August 2015 - Strategic Finance

CCA: A NEW PATHWAY FOR ACCOUNTING MAJORS

Penn State is implementing the Corporate Control and Analysis Certificate Program for accounting students interested in careers outside public accounting.

BEN MULLING: ALWAYS SETTING NEW GOALS

The youngest-ever IMA Chair has big goals and aspirations for IMA and the accounting and finance profession.

Networking: Some Things Never Change

Face-to-face interaction is still the most effective and valuable tool for networking.

OVERHAULING ETHICS EDUCATION

Incorporating digital tools and techniques into ethics education provides a learning experience more in line with how today’s students learn.

DOUBLE UP AND STAND OUT!

This nine-step plan shows students how they can complete the CMA and CPA exams within six months of graduating college.

NURTURING STUDENT LEADERS—WHILE THEY HAVE FUN

The advisor to one of the largest IMA student chapters describes how to create a successful, thriving student chapter.

JUMP-START STUDENTS’ CAREERS

Outstanding students can spark successful careers with the IMA Accounting Honor Society (IAHS) and the IMA Leadership Experience.

2016 Student Case Competition: Jenny’s Cycle Components—Managing a Lean Supply Chain

This year’s case is about a motorcycle parts company struggling to manage a Lean supply chain.

Excel: Visualizing Positive and Negative Changes

Add data visualizations to quickly show if an amount has increased or decreased from one period to the next.

WHISTLEBLOWERS TAKE BIG RISKS

Many people aren’t aware of their rights and protections if they blow the whistle, and retaliation remains a common threat.

WHEN TO TAKE THE CMA EXAM

Hallie D’Agostino talks about her experience preparing for and passing the CMA exam while still a student in college.

Book Review: LESSONS FROM A LEGACY

The Practical Drucker explores the teachings of the most influential businessman in history: Peter Drucker.

TO EXPENSE OR NOT TO EXPENSE

Qualified small businesses can expense, instead of capitalize, items of $5,000 or less, but they need acceptable financial statements.

A SYSTEM OF GROWTH

The “String of Pearls” system for implementing strategy helped turn a struggling company into a leader in its industry.

IT AND DATA GOVERNANCE: RELEVANT TO IMA MEMBERS

IT governance is an issue that affects all finance professionals, not just those in top management.

TAXES: SUPREME COURT RULES ON MARYLAND TAX CREDIT

The Court’s ruling against Maryland’s income tax scheme may impact other states with similar policies.

Tools of the Trade: August 2015

ASUS released the ZenPad S 8.0, the latest competitor to Apple’s iPad Mini.

THE BIGGEST GOVERNMENT HACK YET

The breach at the Office of Personnel Management compromised personal information and more for 21 million federal employees and contractors.

Access: Duplicates in Your Data

Duplicate records are inevitable. Create a process that will check for and remove duplicates from your data.

IMA Life: Leading a Student Chapter

Evan Gallagher tells us about the rewarding experiences he had creating and leading an IMA student chapter.

SURVEY: MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE?

An IMA survey examines the potential impacts of an increase in the minimum wage.

UPDATES TO IIA FRAMEWORK

The Institute of Internal Auditors updated its International Professional Practices Framework to clarify the auditor’s role and make the Framework more comprehensible.

Creating Memories at IMA’s Annual Conference

IMA’s 96th Annual Conference & Expo was the stage for memorable speakers, brilliant insights, and networking opportunities.

Will Rules for EGCs be revised?

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are considering legislation to provide more flexibility to emerging growth companies.

INTEGRATING IFRS AND GAAP

SEC Chief Accountant James Schnurr will soon make a recommendation on the convergence of IFRS and U.S. GAAP.