• Management Reports
• Investor Reports
• Banker's Reports
• Tax Reports

Accounting Software Choices:

SIMPLE
• Single User
• Limited Reporting Options
• Limited Platforms
• Less than $300

MODULAR

• Common (STP,  MAS 90, Accpac, Great Plains)
• Upgrade to advanced platforms
• Flexible reporting options
• Flexible chart of accounts
• Divisions, subsidiaries, departments
• Large installed based
• Strong "audit" train
• After market "add-ons"
• Generally $1,000+ per module, $5 - $10k total

Mini/Mainframe/SQL Equipment

• Powerful push and pull information
• Generally upgradable from high-end Win 95 (e.g. Navision Sql)
• Strong support and reporting (IBM 400 and Risc 6000 base)
• Large installed base
• Big players (Aks ManMan, Oracle, Informix, IBM)

Cash and Accrual

• Differences
• Who can use
• Benefits and costs related to each
• Forced changes (if any)
• Effects on financial statements

Formal Financial Statement Reports

• CPA Prepared vs Others
• Levels of reporting
  • Compilation - without disclosures
  • Compilation - with disclosures
  • Review
  • Audit
• Changing of Scope
• Future reporting considerations
• The value of enhanced reporting

Software development costs -

• Elections and treatments
• Effects of choices

Reveneu recognition of Software licensing

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Pooling of interest vs Purchase
• Determining fair market value

 

Tax and Financial Decisions - minimizing unintended consequences

• Surprises
• Fielding a tax audit
• Sales tax issues
• Internet sales and future sales
• International Sales
  • FSC/Disc
  • Elections
  • Foreign tax credits

Minimizing Overall Effective Tax Rates