Category: a&a

Today, many organizations rely on cloud-based tools to store and manage data. However, the costs to set up cloud computing services can be significant, and many business owners are unsure whether the implementation costs must be immediately expensed or capitalized. Changes made in recent years provide some much-needed clarity to the rules. Advantages of cloud…

As year end approaches, many businesses will soon be preparing for their annual audits. One key consideration is ensuring there are no potential conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of your company’s financial statements. A conflict of interest can cloud an auditor’s judgment and undermine their objectivity. Vigilance in spotting these conflicts is…

For many businesses, accounts receivable (AR) is one of the largest assets on the balance sheet. It represents the cash you’ve earned but haven’t yet collected. Efficient AR management is critical for maintaining healthy cash flow, reducing bad debt and fueling growth. But a key question often goes unasked: How do your company’s receivables compare…

Turnover in finance and accounting (F&A) leadership is on the rise. In 2024, CFO turnover among Standard & Poor’s 500 companies hit 17.8%, tying a record high in 2021, according to the Russell Reynolds Global CFO Turnover Index. This trend isn’t limited to large corporations. Closely held businesses are also feeling the pinch, as competition…

In accrual-basis accounting, timing is everything. One core principle of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is the matching concept, which requires organizations to recognize expenses in the same period as the revenue they help generate. Prepaid expenses — payments made for goods or services before they’re used — must be handled carefully to conform…

In baseball, the triple play is a high-impact defensive feat that knocks the competition out of the inning. In business, you have your own version — three key financial statements that can give you a competitive edge by monitoring profitability, liquidity and solvency. First base: The income statement The income statement (also known as the…

In recent years, interest rates have increased and credit has tightened. Under these conditions, which are expected to persist in the coming months, securing a commercial loan can be challenging for businesses of all sizes. Whether you want to expand, stabilize your cash flow or simply build a financial cushion, being loan-ready is more critical…

For many businesses, accounts receivable (AR) are more than just a line item on the balance sheet. This account provides a key indicator of potential cash flow, customer relationships and overall financial health. So proactive AR management is critical. The AR aging report has long been a cornerstone of expediting collections and reducing credit risk,…

The month-end close is a pain point for many small to midsize businesses. While internal accounting teams often aim to wrap up the close within three days, a recent survey found that half the respondents actually take six days or longer to close the books. What can your organization do to help streamline this process?…

On May 12, 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) finalized new guidance that clarifies how to identify the acquirer in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) involving variable interest entities (VIEs). The updated guidance brings much-needed consistency and comparability to complex deals where equity interests are exchanged. Why the update matters Determining the “accounting acquirer” is more…