November 19th, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

Are you qualified for a career in finance?

If you’re considering a career in finance, you’re probably wondering what it takes to qualify for an entry-level job in the sector. Careers in finance are plentiful and varied, so you’ll find finance jobs in just about every industry and organization. Below is a sample of entry-level jobs as well as a look at the education and skills needed to get your foot in the door. Financial data analyst Financial data analysts study information, identify relevant insights, and compile them into financial reports.

November 6th, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

Financially Planning for Longer Lifespans

In 1970, the life expectancy for a U.S. resident was 70.81 years. By 2016, that number increased by nearly eight years, to 78.69 years. Meanwhile, “full retirement age,” as defined by the Social Security Administration, has crept up from age 65 (for those born in 1937 or earlier) to 67 (for those born in 1960 and later). As people continue to live longer, yet retire around the same age, it becomes increasingly important to shore up and stretch retirement savings longer.

October 30th, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

The Gender Gap in the Finance Industry

In the U.S., the average woman working full-time makes just 80.5% of what her male counterpart makes. Individual choices and personal preferences on the part of workers partially cause this disparity. One Harvard study from 2018 found that the female workers within their study favored flexibility, work/life balance and family leave more than the men in the study. The men in the study favored the marginal wage increases in exchange for working more and/or less favorable hours and shifts.

October 9th, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

Benefits: The Other Kind of Compensation

Your employees may not regularly think about compensation aside from salary, but good benefits can truly impact their lives. Paid-time-off may give someone a chance to travel and see the world. Flex hours might allow another person to spend an afternoon volunteering in their child’s classroom. Health insurance can save a life. It’s no surprise, then, that our survey of 1,000+ full-time workers in the U.S. found that benefits really do make up a large part of the employee value proposition.

October 3rd, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

How to Ask for Help at Work

Few people like to ask for help. Even fewer people like to ask for help at work. They worry they’ll be perceived as incompetent, annoying or lazy by their coworkers or believe asking for help means they aren’t up to snuff. But whether you’ve just received a promotion, landed your first job out of college or are making a career change, the modern workforce requires collaboration and cooperation – traits you won’t find working on your own.

August 7th, 2019 by Accounting Principals

A Review of Current Accounting Software

Every business needs to keep accurate financial records. For some freelancers, a notebook or spreadsheet might suffice. But accounting software can provide wider benefits. It improves accuracy, allows you to save time and money during tax season and speeds up business processes. There are a number of accounting software platforms, so how do you select the right one for your business?

June 12th, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

The rise of a possible recession

One of the most reliable indicators of a recession occurred recently, causing investors across the globe to worry that the U.S. economy is starting to slow down. The sign: an inverted yield curve. What does that mean? And more importantly, what impact will it have on consulting opportunities? What is an inverted yield curve?

March 12th, 2019 by Accounting Principals

Career Advancement for Accountants

The accounting profession is constantly evolving and incorporating new practices, technologies, and trends. You’re always learning new things at work, but it’s also important to keep your skills relevant with a combination of education and professional development. This is crucial to establishing and advancing within your accounting career. According to Accenture, 80% of accounting and finance tasks will be delivered with automation by 2020.

January 16th, 2019 by Janet Berry-Johnson

How to Choose Between Really Good Candidates

On some level, it’s a good problem to have when hiring: you’ve narrowed down your candidates for an open position to a few outstanding contenders. Both passed your thorough screening and reference checks with flying colors. Both boast the education, experience, and skills you require and dazzled you during the interview process. But both can’t join the team. So how do you choose the right one?

November 28th, 2018 by Janet Berry-Johnson

Your Team Is In A Funk. Now What?

You’re holding another team meeting, and half of your employees look like they’re about to fall asleep. People are showing up late and calling in sick more often than normal. They’re doing what they need to do to keep their jobs – no less, no more. Your team is in a funk, but what can you do about it? How can you push everyone to re-engage and get motivated?