Finance and management accounting news - FM | Financial Management magazine

US securities regulator to pay foreign whistleblower $30 million

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expects to pay an award of more than $30 million to a whistleblower – a total that’s more than twice the previous record payout announced in the commission’s 2-year-old whistleblower program.

Four leadership traits that are crucial in the 21st century

To succeed in the increasingly consumer-oriented business environment of the 21st century, Hubert Glover, CPA, CGMA, suggests, executives must rediscover four tried-and-true traits of good leadership.

Big business decisions more often driven by gut and advice than by data

Executives feel more comfortable using their intuition or the advice of others instead of using data to make a big decision, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit and PwC. Companies that are highly data-driven report improvement in making critical business decisions.

OECD delivers first 7 pieces of base erosion action plan

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) announced the release of the first seven reports and recommendations called for in its 2013 Action Plan Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

Consumer industry executives look to improve analytics, supply chain

Technology is rapidly changing how consumers shop and what is on the minds of senior executives in the consumer industry.

FRC publishes revised XBRL tagging conventions for UK companies

The UK Financial Reporting Council published revised XBRL tagging conventions to meet the needs of companies as they implement new accounting standards.

5 habits of thriving manufacturers

Manufacturing companies remain concerned about regulation, but a rising number of US firms in the sector are thriving, according to a McGladrey report that points out the habits that separate thriving companies from ones holding steady.

Scotland independence vote raises questions for businesses

Scotland will vote next week on a referendum that could see it separate from the United Kingdom – a decision that is a source of deep uncertainty for firms in Scotland. Planning for the long-term effects of the vote is a challenge, and not just in the event of a vote for independence.

Inadequate staffing levels are primary cause of workplace stress

One in three workers regularly experiences excessive pressure at work, according to a global survey by Towers Watson. This high level of stress has a negative impact on employees’ productivity and engagement.

How pensions can keep pace with an ageing global population

The ageing of the global population will create challenges for policymakers and pension systems. But pension and retirement systems and providers have opportunities to keep pace with the changes, according to a new report.

Companies aware of, but not acting on, need to alter engagement strategies

Most companies are aware of the need to focus more on employee engagement, but few say they are doing enough to adapt to coming changes, according to a global report by Hay Group.

Inflation to drive up talent turnover risk in Asia

Rising inflation is expected to take a bite out of salary increases in Asia, making it more challenging for businesses in the region to manage costs and attract and retain skilled employees.

US accountants’ optimism returns to pre-recession levels

US accountants’ expectations for revenue, profit and hiring continued to rise, helping to push the CPA Outlook Index to its highest point since 2007. All nine components in the index have risen by at least four points in the past year, reflecting improved outlooks across multiple industry sectors and offsetting concerns about regulatory requirements.

5 top tips from Shell’s CFO

Simon Henry, FCMA, CGMA, offers insight on driving sustainable business success, harnessing top talent, and managing risk to steer Royal Dutch Shell’s evolution and development.

5 questions to ask before applying for a C-suite job

Searches for executive-level jobs are different from those for staff positions, and those seeking a spot in the C-suite should be ready for those differences. Here are five questions to ask before applying for such roles.

Fighting in Ukraine, Iraq mars CFOs’ otherwise rising optimism

CFOs worldwide report optimism about the economy and a healthy risk appetite, but political and regulatory uncertainties remain, according to a Deloitte survey.

Leadership pipelines may be running dry

Almost half of human resources leaders say leadership development is their top priority, according to a global survey. Many HR leaders say their companies are increasing their spending on talent development, as few have confidence in their leadership pipeline to fill critical openings.