News
Seven ways to make a strong first impression in job interviews
A majority of interviewers form a positive or negative opinion of job candidates within 10 minutes, according to a recent survey. Very few wait longer than 20 minutes to make up their minds. So, to ace your next interview, take steps early to make a strong first impression.Five emerging strategies for coping with unknown risks
Unknown, complex risks that often are outside the executive team’s control increasingly threaten companies. Here are five strategies for battling those unknown risks.Survey: Middle East CFOs most optimistic worldwide
CFOs in the Middle East were the most optimistic about their companies’ prospects worldwide, but this optimism was muted by concerns about political tensions in the Middle East and the euro-zone crisis, a Deloitte survey suggested.CFO pay increases, but CEO pay climbs more
Pay for CFOs of S&P 500 companies rose nearly 6% in 2011, and numbers compiled by Mercer show a continued shift to more variable compensation. CFOs received a median $2.75 million in 2011, and those at the top 100 made an average of $4.34 million.COSO proposals give real-world internal control examples
How can a hurricane affect internal control over a company’s financial statements? Proposed documents released by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) provide real-world examples, as well as a revision of COSO’s internal control framework update.Board members want to spend more time overseeing strategy
Overseeing strategic planning is the duty to which corporate board members would most like to devote more time during the coming year. Directors at smaller companies, whose business model may be less mature, were twice as likely as large company directors to report that they would like to spend “much more” time on strategic planning.The look ahead: Libor scandal prompts examination of regulatory loophole
The admission in June that bankers manipulated the London interbank offered rate, or Libor, revealed a gaping regulatory loophole that European lawmakers are targeting to close.Investor confidence in US markets rises, CAQ survey shows
Confidence of US investors in the nation’s capital markets and their faith in independent auditors has grown, but investors reported declining faith in markets outside the United States, according to a survey by the Center for Audit Quality, which is affiliated with the AICPA.Poor talent management hinders companies’ growth, innovation
Inadequate talent management is hindering the competitiveness and financial performance of businesses, a new CGMA report suggests.COSO seeks comment on internal control proposals
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) released for public comment proposed guidance for applying its updated Internal Control—Integrated Framework to external financial reporting.Spotting the risks in Latin America’s hydrocarbon riches
Large gas and oil reserves are attracting foreign investment and trade to Latin America, but the hydrocarbon riches harbour risks for foreign investors and governments in the region.Malware growth maintains rapid pace as mobile threats surge
The number and complexity of cyber-attacks, especially those targeting mobile devices, grew at an alarming pace in the second quarter, security technology company McAfee Labs said in its latest Threats Report.One-to-One: Tips from Marks & Spencer’s boardroom
For Marks & Spencer, the iconic British retailer, listening to customers is key growth. Alan Stewart, M&S's CFO, discusses responding to customer needs, understanding risk, leveraging internal communications and assessing what technology can bring to the business.Four internal factors to consider when determining executive pay
Although shareholders are voicing their frustrations by registering disapproval of executive compensation packages, business leaders believe shareholders ought to have more say in top execs’ pay. There is considerable support for linking public company executives’ pay to performance.Scope of appropriate content, structure in auditor’s report under debate
Change apparently is coming to the auditor’s report, but views vary over the appropriate content and structure for reports, and particularly over the issue of “auditor commentary.”Recession dampens effort to stem corporate corruption
A few wealthy nations stepped up efforts last year to crack down on companies that bribe foreign officials to get lucrative contracts abroad, a watchdog group reported. But most of the 39 countries that joined the crackdown launched 15 years ago have done nothing or not enough, according to the report.Job creation is key to Africa’s economic future
To continue to lift millions out of poverty, raise living standards of emerging middle-class consumers and entrench economic growth, African economies must accelerate the creation of wage-paying jobs.Private-company financials often shielded from employees
Most private companies do not share financial details with all employees, according to a new survey by Robert Half. But some executives think openness has its benefits. Among them: Quelling fears about the future, and showing employees how their work contributes to the bottom line.US standard-setter sees flexibility, relevance as cures to disclosure overload
Flexible reporting requirements based on relevance are the foundation of a project FASB is undertaking to attempt to reduce disclosure overload in notes to financial statements.
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