Confirm this: Why your auditors contact third parties

If your company’s financial statements are audited, chances are your auditor will send out external confirmations. These information requests may be sent directly to your customers, vendors, banks, attorneys and benefit plan administrators. For your internal finance and accounting team, the confirmation process may feel intrusive or confusing, especially when third parties don’t respond immediately. […]

How to turn F&A turnover into a business opportunity

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 […]

Risky business: How auditors help combat corporate fraud

In today’s volatile economic climate, organizations face mounting pressures that can increase the risk of fraudulent activities. Auditors play a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating these risks through comprehensive fraud risk assessments and tailored audit procedures. Fraud triangle Three elements are generally required for fraud to happen. First, perpetrators must experience some type of […]

M&A accounting: Identifying the acquirer in business combinations involving VIEs

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 […]

Closing time: Mastering your monthly close with QuickBooks

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? […]

Old invoices, new rules: Tap into the power of the AR aging report

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, […]

Loan applications: How to strengthen your hand in today’s credit markets

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 […]

6 inventory management tips in an uncertain tariff landscape

With new tariff structures looming and global trade relationships in flux, businesses face rising uncertainty in supply chain costs and inventory planning. As countries iron out the details of future U.S. trade agreements, companies must proactively manage their inventory to avoid margin erosion and supply disruptions. Here are six smart strategies to help safeguard your […]

Back to basics: A practical playbook for reporting PPE

Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), property, plant and equipment (PPE) assets aren’t immediately expensed. Instead, they’re capitalized on your company’s balance sheet and gradually depreciated over their useful lives. While that sounds easy enough, subtle nuances may trip up small businesses. Here are some tips to help get it right. Capitalize the full […]

Estimating fair value today

Many balance sheet items are reported at historical cost. However, current accounting standards require organizations that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to report certain assets and liabilities at “fair value.” This shift aims to enhance transparency and reflect an entity’s current financial position more accurately. However, estimating fair value can involve significant judgment […]