People Management

08/26/2009

Economic Optimism Continues to Improve Among CPA Executives

Heightened optimism among CPA financial executives seems to indicate the worst of the recession is in the past, but the consensus is growing that the U.S. economy is still a ways off from achieving a full recovery. While optimism about the economy continued to improve and spread across most industries in the third quarter, the percentage of executives who don’t see a recovery beginning until at least the second half of 2010 increased substantially (27% vs. 43%) from the previous quarter.

The Management Minute Podcast by Robert Half

The Management Minute is a monthly podcast providing finance and accounting managers easy-to-use management and career advice to help them improve their leadership skills and reach their professional aspirations. Topics include:

Global Hiring Trends in Accounting and Finance
Common Mistakes Managers Make in an Uncertain Economy
Professional Development in a Challenging Economy

Listen to the Podcast

07/01/2009

Occupational Fraud in an Economic Downturn

NewsAccount, Colorado Society of CPAs, July/August 2009

Occupational fraud occurs during both economic booms and busts; however, such fraud is more likely to be detected when prosperity withers and uncertainty thrives. CPAs can better protect their own and their clients’ businesses by understanding the forms and monetary costs of occupational fraud; high-risk areas; most likely perpetrators, victims and motives; situations where fraud typically occurs; red flags that may indicate a crime in the making; and responsive steps.

How the Recession Is Changing Talent Management

Harvard Business Review, June 18, 2009

Many of the most fundamental shifts in the employer/employee relationship can be traced to practices put into place during a recession. Beginning with “layoffs” in 1981 and “contractors” in 1991, today’s “furloughs” and other recession-related trends are irrevocably changing the employer/employee dynamic. They are also demonstrating how important it is for management to recognize that decisions they make today are likely to define employment relationships for decades to come.

Firms Face Struggle to Keep Hold of Top Talent

Accountancy Age, June 18, 2009

The competitive job market may not be a complete safeguard against the possible exodus of top talent, especially when the prospect of raises and bonuses is slim. This article explains the stance top firms and employees are taking on the issue, the need for firms to invest in and retain their best people, and the importance of reasonable expectations on both sides of the bargaining table.

An Efficient Profit Motive

The Journal of Accountancy, June 16, 2009

The sagging economy and the pressure to go “green” are prompting firms to become more efficient. Whenever you make staffing changes, set new goals or tighten your budget, you have an opportunity to reassess workflow, enhance technology or improve productivity. Consider the following ways to lower expenses and increase profitability.

What a Little Blue Stone Can Teach You about Leadership

Harvard Business Review, June 11, 2009

Even in dire economic straits, leaders can still find inspiration and it often appears in the most unexpected places. Read how leaders use a Zen-styled message of intuition, perception, creativity, power and immunity to help make decisions, add value, establish priorities, set the tone for their tenure and bring out the best in their people.

Growing Optimism Makes This the Right Time to Develop a Hiring Plan

Respondents to the Second Quarter AICPA/UNC Kenan-Flagler Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey expressed slightly greater optimism for the upcoming year than was reported during the first quarter of 2009. The survey of CPAs in business and industry is sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Continue reading "Growing Optimism Makes This the Right Time to Develop a Hiring Plan" »

06/01/2009

AATV: Positioning Your Firm for the Upturn

Accountancy Age, June 2009 (Video)

As a glimmer of an economic upswing appears, firms are now positioning themselves for the unique opportunities it will offer. This thought-provoking video, with sound bites on the need for a strong client focus, teamwork, leadership and visibility, can help organizations of all types prosper in the post-recession business environment.

Practice Special: Surviving the Recession – Making a Breakthrough

Accountancy Age, May 14, 2009

Sustained success, especially during downturns, often requires new rules and a creative outlook on the tried-and-true. Here are four smart, straightforward strategies that can help build the mindset and approaches needed to transform your business performance into a champion performance.

AICPA Economic Crisis and Recovery Center