Publisher's Information

CONTENTS

AUGUST 2006

VOLUME 202 NUMBER 2

This symbol identifies articles in the home study CPE program.

ARTICLES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Seven Strategies for Negotiating Success
by Max Messmer
Discussing salary and benefits is not always easy—even for accounting professionals, who are accustomed to discussing numbers. You must strike the right balance between being appreciative of an offer and making sure it fairly represents your worth in the marketplace. In this article, Robert Half CEO Max Messmer offers seven tips to ensure the best possible outcome, whether you’re looking for a new job or staying in your old one.
For CPAs on both sides of the salary-negotiating table and students interviewing for their first positions.

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP
Telecommute Safely
by James P. Davis
Use virtual private network (VPN) technology to link telecommuters, clients or customers to your office network. It’s easy, inexpensive and, most important, it’s very secure.
For all CPAs.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT/EMPLOYEE RETENTION
The Work/Life Balance Sheet So Far
by John Lewison
Work/life balance is a crucial factor in getting and keeping staff, and successful programs are addressing a wider range of contemporary needs—from child care to elder care. Some firms are customizing the partner path; others are making managers accountable for setting an example.
For all CPAs.

HUMAN RESOURCES—HIRING
Interviewing Techniques: Tips From the Pros
by Randy Myers
To help small firms find the right people to work for them—what company hasn’t bragged that its employees are its most valuable asset?—the JofA has asked experienced HR managers what works best for them in the art of interviewing job candidates. This article will help you gain insights on how to do it.
For CPAs and human resources staff in charge of hiring.

CAREER PLANNING
Practice Makes Perfect
by Holly R. Rudolph
Today’s CPA exam review course providers offer products for every taste and preference. Whether you want to study in a group, at the office, at home or while traveling, there are many books and courses—in classrooms, on- or off-line, in video, audio, CD and DVD formats—to choose from.
For educators, CPA firms that are training staff and CPA exam candidates.

TAX
Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005
by Jason A. Rothman and Mark P. Altieri
The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 offered hurricane-disaster-oriented tax relief. The Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 provides additional tax relief and significant tax-planning opportunities for your clients.
For CPAs with clients or employers in hurricane disaster areas.

ETHICS
Beyond Sarbanes-Oxley
by Neil S. Lebovits
Four years ago, the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act inspired a renewed emphasis on corporate ethics. Those organizations that want to move beyond regulatory compliance and solidify a culture of ethics can begin by adopting three key best practices.
For CPAs seeking to improve their understanding of corporate ethics.

IN MY OPINION/RECRUITING
Tips to Win Campus Friends
by Linda M. Marquis
Looking to augment your staff? An educator suggests ways practitioners can strengthen relationships with the academic community in their quest to attract the new hires they urgently need.
For CPAs and educators.