News

IAASB, PCAOB, CAQ seek ways to measure audit quality

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), one of many organisations attempting to tackle this challenge, has issued a consultation paper, A Framework for Audit Quality, that it hopes will generate discussion and actions that will improve audits.

Risky behaviour more common amongst middle managers than in C-suite

The senior executives often are the ones who make headlines when they act in ways that damage their companies. But behavioural risk to organisations actually decreases as seniority increases at the manager and professional level, according to new international research performed by talent measurement solutions provider SHL.

Finance executives worldwide on alert about US debt issues

Management accountants are bracing for a decision by the US Congress on the nation’s debt ceiling and spending, and a majority predict the US will suffer in the form of a lower credit rating and weaker dollar. Market volatility and uncertainty is a concern for many finance executives, according to a new CGMA survey.

Pay raises rampant in emerging markets

Projected raises for workers in emerging economies far outpace those of workers in developed areas such as Western Europe and North America. A study by Hay Group shows that pay in some emerging markets is expected to increase 10% in 2013.

FATCA final regulations cover all the bases

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued final regulations providing rules on information reporting by foreign financial institutions (FFIs) and withholding on certain payments to FFIs and other foreign entities.

More women join boards, but progress comes slowly

In the past six years, women joined boards of directors of S&P 1500 companies in increasing numbers, diversifying the boards’ expertise, skill sets and viewpoints. But one-fourth of boards still did not have women directors in 2012.

The countries with the most business-friendly taxes

In the past eight years, paying taxes has become easier and the tax burden lighter for many small and mid-size companies around the world, according to research by the World Bank and PwC. Find out which countries have the lowest tax rates and the least compliance hassles.

Big changes coming for audit reports

With proposed new requirements coming for the auditor’s report and new initiatives such as integrated reporting emerging, international auditing standards appear likely to undergo a period of substantial change.

Growth, company size go a long way in determining CFO pay

US companies that grew by 50% or more in the three years prior to April 2012 increased CFO pay by an average of 20.2%, according to a report by Verisight and The CFO Alliance. For CFOs at companies that grew less than 10%, average pay increased 0.9%. Chief executives’ pay also was tied closely to a company’s size and growth.

The latest employee-retention threat: New Year’s resolutions

Seventy-nine per cent of HR directors in a UK survey expect to lose key employees in the first half of 2013, a Robert Half report says. Meanwhile, a US survey shows one-third of employed adults are willing to consider new jobs. Consider these steps to retain top talent.

CFOs: Finance teams’ strategic capabilities must improve

CFOs are being included in decision-making, and the capability they most want to see finance organizations improve is their strategic planning, according to a recent survey. The top challenges finance teams face are related to strategy.

Tax basics of the “fiscal cliff” deal

The American Taxpayer Relief Act permanently extends a large number of tax items from the 2001 and 2003 tax acts and extends many expired tax provisions. Here is a look at the many changes contained in the bill, as well as other new taxes that took effect January 1st.
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