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October 20, 2009 |
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The AICPA Specialized Communities Team has put together some great guidance for CPAs regarding the FTC’s “Red Flags” rule. As you know, the current implementation date for the rule is November 1, 2009.
You can find more guidance here.
In 2003, Congress passed legislation intended to curb identity theft, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) subsequently issued a "Red Flags" Rule that requires creditors or financial institutions with covered accounts to have in place programs to assist in identifying a potential identity theft. CPAs could become subject to the FTC’s Red Flags rule, since recent interpretations from the FTC to other professional organizations (lawyers, physicians) indicate that a “creditor” includes “any entity that defers payments, even in the normal course of a traditional billing process”. Thus, if a CPA bills clients monthly, this could be considered to be an extension of credit that would require the CPA to have an internal program, subject to inspection and review, designed to detect, prevent and mitigate client identity theft.
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Thank You for Participating |
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A Note from Jeannine Birmingham, ASCPA President & CEO Now that CPE compliance transcripts have been sent and the reporting period comes to a close, I would like to personally thank each of you for choosing the ASCPA as your #1 source for CPE in Alabama. We value your active participation in attending our statewide CPE seminars and conferences each year. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you in the future in meeting your CPE needs. |
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Get your tax return training from the industry’s best! Originally written by Sid Kess and now led by AICPA’s top tax instructors, these workshops provides the latest practical insights from nationally recognized tax experts.
Individual Income Tax Returns Workshop November 4-5 Reinforce your understanding of frequently used principles and receive a wealth of tax planning tips and strategies. Learn how to apply the latest changes when preparing federal income tax returns and advise clients on new developments and tax-saving ideas for individuals. All key tax return issues are covered during this fast paced, real-world session. For more information, visit our website.
Corporate Income Tax Returns Workshop December 1-2 Look at the most recent tax laws and other developments affecting C Corporations, S Corporations and other business entities, including limited liability companies. Learn how to advise clients and employees on the latest tax planning ideas. Share marketing ideas from top practitioners – based on the latest tax strategies. Plus, a comprehensive practice problem lets you apply what you have learned. For more information, visit our website.
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E-Learning |
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Get your CPE off to an early start by taking our Webinars or Webcasts
If you have limited time or can’t get away from the office, online CPE is a great alternative to the traditional CPE seminar. Just like live seminars, live CPE webcasts last for scheduled periods of time and are led by live instructors. Webcasts include live video and audio of the speakers, slides and handout materials. Check out our upcoming seminars for October and a calendar that includes webcasts thru January 20, 2010. Webcast CPE schedule http://alscpa.acpen.com/
Our webinars are highly specialized topics that you can attend based on your specific information needs and interests. Most importantly, our webinars are designed to focus in on specialized topics presented by knowledgeable professionals. The nature of our webinar model allows us to bring you up to speed on rapidly emerging topics in a timely manner, such as our new XBRL webinar series. View our Catalog for a complete list of topics and schedules. CPA Crossings Course Schedule – November2009 – January 2010.
For more information, please contact |
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The Public Service Award Program encourages state societies and AICPA members to recognize CPAs who have distinguished themselves in public service activities at the local, state, regional, or national level. In return, presenting a public service award provides numerous opportunities for motivating volunteers, publicizing the public service activities of CPAs and reinforcing the profession's reputation for commitment to the public good.
The ASCPA encourages members to nominate firms or individuals for this award. State level recipients will then be submitted for a national award, to be given at the AICPA spring council meeting. Use the link to access all documents and guidelines for submission.
The deadline has been extended to Thursday, November 12.
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Tech for a New Generation of Professionals |
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Technology for a New Generation of Professionals You are employing a new generation of professionals that will be employing a new generation of tools to complete day-in and day-out tasks and activities in ways that were previously unthinkable. Social networking sites, collaboration tools and online applications are just some of many ways this new breed of information worker is getting the job done today.
Whether you are using any of these new tools or managing others on your team who do, now is the time to learn about the potential gains in productivity - along with the potential risks - associated with managing this new generation of technology.
Learn about this and many more diverse topics at the 22nd Annual Governmental Accounting and Auditing Forum in December.
GAAF: Navigating in Tough Times December 2nd and 3rd Birmingham Marriott
What a Deal! $250 for Members of ASCPA, AGA, and GFOAA $300 for Non-members 16 Hours of CPE
We have also negotiated a discounted rate of $119 per night for you to stay at the Birmingham Marriott. Don't forget! November 9th is the cutoff for the special rate. Click here for more information
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Start Here, Go Places |
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Want to encourage students to join the accounting profession? The AICPA has updated the Start Here, Go Places. Web site, the cornerstone of the profession’s multiyear student recruitment campaign. The site includes new enhancements, such as salary and demand information for dozens of accounting careers, CPA profiles with testimonials and the ability for students to create a future vision of themselves to discover career paths that best suit their needs. The enhanced site builds on the program’s existing momentum, while providing an even more interactive and robust experience to continue to be the online destination for students, educators and parents to learn everything they need to know about accounting careers.
Refer a student you know to visit the website: http://www.startheregoplaces.com/
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Prepare for the Flu |
According to the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is now widespread in 37 states. Especially during this time of year, when flu activity can spike, it’s possible that businesses, both big and small, may see increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and ultimately, a negative effect on their bottom line. To respond effectively, management should be prepared to protect their business and staff in the event of an influenza outbreak.
Specific Advice for Businesses
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a checklist for large businesses. The checklist includes establishing policies, planning for potential impact to your employees and customers, allocating resources properly, communicating and educating your employees, and coordinating with external organizations.
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In a business world that is frequently shifting and changing, this course is essential for every successful practitioner. Not only will you be updated on the most important tax issues that will require your attention in 2009, but this course will also review the major trends and changes in the case and regulatory law. Just a few of the topics to be discussed are listed below:
Classes will be held in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery
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2009 Young CPA Classroom Blitz
The Alabama Society of CPAs’ Young CPAs are following up their hugely successful 2008 Going Global classroom blitz campaign with Dollars and Sense, a financial education presentation.
In the current economic environment, the time is ripe to introduce or reinforce the concepts of budgeting, needs versus wants, investing, use of credit, and other financial topics. The Young CPA Board decided to make financial education their priority for this year’s one-day blitz. The program will use the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) materials, the High School Financial Planning Program. The student guides are divided into seven lessons, with interactive activities included. Each student will receive his own workbook and each school will receive 2 comprehensive instructor’s manuals. The date is Friday, November 13, 2009 for the 45-60 minute presentation. Schools may elect to have a single presentation, to have multiple presentations or even to have a large assembly.
We Need Volunteers for the Dollars and Sense Classroom Presentation!
Please visit the Dollars and Sense wiki to see which schools across the state have already signed up. If you're interested in making the presentation on November 13th, just add your name!
There will be a one-hour training conference call led by Adena Whitman and Laura Vann of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions on October 27 at 10:00. Call-in information will be emailed to all volunteers on Thursday, October 22.
If you'd like more information, please contact Diane Christy, ASCPA Communications Director, or visit our website: www.ascpa.org
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About the ASCPA
The Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants [ASCPA] is the statewide, professional membership organization representing over 6,500 Alabama CPAs in public practice, industry, government and education. Eleven chapters, various committees and task force groups made up of CPA volunteers develop programs and address issues to help all members be successful professionals. Visit www.ascpa.org
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© 2009 Alabama Society of CPAs | PO Box 242987 | Montgomery, AL 36124 |