twitter @wscpa

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

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advocacy

Some Big Shoes to Fill By Kimberly Scott, CAE

ave you heard the saying, “you have big shoes to fill”? That is how I feel with Judy Love’s retirement. If you had the opportunity to meet Judy in person, you would realize that her shoes, while always stylish, are not actually big. However, her accomplishments as the Society’s Director of Advocacy have been huge. I heard Judy tell a group of CPAs, “Advocacy is like insurance: until something bad happens you do not realize just how important it is.” She was right— when you look at what could have happened, you can appreciate the work that is quietly completed before issues arise. Hundreds of WSCPA grassroots volunteers, a paid lobbyist and WSCPA staff work diligently to develop and maintain relationships with legislators. These relationships have been essential during the past several years as the Society has defeated potential threats to the profession or advanced the practice of accountancy in Washington State. Here are highlights of the Society’s advocacy efforts from the last few years:

State Board Fund Balance Saved

The original 2013-2014 biennial budget included a $3.2 million sweep of funds from the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WBOA). • This would have in effect been a double tax on CPAs, as those funds come from licensing fees. • Due to the efforts of the Society, including 120 members who communicated with legislators representing nearly every district in the State, the sweep was removed from the State’s final budget.

B&O Tax Rolled Back to 2010 Rate

Despite proposals from the Governor’s office and the House of Representatives to override a sunset to the www.wscpa.org

“Advocacy is like insurance: until something bad happens you do not realize just how important it is.” - Judy Love

The Washington State Board of Accountancy Deputy Director Jennifer Sciba and Executive Director Rick Sweeney honored Judy Love (center), who recently retired after nearly 14 years of service as WSCPA Director of Advocacy.

0.03% B&O tax increase from 2010, the final budget adopted for the 20132014 biennium rolled the rate back to the 2010 rate. • WSCPA’s lobbyist Lisa Thatcher worked behind the scenes to remind legislators of the sunset agreement. • WSCPA volunteers discussed the sunset when they delivered CPAPAC checks during the 2012 elections. • The initial 2010 B&O increase was to have been a 0.5% increase for five years, with CPAs being among only a handful of professions included. WSCPA lobbyist Lisa Thatcher worked diligently to ensure the pool of professions was expanded while the amount and duration decreased.

No Sales Tax on Professional Services Proposed

Although no legislation has been introduced, the potential revenue is an extremely attractive target, something that is always on WSCPA’s radar screen. • Washington legislators discuss it regularly with their peers at national meetings.

• •

Sales tax proposals in other states were recently defeated, but by very narrow margins. WSCPA volunteers always discuss the inadvisability of any such proposal when meeting with legislators to deliver CPAPAC checks.

WBOA Remains an Independent Agency

Legislation to consolidate the WBOA under the Department of Licensing was proposed or introduced in two consecutive legislative sessions. • The WSCPA, NASBA, the AICPA, a key legislator and individual WBOA members lobbied vigorously against it. • Consolidation proposals continue to threaten state boards’ independence across the country. Based on the results of an independent study of the WBOA, WSCPA staff and WBOA members developed a rationale for the effectiveness and efficiency of an independent Board of Accountancy used by NASBA to support other states when this issue arises. continued on page 18 WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

advocacy

Laws or Proposed Legislation Changed to Remove Unintended Consequences to CPAs •

•

A WSCPA-sponsored bill targeted a law related to the marketing of estate planning documents (“living trusts”) that posed problems to CPAs. The bill passed, making it clear that CPAs are not prohibited from gathering financial information for such documents, nor does such activity constitute the unauthorized practice of law. The WSCPA lobbied against language in a bill that would have required CPAs to “make third party declarations” to lenders on behalf of homeowners facing foreclosure. The final bill eliminated the words “certified public,” substituting the broader term “accountants,” and removed any references to “third party declarations.”

Additional Advocacy Efforts Related to WBOA Gubernatorial Appointments to WBOA

WSCPA members met with both Jay Inslee and Rob McKenna during the 2012 election to deliver CPAPAC checks. The primary topic of conversation with both candidates was the WBOA—the high caliber of current Board members and the importance of their regulatory and licensing activities. • WSCPA sent a letter of congratulations to newly elected Governor Inslee which included a reminder of the discussion and urged him to re-appoint all eligible WBOA members as well as the Executive Director. • WSCPA staff and lobbyist communicated frequently throughout the legislative session with the Governor and his appointments staff to ensure the continued leadership and expertise of the five Board members eligible for reappointment. (Partners from two major

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•

firms serve on the Board.) Governor Inslee reappointed all WBOA members and the Executive Director in June.

Changes to Washington State Ethics Course Approved

The content for the required fourhour Washington State Ethics course was expanded to allow the incorporation of case studies or situation-based discussions in addition to a review of the accountancy statute (RCWs) and WBOA rules (WACs).WSCPA representatives, instructors and several CPAs provided written and oral testimony about the changes.

•

• •

•

CPA Retired

WBOA members, and WSCPA members and staff collaborated to write a rule (WAC 4-30-058) allowing the designation “CPA Retired” for anyone who: • Has reached 60 years of age and holds an active license in good standing; or • At any age has held an active license in good standing, not suspended or revoked, to practice public accounting in any state for a combined period of not less than 20 years.

Get involved in the WSCPA’s advocacy efforts in 2014 become a Grassroots Volunteer

Another Form of Advocacy: Stewardship for Future of the Profession

Imagine what would happen to firms if there were more jobs than qualified CPAs, if accounting education programs closed due to a shortage of educators, and if the CPA workforce didn’t match the overall workforce. Some of the work being done around stewardship is to encourage students to become CPAs. This is done by: • Making presentations at every

•

Beta Alpha Psi club and other major accounting clubs at Washington universities and having a presence at banquets and other events; Connecting students with professionals in their community through chapter events and volunteer opportunities; Creating small firm career fairs to showcase career paths not necessarily seen at college; Hosting symposiums at colleges where accounting students promote accounting careers to high school students; Supporting ACAP, an organization that promotes accounting careers to high school minority students; Providing opportunities for young professionals to develop networking skills and other leadership skills through committee involvement and programs; Supporting ADS, a program designed to create more accounting PhDs through scholarships; and Awarding over $50,000 a year in scholarships through the Washington CPA Foundation to deserving students pursuing a career as a CPA.

A new year is starting and a new legislation session is starting as well— who knows what will happen next? If you are interested in getting involved in the Society’s advocacy efforts, I would love to hear from you. We need members who are willing to create relationships with legislators, helping them understand key issues and the value of the CPA designation. Your help would be greatly appreciated—after all, I have some big shoes to fill. Kimberly Scott, CAE, is WSCPA Vice President of Member Services. She can be reached at kscott@wscpa.org. www.wscpa.org

technology Tip

Preventing Data Input Errors in Excel Using Data Validation Rules By K2 Enterprises

preadsheet errors remain a major problem for those relying on Excel-generated reports and analyses. These errors can manifest themselves in many ways, including incorrect use of Excel functions, improper cell references, and data input errors. Fortunately, you can use Excel’s Data Validation tool to minimize the opportunity for incorrect data input; and in this tip, you will learn how to work with Data Validation rules. To begin to demonstrate the power of building Data Validation rules, consider the loan amortization worksheet pictured in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Sample Loan Amortization Schedule Used for Data Validation Rules

To ensure the worksheet meets the three rules outlined above, begin by selecting cell D4 and clicking Data Validation on the Data tab of the Ribbon to open the Data Validation rule dialog box pictured in Figure 2. On the Settings tab, in the Allow box, choose Whole number; in the Data box, choose between; in the Minimum box, enter 100,000; and in the Maximum box, enter 500,000, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Creating a Data Validation Rule for the Loan Amount Input

In the loan amortization worksheet, you would like to restrict the values that a loan origination officer can enter when creatOn the Input Message tab, enter any desired message to ing the amortization schedule. More specifically, you would like help guide users of the worksheet to enter data that falls into to insert the following rules: acceptable boundaries. For example, you might populate the • The loan amount must be between $100,000 and fields for the Input Message, as shown in Figure 4. $500,000, • The interest rate must be between 2% and 6%, and • The term of the loan must be 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.

Figure 2 Data Validation Rule Dialog Box

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Figure 4 Creating an Input Message for a Data Validation Rule WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Technology Tip

Finally, select the Error Alert tab to record what message the Allow box of the Data Validation dialog box, as shown in Excel will display when the user enters a value outside the Figure 7. established tolerances. When entering an Error Alert message, you have three options: 1. Stop. If you choose this option, the user cannot enter a value that is outside of the established tolerances. 2. Warning. If you choose this option, the user can enter a value that is outside the established tolerances but has to confirm the intention to do so. 3. Information. If you choose this option, Excel will display a message indicating that the value is outside the established tolerances but will allow the user to accept the value without confirmation. For maximum control over data inputs, choose the Stop option in the Style box, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 Creating a Data Validation Rule Based on Percentages

In addition to using Data Validation rules for ensuring the accuracy of user input, you can also build data validation rules to make it easier for users to enter data. For example, you can build a Data Validation rule to provide a dropdown list from which users can select a value to enter into the worksheet.The following five steps describe how to create a dropdown list that allows users to select from the valid loan terms of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years.

Figure 5 Creating an Error Alert Message for a Data Validation Rule

Upon creating the Data Validation rule for the Loan Amount as described above, Excel presents the dialog box shown in Figure 6 when a user attempts to enter a value for the Loan Amount that is outside the established tolerances. The process for building a Data Validation rule to ensure that any interest rate a user enters into the amortization schedule is in the allowable range of 2% to 6% is virtually identical to that described for the Data Validation rule associated with the loan amount. The only substantive difference is selecting Decimal in Figure 8 Building a Dropdown List from a Data Validation Rule

Figure 6 Error Message Received upon Entering Invalid Loan Amount

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

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technology Tip

Select cell D6 and then click Data Validation from the Data tab of the Ribbon to open the Data Validation dialog box. 2. On the Settings tab in the Allow box, choose List; in the Source box, enter the allowable options of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30, as shown in Figure 8. 3. On the Input Message tab, enter an appropriate message to guide users through the process of selecting a loan term. 4. On the Error Alert tab, enter an appropriate message regarding potentially invalid data. 5. Click OK to complete the process. Upon completing the process described above, when a user selects cell D6, Excel presents a dropdown list from which the user can select a valid loan term, as shown in Figure 9.

Summary

Data Validation is not a new feature in Excel, but it is one that most users have likely not used in the past.With Data Validation, you can create rules that help to ensure that users enter accurate data into your workbooks and you can create dropdown lists to make it easier for users to record their entries. If you are looking for ways to improve spreadsheet accuracy while

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Figure 9 Selecting Data from a Dropdown List Created from a Data Validation Rule

simultaneously easing the burden of data input, give Excelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Data Validation feature a try.

For a video demonstration of this tip, please visit www.tinyurl.com/ k2tips161 or scan this code.

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

leadership

Introverts: Misconceptions Revealed By Amy O’Donnell

’m an introvert.” “Really?!” I seem to have that moment over and over. Even my good friends are sometimes surprised to learn I am introverted. Why? Well, there are so many misconceptions about introverts, which lead some to see introversion as a detriment and obstacle to a rich social life. You may have noticed a recent uptick in articles on introverts and attempts to address some of these misconceptions, while emphasizing their strengths.xAlthough it may not seem like it, approximately 50-55% of American males and 47% of American females are introverts. It makes sense that there would be interest in learning more about half the population and how to tap their skills. In fact, some of our most admired cultural figures are introverts, such as Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bill Gates, J.K. Rowling, and Michael Jordan. The most common misunderstanding about introverts is that they are shy. Sure, we can be a little quieter and may be slow to warm up to new people at first, but that doesn’t mean we are shy. Shyness is a form of social anxiety, and having an introverted preference is not an anxiety condition. So, if shyness isn’t a valid way to define introverts, what is? The best way to determine whether you are an extrovert or introvert is by looking at how you recharge. Typically, extroverts get their energy from external stimuli, like being around others, while introverts tend to recharge through quiet time and internal processing. Introverts also tend to form their thoughts and responses in their head before they speak, while extroverts are more inclined to think out loud.You may have seen this in action: for example, at a meeting where a lot of chatter is going on, a quiet person may jump in with a suggestion that hasn’t been thought of or tie together the other ideas with a few sentences. Another difference you may notice is how they prefer

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

“I

As you pull together your teams or assess your colleagues, keep an eye out for those introverts. They have many strengths to bring to the table, even if they don’t reveal them right away.

to navigate relationships. Introverts lean more toward smaller groups and prefer one-on-one conversations. In this setting, they can be quite the talkers. Additionally, introverts’ preference for less talking and their strengths in focusing and internal processing tend to make them better listeners. Historically, our society has had a strong preference for gregarious people and typically looks to them for leadership. In fact, back in the 1940s and 1950s, Harvard and other well-known universities passed on highly qualified introverts for slightly less qualified but more outgoing candidates. With a preference for outgoing people still embedded in our society’s makeup, it can be challenging for introverts to find ways to leverage their natural tendencies as strengths in the workplace. Introverts are just as capable of becoming great leaders, but their lead-

ership style tends to be different from that of their extroverted counterparts. As leaders, introverts are more apt to lean back to inspire others and influence change. Their inclination to pause before they talk and to use fewer words can give their words more weight. Their calmer presence can help to defuse conflicts in the workplace. For quieter staff, an introvert’s style of leadership encourages staff to grow, and can draw out ideas that otherwise might have gone unsaid. Furthermore, introverted leaders who can identify and work with other quiet influencers may be more effective in creating change. Their natural preference toward one-on-one conversation can increase comfort with decisions, solve problems and work through conflict with a little more ease. Spending quiet time alone is a secret weapon for introverted leaders. They www.wscpa.org

washington cpa foundation

use this time for reflection, planning, tapping creativity, and finding calm in a busy world. Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of the Introverted Leader, found that introverts who are good leaders do four things: prepare, are present, push themselves, and practice. Before addressing their teams or giving a presentation, they prepare. It’s not common for an introvert to wing it, and the preparation helps reduce anxiety if they are talking to a large group. In addition, preparation gives them the ability to be more present and focused on the task or conversation at hand. Introverts also push themselves outside their comfort zones, especially when it comes to social skills to help with building their leadership skills. Those areas of personal growth can be inspiring to those they lead. Lastly, they practice, practice and practice. Practice boosts confidence, and combining that with the preparation they do can be a real strength and assist with maintaining a calm presence. It can translate into knowing when to pause and not talk. In some business transactions, that cooler head and quieter approach can be golden. As you pull together your teams or assess your colleagues, keep an eye out for those introverts. They have many strengths to bring to the table, even if they don’t reveal them right away. Are you an introvert? Work with introverts? Have leadership tips that work for you? Share your experiences in the WSCPA LinkedIn group. Scan to join the WSCPA group discussion on LinkedIn

Amy O’Donnell is WSCPA Director of Member Services. She can be reached at aodonnell@wscpa.org. Sources: Forbes.com, Inc.com, American www.wscpa.org

Your Gift Makes a Difference By Susie Thomson-Sines, CPA

our gift to the Washington CPA Foundation makes a difference. You may not think that even a $50 donation makes an impact, but it does. Your donation, along with many others, allows the Washington CPA Foundation to give out scholarships to accounting students in Washington State. For the 2012-2013 academic year the Foundation awarded $52,000 in scholarships to 17 students from schools across Washington. You can read about some of past winners and their success stories online at www.wscpa.org/foundation. Your past donations personally affected me. I am a past scholarship winner. During my last year at WWU, I applied for and was awarded a scholarship from the Foundation. It allowed me to complete my education and focus on working in the CPA profession. I chose this profession because my father, Tommy R. Thomson, is a CPA. He hired me as a staff accountant when I finished school and passed my CPA exam. Later, he and I became partners in our own CPA firm. He was a patient teacher and a great mentor. I made a commitment to my profession to pay forward the scholarship award. Since then, I have been active in serving and supporting the WSCPA and organizations in my community. I am currently serving as Chair of the Trustees for the Foundation, along with two other Trustees who are also past scholarship recipients. I have served on the board of the Northwest Chapter, the WSCPA Board of Directors, and have served on and chaired several WSCPA committees. I have also volunteered in my community for several nonprofit organizations. I believe that I have made a contribution to my profession and to my community. I believe the education and advancement of those who choose to become

Your contribution makes a difference not just today, but for the future of our profession.

CPAs should be supported.The cost of this education shouldn’t be a barrier to those who are truly talented and who are striving to be members of our profession. Your contribution makes a difference not just today, but for the future of our profession. Many scholarship winners will become the future leaders in our profession. We need to have these students in our profession now. We need to have their talent and their dedication to become part of the important legacy we all want to accomplish. Please consider the impact of your donation. I give to the Foundation because I personally know what the value and the long term result of a scholarship has been for me. Consider what your contribution will do for the future of the CPA profession. Visit www.wscpa.org/foundation to learn more about the Foundation and ways you can contribute. Susie ThomsonSines is a partner of the firm Thomson & Company, PLLC, in Bellingham WA, and has been a CPA for 15 years. Her father, Tommy R.Thomson has recently retired after 50 years in the CPA profession. WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

member resources

Tax Season 2014 Discounts and Resources Save 25% on U. S. Master Tax Guide 2014 with your WSCPA member discount from CCH

tax.cchgroup.com/ members/wscpa

Tax season is here but it is not too late to order the U.S. Master Tax Guide through the WSCPA and save 25% off the $93.50 list price! Place your order online and the WSCPA member price is just $70.13 plus tax and shipping. An e-Book option is now available; download to your computer instantly. The 2014 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 (search for “US Master Tax Guide 2014”). When you check out, enter priority code Y5596. Interested in other CCH top tax and accounting titles, check out a list of current book specials and save up to 40%. Use the link above and click on the “Current Book Specials” tab.

Save up to 16% off UPS Commercial Ground when you need to ship to IRS or anywhere

WSCPA members can save up to 16% off UPS Commercial Ground, 30% off UPS Express air and international shipments, and 30% off UPS Next Day Air.* For complete details or to sign up go to www.savewithups.com/wscpa. Members must enroll in the UPS Savings Program to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Discount rates: Total Weekly Gross Shipping Charges

www.savewithups.com/ wscpa UPS is an approved private delivery service by the IRS

WSCPA Find a CPA Referral Service

www.wscpa.org/ findacpa

UPS Next Day Air® or Air Saver®

UPS Worldwide Express®/

UPS Commercial Ground

Saver® / Expedited® Export (Ltr/Doc/Pkg)

(1-10 lbs)

(11-30 lbs)

(31-150 lbs)

Up to $49.99

16%

11%

$50 to 99.99

17%

12%

$100 to 249.99

18%

13%

$250 to 499.99

20%

10%

14%

$500 to 999.99

24%

11%

15%

$1,000 and up

30%

12%

16%

(Ltr/Pkg)

*See Rates and Services Chart for Savings and Discounts, which depend on total weekly gross shipping charges incurred.

Find New Clients Just in Time for Tax Season Begin your subscription now

If your firm is looking for ways to build your client base, look no further than the WSCPA Find a CPA Referral Service. The cost of the enrollment is still just $175—less than 50 cents per day—and covers your listing through June 30, 2014. The WSCPA referral service is a great source of new clients looking for services in industries that match your firm’s expertise. Rather than using directory assistance to find a CPA, potential clients feel comfortable about their referral from the WSCPA because they are able to view information about services offered by your firm. To enroll in the service visit www.wscpa.org > Find A CPA > Enroll Online Today. If you have questions, call Jennifer Ayoub, Membership Services Administrator at (800) 2728273, Ext. 1142 (toll-free in Washington) or (425) 586-1142 or e-mail jayoub@wscpa.org.

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

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Photo Album

2013 Fall Conferences

November - December - Seattle and Bellevue

member discounts

Members’ Reception

October 24 - Pike Brewing Co, Seattle

View more photos at:

www.facebook.com/washingtonCPAs

Spokane Chiefs Game

November 20 - Spokane Arena, Spokane

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WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Photo Album Small Firm Career Fair

November 20 - Hampton Inn, Spokane More than 40 student members and firm representatives attended the first Small Firm Career Fair in Spokane. Students had the chance to connect with firm representatives and learn about career options with a small firm.

“The Small Firm Career Fair was a great opportunity to meet influential CPAs in the area. It was a fantastic way not only to connect with local firms but also to create life-long connections.” - Chris Woo, attendee Small Firm Career Fair, August 2013, Bellevue

“A bad day on the course is better than a good day at the office.”

Golf Tournament Monday, June 16, 2014 1 p.m. Shotgun Spokane Happy Hour January 14 Rock City Grill 5-7 pm

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Only $120/person, includes golf, lunch, dinner, drinks, cart, and prizes. Sponsorships are available. To learn more or register, call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273

Woodinville, WA

www.wscpa.org

CPE Digest april 28-29

may 5

Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference

International Tax Conference

Tacoma Spokane Everett Webcast

Seattle

16 credits

credits

2014 s p r i n g Conferences S ponsorship oppor t unit ies av aila b le!

w w w. w sc p a .o rg /co nfe re nce s

may 19

may 20

Washington State Tax Conference

Healthcare Conference

Seattle

8 credits

Bellevue * when attend optional bonus session

* credits

june 3

Bellevue

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ÂŠ Fire Eyes Photography

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Summit

credits

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

CPE DIgest

NEW CPE

events by location WSCPA education and events scheduled for January-May 2013 are listed below, chronologically by location.

events added daily to: www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog

CS EB

If you are looking for a program in another location, it may be scheduled for later in the year.

PFP

SUBJECTS The main subject area is listed for each program.

Using the online CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/ catalog, you can search by location. LEARN MORE To view complete course details, please visit the CPE/ Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog.

A&A

Ethics GNP MG PD SK

Need help finding a seminar or webcast? Call (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800.

TAX TEC

Accounting and Auditing Consulting Services Employee Benefits Estate/Financial Planning Ethics Government / NFP Management Personal Development Specialized Knowledge Taxation Technology

Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

WSCPA NonAICPA Code Member Member Member For more details, Discount Fee Fee search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Facility

Preparing Individual Tax Returns for New Staff and Para-Professionals, 8am-4pm

PITR

300

375

WSCPA

TAX

The Complete Guide to Preparing Limited Liability Company, Partnership, and S Corporation Federal Income Tax Returns, 8am-4pm

PLPS

300

375

WSCPA

TAX

Type

Subject

Bellevue

Jan 8

Jan 9

Jan 13

Health Care Reform Act: Critical Tax and Insurance Ramifications, 8am-4pm

HCRA02

290

365

WSCPA

TAX

Jan 15

College Financial Aid - The Best Kept Secret in America, 8-11:30am

CFA402

110

140

WSCPA

Jan 16

1.5

Federal Tax Update, 7:30-9am

CHBAJA1

McCormick & Schmick’s

TAX

Jan 17

Transform Your Busy Season with Technology Tools You Already Use!, 8am-4pm

TBST

290

365

WSCPA

TEC

Jan 21

Andy Biebl’s Tax Advisors Update, 8am-4pm

BTAU02

340

415

Meydenbauer Center

TAX

Jan 21

Auditing Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

AUUR02

310

385

WSCPA

A&A

Jan 22

GAAP and OCBOAs for Small and Medium-Sized Entities Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

GOSME06

310

385

WSCPA

A&A

Jan 23

Compilation and Review Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

CRUR06

310

385

WSCPA

A&A

Jan 27

Working Trial Balance with Excel, 8-11:30am

COMEW401

115

150

WSCPA

TEC

Jan 27

Ratio Analysis with Excel, 12:30-4pm

COMER401

115

150

WSCPA

TEC

Jan 28

Advanced Excel, 8am-4pm

COMEXA

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

Jan 29

Importing & Exporting Data with QuickBooks, 8am-4pm

COMQBI01

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

Jan 30

Annual Federal Tax Update and Hottest Tax Topics for Individuals and Businesses, 8am-4pm

PTU

290

365

WSCPA

TAX

Feb 18

Excel Pivot Tables, 8am-4pm

COMEXP04

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

Feb 19

Introduction to QuickBooks for the Accounting Professional, 8am-4pm

COMQB103

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

Feb 20

Forecasting with Excel, 8-11:30am

COMEF401

115

150

WSCPA

TEC

Feb 20

Benford’s Analysis with Excel, 12:30-4pm

COMEB401

115

150

WSCPA

TEC

Feb 20

1.5

S l

Economic Update, 7:30-9am

CHBAFB1

McCormick & Schmick’s

Feb 27

Washington CPA Regulatory Ethics by James Rigos (A WA Requirement), 8-11:30am

CENRW413

185

220

WSCPA

Ethics

Mar 17

Revenue Recognition: Getting the New Standard Right, 8am-4pm

RRNS02

290

365

-30

WSCPA

A&A

Mar 18

Internal Control: Essentials for Financial Managers, Accountants and Auditors, 8am-4pm

ICDAD03

290

365

-30

WSCPA

A&A

Mar 19

FASB Industry Review: Targeting Recent GAAP Issues, 8am-4pm

FASBI02

290

365

-30

WSCPA

A&A

Mar 20

Key Tax Issues for Industry - Implementing Health Care Reform, 8am-4pm

KTII02

290

365

WSCPA

Mar 21

CFO Series - Bank Financing and Financial Statement Analysis, 8am-4pm

CFOSB02

290

365

WSCPA

Mar 24

Lean Management Techniques: Improve Profitability by Streamlining Operations, 8am-4pm

LAMA02

290

365

WSCPA

Mar 24

IPad Symposium - Leveraging This Powerful Business Tool, 8am-4pm

IPSYM

290

365

WSCPA

TEC

Mar 25

Creating Great Budgets- Maximizing Profits, People and Power, 8am-4pm

CSCB

290

365

WSCPA

S l

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

-30

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

# ç

Course

Type

Code

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

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

Facility

Subject

Mar 25

Productivity Tools Symposium - Outlook, Adobe, Word & OneNote, 8am-4pm

PTSYM

290

365

WSCPA

TEC

Mar 26

Financial Forecasting and Decision Making: Preparing Financial Statement Projections and Their Uses, 8am-4pm

FFMD

290

365

-30

WSCPA

Mar 27

Annual Update for Controllers Current: Issues and the Latest Trends, 8am-4pm

SKSB02

290

365

-30

WSCPA

Mar 28

Acquisitions to Grow the Business - Strategy, Structure, Integration and Due Diligence, 8am-4pm

AGB

290

365

WSCPA

Apr 16

Key Ratio Analysis, 8am-4pm

RATIO01

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

Apr 17

Cash and Credit Management, 8am-4pm

CASH01

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

Apr 21

Advanced Business Law for CPAs, 8am-4pm

ABLT

290

365

WSCPA

Apr 22

Process Improvement for Financial Managers, 8am-4pm

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

Apr 23

Private Company Accounting, 8am-4pm

PCA

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

Apr 25

CFO Series - Financial Statement and Cash Flow Forecasting and Modeling, 8am4pm

CFOSF02

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

Apr 28

Excel Best Practices, 8am-4pm

EBP02

290

365

WSCPA

TEC

Apr 29

Small Business Internal Controls, Security and Fraud Prevention and Detection, 8am-4pm

ITCS03

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

Apr 30

Advanced Excel, 8am-4pm

ADE

290

365

WSCPA

TEC

May 12

More QuickBooks for the Accounting Professional, 8am-4pm

COMQB203

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

May 13

Excel Tips, Tricks & Functions, 8am-4pm

COMEXF03

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

May 14

Excel Pivot Tables, 8am-4pm

COMEXP05

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

May 14

Mastering Budget Applications: Mastering Budgeting and Avoiding the Pitfalls, 8am-4pm

MAPB

290

365

WSCPA

May 15

Working Trial Balance with Excel, 8-11:30am

COMEW402

115

150

WSCPA

TEC

WSCPA

TEC

WSCPA

-30

May 15

Ratio Analysis with Excel, 12:30-4pm

COMER402

115

150

May 15

Plug Your Profit Leaks: Ways to Significantly Save Time and Money, 8am-4pm

PYPL

290

365

May 15

1.5

Hot State Tax Developments, 7:30-9am

CHBAMA1

McCormick & Schmick’s

Tax

May 16

Importing & Exporting Data with QuickBooks, 8am-4pm

COMQBI02

255

330

WSCPA

TEC

May 16

CFO Series - Valuation, Acquisitions, Capital Projects and Leveraged Buyouts, 8am-4pm

CFOSV02

290

365

WSCPA

May 19-20

How to Conduct a Reveiw Under the AICPA Practice Monitoring Program, 8am-4pm

HCRPM

485

600

-30

WSCPA

A&A

May 20

Revenue Recognition: Getting the New Standard Right, 8am-4pm

RRNS04

290

365

-30

WSCPA

A&A

May 21

OCBOA Financial Statements Preparation and Reporting, 8am-4pm

CTB02

290

365

WSCPA

A&A

May 22

Update for Accountants and Auditors: Latest Developments, 8am-4pm

AUAA04

290

365

-30

WSCPA

A&A

May 23

CFO Series - Financing a Privately Owned Company, 8am-4pm

CFOSP01

290

365

WSCPA

May 28

Trusted Business Adviser Workshop II, 8am-4pm

TAW2

290

365

WSCPA

May 29

Compilation and Review Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

CRUR08

310

385

WSCPA

A&A

May 30

GAAP and OCBOAs for Small and Medium-Sized Entities Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

GOSME08

310

385

WSCPA

A&A

S l

-30

Everett 2

S l

Federal Tax Update: How will Current Legislation Affect You and Your Clients, 7:30am-9:30am

CHSNJA1

Everett Golf & Country Club

Tax

Jan 16

1.5

S l

Federal Tax Update, 8-9:30am

CHSKJA2

Golden Steer Restaurant

TAX

Feb 20

S l

Detecting Fraud in the Accounting Department, 8-9am

CHSKFB2

Golden Steer Restaurant

A&A

Apr 17

6 S l

Is Your Work-Life in Balance? 8-9am

CHSKAP2

Golden Steer Restaurant

May 22

S l

Hot Washington Tax Developments, 8-9am

CHSKMA2

Golden Steer Restaurant

TAX

Jan 14 Kent

www.wscpa.org

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Education and events

Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Type

Code

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

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

Facility

Subject

Olympia Jan 8

S l

New Financial Reporting Framework for Small and Medium Sized Entities, 12-2pm

CHOMJA1

Indian Summer Golf

A&A

Feb 5

S l

A Visit from WA State Department of Labor & Industries, 12-2pm

CHOMFE1

Indian Summer Golf

Mar 5

S l

An Update from WSCPA and the Board of Accountancy, 12-2pm

CHOMMR1

Indian Summer Golf

Apr 2

S l

A Comprehensive Approach to Firm Analysis and Valuation, 12-2pm

CHOMAP1

Indian Summer Golf

A&A

Andy Biebl’s Tax Advisors Update, 8am-4pm

BTAU03

340

415

Bell Harbor Int’l Conf Center

TAX

Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7pm

NP08

Rock City Grill

Economic Update, 12-2pm

CHSPJA1

The Spokane Club

Seattle Jan 20

Spokane Jan 14 Jan 15

Jan 22

Andy Biebl’s Tax Advisors Update, 8am-4pm

BTAU01

340

415

Mirabeau Park Hotel

TAX

Mar 27

Financial Reporting - Turn Information into Action! 8am-4pm

290

365

Hampton Inn Spokane

A&A

May 27

Compilation and Review Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

CRUR07

310

385

Hampton Inn Spokane

A&A

May 28

GAAP and OCBOAs for Small and Medium-Sized Entities Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8am-4pm

GOSME07

310

385

Hampton Inn Spokane

A&A

S l

Yakima Jan 14

S l

Manufacturing in Yakima, 7:30-9:30am

CHYKJA1

Howard Johnson Plaza

Feb 11

S l

City Government Update, 7:30-9:30am

CHYKFE1

Howard Johnson Plaza

Your Desk

Jan 9

WEBCAST 2013 Basic Tax Considerations for Individuals, 7am-3pm

WEBA064

195

225

Webcast

TAX

Jan 9

WEBCAST Doing Business with the IRS Part 4: How to Handle the IRS Audit, 9-11am

WEBA285

109

Webcast

TAX

Jan 9

WEBCAST Social Security Benefits: Advising Clients, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC119

255

295

Webcast

Jan 9

WEBINAR Adobe Acrobat Time Saving Tips for Busy Season, 8-10am

WNR290

Webinar

TEC

Jan 10

WEBCAST Health Care Industry Accounting & Regulatory Update, 7am-3pm

WEBA065

195

225

Webcast

Jan 10

WEBINAR Mobile Financial Apps for Accountants, 9-11am

WNR291

Webinar

TEC

Jan 11

WEBCAST SATURDAY Doing Business with the IRS Part 7: Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, 9-11am

SWEBA069

109

Webcast

TAX

Jan 13

WEBCAST 2013 Not-For-Profit Accounting, Auditing and Tax Update, 7am-3pm

WEBA066

195

225

Webcast

GNP

Jan 13

WEBCAST Doing Business with the IRS Part 5: Representing Clients Before the IRS Appeals Office, 9-11am

WEBA286

109

Webcast

TAX

Jan 14

WEBCAST Doing Business with the IRS Part 6: Notice of Determination, and Tax Litigation - 2013 Series, 9-11am

WEBA287

109

Webcast

TAX

Jan 14

WEBINAR Affordable Care Act - Key Issues for Employers, 11am-1pm

WNR292

Webinar

TAX

Jan 14

WEBINAR Affordable Care Act - Key Issues for Individuals, 8-10am

WNR293

Webinar

TAX

Jan 15

WEBCAST 2013 Partnerships and LLCs Update, 7am-3pm

WEBA067

195

225

Webcast

TAX

Jan 15

WEBCAST Top 10 Tools for CFOs to be More Effective Business Partners, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC120

255

295

Webcast

Jan 16

WEBCAST Budget Basics Myths of Budgeting and How to Overcome Them - 1of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 8-11am

WEBA076

129

Webcast

Jan 16

WEBCAST Budget Priorities: How Reality-Based Budgeting Really Works - 2 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 11am-2pm

WEBA082

129

Webcast

Jan 16

WEBCAST Budget Accountability - How to Ensure Accountability Gets Embedded in Your Budget Process! - 3 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 2-5pm

WEBA088

129

Webcast

Jan 16

WEBCAST Doing Business with the IRS Part 8: Employment Tax Issues, 9-11am

WEBA288

109

Webcast

TAX

Jan 16

WEBCAST Compilations and Reviews: Risks, Procedures and Fraud, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC121

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jan 16

WEBINAR iPad - Review of Top Apps for Business Professionals, 11am-1pm

WNR295

Webinar

TEC

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Type

Code

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

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

Facility

Subject

Jan 16

WEBINAR Using the iPad and the Cloud to Manage Your Documents on the Go, 8-10am

WNR296

Webinar

TEC

Jan 17

WEBCAST 2013 Accounting and Auditing Update, 11am-7pm

WEBA068

195

225

Webcast

A&A

Jan 17

WEBCAST Revenue Budgeting How to Get Your Revenue Forecast RIGHT the First Time! - 4 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 8-11am

WEBA094

129

Webcast

Jan 17

WEBCAST Expense Budgeting How to Replace Fat with Reality in Your Expense Budget! - 5 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 11am-1pm

WEBA100

109

Webcast

Jan 17

WEBCAST Capital Budgeting How to Make Every Capital Dollar Provide Value! 6 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 1-3pm

WEBA106

109

Webcast

Jan 17

WEBINAR The CFO: 5 Critical Skills to Become a Leader, 8-10am

WNR298

Webinar

Jan 17

WEBINAR The CFO: 5 Critical Skills to Maximize Profits, 11am-1pm

WNR299

Webinar

Jan 20

WEBCAST S Corporations Workshop (25% California Content), 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC122

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jan 21

WEBCAST Andy Biebl’s Tax Advisor’s Update, 8am-4pm

WEBBTAU

310

385

Webcast

TAX

Jan 21

WEBCAST Technology Update for Industry, 11am-3pm

WEBA289

129

159

Webcast

TEC

Jan 21

WEBCAST Pension and Profit-Sharing Plan Strategies, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC124

255

295

Webcast

PFP

Jan 21

WEBCAST Form 1041 (25% California Content), 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC123

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jan 21

WEBINAR Fraud and Abuse in Government Entities, 8-10am

WNR300

Webinar

A&A

Jan 21

WEBINAR Fraud and Abuse in Nonprofits, 11am-1pm

WNR301

Webinar

A&A

Jan 22

WEBCAST 2013 Annual Tax Update, 7am-3pm

WEBA069

195

225

Webcast

TAX

Jan 22

WEBCAST College Financial Planning, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC125

255

295

Webcast

Jan 22

WEBCAST Reformatted Financial Statements 2013: Countdown to Conclusion, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC126

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jan 22

WEBINAR Critical Thinking Skills For Finance and Accounting Professionals, 11am-1pm

WNR302

Webinar

Jan 23

WEBCAST DATE CHANGE 2013 Tax Planning Issues for the Small Business Owner, 7am-3pm

WEBA050

195

225

Webcast

TAX

Jan 23

WEBINAR Closing Best Practices - Shortening Month-End, 8-10am

WNR303

Webinar

A&A

Jan 23

WEBINAR Profit Improvement: Use Process Analysis to Identify Opportunities, 11am-1pm

WNR304

Webinar

A&A

Jan 24

WEBCAST Preparing Form 706: The Federal Estate Tax Return (25% California Content), 8:30am-4pm

WEBC127

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jan 24

WEBCAST Fair Value: Explained and Updated, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC128

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jan 24

WEBINAR Repairs to Tangible Property - Capitalize or Expense? 8-10am

WNR305

Webinar

TAX

Jan 27

WEBCAST Introduction to International Taxation, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC130

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jan 27

WEBCAST FASB and IASB’s Converged Topics: Fair Value, Business Combinations and Consolidations, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC129

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jan 27

WEBINAR Detecting and Preventing Internal Fraud, Theft and Abuse, 8-10am

WNR306

Webinar

A&A

Jan 27

WEBINAR Fraud: The 10 Biggest Risks for 2013 Engagements, 11am-1pm

WNR307

Webinar

A&A

Jan 28

WEBCAST Partnership and LLC Taxation: Advanced Issues, Including Transfers of Interests and Liquidations, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC131

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jan 28

WEBINAR Taking Excel to the Next Level for Experienced Users, 10am-12pm

WNR308

Webinar

TEC

Jan 28

WEBINAR How to Build the Best Spreadsheets with Excel, 7-9am

WNR309

Webinar

TEC

Jan 28

WEBINAR Financial Analysis in a Metrics Driven World, 8-10am

WNR310

Webinar

A&A

Jan 29

WEBCAST Tax Accounting Basics, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC132

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jan 29

WEBINAR Excel - How to Maximize the Accuracy of Your Trial Balance and Financial Statements Part 2, 11am-1pm

WNR311

Webinar

TEC

Jan 29

WEBINAR 2013 Tax Update for Individuals, 8-10am

WNR313

Webinar

TAX

Jan 29

WEBINAR 2013 Tax Update for Business, 11am-1pm

WNR312

Webinar

TAX

Jan 30

WEBCAST Advanced Auditing of HUD-Assisted Projects: Common Pitfalls, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC133

255

295

Webcast

GNP

Jan 30

WEBINAR The Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income, 11am-1pm

WNR314

Webinar

TAX

Jan 30

WEBINAR Travel & Entertainment Expenses: Review & Update, 8-10am

WNR315

Webinar

TAX

Jan 31

WEBCAST Introduction to XBRL and New Opportunities for CPAs, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC100

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jan 31

WEBCAST Settled and Approved: Fiduciary Accounting from Start to Finish, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC134

255

295

Webcast

A&A

www.wscpa.org

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Education and events

Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Type

Code

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

Facility

Subject

Jan 31

WEBINAR Crowd Funding I: Donations and Pre-Sales, 8-10am

WNR316

Webinar

Jan 31

WEBINAR Crowd Funding II: Debt and Equity (US regulations Pending), 11am1pm

WNR317

Webinar

Jan 31

WEBINAR Mobile Devices for Accountants, 9-11am

WNR318

Webinar

TEC

Feb 3

WEBCAST Dealing with Venture Capitalists, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC176

255

295

Webcast

Feb 3

WEBCAST Fraud and the CPA Profession, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC174

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 3

WEBCAST Compilations and Reviews: Risks, Procedures and Fraud, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC175

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 3

WEBINAR Adobe Acrobat Time Saving Tips for Busy Season, 8-10am

WNR319

Webinar

TEC

Feb 4

WEBCAST IFRS and Financial Reporting, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC177

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 4

WEBINAR Windows 8 - Should I Go or Should I Wait? 8-10am

WNR320

Webinar

TEC

Feb 4

WEBINAR The NEW Choice of Entity Decision, 12-2pm

WNR321

Webinar

TAX

Feb 4

WEBINAR Real Estate Tax - Recent Tax Changes Owners and Investors Need to Know, 9-11am

WNR322

Webinar

TAX

Feb 4

WEBINAR Fraud Detection and Prevention in Small and Mid-Sized Businesses, 11am-1pm

WNR323

Webinar

A&A

Feb 5

WEBINAR Using the iPad and the Cloud to Manage Your Documents on the Go, 11am-1pm

WNR324

Webinar

TEC

Feb 5

WEBINAR iPad - Review of Top Apps for Business Professionals, 8-10am

WNR325

Webinar

TEC

Feb 6

WEBCAST Paperless Office: Managing Documents in a Digital World, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC180

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Feb 6

WEBCAST Auditing for Fraud in the Governmental Environment, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC178

255

295

Webcast

GNP

Feb 6

WEBINAR Key Tax Issues for Industry - and The Affordable Care Act, 12-2pm

WNR326

Webinar

TAX

Feb 6

WEBINAR Repairs to Tangible Property - Capitalize or Expense? 9-11am

WNR327

Webinar

TAX

Feb 6

WEBINAR Ex-Con Shares Techniques on How to Detect and Prevent Fraud Part 1, 8-10am

WNR328

Webinar

A&A

Feb 6

WEBINAR Ex-Con Shares Techniques on How to Detect and Prevent Fraud Part 2, 11am-1pm

WNR329

Webinar

A&A

Feb 7

WEBCAST The Basics of Accounting Analysis, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC182

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 7

WEBCAST FASB Convergence: More Changes on the Financial Reporting Horizon, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC181

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 7

WEBINAR Excel Time Saving Tips for Busy Season, 8-10am

WNR330

Webinar

TEC

Feb 10

WEBCAST Creating the Best Projections You Can, 12-2pm

WEBA292

109

Webcast

Feb 10

WEBCAST Personal Financial Planning in Intriguing Times, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC183

255

295

Webcast

Feb 10

WEBINAR How to Build the Best Spreadsheets with Excel, 10am-12pm

WNR331

Webinar

TEC

Feb 11

WEBCAST Pricing for Profitability: Why Cost Matters, 8-10am

WEBA293

109

Webcast

Feb 11

WEBCAST Contemporay Cost Concepts: Understanding Activity-Based Costing, 10am-12pm

WEBA294

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 11

WEBCAST Lean Accounting, 2-4pm

WEBA295

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 11

WEBCAST Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Investing, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC184

255

295

Webcast

Feb 12

WEBCAST Budget Basics Myths of Budgeting and How to Overcome Them - 1of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 8-11am

WEBA077

129

Webcast

Feb 12

WEBCAST Budget Priorities How Reality-Based Budgeting Really Works - 2 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 11am-2pm

WEBA083

129

Webcast

Feb 12

WEBCAST Budget Accountability - How to Ensure Accountability Gets Embedded in Your Budget Process! - 3 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 2-5pm

WEBA089

129

Webcast

Feb 12

WEBINAR Creating Better Budgets: Plan for the Unknown, 8-10am

WNR332

Webinar

A&A

Feb 12

WEBINAR Lessons From the Playing Fields: What Sports Can Teach Accountants, 11am-1pm

WNR333

Webinar

Feb 13

WEBCAST Revenue Budgeting How to Get Your Revenue Forecast RIGHT the First Time! - 4 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 8-11am

WEBA095

129

Webcast

Feb 13

WEBCAST Expense Budgeting How to Replace Fat with Reality in Your Expense Budget! - 5 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 11am-1pm

WEBA101

109

Webcast

Feb 13

WEBCAST Capital Budgeting How to Make Every Capital Dollar Provide Value! 6 of 6 of the Budgeting Series, 1-3pm

WEBA107

109

Webcast

Feb 13

WEBCAST Using Performance Metrics to Improve Financial Planning and Control, 8-10am

WEBA296

109

Webcast

A&A

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Type

Code

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

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

Facility

Subject

Feb 13

WEBCAST Preparing for a CFO Role, 2-3pm

WEBA297

Webcast

Feb 13

WEBCAST Financial Reporting: Turn Information into Action, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC185

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 13

WEBCAST Fair Value: Explained and Updated, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC186

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 13

WEBINAR Affordable Care Act - Key Issues for Employers, 12-2pm

WNR334

Webinar

TAX

Feb 13

WEBINAR Affordable Care Act - Key Issues for Individuals, 9am-12pm

WNR335

Webinar

TAX

Feb 13

WEBINAR The CFO: 5 Critical Skills to Become a Leader, 8-10am

WNR336

Webinar

Feb 14

WEBCAST Understand Inventory Accounting GAAP, Software and Variance Recognition Basics, 10am-12pm

WEBA298

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 14

WEBCAST Financial Statement Analysis for Managers, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC187

255

295

Webcast

Feb 17

WEBCAST Preventing Legal Issues On Construction Projects, 8-10am

WEBA299

109

Webcast

Feb 17

WEBINAR Excel - Improving the Presentation of Your Spreadsheets, 9-11am

WNR337

Webinar

TEC

Feb 18

WEBINAR Closing Best Practices - Shortening Month-End, 8-10am

WNR338

Webinar

A&A

Feb 19

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Predictive Not Historic Module III, 11am-1pm

WEBA301

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 19

WEBCAST The Five Acquisition Questions: What They Are, Why They Matter and How to Answer Them, 12-2pm

WEBA302

109

Webcast

Feb 19

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Accounting as a Business Partner - Module IV, 1-3pm

WEBA303

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 20

WEBCAST The Yellow Book Interpreted, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC188

255

295

Webcast

GNP

Feb 21

WEBCAST Detecting Fraudulent Financial Reporting, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC189

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 22

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Goals, Strategy, Scorecard, KPIs, Budgeting, Improvement, Compensation - Module II, 8-11am

WEBA304

129

Webcast

A&A

Feb 22

WEBCAST Understand Inventory Accounting GAAP, Software and Variance Recognition Basics, 12-2pm

WEBA305

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 22

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Accounting as a Business Partner - Module IV, 2-4pm

WEBA307

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 24

WEBCAST Financial Statement Analysis, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC190

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 25

WEBCAST Risk Analysis and Management, 10am-12pm

WEBA307

109

Webcast

A&A

Feb 25

WEBCAST Building a CPA Practice, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC191

255

295

Webcast

Feb 26

WEBCAST Business Plans that Work, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC193

255

295

Webcast

Feb 26

WEBCAST Top 10 Tools for CFOs to be More Effective Business Partners, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC192

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Feb 27

WEBCAST What Your Broker Won’t Tell You About Insurance Planning, 8:30am4pm

WEBC194

255

295

Webcast

Feb 28

WEBCAST Personal Financial Statements, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC195

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Mar 7

WEBCAST Corporate Finance Check-Up: Renovate Your Analytical Toolbox, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC136

255

295

Webcast

Mar 7

WEBCAST Documentation Requirements, Design and Reviewing Techniques of Workpapers, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC135

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Mar 10

WEBCAST Take Your Writing to the Next Level: How MS Word Can Make You a Better Writer, 10am-12pm

WEBA308

109

Webcast

TEC

Mar 10

WEBCAST How Good Companies Become Great, 2-4pm

WEBA309

109

Webcast

Mar 11

WEBCAST Pricing for Profitability: Why Cost Matters, 10am-12pm

WEBA310

109

Webcast

Mar 11

WEBCAST Communicating Financial Information to Non-Accountants, 12-2pm

WEBA311

109

Webcast

Mar 11

WEBCAST Lean Accounting, 2-4pm

WEBA312

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 11

WEBCAST EVENING Contemporay Cost Concepts: Understanding ActivityBased Costing, 4-6pm

SWEBA070

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 11

WEBCAST Hedging Risks of Foreign Operations and Currency Transactions, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC137

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Mar 12

WEBCAST Creating the Best Projections You Can, 12-2pm

WEBA313

109

Webcast

Mar 12

WEBCAST Recognizing Sham Transactions, 2-4pm

WEBA314

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 13

WEBCAST Using Performance Metrics to Improve Financial Planning and Control, 8-10am

WEBA315

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 13

WEBCAST The CFOs Role in Banking and Financing, 10am-12pm

WEBA316

109

Webcast

Mar 13

WEBCAST Preparing for a CFO Role, 2-3pm

WEBA317

Webcast

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Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Education and events

Fees

Date

CPE Credits

# 2

Mar 14

Type

Code

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

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

Facility

Subject

WEBCAST Understand Inventory Accounting GAAP, Software and Variance Recognition Basics, 10am-12pm

WEBA318

109

Webcast

A&A

WEBCAST Government and Not-for-Profit Frauds, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC138

255

295

Webcast

GNP

WEBCAST The Open Balance Sheet: Creating a Stronger Balance Sheet in the Changing Economic Landscape, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC145

255

295

Webcast

Mar 17

WEBCAST Preventing Legal Issues On Construction Projects, 8-10am

WEBA319

109

Webcast

Mar 17

WEBCAST The Top 10 Legal Mistakes Companies Make And How To Avoid Them, 2-4pm

WEBA320

109

Webcast

Mar 18

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? - Module I, 7-9am

WEBA321

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 18

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Goals, Strategy, Scorecard, KPIs, Budgeting, Improvement, Compensation - Module II, 10am-1pm

WEBA322

129

Webcast

A&A

Mar 18

WEBCAST Risk Analysis and Management, 12-2pm

WEBA323

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 18

WEBCAST Strategic Sourcing - Supply Chain Excellence, 2-4pm

WEBA326

109

Webcast

Mar 19

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Predictive Not Historic Module III, 7-9am

WEBA325

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 19

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Accounting as a Business Partner - Module IV, 10am-12pm

WEBA326

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 19

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

WEBC139

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Mar 20

WEBCAST The Five Acquisition Questions: What They Are, Why They Matter and How to Answer Them, 12-2pm

WEBA327

109

Webcast

Mar 20

WEBCAST Avoiding Problems in Conducting Single Audits (25% California Content), 8:30am-4pm

WEBC140

255

295

Webcast

GNP

Mar 21

WEBCAST CFO Series - Bank Financing and Financial Statement Analysis, 8am4pm

WEBCFOSB

255

330

Webcast

Mar 21

WEBCAST Nonprofit Grant Writing: A Financial Manager’s Primer, 8-10am

WEBA328

109

Webcast

GNP

Mar 21

WEBCAST Effective Corporate Governance: Working with the Board and Audit Committee, 12-2pm

WEBA329

109

Webcast

Mar 21

WEBCAST Fraud, Governance and Control in a Corporate Setting: Avoiding Habitual Complacency, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC142

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Mar 24

WEBCAST Understand Inventory Accounting GAAP, Software and Variance Recognition Basics, 12-2pm

WEBA330

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 14

Course

Mar 25

WEBCAST Preparing for a CFO Role, 2-3pm

WEBA331

Webcast

Mar 25

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? - Module I, 3-5pm

WEBA332

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 27

WEBCAST Creating the Best Projections You Can, 8-10am

WEBA333

109

Webcast

Mar 27

WEBCAST EVENING Accounting IS Changing! YOU Ready? Accounting as , 5-7pm

SWEBA071

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 27

WEBCAST Tech Tools and Gadgets for a More Efficient You, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC143

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Mar 28

WEBCAST Risk Analysis and Management, 10am-12pm

WEBA334

109

Webcast

A&A

Mar 29

WEBCAST Preventing Legal Issues On Construction Projects, 2-4pm

WEBA337

109

Webcast

Apr 10

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? - Module I, 7-9am

WEBA336

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 10

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Goals, Strategy, Scorecard, KPIs, Budgeting, Improvement, Compensation - Module II, 9am-12pm

WEBA335

129

Webcast

A&A

Apr 10

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Predictive Not Historic Module III, 12-2pm

WEBA338

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 10

WEBCAST Accounting IS Changing! Are YOU Ready? Accounting as a Business Partner - Module IV, 2-4pm

WEBA339

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 10

WEBCAST The Top 10 Legal Mistakes Companies Make And How To Avoid Them, 2-4pm

WEBA340

109

Webcast

Apr 11

WEBCAST The CFO’s Role in Banking and Financing, 8-10am

WEBA341

109

Webcast

Apr 11

WEBCAST How Good Companies Become Great, 2-4pm

WEBA342

109

Webcast

Apr 14

WEBCAST Creating the Best Projections You Can, 12-2pm

WEBA343

109

Webcast

Apr 14

WEBCAST Recognizing Sham Transactions, 2-4pm

WEBA344

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 15

WEBCAST Pricing for Profitability: Why Cost Matters, 10am-12pm

WEBA345

109

Webcast

Apr 15

WEBCAST Contemporay Cost Concepts: Understanding Activity-Based Costing, 12-2pm

WEBA346

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 16

WEBCAST Key Ratio Analysis, 8am-4pm

WEBRATIO

255

330

Webcast

A&A

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Type

Code

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

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Discount Fee Fee

Facility

Subject

Apr 17

WEBCAST Cash and Credit Management, 8am-4pm

WEBCASH

255

330

Webcast

A&A

Apr 17

WEBCAST The CFOs Role in Banking and Financing, 10am-12pm

WEBA347

109

Webcast

Apr 17

WEBCAST Preparing for a CFO Role, 2-3pm

WEBA348

Webcast

Apr 17

WEBCAST Administrative Rules for Federal Grants, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC144

255

295

Webcast

GNP

Apr 18

WEBCAST Private Company Reporting Options: More Changes Ahead, 8:30am4pm

WEBC146

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Apr 21

WEBCAST GAAP Update, 8:30am-4:30pm

WEBC147

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Apr 22

WEBCAST Washington CPA Ethics and New Developments by Mark Hugh (A WA Requirement), 8-11:30am

WEBA070

164

194

Webcast

Ethics

Apr 22

WEBCAST Washington State Sales Tax and New Developments, 12-4pm

WEBA071

129

159

Webcast

TAX

Apr 22

WEBCAST Process Improvement for Financial Managers, 8am-4pm

WEBPI

255

330

Webcast

A&A

Apr 22

WEBCAST Risk Analysis and Management, 12-2pm

WEBA349

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 23

WEBCAST Private Company Accounting, 8am-4pm

WEBPCA

255

330

Webcast

A&A

Apr 23

WEBCAST Preventing Legal Issues On Construction Projects, 8-10am

WEBA350

109

Webcast

Apr 23

WEBCAST The Top 10 Legal Mistakes Companies Make And How To Avoid Them, 2-4pm

WEBA350

109

Webcast

Apr 24

WEBCAST The Five Acquisition Questions: What They Are, Why They Matter and How to Answer Them, 12-2pm

WEBA352

109

Webcast

Apr 25

WEBCAST CFO Series - Financial Statement and Cash Flow Forecasting and Modeling, 8am-4pm

WEBCFOSF

255

330

Webcast

A&A

Apr 25

WEBCAST Nonprofit Grant Writing: A Financial Manager’s Primer, 8-10am

WEBA353

109

Webcast

GNP

Apr 25

WEBCAST Effective Corporate Governance: Working with the Board and Audit Committee, 12-2pm

WEBA354

109

Webcast

Apr 25

WEBCAST The Yellow Book Interpreted, 8:30am-4pm

WEBC148

255

295

Webcast

GNP

Apr 25

WEBCAST TIME CHANGE Nonprofit Financial Management Critical Competencies, Knowledge and Tools, 6:30am-2pm

WEBC149

255

295

Webcast

Apr 26

WEBCAST Risk Analysis and Management, 10am-12pm

WEBA355

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 28

WEBCAST Preparing for a CFO Role, 2-3pm

WEBA356

Webcast

Apr 29

WEBCAST Understand Inventory Accounting GAAP, Software and Variance Recognition Basics, 12-2pm

WEBA357

109

Webcast

A&A

Apr 30

WEBCAST Using Performance Metrics to Improve Financial Planning and Control, 2-4pm

WEBA358

109

Webcast

A&A

May 12

WEBCAST Risk Analysis and Management, 10am-12pm

WEBA359

109

Webcast

A&A

May 13

WEBCAST Preventing Legal Issues On Construction Projects, 10am-12pm

WEBA360

109

Webcast

May 13

WEBCAST The Top 10 Legal Mistakes Companies Make And How To Avoid Them, 2-4pm

WEBA361

109

Webcast

May 14

WEBCAST Creating the Best Projections You Can, 12-2pm

WEBA362

109

Webcast

May 14

WEBCAST Recognizing Sham Transactions, 2-4pm

WEBA363

109

Webcast

A&A

May 15

WEBCAST The CFOs Role in Banking and Financing, 8-10am

WEBA364

109

Webcast

May 15

WEBCAST How Good Companies Become Great, 2-4pm

WEBA365

109

Webcast

May 16

WEBCAST CFO Series - Valuation, Acquisitions, Capital Projects and Leveraged Buyouts, 8am-4pm

WEBCFOSV

255

330

Webcast

May 16

WEBCAST Pricing for Profitability: Why Cost Matters, 10am-12pm

WEBA366

109

Webcast

May 16

WEBCAST Contemporay Cost Concepts: Understanding Activity-Based Costing, 12-2pm

WEBA367

109

Webcast

A&A

May 16

WEBCAST Communicating Financial Information to Non-Accountants, 2-4pm

WEBA368

109

Webcast

May 20

WEBCAST Using Performance Metrics to Improve Financial Planning and Control, 8-10am

WEBA369

109

Webcast

A&A

May 20

WEBCAST The CFOs Role in Banking and Financing, 10am-12pm

WEBA370

109

Webcast

May 20

WEBCAST Preparing for a CFO Role, 2-3pm

WEBA371

Webcast

www.wscpa.org

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Registration

Register online with credit card at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog or: • Mail form with check to WSCPA, 902 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005-3480 • Call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington) Questions? E-mail cpe@wscpa.org or call the WSCPA.

Code

Title

Date

City

Fee1

To pay by credit card, please visit www.wscpa.org/cpe/catalog or call (425) 644-4800.

WSCPA CPE policies apply to all programs in the CPE Digest. Review the CPE policies at www.wscpa.org.

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

www.wscpa.org

classified ads

Detailed advertising information is available online at www.wscpa.org. Ads are $1 per word with a minimum fee of $50. Active e-mail and web site addresses are included. Classified Ads are placed on the website for 60 days when received and in the next magazine when received by the deadline, March 1 for the Spring 2014 issue. Positions available ads are no longer available in the magazine.To post a job listing, visit the Career Center at www.wscpa.org.Want to list a rental or vacation property? Use the Miscellaneous category. Contact Janet White at (425) 586-1126,(800) 272-8273,Ext.1126,or classifieds@ wscpa.org for more information.All ads must be pre-paid. Find classified ads at www.wscpa.org under Newsroom.

OFFICE SPACE Available for Lease: Looking for office space with other CPAs? Ready for own office, office share, upsize or downsize? Tenants are all CPAs.InAmazon’s backyard, demographics: 54% age 20 – 30; 24,000 households of power singles,high $$ dinks who live/work in area.Newly remodeled, private entrance, kitchen, ADA bathroom, HVAC, 1,087 SqFt, $1,225/mo + utilities.View on-line at LindleyPropertiesLLC.com or contact mace@westlakeassociates.com or call (206)334-6163. MERGERS & SALES Options for transitioning CPA. Want to semi-retire and/or simplify your practice? There are more options than merger up or sell outright. We are a small CPA firm offering to negotiate an agreement which matches your needs, including partial sell; work alone or with our team;keep your equipment/use ours;work part-time,full time or hourly.We are centrally located, been in business over 10 years and would like to work together with CPA transitioning out of practice. martha@lindleyandco.com Everett/Bellevue CPA and Wealth Management firm seeking owners wishing to transition into retirement. We have successfully merged with other local owners allowing them to take care of their long-term client base, work part-time during the transition, offer a wider array of services to help their clients and provide retirement income to the owner. Our client base is as broad as the services we offer but we specialize in individuals and small business. Please contact the owner, Brian Evans at (425) 252-6909 or email to brian@bauerevans.com.Please visit www.bauerevans.com and www.bondstreetwealth.com. Considering SellingYour Practice? Consider all your options.We do the work. Confidential.We have buyers actively seeking practices. Call Mark Hause at (877) 3457722 or visit our website at www.accountingpracticesales. comAccounting 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 MARKHAUSE@CONTACTAPS.COM or call (877) 345-7722 for more information on the following practices: Island County EA Tax Practice for Sale: This well-established EnrolledAgent practice is for sale.The firm is well balanced with a tax practice that produces 71% of the firm’s revenue with write-up generating the remainder of the income. The practice is well positioned for future growth due to having a solid staff serving long term clients. The seller is retiring but will be available to assist in transition. For any firm looking for a satellite office, an existing practice

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wishing to branch out, or an individual who has aspirations of getting out on their own, this practice is an excellent choice. East King County-Snoqualmie Valley Area Write-Up Practice: This tax and write-up practice is looking to sell the write-up portion of the practice. The firm’s write-up business has really grown n the last few years and is approx. 50% of total revenues of the firm. The services rendered are the traditional services of profit and loss statements,bank reconciliations,sales tax,payroll,small business setup,accounting support, and consulting related thereto.The Seller is downsizing the firm to handle only the income tax and is seeking a buyer for the write-up segment of the practice. The buyer will own a thriving business that bills out write-up services at hourly and flat rates that are excellent plus the opportunity to own the real estate. Kirkland CPA Practice for Sale: This CPA firm is a tax practice but also has a fair amount of writeup services to balance out the year. The revenue mix is 82% tax, 17% write-up and a small amount of consulting. The amount of the write-up services allows for the effective use of an assistant who can lend a hand with tax preparation as well.The clients are accustomed to very personal service and most have been with the firm for a number of years.This practice is an ideal solution for any number of tax professionals looking for a solid practice that will provide challenge and opportunity. Central Washington-Grant County CPA Practice for Sale: This CPA firm has been existence for a number of years and is ready for new leadership as the current owner wants to retire.The firm is a tax practice but has a good amount of write-up services the balances out cash flow in other parts of the year. In addition, a well-qualified and loyal staff is in place. With a solid gold reputation for years of continuous service and a building available for transition, this firm is a practice that is very desirable. Island County Area Tax Practice for Sale: This practice is a straight up tax practice with a broad spectrum of clients.The firm is full of long time clients who are serviced by the owner and a staff of over 100 years of experience. The revenues come from income tax 82%, write-up 16%, and misc. services of 2%.The fee averages are good with the individual returns averaging $350 and business returns $824. The practice is primed for a new owner that wants to start a practice or an expansion focused buyer. The timing could not be better for this opportunity. Poulsbo CPATax Practice for Sale: This solid CPA practice with an excellent client base is for sale.The firm is full of satisfied clients who refer approx. 95% of all new clients.The firm with this kind of reputation works extremely hard at providing excellent service to a client base with a health mix of all types of clients.As with most firms, the practice mix consists of mostly individual returns but does have business returns as well. For buyers looking for an established practice or firms seeking markets for new growth this firm in one you should inquire about. SeattleTax andWrite-Up Practice for Sale:This accounting firm for sale is a tax and write-up practice that was formed 37 years ago.The mix of professional services is approx. 68% income tax and 32% write-up with excellent per return fees. The firm has always stressed excellent service to its clients. The result is a practice filled with long term clients who refer excellent new clients.The firm’s clients interact with the practice generally by phone, mail and electronic media making this practice one with very little walk in business. In recent years, the practice has been

pruned to allow the owner to transition to retirement. What remains are clients who are the envy of many firms.This practice is an ideal purchase opportunity for any professional looking for financial reward and professional challenge. Grays Harbor County Area Enrolled Agent Practice for Sale: This enrolled agent practice is primed for growth with a good mix of income tax and write-up professional services.The firm has excellent visibility due to being located on a high traffic count street and has been in the area for a number of years. In addition, the Seller offers the ability to retain the existing location which will make the transition of clients easy. This firm is a great opportunity for any number of buyers from a business minded accountant, to a firm looking to grow a book of business or offer an up an coming young associate ownership. North Olympic Peninsula-Clallam County CPA Practice for Sale: This firm is a tax practice that many seek but few find with a significant amount of business returns coupled with the personal income tax returns that follow. The firm has an excellent location with a high traffic count which fosters walk-in business.The perfect buyer for this practice is a financially successful CPA looking for a practice that has a solid year round income from a variety of fiscal year ends that provides a relaxed pace and good work life balance. South Puget Sound Area-CPA Practice for Sale: This CPA practice has a broad range of clients with no concentration in one area and a broad range of services that are rendered in the areas of income tax, auditing, and financial services. The firm has a history of stability that has fostered excellent client relationships that provide consistent referrals. This firm is further enhanced by an outstanding staff that has outstanding credentials making this firm unique in its ability to provide quality professional services at all service levels to all clients.The financial advisory segment of this practice makes it an obvious advantage for any firm looking to add to their suite of professional services. Any firm with designs on expanding services, looking for expertise, along with an outstanding client list has found an opportunity that is hard to beat with this firm.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS The 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). Accounting for International Development (AfID) - new Bellevue College - new Centerstone - new Education Across Borders Helping Link Interlake Childcare & Learning Center Ladybug House - new Macha Monkey Productions Mercer Island Visual Arts League - new Pet Savers PROVAIL - new Puget Sound Christian Clinic - new Seattle Glee Clubs - new Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group - new Step it up Camp United Way of King County - new Vision Loss Connections Washington Butterfly Association Washington Poison Center WithinReach

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

Member profileS

An Architect, a Politician and an FBI Agent Walk Into ...

Brett Jordan

Three WSCPA members, Ed Ramos, Waylon Jones and Brett Jordan, have a couple of things in common. If each had pursued his initial career plans, none would be a CPA today. And all three are graduates of the AICPA’s prestigious Leadership Academy. While each is on a different career path, all are well positioned to take leadership roles in their jobs and in the profession, in part through their participation in the Leadership Academy.

Brett Jordan is the most recent graduate, one of 37 members of the 2013 Leadership Academy class selected from more than 120 candidates recommended by their employers and state CPA societies. Jordan is an internal auditor at Russell Investments. Prior to that, he was an Audit Senior at Deloitte & Touche LLP and an Audit Associate at Grant Thornton LLP. A Bellingham native, Jordan graduated from Western Washington University in 2007 with a BA in Accounting and from Seattle University in 2009 with his MPAC. Jordan is an avid cross fitter. He also volunteers with a number of organizations, although he considers these activities hobbies, because they relate to his passions. At the WSCPA, he serves on the New Professionals Committee and

The AICPA Leadership Academy was established in 2009 to inspire and empower the next generation of CPA leaders identified by their State Societies as rising stars in the accounting profession. The Academy provides them with advanced training in leadership theory and strategic planning techniques, tools for handling complex management challenges. The program gives participants a well-connected, national professional network.

is a Washington CPA Foundation trustee. Jordan is also a member of the AICPA’s New Student Recruitment Committee, serves on the board of WWU’s Alumni Association, and is a board member and treasurer of the Municipal League of King County. Although Jordan once considered studying political science, his high school business teacher who was a CPA introduced him to the world of accounting through accounting job shadows. One of the job shadows led to an accounting and internal audit internship for a national insurance company. Yet he hasn’t lost his passion for public policy. He has found that CPAs are needed in public affairs in an advisory capacity or public office to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability, and he can engage in advocacy on behalf of organizations he volunteers with. About his involvement with the WSCPA he says, “[It] hasn’t just enriched my career; it essentially helped me to start it. While still a student at Western Washington University I began to build a network through the WSCPA’s New Professionals group, landing my first public accounting job through a connection I made at one of these events. As I have become more involved over time, I feel this is a way for me to give back to the WSCPA for their role in helping

me develop my career. “WSCPA staff were able to identify my strengths, which has led to opportunities to participate in local, state, and national initiatives. All of these experiences have enriched my personal and professional development. The WSCPA has helped me realize a steep return on my investment in it.” “The Academy presents new professionals, some of whom own their own firm, have run for public office, hold leadership positions within their state society, or teach students of accounting, with the ability to shape the profession for the future. Over a three day period, the AICPA helped us identify key characteristics of the profession’s past and present, then we were given the unique opportunity to develop a future-state model. “We also identified areas for personal change and growth in our professional lives after analyzing our personal strengths and challenges. We were given a number of leadership tools to help us continue to develop personally and professionally. I also left with so many like-minded professionals I now call friends.”

Are you a new professional who is looking for opportunities to get more involved in the Society and grow as a leader? Join the New Professionals Committee. Learn more at www.wscpa.org or call (425) 644-4800.

WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

www.wscpa.org

Ed E. Ramos is a Shareholder at Dwyer Pemberton & Coulson, P.C. in Tacoma. Although he was born and raised in Tacoma, his parents are originally from Puerto Rico. He has a wife and 10 year old daughter. He started college at Highline Community College then transferred to Eastern Oregon University. As he tells it, “Although I originally wanted to become an architect, I quickly realized that my strength was in numbers and I enjoyed problem solving with numbers.” Ed enjoys running, watching movies and spending time with his family. He adds, “I like to golf as well, but I’m not very good at it.” As he was moving into a partner role in his firm, he was aware he needed to

develop leadership skills, recognizing that they aren’t necessarily CPAs’ natural strong suit. “Many of us tend to be into the day to day grind of a CPA life and we sometimes forget that communication is a major factor. One thing I did not hear during college was the fact that becoming a CPA is not just about numbers, it’s also about communication and how to communicate those numbers to others in a meaningful and understandable way. When you step into a leadership role, suddenly you become the ‘go to’ person and you are now managing a business. I like to say that I am no longer just a CPA, I am also a business owner and I care about my client’s business as if it were my own.”

Waylon Jones

“The Academy has helped empower me to become a strong leader within the CPA profession. The program provided me with the tools I needed to take my leadership skills to the next level. I really did not know what to expect when I was selected. It was not until my first day at the Academy that I realized how special this was going to be. From meeting over 30 other professionals from across the country to meeting the CEO and President of the AICPA, it was an unforgettable experience.” Ramos indicates another unexpected takeaway from the program was learning how much the AICPA and state societies do for the profession.

Waylon Jones speaks fast and moves fast. He loves to be active, whether he’s hiking, biking, sailing, playing tennis, or competing in triathlons. He is a member of the WSCPA Board of Directors, is a Past Chair of the Bellevue Chapter BOD, and participated on the WSCPA www.wscpa.org

New Professionals Committee. Jones is a Senior Financial Analyst helping with the monthly accounting of Amazon’s Amazon Web Services group. He previously worked at Liberty Mutual, assisting contract surety underwriters with assessing accounting and operational processes of construction contractors. Jones grew up in Central New York State – roughly 20 miles from the Baseball Hall of Fame. He went to a school small enough that K-12 grades were in the same building, followed by attending a small four-year college in Doylestown, PA—Delaware Valley College. He spent the first two years taking Criminal Justice courses, but after talking with an FBI agent about career options, he changed his major to Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. He took the CPA exam on the advice of his academic advisor, who felt it would be a waste of

Ed Ramos

Member profileS

Since his participation in the AICPA Leadership Academy, Ramos has been invited to become a member of the AICPA National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion. Of that opportunity he said, “I never thought I would be involved in helping to shape and change our profession. It has been an incredible journey and I truly look forward to what the future holds. I would encourage anyone who wants to take their career to the next level to look into the Leadership Academy. If you don’t feel that you qualify, find out what you need to get there.” his education not to. As he describes it, his involvement with the WSCPA, “. . . has enriched my career, allowing me to develop and maintain a local network of peers when questions arise, without having the uncomfortable need to come up with a reason a peer would want to help me. It has also allowed me to learn about other roles people have to see if perhaps I want to change things up in my career.” “I came away from the Academy with an instant, expanded network of contacts in the profession from all over the U.S. The AICPA is concerned about the continuity and value of the CPA brand – developing the future leaders of the AICPA is a serious agenda item for everyone who works within the AICPA.” WashingtonCPA Winter 2014

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