From the BILLiverse
In this issue’s commentary, Bill Reeb concludes his four-part series, Management and Leadership in a CPA Firm.  The first three columns covered: various styles of leadership/managers, common excuses for not training others, and why failure and “having your people’s backs” are such important ingredients in the development process.  With that foundation in mind, this article takes a look at what you should be doing now in order to become a more effective people manager and developer.
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IRS Provides Guidance on Return Preparer Liability Under IRC Section 7216
The IRS released information and guidance regarding IRC Section 7216 confidentiality regulations. IRC Section 7216 prohibits a tax return preparer from “knowingly or recklessly” disclosing or using tax return information. These regulations enable tax return preparers to more effectively provide a range of services that taxpayers would ordinarily expect from tax return preparers. The revenue rulings cover six specific issues and this Journal of Accountancy article takes a look at each of these issues in depth. Read the Article

Salary Compression: Will It Be Your Next Pay Challenge?
Recently, there has been much discussion over software as service applications, SaaS, also known as "cloud computing," along with a variety of other technology terminology. SaaS is a growing phenomenon, with 18 percent growth across all industries in 2009. Based on an Association for Accounting Administration (AAA) member survey and an AAA webcast, this article provides an in-depth look at SaaS and its benefits. Learn More

How Are CPA Firms Using SaaS So Far?
The last article by ConvergenceCoaching, LLC discussed different emotional and relational reasons people buy and how to appeal to their needs. However, in order to close the business, it is important to "speak" to the prospect and assure them of the benefits they receive when engaging your firm. This article builds on the previous by providing tips on how to handle objections and reservations from clients and potential business prospects. Learn More

Best Practices for Keeping Your Best People
Employee retention is valued at most every firm and organization. However, if retention practices are recognized as good ideas, why do organizations continually struggle to find and keep good employees? In this article, Dom Cingoranelli, CPA discusses some key retention practices that aren’t always practiced and why. Read the Article.

Wrapping Up the Business
The previous article by ConvergenceCoaching, LLC discussed the importance of how to “speak” to the prospective client and how to handle some common objections after asking how they feel about your proposed approach to their needs. This article discusses proper closing techniques to ensure their business. They key is knowing your prospect and their needs. Once that is understood, the natural next progression in the conversation should be asking for their business. Krista Remer and Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC take a look at wrapping up the business. Learn More.