Features

Struggling to Survive
Cynthia Jamison, CPA
Today’s CFO is in the hot seat, increasingly accountable to the market, board, investors, and government, as well as the CEO. In fact, only 25% of CFOs have been in their positions for more than five years. What is needed is a paradigm shift in the CFO function, reorganizing the finance department, championing the financial health of the company even if it means advocating additional funding rather than the stereotypical cost cutting, and seeking outside senior-level expertise when needed.

How SOX and C-TPAT Impact Global Supply Chain Security
Mitch McGhee and Jim Giermanski
As a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and restrictions implemented in the war on terrorism, inventory can no longer be used to manipulate financial reports. Titles to goods shipped internationally and received from international ports must be established at every stage, consistently and with specificity.

Be Prepared!
Janet L. Colbert, CIA, CPA
These summaries of eight risk assessment standards just issued by the AICPA will help management accountants stay one step ahead of the auditors. Armed with this information, they can anticipate external auditor inquiries and plan their own work accordingly.

The Future of Travel & Expense
Steve Singh
A fuzzy map, no compass, and no binoculars—this management accountant recounts her lonely journey to achieve CMA certification shortly after the IMA program was launched. Now that the program is better known in the corporate world, certification has given her an edge in seeking accounting positions, she claims, and it also has broadened her personal horizons thanks to the continuing education requirements.

Take Two!
Joseph M. Hargadon, CMA, CPA, and Lori R. Fuller, CPA
Although the CPA is the most recognized credential for accountants, surveys have shown that accountants who have earned both the CPA and CMA certifications earn more than those who have only one of them. Students who carefully plan their studies and time can pass both examinations soon after their graduation.

Columns

PERSPECTIVES
Persistence and procrastination.

TOP LINE
The Ph.D. shortage.

BEST PRACTICES
Not for sissies.

TAXES
Charitable contributions by individuals and the Pension Protection Act.

IMA
The human connection.

ETHICS
How good is your ethics and compliance program?

XBRL
The global ledger for financial services.

Departments

STREETWISE
CFO turnover keeps escalating
Top 10 technology concerns
More Excel, please Problems with 404 guidance continue
Books: Bankruptcy taxation
Small Business: The weekly lament.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

TECH FORUM
Newsstands in the sky.

END NOTE
Beyond checkmate.