By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

The CBIZ Small Business Employment Index (SBEI), a barometer for hiring trends for more than 3,500 companies with 300 or fewer employees, increased by .20 percent during February, following a decrease of 2.37 percent in January.

Additional take-away points from the February CBIZ data set include:

• At-a-glance: Of the companies surveyed, 23 percent increased staffing while 24 percent decreased employee headcounts and 53 percent maintained their number of employees.
• Small business sector: Trends for the past three years all show a small .2 percent growth in small business employment for this time period, so 2013 is very consistent with data from prior years.
• What to watch: As the economy continues to gain momentum, we will watch to see if jobs become a larger factor in that growth. There are still many uncertainties that may be affecting the decision to invest in labor, such as the sequester and the talk of more tax increases in conjunction with those job losses.

Philip Noftsinger, business unit president for CBIZ Payroll Services comments: 

“Certainly, large companies like Boeing reducing their workforce draw national attention, but growth enjoyed by the automakers and the trend of re-shoring manufacturing jobs should more than compensate for an adjustment by one particular industry in terms of total employment,” he says. “In regards to other national news affecting regional employers, damage from Hurricane Sandy has probably reached a stage where it’s accretive to the job market rather than dilutive.”

CBIZ, Inc. provides professional business services that help clients better manage their finances and employees. CBIZ provides its clients with financial services including accounting, tax and consulting, internal audit, merger and acquisition advisory and valuation services

The post CBIZ: Small Business Employment Index Finds Positive Territory Again 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.

Primary Job Duties

Establishes and maintains an accounting system which guarantees the accurate presentation of financial resultsEnsures the knowledge enhancement and professional development of Finance personnel.Recommends merit increases, promotions and terminations of Finance personnel.Develops and maintains working knowledge of corporate structure, practices, and policies.Responsible for the preparation of the monthly and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures and analysis.Responsible for external reporting to lenders and clientsResponsible for process improvements to key financial processes and internal controls. Responsible for monthly bonus calculationsCoordinate and lead year-end independent financial auditAssist with SSAE 16 and client auditsResponsible for the implementation and support of the development of software (IT projects) to assist in the management, presentation, and reporting of accounting dataResponsible for the training, development, and evaluation of department personnelSupports compliance reporting to state licensing and regulatory bodiesProvides support to HR with payroll processing/uploading of data into accounting systemProvides ad hoc reporting to senior executive teamProvides support in the development of the annual budget and quarterly forecasts

Internal Auditor, Savannah College of Art and Design

The Savannah College of Art and Design seeks an internal auditor. The person in this position will audit financial reports and continually refine internal auditing procedures. The job requires a bachelor’s in accounting or related field and 3 to five years job related experience or any equivalent combination is required to form this job. A Masters degree is preferred.

The successful candidate will communicate clearly with the SCAD Board of Trustees and the president; communicate clearly with all departments regarding financial related forms and procedures; establish and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with all departments; and maintain confidentiality at all times.
He or she must be able to think strategically and proactively to enhance internal control; communicate clearly both in writing and verbally; and prepare concise and clear summaries and reports.

The post Featured Jobs for Big Four Alumni and Professionals – Jan 2012 – 3 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 Editor

CBIZ, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Multiple Benefit Services, Inc. (“MBS”) effective August 1, 2011.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, MBS provides employee benefit consulting, support and services to 80 clients ranging in size from Fortune 500 companies to those with fewer than 100 employees in a wide variety of industries both nationally and internationally. MBS has 12 employees and recorded approximately $3.5 million in revenue during the past twelve months.

Steven L. Gerard, CBIZ Chairman and CEO, stated, “We are eager to augment our current financial, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, payroll, and insurance services in Atlanta with the employee benefit consulting services provided by  MBS.  This transaction is consistent with our growth strategy of acquiring premier providers to round out our current markets with a full breadth of CBIZ services.”

Commenting on becoming part of CBIZ, MBS CEO, Marion B. Schremp stated, “We believe that CBIZ’s full suite of insurance and financial services positions MBS to offer significantly expanded resources to our existing client base.  This merger also allows us to move forward with and accelerate our own growth plans.”

The post CBIZ Acquires Multiple Benefit Services appeared first on Big4.com.