The EDGE - August 2011 

Why it’s OK to say “No”
No one likes a yes-man. Yet, all of us walk a fine line between thinking you ought to agree with your boss or co-workers when all you really want do is just say “no.” Sometimes, disagreeing with the status quo is accepted – and even admired! Here are some red flags to watch out for and some tips on how to get your point across.

Dealing With a Diverse Workplace
Diversity is not the exception; it’s the norm. Still, you can’t learn how to deal with diverse cultures, outlooks and attitudes by reading a company manual. Learn how to use common sense and listening to set an example others will admire and follow.

Taking a Vaca – Turn off the Technology!
Everyone deserves to take a vacation, yet due to service demand in our profession, choosing the right time of the year to take a break can be challenging. In our always-on environment, do you have to stay connected, and if you don’t, what are the consequences? The answers are based on trust, cross-training and solid communications.

Be a part of Raising Financially Fit Families
The AICPA’s 125th anniversary is coming up in 2012. To celebrate, the AICPA will highlight CPAs’ expertise in financial literacy by publishing its first book for a consumer audience. The book, tentatively titled Raising Financially Fit Families, will be filled with lessons provided by CPAs like you from all over the country and edited by best-selling author and CPA Sharon Lechter. The AICPA is looking for real-world saving and spending stories to help consumers understand more about their finances, learn saving and budgeting strategies and -- most importantly -- instill good saving and spending habits in children. The book will be published in May 2012, in time for events commemorating the AICPA's anniversary. Please submit your stories no later than Aug. 31. Get more information and access the submission form on AICPA.org.

Help make financial statements for private companies more relevant to their users
The Financial Accounting Foundation is gathering stakeholder input on sweeping changes to the private company financial reporting system, including differential GAAP and a separate, autonomous standard-setting body to incorporate the necessary changes into the nation's accounting standards. Support the effort to enhance the usefulness of private company financial statements and write a letter to the FAF today. Also educate others, especially users of private company financial statements such as bankers, on this issue and encourage them to write letters. Toolkits have been developed for public accounting firms and for private companies and related stakeholders to use for their outreach; a press release template for your letter is offered as well. For more information, visit www.aicpa.org/privateGAAP.