Best Practices Article Archives - Page 9
How to Speak Without Anxiety
Most of us — even those at the top — struggle with public-speaking anxiety. When I ask my clients what makes them nervous, invariably they respond with the same answers: “I don’t like being watched.” “I don’t like the eyes on me.” “I don’t like being in the spotlight.” And it follows that when they get up to speak, nearly all of them initially avoid making eye contact with ...
Read MoreA 4-point plan for reducing stress
IAccountancy has long been a stressful, high-stakes profession. Ensuring that a client's books are in order is a task that comes with great responsibility. In today's age, that sense of stress is compounded by reams of discourse about how the rise of advanced technology will forever alter the way we do our jobs, if not replace them altogether. We have to deal with innovation happening at an ever-increasing rate, which can induce a feeling of ...
Read MoreA Dozen Excel Time-Savers
Q. What are some of your favorite tricks for getting the most out of Excel? A. Excel has been a staple of this column since its launch almost 20 years ago, and I've provided innumerable Excel tips myself since taking it over from Stanley Zarowin in January 2011. I recommend you search the JofA website (or browse journalofaccountancy.com/excel), as almost all of those Excel tips and tricks are still valid today, though the ...
Read MoreHow to Make a Winning Speech
For some CPAs, public speaking can be the stuff of nightmares. But those able to conquer their nerves can reap great rewards from making speeches, leading seminars, and sharing knowledge with peers. In 1985, Allan Koltin, CPA, CGMA, was 28 years old and terrified when he delivered his first speech at a national AICPA conference. "Everyone in the audience knew more than I did," he recalled. "My leg kept shaking and I couldn't stop it. I was ...
Read MoreBest Practices: The Importance of Conducting an Annual Fraud Checkup
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual checkups for individuals of all ages. Why? Because "regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start." Not only is this true for our personal health, but also for the health of companies. When unchecked for too long, many companies unknowingly foster workplaces susceptible to fraud, which can cause devastating financial and reputational losses. Vulnerability ...
Read More