Watched a few minutes of a TV movie. The main character was busy lying to police as she framed a co-worker for hacking the bank’s computer system to hide her taking unidentified valuables out of safe deposit boxes and transferring who-knows-how-much money between accounts so she could get her hands on it. (more…)
Jim Ulvog
Why does it matter to you that advertisers can use ads to identify gays?
Recent stories indicated that advertisers could identify gays through targeted advertising. If that is not a part of your life, why does it matter to you? Let me explain the process so you can see that the advertising technique should give us all pause. (more…)
Get into social media but know what you are doing
Got a good laugh at myself looking at my blog while drafting a different post. Here are two consecutive posts: (more…)
Plagiarism, “going viral” on steroids, internet justice, good entertainment, and lessons-to-be-learned – all in one story
In case you haven’t heard, tune in quick to the Cooks Source story on the internet. The story is developing by the hour. See short introduction. Read original post that kicked off the internet firestorm. (more…)
Seven lame excuses not to be in social media
Seven lame, business-killing excuses for not having a social media presence.
Social media now is where web sites used to be. (more…)
Easy-listening explanation of Quantitative Easing
Quantitative Easin’ is a new song in easy listening style that explains what the Fed is planning for the very near future. Fun explanation. Watch out for the depressing graphs though.
The singer, Curtis Threadneedle, is on facebook here.
Update: Fed announced the QE2 will be for $600,000,000,000 spread in $75B purchases per month of longer-term treasuries. Typo in title of this post corrected.
Rapping Economists debate how to improve the economy? Rapping? On economics?
As news reports indicate the Fed plans a half trillion dollar quantitative easing, it is a good time to revisit the Hayek and Keynes debate. If you would like a rap explanation, check this out: “Fear the Boom and Bust”. Yes, Hayek presented in rap. (more…)
Small Nonprofits claim health care tax credit on Form 8941
The IRS has announced that nonprofits may claim the health care tax credit by filing a Form 990-T and attaching Form 8941.
The IRS has a background article on the credit for nonprofit organizations. They have a superb FAQ that provides a lot of details. The DRAFT 8941 is available – remember is is a preliminary draft so we can get an idea what the form will look like. For a general overview of the health care credit for NPOs, see my previous post.
Engage with the world as it is
Sometimes we see trends or patterns and think they are pretty dumb. Maybe even reach the level of stupid. When those dumb things are at a societal level, we need to realize that is the way the world is working and engage the world as it is, not as we think it ought to be. (more…)
Marvels of air travel
Since starting my own CPA firm, the amount of time I spend out of town has dropped dramatically. Yeah! That lets me see air travel through a new perspective. You road warriors are bored with the wonders of the modern era. (more…)
Current data accumulated by tracking companies is exquisitely detailed
Time to start thinking more seriously about your privacy. One particular online tracking company gathers everything they can about you and accumulates it into a very detailed profile. The cutting edge capacity of one company also aggregates your name and email address. (more…)
Crooks stealing money from your account using your computer
I’m reading more articles describing cybertheives hacking a business computer (could just as easily be a ministry computer), gaining access to bank accounts, then wiring money out of the country. (more…)
SSARS 19 Compilation reports for NPOs
Compilation reports will change starting December 31, 2010. Some sample reports follow.
Update – SSARS 19 had been replaced by SSARS 21. All the reports have been revised. You can check out these posts at my other blog, Attestation Update:
- Flash update on SSARS #21
- Newly approved SSARS will allow a new service, ‘preparation’. Will also require written & signed engagement letters.
- Sample compilation report under SSARS 21
- Sample accountant’s review report for SSARS 21
- Video overview of SSARS 21
- New risk alerts for 2014/2015 are available
Sad example of the need for disbursements controls
See this article for a sad illustration of disbursement fraud. The specific technique was opening credit card accounts in the name of the company and then using the account for personal expenses. (more…)
Simple way to improve internal controls over disbursements
What could you do when there aren’t enough staff to have someone other than the bookkeeper prepare the bank reconciliation? (more…)