The Progressive Accountant

Two VPs Out in Major Intuit Reorganization

Bob Scott — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:31:00 +0000

Two veteran Intuit executives, Kiran Patel, the EVP who led the company's small business group, and Alex Lintner, the SVP who headed its global business division, are leaving the company. Their positions are being absorbed into the structure that includes three new divisions. Among the remaining executives, Jill Ward, the SVP who has led Accounting Professionals Division, picks up added global responsibilities. In fact, the announcement showed a strong focus on global business.

Wolters Kluwer Buys Brazilian Tax Company

The Progressive Accountant — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:55:00 +0000

Wolters Kluwer, parent of CCH, has purchased Prosoft Tecnologia, a São Paulo, Brazil-based company that markets tax and accounting software in that South American country. Wolters Kluwer's entry into the Brazilian market follows rival Thomson Reuters, which entered the country with its 2011 purchases of tax and accounting software publisher, Mastersaf.

AICPA to Offer Credentials Abroad

The Progressive Accountant — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:04:00 +0000

The governing council of the American Institute of CPAs has approved allowing the Institute to offer specialized credentials in forensics, business valuation, technology assurance and financial planning outside the United States. The credentials would be offered through non-U.S. accounting bodies that must have stringent codes of conduct and eligibility requirements.

Florida CPA Draws Three-year PCAB Ban

The Progressive Accountant — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:59:00 +0000

A Florida CPA has had his ability to audit publicly held companies stripped for three years by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The PCAOB barred 57-year old Michael Cronin from being associated from any accounting firm registered with that body for at least that period, with violation of procedure rules playing a major role in the action.

Paychex Picks SVP of Service

The Progressive Accountant — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Paychex has hired John B. Gibson as SVP of service, a new position at the payroll services company. A spokesperson says the job is focused on service delivery for all products other than the company's insurance offerings.

The Improbable Dream: True Software Integration

Gene Marks — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:15:00 +0000

When I started my company back in 1994 I could only dream of certain things. I dreamed of no longer having to wear a "pager" when someone needed to contact me. I dreamed of not being forced to find a payphone to call clients when out of the office. I dreamed of a lighter laptop computer with more power that was easier to use.

Bill.com to Expand Channel

The Progressive Accountant — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:57:00 +0000

Bill.com, which makes online invoicing applications, intends to expand its accountant channel. Part of that effort includes the hiring of Julie Lubektin as VP of the company's accountant channel. And, in general, the company plans to make more noise.

Wolters Kluwer First Quarter Weak

The Progressive Accountant — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:09:00 +0000

Financial results for Wolters Kluwer were hit by economic conditions with the parent to CCH reported this weak in a trading update for its first quarter ended March 31. Earnings declined slightly with revenue flat at constant currencies and down 1 percent organically with Eurpean economies denting results. In North America, growth in software revenue was offset by declines in bank product fees in its tax business and print publications.

Big Data Tops Scale in AICPA Top Tech Lists

Bob Scott — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:23:00 +0000

Managing and retaining data emerged as the No. 1 issue in the Top Technology Initiatives of the American Institute of CPAs. It was only the second time in the last 10 years that information security was not the top issue. And the reason, according to Donny Shimamoto, chair of the AICPA's Information Management Technology Assurance Committee, is big data. The other big change was that overall survey participants are less confident in achieving goals for the Top 10 issues.

Metzler to Retire from AICPA in January 2014

Bob Scott — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:19:00 +0000

Jim Metzler will retire from his position as VP of small firm interests for the American Institute of CPAs in January after 10 years in the job. Metzler's intention were announced internally in January. A partner with the former Gaines Metzler Kriner, the Buffalo, N.Y.-based CPA came on board in a period he said that "members weren't crazy about the institute."