CPA News December 2009

In this Issue:

·                     Chapter News

·                     CPE

·                     Job Opening

·                     TSCPA News

 

CHAPTER NEWS

 

Youth to Career Fair

On November 4, 2009, the Chapter had a booth at the Eighth Grade Youth to Career Fair held at the Brazos County Expo Complex.   Approximately 3100 students attended the Career Fair from 25 schools from Bryan/College Station and surrounding areas.    Many magazines, brochures, and bookmarks were handed out to the students which contain valuable information on becoming a CPA.  There was a “Making Change” game where students had to answer correctly 5 making change problems (simple subtraction) in their head in order to get a chance at winning a $10 itunes card.  There were 19 winners of Itunes cards who were very excited.  The game was a big success.  Candy and pens were given away to all who visited the booth.  We are looking forward to next year. 

 

The Chapter had nine volunteers who visited with students throughout the day about becoming a CPA.  A big thank you to the following CPA’s for their time:  Amber Bass, Kay Dobbins, Emily Hogan, Rodney Horrell, Jodi Jones, Lyn Kuciemba, Rosalie Nickles, and Mary Joy Venuti (CPA Candidate).  If you are interested in volunteering for future career awareness events please contact Verna Smith at 979-845-3806 or vsmith@rf-mail.tamu.edu.

 

 

Aggie Professional Program in Accounting

TSCPA has funds available to recruit and support accounting students’ activities. The Chapter requested funds to help sponsor a Texas A&M Professional Program in Accounting softball tournament, and it was used to help purchase t-shirts for the tournament. 

The Chapter also provided some flash drives as prizes.  Thanks to Kay Dobbins for spear-heading the Chapter’s involvement.  The following is a thank-you from one of the students:

Thanks to Brazos Valley Chapter of the Texas Society of CPA's for the generous donations!  All the soon-to-be CPA's jumped all over those flash drives.  It was an unexpected perk for the players, all of whom were very appreciative.  On the whole, the event was successful, with 4 teams participating, no injuries, and some corny accounting jokes mixed in with stellar softball!  Thanks for the support of the Professional Program's effort to promote camaraderie amongst our members.

 

Thanks again!!

 

 

Chapter CPE

Federal Income Tax Update 8-hour CPE

January 11, 2010 – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. College Station Conference Center

Instructor:  Steven J. Tillinger, CPA

Fees:   Member or non-CPA staff of member - $225;         Non-member $285          (Lunch provided)

TO REGISTER, contact Linda Johnson at 936-435-9989 or Linda@bvcpa.org

 

Whether you are a generalist or a tax specialist, you will take away valuable information and insights from this eight-hour program. The course will bring you up-to-date on current issues in federal income taxation affecting individuals and small business owners with emphasis on comprehensive coverage and analysis of 2009 tax law; analysis, updates and new developments of 2008 and earlier tax law; important court cases; Treasury income tax regulations; and IRS revenue rulings and procedures.

Your Instructor Will Address the Hot Topics of 2009

*MAJOR DEVELOPMENT – Tax Return Preparer Penalty (we may have celebrated too soon; the more-likely-than not standard is back!)

*MAJOR DEVELOPMENT – IRS makes plans to regulate tax return preparers and Congress may not be far behind; and OPR plans monetary penalties!  Get details here

*2009 TAX LAW – The AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT – significant temporary changes that affect individuals and businesses

*2008 TAX LAW – The WORKER, RETIREE, & EMPLOYER RECOVERY ACT, the FINANCIAL MARKETS RESCUE ACT, the FARM ACT, the ECONOMIC STIMULUS ACT – important updates that affect individuals and businesses

*PLANNING — Temporary Provisions.  As Congress continues to enact an ever increasing number of temporary provisions, tax planning becomes more complex.  Will Congress legislate PayGo and how the Tax Gap affects you

*IMPORTANT UPDATES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS — covering 2008 and earlier tax law

*IMPORTANT — court cases; Treasury income tax regulations; and IRS revenue rulings and procedures

*IMPORTANT — new business entity - the Texas Series LLC

*NEW DEVELOPMENTS — affecting partnerships and LLCs, C and S corporations

*OF CONTINUING INTEREST — AMT issues and more

Learning Objective(s):
• to update the tax practitioner on recent developments in federal income taxation
• to recognize planning opportunities due to changes in federal income tax law
• to prepare the tax practitioner for discussions with clients on important changes in this area of tax law
• to help the tax practitioner understand their reporting responsibilities

The course is a group, live format, with no prerequisites

Master Tax Guides

Three copies of CCH Master Tax Guide are available for $50 (plus $4 shipping) each.  Contact Linda Johnson if you would like to purchase.  Linda@bvcpa.org or 936-435-9989

 

JOB OPENING

 

Briaud Financial Advisors is a fee-only financial planning firm specializing in both comprehensive planning and investment management for primarily professors and doctors. Briaud Financial Advisors has been in business over 22 years and has been consistently recognized nationally as a top wealth manager by publications such as Worth, Bloomberg’s Wealth Manager, Barrons, and Medical Economics. We have been featured in various professional magazines including Financial Planning, Wealth Manager, and Financial Advisor. Briaud Financial Advisors is also featured in the book In Search of the Perfect Model by Mary Rowland. We pride ourselves in always doing what is best for the client and are seeking applicants who are committed to client service and to helping them reach their financial goals.  We are currently looking to fill three open positions and encourage you to visit our website to learn more about us and apply:  www.briaud.com

 

Financial Advisor

Briaud Financial Advisors is looking for a financial advisor who is dedicated to taking care of our clients' needs. The candidate should be highly motivated, thorough and very detail oriented. Any applicant should be able to prioritize multiple projects and enjoy working in a team oriented environment.

Any candidate must have the following to be considered:

  • At least 5 years experience advising clients preferably in a fee only environment

  • A Certified Financial PlannerTM certificant or a CPA/Personal Financial Specialist

  • Technical competence in all areas of planning

  • Good communication skills

  • Strong leadership skills, demonstrated ability to lead a group of people

  • An ability to navigate Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.

  • CFA, CPA, MBA, EA, JD or other designation a plus (not required)

Financial Advisor responsibilities include:

  • Completing a thorough analysis of a client's estate, tax, retirement, education, investment, and risk management situation

  • Communicating financial planning and investment recommendations to clients in person, over the phone, and by email

  • Regular reviews of client financial plans and investment allocations

  • Proactive assessment of planning issues for clients

  • Keeping current on all issues related to financial planning (tax code, estate laws, etc.)

  • Marketing to bring in new clients (presentations, writing articles, etc.)

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits provided include health insurance and profit sharing plan among others.

 

Financial Planner

Briaud Financial Advisors is looking for a financial planner who is dedicated to taking care of our clients' needs. The candidate should be highly motivated, thorough and very detail oriented. Any applicant should be able to prioritize multiple projects and enjoy working in a team oriented environment.

Any candidate must have the following to be considered:

  • A bachelor's degree

  • At least 5 years work experience preferably working in a client service business. This position may be very well suited for someone looking to change careers

  • One or more of the following: a CPA, a CFA, a J.D., or progress towards a Certified Financial PlannerTM designation

  • Demonstrated excellence in an area (i.e. academics, sports, previous job, hobby, etc.)

  • Excellent conceptual and problem solving skills

  • Good communication skills

  • Strong leadership skills

  • An ability to navigate Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.

  • Prior financial planning experience is desirable, but not required

Financial Planner responsibilities include:

  • Support of our financial advisors in the completion of financial plans including thorough analysis of a client's estate, tax, retirement, education, investment, and risk management situation

  • Communicating financial planning and investment recommendations to clients in person, over the phone, and by email (Note that investment decisions are made by our investment committee. Participation by advisors is encouraged but not required)

  • Regular reviews of client financial plans and investment allocations

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits provided include health insurance and profit sharing plan among others.

 

Client Service Associate (Support Advisor)

Briaud Financial Advisors is looking for a client service associate (support advisor) who is dedicated to taking care of our clients' needs. The candidate should be highly motivated, thorough and very detail oriented. Any applicant should be able to prioritize multiple projects and enjoy working in a team oriented environment. On the job training will be provided so no specific experience is required.

Any candidate must have the following to be considered:

  • A bachelor's degree

  • At least 1 year work experience

  • Demonstrated excellence in an area (i.e. academics, sports, previous job, hobby, etc.)

  • Excellent conceptual and problem solving skills

  • Good communication skills

  • An ability to navigate Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

  • Prior financial planning experience is desirable, but not required

Client Service Associate (Support Advisor) responsibilities include:

  • Establishment or execution of new accounts, transfers, deposits/withdrawals, trades, and other admin items when needed

  • Contribution to the development & implementation of financial plans for new clients in support of financial advisors

  • Client interaction through answering inbound questions via phone, email, mail or meeting

  • Support of our financial advisors as needed

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits provided include health insurance and profit sharing plan among others.

 

FROM TSCPA

Outstanding Accounting Educator Awards

TSCPA recently honored four top Texas accounting professors with the organization's 2009 Outstanding Accounting Educator Awards. Recipients are:

Frederick Bunn – El Paso Community College

Carolyn Conn, Ph.D., CPA – St. Edward’s University

Awni M. Zebda, Ph.D. – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Florence Atiase, CPA – University of Texas at Austin

 

At a ceremony held during the TSCPA Accounting Education Conference, the winners each received a $1,000 award provided by the TSCPA Accounting Education Foundation, as well as a plaque for their office and a recognition plaque for their school. 

Criteria for judging include instructional innovation, student motivation and learning opportunities, professional and student accounting organization involvement, research, and publications.

 

Destination CPA

Visit Destination CPA (http://go.tscpa.org/) in the student section on TSCPA's Web site for an interactive accounting career road trip, complete with scenic routes and informative pit stops. This online experience puts students in the driver's seat to see through the virtual windshield all a CPA career has to offer.

 

Depression Knows No Season

“This is supposed to be a joyous time of year, yet I feel angry one minute and plunged into despair the next. What’s wrong with me?”

 

You might be suffering from depression. ACAN, the TSCPA Accountants Confidential Assistance Network, offers confidential assistance. Call us at 866-766-ACAN. All we want to do is help. All you need to do is call!