Blog

The SEC recently issued more authoritative interpretive guidance on disclosures. Jen discusses the Disclosure Effectiveness Initiative and how it affects public companies with Chip Schweiger, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ SEC Team.

Public company violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) can bring severe punishments. Are your FCPA programs up-to-date? Jen discusses the SEC’s increased focus on FCPA with Chip Schweiger, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ SEC Team.

Will the PCAOB merge into the SEC? Would your company be affected? Jen gets a detailed update from Ryan Istre, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ SEC Team.

Audit independence issues are always a hot topic. Jen discusses the nuances between the SEC and PCAOB’s concerns with Ryan Istre, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ SEC Team.

Is your audit committee prepared for the new CAMs? Jen discusses the SEC’s latest staff guidance on Critical Audit Matters with Ryan Istre, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ SEC Team.

Audit season is here, and public companies are preparing their financial statements and disclosures. Jen discusses the SEC’s latest comments with Chip Schweiger, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ SEC Team.

Tax law has many exceptions for entrepreneurs restructuring or liquidating small- to medium-sized businesses with international operations. Russ discusses evolving options and solutions with Frank Landreneau, a Director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ International Tax Team.

Restructuring a small- to medium-sized business for international operations is more complicated with the Tax Cut Jobs Act. Russ discusses different options with Frank Landreneau, a director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ International Tax Team.

More changes are coming from the SECURE Act, which will affect not only Defined Contribution plans, but 401(k) and other pension plans as well. Russ discusses details with Kristin Ryan, Audit Senior Manager and one of the faces of the PKF Texas Employee Benefit Plan team.

Are you current on recent changes to the rules for 401(k) and Defined Compensation plans? Russ discusses specifics of the SECURE Act with Kristin Ryan, Audit Senior Manager and one of the faces of the PKF Texas Employee Benefit Plan team.

PKF Texas’ next Continuing Education event focuses on Employee Engagement and Communication Strategies. It’s coming up on February 6th. Russ gets the details from Kristin Ryan, Audit Senior Manager and one of the faces of the PKF Texas Employee Benefit Plan team.

How safe is your company’s cash? Is it appropriately protected from fraud? Jen discusses the benefits of treasury management with Danielle Supkis Cheek, a director on the PKF Texas Fraud and Forensics team.

Data visualization is not as scary as it sounds. Danielle Supkis Cheek, a director on the PKF Texas Data Analytics team, explains how to start small and proceed at your own speed.

The implementation for lease accounting for private companies has been delayed. Danielle Supkis Cheek, a director on the PKF Texas Consulting team, offers advice and tips for handling the coming changes.

Is your company ready for audit season? Danielle Supkis Cheek, a director in the entrepreneurial services group at PKF Texas, is back with Jen to discuss revenue recognition and changes to consider.

Is your functional expense schedule up to date? Jen gets important tips for not-for-profits from Nicole Riley, CPA, CFE, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

What’s on the horizon for broker-dealers? Jen discusses what to expect in the next PCAOB inspection report with Marty Lindle, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Broker-Dealer team.

What deficiencies are auditors finding with broker-dealers? Jen continues her discussion of the PCAOB inspection report with Marty Lindle, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Broker-Dealer team.

Each annual inspection report from the PCAOB has prompted changes in the broker-dealer space. Jen continues the discussion with Marty Lindle, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Broker-Dealer team.

Are your expense sharing agreements documented properly? Jen discusses what FINRA looks for and common issues they find in an audit with Nicole Riley, CPA, CFE, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Broker-Dealer team.

The PCAOB has released its eighth annual report on the interim inspection program for auditors. Jen discusses how the report affects broker-dealers with Marty Lindle, an audit director and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Broker-Dealer team.

The modern broker-dealer does more than just buy and sell securities. Jen discusses definitions and regulations with Nicole Riley, CPA, CFE, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Broker-Dealer team.

Is your 401(k) plan administrator fulfilling all its fiduciary responsibilities? If not, your company could be liable. Jen is back with Kristin Ryan, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Employee Benefit Plan team.

Could your employee benefit plan survive an audit? What happens when errors are discovered? Jen continues her discussion with Kristin Ryan, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Employee Benefit Plan team.

Has there been a change in your company’s Employee Benefit Plan and how does this affect the definition of compensation? Jen is back to discuss 401(k) plans with Michael Veuleman, audit practice leader and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Employee Benefit Plan team.

How safe is your employees’ 401(k) plan data? Jen discusses ways to mitigate the risk to employee date through cyber security with Michael Veuleman, audit practice leader and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Employee Benefit Plan team.

Did you know that having the right data can impact employee benefit costs? Jen discusses strategies related to employee participation in health care programs with Kristin Ryan, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of PKF Texas’ Employee Benefit Plan team.

Is your not-for-profit organization taking the steps it should to prevent occupational fraud? Jen discusses checks and balances and other things to consider with Nicole Riley, CPA, CFE, audit senior manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

Mistakes in debt financing can cause headaches for a foreign multi-national firm. Jen discusses what they should be paying attention to with Frank Landreneau, a Director and one of the faces of the PKF Texas International Tax team.

Not-for-Profit organizations working with a Board of Directors must be aware of an additional layer of rules. Jen discusses fiduciary responsibilities of board members with Nicole Riley, CPA, CTP, audit senior manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

The Development and Accounting departments for Not-for-Profit organizations are critical to have in sync with financial reporting. Jen discusses solutions for collaboration between the two with Nicole Riley, CPA, CFE, audit senior manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

Texas CPA Society (TXCPA) Houston Chapter is preparing for its annual accounting and reporting event for the energy industry. Jen joins Brian Baumler, PKF Texas; Jennifer Poff; TXCPA; and Tanya Tyler, WG Consulting; for a lively discussion about the upcoming 2019 TXCPA Energy Conference on August 28th.

Tax Reform has changed the rules for not only domestic, but international corporations doing business in the U.S. Jen and with Frank Landreneau, a Director and one of the faces of the PKF Texas International Tax team, discuss how it can impact tax planning strategies.

How do you make sure you’re getting the best deal when considering the sale of your business? Jen discusses how to optimize planned and opportunistic sale transactions with Matt Goldston, a Director of PKF Texas’ Entrepreneurial Advisory Services and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services Team.

Preparing for a sale doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what to expect. Jen discusses potential pitfalls and how to reduce them with Matt Goldston, a Director on PKF Texas’ Entrepreneurial Advisory Services Team and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services Team.

Are you getting the full benefit of recent changes to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income (FDII) deduction? Jen continues the FDII discussion with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

Not being prepared for an out of the blue call from a strategic buyer could cost you in the long run. Jen discusses how to handle the unexpected with Matt Goldston, a Director of PKF Texas’ Entrepreneurial Advisory Services and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services Team.

SEC reporting changes are coming! Jen discusses what’s in the works with Miriam Rouziek, an audit manager and member of the PKF Texas SEC team.

We’re discussing how to prepare for a sale. (Hint: Don’t try to do it alone.) Jen discusses valuing your business with Matt Goldston, a Director of PKF Texas’ Entrepreneurial Advisory Services and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services Team.

Are you up to date on the changes made to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income (FDII) rules earlier this year? Jen talks all things FDII, including comparing it to IC-DISC, with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

Changes in the PCAOB’s inspection trends and audit controls are today’s topics. Jen discusses audit procedures and more with Miriam Rouziek, an audit manager and member of the PKF Texas SEC team.

There are opportunities for international businesses to consider due to tax reform. Frank Landreneau, a Director and one of the faces of the PKF Texas International Tax team, covers what international businesses should look at when they enter the U.S. market.

How do you prepare to sell your company? What pitfalls may need to be avoided? Russ asks Matt Goldston, a Director of PKF Texas’ Entrepreneurial Advisory Services and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services Team.

The PCAOB audit report standards are changing. Is your company ready? Jen discusses what’s coming with Miriam Rouziek, an audit manager and member of the PKF Texas SEC team.

How far in advance should you prepare for a sale? You may be surprised! Jen discusses the topic with Kimberly Wood, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of the Transaction Advisory Services team at PKF Texas.

Are you prepared for an unexpected buyer for your business to appear? Would you know the value of your business so you could properly evaluate the offer? Russ visits with Matt Goldston, a Director of PKF Texas’ Entrepreneurial Advisory Services and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services Team.

Your knowledge of the U.S. international tax rules—as they continue to evolve—will determine whether today’s new rules are opportunities or are traps for the unwary. Jen gets more updates from Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

Our own Russ Capper is Executive Director of Houston Exponential, a non-profit initiative to promote and support Houston’s innovators. Jen visits with Russ to get the 411 on the current and future plans of HX.

Cyber Security is on the minds of everyone—including the SEC. Are you current on the SEC’s latest movements? Jen discusses what’s coming with Miriam Rouziek, an audit manager and member of the PKF Texas SEC team.

Solar energy to help power-dense energy, water and chemical companies reduce emissions and operate more efficiently? It’s the way of the future! Russ is at the Gulf Coast Regional Family Forum where he visited with Richard Gruber, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Merit SI.

Does your IC-DISC strategy need to shift with the recent changes in tax law? Jen discusses entities and interest rates with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

This week’s segment is a spirited discussion of the current economic cycle and the drivers and disruptors of economic activity, Russ is at the Gulf Coast Regional Family Forum with G. Scott Clemons, CFA for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., one of the oldest and largest privately-owned and managed financial services firms in the U.S.

Always an interesting event, the 2019 Gulf Coast Regional Family Forum panels focused on subjects including energy investment, community, and human trafficking and what Houstonians can do about it. Russ hits the hot topics with Del Walker, tax practice leader at PKF Texas.

There are steps a business owner can take to prevent delays to a potential transaction. Jen discusses these steps with Kimberly Wood, an audit senior manager and one of the faces of the Transaction Advisory Services team at PKF Texas.

Is your company’s “financial house” in order? Jen discusses the importance of being prepared—especially before an audit—with Kimberly Wood, an audit senior manager and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services team at PKF Texas.

IC-DISC is still a viable incentive for exporters. How can it benefit your company? Jen discusses the details with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

Are there ways to facilitate the due diligence process? Jen discusses due diligence specifics with Kimberly Wood, an audit senior manager and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services team at PKF Texas.

What is due diligence and how does it benefit your company? Jen discusses benefits and timing with Kimberly Wood, an audit senior manager and a member of the Transaction Advisory Services team at PKF Texas.

Tax Reform is bringing change to transfer pricing. Jen discusses local and foreign details with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors

The PCAOB is expected to change some of its inspection trends. Jen discusses what to watch for with Miriam Rouziek, an audit manager and member of the PKF Texas SEC team.

Jen discusses trends in SEC comment letters with Miriam Rouziek, an audit manager and member of the PKF Texas SEC team. Miriam explains what the SEC may focus on in the letter, as well as what to do if you receive one.

Are you up-to-date on the rules of Transfer Pricing? Jen discusses current provisions, regulations and Tax Reform with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

The SEC will most likely be issuing comment letters on the recent revenue recognition rules in February or March. It’s important that your company have the most current information, so Jen is back with Ryan Istre, an audit director and a member of the SEC Team at PKF Texas, to find out what companies could potentially expect.

Family philanthropy is a hot topic, especially in Houston. What’s the best vehicle for you? Jen discusses the details and differences with Annjeanette Yglesias, a tax manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

Some of the rules and regs of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) are changing and we’re all over it. Jen is back with Ryan Istre, an audit director and a member of the SEC Team at PKF Texas.

Tax Reform is a hot topic and the changing tax rules apply to not-for-profit organizations as well. Jen continues her discussion with Annjeanette Yglesias, a tax manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

Limitations, restrictions and tax rules vary for different types of not-for-profit entities, including public charities and private foundations. Jen discusses critical details with Annjeanette Yglesias, a tax manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team.

The Opportunity Zone tax incentives are new this year and Houston has more than 100 local designations. Jen gets the details from Martin Euson, a director on the PKF Texas tax team.

The SEC is expanding its definition of small reporting companies. Jen continues her discussion with Ryan Istre, an audit director and a member of the SEC Team at PKF Texas.

FASB is making changes to share-based payment accounting, and it’s happening in the very near future. Jen gets the details from Ryan Istre, an audit director and a member of the SEC Team at PKF Texas.

Jen Lemanski continues her discussion with Annjeanette Yglesias, a tax manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team. Annjeanette explains Charity Watchdog Organizations, what they are and how they work.

Jen Lemanski is back with Annjeanette Yglesias, tax manager on the PKF Texas Not-for-Profit team. Annjeanette explains the Donor Bill of Rights, a group of best practices that organizations can use to maintain their donor relationships.

Jen is back again with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors. They continue their discussion of International Tax Reform, including how FDII and GILTI could affect LLCs and options for other company structure types.

Jen is back again with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors. They discuss the toll tax: what it is, who should be aware of it and how it affects businesses.

Entrepreneurs with middle market pass-through entities are subject to the new tax laws too, but most are not fully aware how. Jen visits with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

Jen is discussing fraud with Danielle Supkis Cheek, a Certified Fraud Examiner and a director at PKF Texas. This week they discuss details of working with attorneys and CPAs, and how attorney/client privilege may or may not extend to work the CPA does for a fraud case.

Business fraud is different than personal fraud. Putting a few controls in place can enhance your protection. Danielle Supkis Cheek, a Certified Fraud Examiner and a director at PKF Texas, is back with Jen to continue their important discussion about fraud.

Danielle Supkis Cheek, a Certified Fraud Examiner and a director at PKF Texas, is back with Jen to discuss fraud and what to do if you suspect your company might have a fraud issue.

Danielle Supkis Cheek, a director at PKF Texas, is back with Jen to discuss changes in the way Not-For-Profits present their financials.

How your company handles state income tax on foreign income, taxes for small business and more can be impacted by your legal entity structure and your goals for growth. Jen continues her discussion with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors.

Danielle Supkis Cheek, a member of the PKF Texas Entrepreneurial Advisory Services team, is back with Jen to discuss changes and updates to the Revenue Recognition requirements and obligations for entrepreneurs.

Jen Lemanski continues her discussions about Tax Reform, this week with Frank Landreneau, PKF Texas’ international tax director. Frank explains IC-DISC, a tax incentive for exports that dates back to the 1970s.

Jen hosts PKF Texas’ Brian Baumler and Jennifer Poff, executive director of the Houston CPA Society, to discuss upcoming events. The Society will hold its 16th annual Energy Conference on August 29 here in Houston. Register at www.HoustonCPA.org.

Jen continues her discussion with Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors. The Foreign Derived Intangible Income Incentive can be complicated; Frank explains its application and how it’s calculated.

Frank Landreneau, one of PKF Texas’ international tax directors, is back with Jen Lemanski to discuss international tax and tax reform. This week we begin a new series of informational segments on the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Incentive.

Did you know small businesses are more susceptible to fraud that larger operations? And Not-for-Profits are at an even greater risk. Find out why. Jen Lemanski discusses best practices with Danielle Supkis Cheek, a certified fraud examiner at PKF Texas.

Your company can be held liable for things your agents may be doing on your behalf. International business comes with strict rules about fraud and, if you’re not asking questions, you should be. Jen Lemanski talks liability with Danielle Supkis Cheek, a certified fraud examiner at PKF Texas.

Jen continues her discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 with PKF Texas’ international tax director Frank Landreneau. They discuss more details of the “GILTI” tax, which companies might be subject to it and the benefits of structure.

So many tax changes; so little time! Jen’s discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 with PKF Texas’ international tax director Frank Landreneau continues. Today’s topic is the “GILTI” tax, who pays it and how it can affect a business.

Jen continues her discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 with PKF Texas’ international tax director Frank Landreneau. Today’s topic is international middle market companies and foreign (repatriated) funds.

The tax planning landscape is changing for international middle market companies; now is the time to reconsider your strategies. Jen continues her discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 with PKF Texas’ international tax director Frank Landreneau.

International middle market companies may need to rethink their operations because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This change of tax rates will affect everybody. Jen gets specifics from PKF Texas’ international tax director Frank Landreneau.

Audits are frequent and mandatory for joint ventures and it’s important to have a knowledgeable team in your corner. Russ talks audits with Kirsten Strieck, shareholder and director of operations and client services at Joint Venture Strategic Advisors.

Houston has a strong and growing philanthropic community and the non-profit GHCF works with donors and donor organizations to make charity dollars more productive. Russ and Renee discuss the importance of efforts like hers that help donors target their donations for the maximum impact.

For a startup, taxes and accounting can be daunting; what’s an entrepreneur to do?! Jen is back with Danielle Supkis Cheek to discuss tips for startups. (Hint: You need to hear this!)

Revenue Recognition and Lease Standards affect virtually every aspect of your balance sheet. The accounting rules continue to change. Are you be prepared? Jen is back with Danielle Supkis Cheek.

Jen is back with Certified Fraud Examiner Danielle Supkis Cheek. Eighty-four percent of U.S. companies reported some type of fraud last year—and small businesses have twice the risk of larger companies. Here’s what you need to know.

Russ chats with R.T. Dukes and Prajit Ghosh, both analysts at Wood Mackenzie, an energy consultancy. The three take stock of the power arena, fossil fuels and renewables, and how they intersect with technology.

Russ visits with Jason Ballard, co-founder and president of TreeHouse, a home upgrade company. Jason explains how home upgrades can also prompt improvements to your health, life and energy consumption.

Russ visits with Kirsten Strieck, shareholder and director of operations and client services at Joint Venture Strategic Advisors. Kirsten explains the scope of joint ventures and how JVSA’s specialized services can help.