By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

BDO announcement

The post BDO: new advisory capabilities in Italy appeared first on Big4.com.

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com   

BDO Solutions is pleased to announce its merger with Business Solutions Alliance Inc. (BSA) and its divisions, PSA Inc. and AX-iom ERP Inc. As a leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP), software implementation and support, BSA will provide BDO clients with further software options delivered by an expanded world-class team. BDO Solutions, a Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner specializing in ERP software, is part of the accounting and advisory firm, BDO Canada LLP.

In addition, BDO adds Pronto Xi, through the PSA Inc. division, a globally-acclaimed ERP software product developed by Pronto Software Australia, which is best known for its mining operations capability. PSA is the principal North American support partner, providing the most comprehensive Pronto Xi knowledge to clients in metal fabrication, field service, and mining. Pronto Xi’s depth and breadth make it an ideal solution for businesses with mixed operational requirements.

 Chris Johnsen, National BDO Solutions Partner comments:  “We are very excited to welcome BSA to our practice, which will satisfy the need to provide an entire suite of Microsoft Dynamics solutions, adding to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics GP. This important step provides us with new talented team members for our clients, and will leverage the strength of Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP and Pronto Xi to benefit manufacturing and mining companies across Canada.”    

with files from BDO

The post BDO: Merges with Business Solutions Alliance Inc. appeared first on Big4.com.

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

BDO Canada LLP is pleased to announce its merger with Interis Consulting Inc., a leading management consulting firm with operations in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton. Interis’s team of more than 50 professionals has over 16 years of experience providing planning and performance, transformation and change, and risk and compliance services. As one of the leading accounting and advisory firms in Canada, BDO is focused on continuously enhancing its comprehensive suite of advisory services to meet the growing needs of its clients.

The post BDO: Merges with Interis Consulting Inc. appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO Solutions is pleased to announce its merger with Business Solutions Alliance Inc. (BSA) and its divisions, PSA Inc. and AX-iom ERP Inc.

BDO’s merger with BSA will complement its current Microsoft Dynamics practice by adding expertise for Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP software. Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP is a powerful solution that supports industry-specific and operational business processes for domestic and global enterprise. In addition, BDO adds Pronto Xi, through the PSA Inc. division, a globally-acclaimed ERP software product developed by Pronto Software Australia, which is best known for its mining operations capability. PSA is the principal North American support partner, providing the most comprehensive Pronto Xi knowledge to clients in metal fabrication, field service, and mining.

Chris Johnsen, National BDO Solutions Partner, added: “We are very excited to welcome BSA to our practice, which will satisfy the need to provide an entire suite of Microsoft Dynamics solutions, adding to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics GP. This important step provides us with new talented team members for our clients, and will leverage the strength of Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP and Pronto Xi to benefit manufacturing and mining companies across Canada.”

The post BDO: Merges with Business Solutions Alliance Inc appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO’s annual survey of over 1,000 CFOs from mid-sized companies planning foreign expansion has revealed that businesses have become more cautious, with 66% planning to significantly increase investment in safe haven markets – including the BRICs, US, UK and Germany – rather than taking a gamble on riskier destinations.Although six in ten (62%) respondents admit they are relying on international business to drive growth, companies are adopting a more risk-averse approach as a result of increasing macroeconomic worries.

The US, UK and Germany all secure top-10 spots as sought-after markets for international expansion, with the US in second, Germany in fifth and the UK in seventh place. Intention to invest in these three markets has also seen a collective rise, with over a third (36%) planning investment here in 2012, compared with only a quarter (26%) in 2011.

There appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel for Southern Europe. Traditionally a safe investment, CFOs now see parts of Europe as risky as the politically unstable countries of the Middle East. Spain is perceived as a riskier investment destination than Egypt; likewise Greece is seen as more risky than Libya and Syria.

The BDO Survey also found that the appetite for risk varies considerably from country to country, with Russian, Chinese and Japanese CFOs most likely to gamble on growth. Six out of ten Russian firms (60%) and nearly half of Chinese and Japanese respondents (46% and 44% respectively) are prepared to take major risks. This compares to just 18% of CFOs in Brazil and 22% in France.

Martin van Roekel, CEO of BDO, commented: “CFOs remain under pressure to look abroad to grow their businesses, but this year currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks have replaced red tape and bureaucracy as the top threats to successful foreign expansion.

“Our survey shows that the risk-reward dynamic is changing as ambitious CFOs face greater risk for the same reward. CFOs from mid-sized companies are having to stick to what they know in their approach to overseas investment, rather than take bigger risks that could lead to greater returns.

The post BDO: CFOs move to safe haven markets appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO LLP and PKF (UK) LLP have announced a merger. It has been approved by partners of both firms and will be completed by the spring. The result will be a leading accountancy and business advisory firm, with some 3,500 people in the UK generating revenues approaching £400million.
Martin Goodchild, Managing Partner at PKF (UK) LLP commented saying the decision was a strategic one that was agreed to by both firms.
“Our primary focus as we move to completion will be to ensure both our clients and people benefit from the merger; they will be working with a resilient partnership leading from a position of strength and with a client service ethic at its heart,” he said.
Simon Michaels, Managing Partner of BDO LLP also commented saying the move was “transformational” for the firms involved and the broader market.
The merger creates a financially strong business with significant sector and geographical coverage across the UK. It will be a member of BDO International, the largest global accountancy organisation aimed at the mid-market, with revenues of over $6bn operating in 138 countries worldwide.

The post BDO: PKF merger agreed on appeared first on Big4.com.

According to a new study by BDO USA, LLP, one of the nation’s leading accounting and consulting organizations, capital markets executives at leading investment banks are projecting measured growth in initial public offerings (IPOs) on U.S. exchanges in 2013. Exactly half predict an increase in U.S.IPO actitivty in the coming year, although only 8 percent describe the increase as substantial, while almost one-third (31%) forecast activity as flat compared with 2012. Just 18 percent expect a decrease in offerings on domestic exchanges. Overall, bankers predict a 6 percent increase in the number of U.S. IPOs in 2013. They anticipate these offerings will average $250 million, which projects to $34 billion in total IPO proceeds on U.S. exchanges.

When asked to identify the greatest threat to a healthy U.S. IPO market in 2013, more than a third (37%) of capital markets executives cite the threat of tax increases and government spending cuts and a similar proportion (34%) highlight global political and financial instability. High unemployment (11%), constrained bank lending (10%) and competition from foreign exchanges (4%) are identified as threats by small minorities of the participants.

The U.S. led all countries in IPO proceeds in 2012, generating more than 40 percent of global proceeds. Even without the Facebook IPO, U.S. exchanges would have led all other countries comfortably. When asked the chief factor driving this trend, the capital markets community identified an anticipated improvement in the U.S. economy (33%), the European debt crisis (33%) and slowing growth in China (23%).

The post BDO: SLOW GROWTH IN U.S. IPO ACTIVITY IN 2013 appeared first on Big4.com.

According to a new study by BDO USA, LLP, mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. oil and gas industry will rise in 2013 as companies seek to strengthen their financial position and take advantage of increased prices and an anticipated abundance in supply and demand for oil and gas. Fifty-three percent of U.S. oil and gas chief financial officers (CFOs) see an increase in merger and acquisition activity in the coming year, the second consecutive year a majority of CFOs have predicted an upward trend.

As important as M&A activity has become, few CFOs (3 percent) see the trend as being the primary driver of growth in the industry in 2013. Moreover, the pursuit of a merger or acquisition is cited by just over a quarter of CFOs (26 percent) as a top option for increasing shareholder value, polling slightly behind a focus on nonconventional areas (28 percent).

These findings are from the BDO 2013 Energy Outlook Survey, which examined the opinions of 100 chief financial officers at U.S. oil and gas exploration and production companies. The nationwide survey was conducted in September and October 2012.

Most CFOs (66 percent) see employment in the oil and gas sector staying relatively consistent with that of 2012. However, 25 percent expect an uptick in the number of personnel employed by their company in the coming year, while only 8 percent predict a decline. Twenty-five percent of CFOs also expect an increase in fiscal year 2012 employee bonuses, and nearly double this amount (43 percent) feel bonuses will stay at the same solid payout levels as in fiscal year 2011.

The post BDO :ENERGY CFOS PREDICT MERGER AND ACQUISITIONS ACTIVITY TO RISE appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO’s annual survey of over 1,000 CFOs from mid-sized companies planning foreign expansion has revealed that businesses have become more cautious, with 66% planning to significantly increase investment in safe haven markets – including the BRICs, US, UK and Germany – rather than taking a gamble on riskier destinations.

The US, UK and Germany all secure top-10 spots as sought-after markets for international expansion, with the US in second, Germany in fifth and the UK in seventh place. Intention to invest in these three markets has also seen a collective rise, with over a third (36%) planning investment here in 2012, compared with only a quarter (26%) in 2011.

France drops from the seventh most attractive country for investment to thirteenth, while Japan comes in at twenty-seventh: it was previously ranked seventeenth. Cultural and language issues are cited as significant barriers to success in both markets, with a number of CFOs commenting that the change of government in France has created uncertainty, adding to it being perceived as a less attractive investment destination.

The BDO Survey also found that the appetite for risk varies considerably from country to country, with Russian, Chinese and Japanese CFOs most likely to gamble on growth. Six out of ten Russian firms (60%) and nearly half of Chinese and Japanese respondents (46% and 44% respectively) are prepared to take major risks. This compares to just 18% of CFOs in Brazil and 22% in France.

The post BDO: CFOs swing to safe markets appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO is pleased to announce that the total combined fee income for the year ended 30 September 2012 for all BDO Member Firms, including the exclusive members of the US and Spanish firms’ Alliances, amounted to €4.630 billion / US$ 6.015 billion.

All BDO regions have without exception risen to the economic challenges faced by not just accountancy, but all financial services professions, by achieving tangible growth. BDO’s Asia Pacific region was the fastest growing for 2011 / 12, showing an impressive 48.5% increase in combined fee income.

Despite continuing difficulties in the euro zone, BDO in Europe has continued to buck the trend in showing improved growth once again compared to  last year (+4.6%), with France and Norway the front runners, through a combination of organic growth and strategic mergers. Other outstanding performers in Scandinavia include Finland and Iceland, with small firms also leading the way in Eastern Europe – the growth experienced by our Slovak Republic, Albania and Azerbaijan member firms is worthy of note.

At year end 2012, BDO provides services in 138 countries and there has been a significant rise in the number of partners and staff working in BDO, up by 12.4% to 54,933. The year has seen a corresponding rise in the number of BDO offices: the network is now represented in 1,204 offices worldwide, an increase of 7.7% on 2011.

The post BDO : Year end results show growth appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO LLP and PKF (UK) LLP  announced recently they have agreed to merge. The merger – now approved by partners of both firms – will complete by spring 2013. The firm, under the BDO brand, will be a leading accountancy and business advisory firm, with some 3,500 people in the UK generating revenues approaching £400million.

“This is transformational, for our two firms but also the broader market. We’re delighted that two firms with similar cultures and a focus on client service will combine to create an even stronger entity next year,” said Simon Michaels, Managing Partner of BDO LLP. ” The merged business will have firm financial foundations and an ambition to grow. Both firms employ many talented people capable of delivering quality work to a range of clients, across audit, tax and advisory.”

The merger creates a financially strong business with significant sector and geographical coverage across the UK. It will be a member of BDO International, the largest global accountancy organisation aimed at the mid-market, with revenues of over $6bn operating in 138 countries worldwide.

The post BDO: Merger With PKF appeared first on Big4.com.

Yes! Yesterday, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced charges against the Chinese affiliates of the Big Four U.S. accounting firms.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian
KPMG Huazhen
Ernst & Young Hua Ming
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
BDO China Dahua Co. Ltd.

All these are being charged for refusing to deliver auditing workpapers related to Chinese firms that trade on US stock markets in relation to the notorious “reverse mergers” and consequent delistings done by many Chinese publicly traded stocks with apparently notional OK from their audit firms.

SEC has been trying for seveal months to get these docs for nine China-based companies under investigation for potential wrongdoing.

Robert Khuzami, director of the SEC’s enforcement division, wws quite straightforward,
“Only with access to work papers of foreign public accounting firms can the SEC test the quality of the underlying audits and protect investors from the dangers of accounting fraud.”

And what the are Big Four doing. They are ducking behind conflicting rules in China and the United States. Under local Chinese laws, Deloitte spokeswoman Lauren Mistretta pointed out.”accounting firms in China are not permitted to produce documents, including audit work papers, directly to any foreign regulator without Chinese government approval, so all firms in China have been unable to produce documents requested by the SEC.”

Chinese law bans the removal offshore of audit papers, while foreign regulators aren’t allowed to work inside the country’s borders.

“While it is unfortunate that the two countries have not yet been able to find common ground on these issues, we remain hopeful that a diplomatic agreement can be reached, and we stand ready to assist that effort in any way we can,” she added.

PricewaterhouseCoopers-China echoed, “involves an issue that needs to be resolved between the U.S. and China.”

Ernst & Young Hua Ming hoped for “an agreement can be reached between U.S. and Chinese regulators that will enable our compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”

KPMG China is “hopeful” that discussions between U.S. and Chinese regulators “will result in a positive diplomatic resolution” to the matter.

Next step – Over the next few months, a SEC administrative law judge will decide on cases against the Big Four, and if the judge decides against the firms, they could be suspended from seeking new U.S.-traded clients, or even blocked entirely from auditing U.S.-traded companies.

Folks, we are in the midst of a historic face-off between US regulators, US Big Four Accounting firms, and local laws in the US and China. This promises to be full of fireworks, and we will be watching!

The post SEC Guns Big Four Firms In China, Charges Filed Yesterday! appeared first on Big4.com.

Although six in ten (62%) respondents admit they are relying on international business to drive growth, companies are adopting a more risk-averse approach as a result of increasing macroeconomic worries. In fact, BDO’s annual survey of over 1,000 CFOs from mid-sized companies planning foreign expansion has revealed that businesses have become more cautious, with 66% planning to significantly increase investment in safe haven markets.

The US, UK and Germany all secure top-10 spots as sought-after markets for international expansion, with the US in second, Germany in fifth and the UK in seventh place. Intention to invest in these three markets has also seen a collective rise, with over a third (36%) planning investment here in 2012, compared with only a quarter (26%) in 2011.

France drops from the seventh most attractive country for investment to thirteenth, while Japan comes in at twenty-seventh: it was previously ranked seventeenth. Cultural and language issues are cited as significant barriers to success in both markets, with a number of CFOs commenting that the change of government in France has created uncertainty, adding to it being perceived as a less attractive investment destination.

The post BDO: CFOs swing to safe markets appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO International Limited is delighted to announce that the BDO Member Firm in Australia has confirmed the completion of merger negotiations between their Adelaide member firm, BDO (SA) Pty Ltd and PKF Business Advisers Pty Ltd in Adelaide.

BDO’s international CEO, Martin van Roekel, who was part of the negotiating team for the previous integration with BDO and PKF ECP, said that discussions had followed on automatically from the previous negotiations.

“This is not entirely a surprise given the expected consolidation in our profession –particularly in Australia. It is all part of the change and development that is emerging in professional services,” he said.

BDO’s Australian National Chairman, Tony Schiffmann also commented:

“Our clients are sophisticated purchasers of professional services, demanding value-driven, and ever increasing exceptional service delivery. A strong brand, with the right balance of network strength and local flexibility, that adds to the choice of providers for clients has to be good for everyone,” he said.

“The previous integration with BDO and PKF ECP has been very successful, and now, with the merger between BDO and PKF in Adelaide, we can further support our clients by providing a greater range of solutions, backed by expanded technical and industry sector expertise.”

The post BDO: Another PKF firm joins the network appeared first on Big4.com.

BDO Solutions recently attained recognitions including Microsoft Dynamics Reseller of the Year Award for Canada, as well as the 2012 Inner Circle for Microsoft Dynamics and the 2012 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club.

The Inner Circle is an elite group representing the top one percent of the most strategic Microsoft Dynamics partners worldwide with a strong commitment to excellence and devotion to their customers. The Reseller of Year Award winners are selected for their exceptional business performance and service to customers. The President’s Club represents high-performing Microsoft Dynamic partners who display continual efforts aimed at offering tailored solutions.

“Once again, we are thrilled to receive these recognitions. Our hard-working professionals are consistently dedicated to helping clients with their technological needs and professional growth. We strive to ensure that they achieve the utmost satisfaction and efficiency with their Dynamics systems and receive the highest level of value-added services,” says Chris Johnsen, BDO National Solutions Partner.

BDO Solutions works with clients to deliver quality solutions and services, as well as bring innovation and new levels of success by optimizing Microsoft Dynamics. The group thoroughly collaborates with the teams at Microsoft, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics platform to provide unparalleled value to clients. BDO Solutions was also named to the Inner Circle and President’s Club, and won the Canadian Reseller of the Year Award in 2010 and 2011.

The post BDO: Three Microsoft Achievements appeared first on Big4.com.

As part of the annual Drive Away Hunger program, BDO joined forces once again with Farm Credit Canada for four weeks to collect donations for local food banks across Canada.

“For the past month, all 106 of our offices across the country proved their commitment to their local communities by hosting numerous events to raise money and food donations for hungry Canadians. At the end of the 2012 campaign, we are very proud of our partners and staff for reaching an incredible total — almost 32% higher than our goal for the year,” says Keith Farlinger, CEO of BDO.

Last year, the national accounting and advisory firm raised almost 312,000 lbs of food but vowed to break its record for 2012 with at least 350,000 lbs.

BDO offices coordinated another round of barbecues, chili cook-off contests, raffles and more to attract members of their communities. A combination of internal and external contributions over the September 24 to October 19 campaign duration resulted in $185,840.98 and 79,909.04 lbs of food, equaling 461,321 lbs altogether. Each dollar collected through the campaign was counted as 2 lbs of food, while every donation made directly to Food Banks Canada was counted as 4 lbs.

The post BDO: FCC Drive Away Hunger Results Announced appeared first on Big4.com.

The BDO Member Firm in Australia has confirmed the completion of merger negotiations between their Adelaide member firm, BDO (SA) Pty Ltd and PKF Business Advisers Pty Ltd in Adelaide.

The post BDO: another PKF firm joins the network appeared first on Big4.com.

I recently placed a candidate in a considerably lower level role than I normally do. Most of my recruiting assignments are for senior level positions with experienced executives. It’s always personally rewarding to enhance someone’s career, both professionally, financially and personally, but this recent placement gave me a different buzz. One I remember liking from earlier in my own career. It’s the great feeling of making a difference in someone’s life, probably one they’ll always remember and knowing I helped create a turning point in their careers.

This also put me in mind of experiences placing  candidates coming directly out of Big 4 for the first time. I did my fair share of these transitions in the good old pre-IPO, pre-SOX days, circa mid-late 1990’s. Hard to believe the many changes that have occurred since, from Enron to the great recession. The one thing that hasn’t changed though is how young talent feels, making the leap of faith from a public accounting firm to private industry. I’m quite sure attorneys and accountants struggle with some of the same questions when leaving the world of prominent law firms and the Big 4. After all, they’ve been groomed for success and high expectations, pitted against their peers for recognition, fostered in an environment of similar professionals; all hard working, bright and ambitious up and comers. Some see a clear path towards partnership while others dread yet another busy season.

And then someone like me comes along – whispering in their ear of opportunity, title, compensation increases, the chance to have a more structured lifestyle. Maybe they’ll work just as hard, after all I believe cranking out the hours is just ingrained in the Big 4 psyche. Regardless of the inducement, there comes a time when the right opportunity hits a nerve and the considerations of change come into play.

What makes transitioning out of Big 4 so different? In addition to their accounting firm experience usually being their first role out of a college they were recruited from, there’s the comfort level of professional commonality and equality. Everyone starts off in a comparable position, with similar skills and education. Everyone is working towards the same goal. Expectations are set and met; there are mentors and an established pattern for growth.

It’s no wonder the thought of leaving the prestigious society created in their firms is such a difficult decision. Here the CPA can rely on mentorship, interesting work and variety. Their peers share the same workload, similar challenges and are bound together in a culture of hard work and long hours. And even though they have worked with and alongside their clients, going to work for them is a completely different ball game. Contemplating submitting their work for the Auditors to review, getting involved in everything from journal entries to financials and often a big challenge in learning how to motivate and lead non professional staff.  Leaving the cocoon of a big 4 environment is a daunting proposition and let’s face it – Managers and Partners will always encourage their star performers to stay.

Despite all the inducements to stay (excluding the long hours!), Big 4 talent often does make it’s way into the private sector. Most do it successfully, embracing private industry, thriving in new challenges and learning how to lead and motivate. Transitioning into the corporate world is almost a right of passage. Their talent is welcomed and embraced whichever side of the fence they ultimately choose.

Cindy Cremona, CPC has over twenty years experience as an Executive Recruiter. Her main focus is in Accounting and Finance, primarily placing senior level roles for clients mainly in the technology sectors.

The post Musings From Cindy Cremona, CPC – Recruiter Of Big4 Candidates appeared first on Big4.com.

Interview link: http://www.accountantslike.com/2012/02/accountants-like-interview-with-bob.html

Amazon link (Kindle option too): http://www.amazon.com/Ex-Why-Bob-Sinnott/dp/146360677X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329317643&sr=1-1

The post Interview With Big 4 Satirist appeared first on Big4.com.

Senior Manager, Global Retirement

AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees…

http://www.big4.com/jobs/career/39590/Senior-Economist-Pennsylvania-Pa-West-Chester

Senior Economist

Moody’s Analytics Pennsylvania (PA), West Chester

Moody’s Analytics located in West Chester, PA, is a leading independent provider of economic, financial, country, and industry research designed to meet the diverse planning and information needs of businesses,…

http://www.big4.com/jobs/career/30255/Sr-Manager-Human-Resources-Organizational-Change-Management-California-Ca-El-Segundo

Sr. Manager Human Resources – Organizational Change Management

Mattel, Inc.  California (CA),                       El Segundo

At Mattel, we have a vision to Create the Future of Play. We will achieve this vision because our people are creative and energetic, thriving on innovation and passion for…

http://www.big4.com/jobs/career/30251/Senior-Accountant-Cpa-Georgia-Ga-Alpharetta

McKesson  Georgia (GA),                       Alpharetta

Healing the healthcare system starts with you. It starts with the chain of events you initiate when you work with McKesson Provider Technologies – a chain that extends across…

The post Jobs Of The Week For Big Four Alumni and Professionals Jan 2012-2 appeared first on Big4.com.

ACME Business Consulting helps organizations achieve specific and critically important business objectives. We are leaders – catalysts, augmenters and force multipliers. ACME teams are comprised of senior-level managers with Big 5 experience, advanced educations and past successes. In other words, it takes a lot to rattle us.

As an ACME Senior Manager, you will tap into your left and right brains. With your left you will bring real-world analytic skill, methodology and planning. From your right you will hone creativity, sensitivity and smarts as you navigate and lead business transformation projects. This position requires strong leadership skills, project management discipline and an understanding of the methods and tools used to achieve success.

http://www.big4.com/jobs/career/39633/Senior-Consultant-Oregon-Or-Portland

As an ACME Senior Consultant, you will be a critical player on large, complex projects. You will excel at bringing real-world analytic skill, methodology and planning to ACME-led engagements. You will be responsible for managing and delivering key components and deliverables on large projects and programs. This position requires strong analytical skills, project management discipline and an understanding of what it takes to be a successful member of a high performing team.

http://www.big4.com/jobs/career/39617/Senior-Manager-External-Reporting-California-Ca-Sunnyvale

Senior Manager, External Reporting Yahoo

Role: Manages and participates in the preparation of all external financial reporting – including earnings releases, annual report and other required SEC filings. Coordinates the information gathering process involving interactions with finance personnel across the organization and also interacts with the Company’s external auditors. Provides technical consulting support to financial management at the corporate and divisional level on the treatment of accounting issues, implementation of new accounting standards, compliance with U.S. GAAP, and SEC regulations. Monitors compliance with U.S. GAAP, SEC and PCAOB regulations in the context of financial reporting. Also, manages and participates in the monthly preparation of internal financial reports.

The post Jobs Of The Week For Big Four Alumni and Professionals Jan 2012-1 appeared first on Big4.com.

This week Big4.com brings you KPMG’s financial results on Strong Business Growth Leads To US$22.7 Billion In
Revenues, Ernst & Young’s report on Risk Amid Continued Uncertainty In 2012
For Life Insurers, PwC’s findings that Gaming Revenues To Reach US$182.8
Billion, Accenture’s report on Cities Missing Smart Opportunity To Measure
Hidden Value, Deloitte’s Proposed Reform To Family Justice System, and Ernst
& Young’s analysis of Growth Expected In India’s Media and Entertainment
Industry.

Each week
Big4.com covers key news, events, happenings, opinions and blogs relating to
all the Big Four accounting and consulting firms. You can view this video our
website and on Big4.com’s channel on Youtube. So, let’s start with this week’s
round-up of the top news!

KPMG: Strong Business Growth Leads To US$22.7 Billion In Revenues

KPMG recently announced member firm
combined revenues totaling $22.7 billion for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2011.  The company recorded strong
growth across all functions. Audit revenues rebounded to grow 5.8 percent in
U.S. dollars, or 1.8 percent in local currency terms, to US$10.48 billion
against strong competition in the marketplace and a difficult business
environment. Tax revenues grew 13 percent in U.S. dollars, or 8.5 percent in
local currency terms, to US$4.69 billion. Advisory revenues rose 14.8 percent
in U.S. dollars, and 11.2 percent in local currency terms, to $7.54 billion.

Ernst & Young’s Risk Amid Continued Uncertainty In 2012 For Life Insurers

According to Ernst & Young’s new Global
Insurance Center US Outlook, there are several issues US life and annuity
insurance companies will need to grapple with in 2012. Among these are low
interest rates that should persist until at least 2013, increasing the risk of
spread compression for existing products. Insurers may also be challenged by
future Congressional efforts to reform the federal tax code. Implications exist
here for both corporate-level taxes and policyholder tax issues.

However, life insurers can leverage web technology to develop stronger ties to customers amid these other concerns.

PwC’s Gaming Revenues To Reach US$182.8 Billion

The release of PwC’s new annual report
“Global Gaming Outlook: The casino and online gaming market to 2015″ has some
interesting findings including the fact that spending in the US will rise by
5.0 per cent from US$57.5 billion in 2010 to US$73.3 billion in 2015.

Future casino upgrades and a
new casino licence will enhance the South African casino market as well, but
compared with the prior decade—when a number of new casinos opened—there will be relatively little growth from new casinos during the forecast period.

Accenture: Cities Missing Smart Opportunity To Measure Hidden Value

A new report published by
The Climate Group, Accenture, Arup
and Horizon Digital Economy Research at The University of Nottingham states
that cities are missing the opportunity to turn unused data and infrastructure
into new low carbon solutions and services.

The report Information
Marketplaces: The new economics of cities, indicates that while cities are using
information and communications technology (ICT) to improve their sustainability
and efficiency, they are not recognizing or measuring the full value of smart
initiatives. The report suggests cities should start with a common set of
metrics that can be translated into financial and non-financial values.

Deloitte: Proposed Reform To Family Justice System

Building
on the recommendations set out by the Family Justice Review panel in November
2011, Deloitte has proposed a new
model of service integration in the family court service.

These recommendations include Data analytics being used to measure service
effectiveness and predict when outcomes for children or young people may be
compromised by the system, enabling the organisation to be accountable to local
children, young people and citizens and commissioned targeted services on
behalf of a region with alternative financing vehicles for funding implemented.
Ernst & Young: Growth Expected In India’s Media and Entertainment Industry

A new study by Ernst & Young shows that India’s
growing digital media consumption and favorable demographics are key drivers
for future growth in the country’s media and entertainment industry.

With registered revenues of US$16.3 billion in 2010,
the Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry is expected to see
revenues in excess of US$25 billion over the next four years according to the
report, ‘Spotlight on India’s Entertainment Economy’. The report notes India’s increasing per capita income,
growing middle class and working population are generating huge domestic demand for leisure and entertainment.

The post Check out the latest Big Four video (Dec 2011-2) appeared first on Big4.com.

By Theodora Filis, Big4.com Blogger

According to a new study by BDO USA, LLP, one of the nation’s leading accounting and consulting organizations, shows the financial crisis appears to have driven home the need for boards to manage risk more effectively.

When asked what topics they would like to spend more time on, a majority (55%) of board members at public companies cite risk management, more than any other area. Moreover, an even greater percentage (61%) believe their liability risk as a director has increased during the past few years. These concerns may be well-founded as more than one-half (53%) of the directors indicate their companies do not have a Chief Risk Officer (CRO), or a person with similar responsibilities, and two-thirds (67%) say their boards do not have a risk committee.

“In recent years, the responsibilities of corporate boards have grown considerably and much of their time has been dedicated to responding to new regulatory requirements. Risk management has certainly played a role in those activities, but only from a compliance standpoint. What we are seeing in this study is a willingness of boards to take a more proactive role in risk management and it seems to be related to the risk they face as directors,” says Wendy Hambleton, Partner in the Corporate Governance Practice of BDO USA.

Despite a great deal of criticism when they were announced, two-thirds (66%) of board members do not feel the whistle-blower bounties, recently enacted by the SEC, undermine the internal anti-fraud and compliance programs mandated by previous legislation. However, a similar amount (68%) of directors are in favor of legislation that would require whistle-blowers to report complaints internally in order to collect any reward from the SEC.

“The new Dodd Frank Whistleblower rules, which became effective last month, present several challenges to our corporate clients,” said Glenn Pomerantz, Partner at BDO Consulting

“Whistleblower hotlines have been a strong tool for fighting fraud and a weakening of this mechanism would be unwelcome news for directors. It’s refreshing to see that directors do not anticipate bounties undermining anti-fraud compliance programs. The feelings among compliance professionals have certainly been mixed on this issue. It is certainly understandable why directors support a mandate for whistleblowers to use internal programs prior to alerting the SEC.”

The post BDO Study Shows Risk Management No. 1 Focus Of Public Company Boards appeared first on Big4.com.

By Theodora Filis, Big4.com Editor

Highlighting the top companies who are paving the way for moms and families everywhere, today Working Mother magazine has announced BDO USA as one of the 2011 Working Mother 100 Best Companies. Demonstrating the power of change and their unwavering commitment to parents nationwide, 100 percent of this year’s winning companies offer flextime hours, telecommuting, paid maternity leave and employee assistance programs.

“We are proud to welcome newcomer BDO USA to the list this year.” said Carol Evans, President of Working Mother Media. “Their flex strategy, which has become imbedded in the firm culture, succeeds by tailoring solutions to individual employee and client needs. This flexibility provides welcome support to working moms and dads. BDO is a leader in providing paid time off and leaves of absence, and they are looking to raise the bar as they advance women throughout their organization.”

BDO USA introduced the firm’s Women’s Initiative and BDO Flex strategy approximately six years ago. The Women’s Initiative has enabled the firm to build and retain a more diverse workforce. BDO Flex is about making changes to where, when and how people work in order to enhance client service, improve the business and enrich employees lives. Both initiatives use research, data analysis and surveys of professionals from across the firm to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

“All of us at BDO are proud to be recognized by Working Mother with this honor. This award highlights our efforts in building and retaining a diverse workforce through our Women’s Initiative, and championing work/life fit through our BDO Flex strategy,” said Jack Weisbaum, CEO of BDO USA. “Diversity and flexibility have always been part of our culture, but these initiatives encouraged the professionals in the firm to share best practices and to be open to employee input on new ideas to help our business and individuals thrive. This award and other recognition the firm has received in this area is proof that the marketplace recognizes this success.”

BDO USA will be celebrated at this year’s Working Mother 100 Best Companies WorkLife Congress October 18-20, 2011, in New York City.

The 100 Best Companies, as well as national comparisons, are profiled in the October issue of Working Mother and at workingmother.com/bestcompanies. Working Mother is a division of Bonnier Corporation.

The post BDO USA Named 100 Best Company By Working Mother appeared first on Big4.com.