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Small Business Tax Accountants and Their Duties

Author: nery freiler

Small businesses are most efficient when they collaborate with a small business CPA Chicago accounting firms have. The certified public accountant or CPA is a title for an accountant with sufficient skills to pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. Passing this examination is a great honor for any accountant and proves to the public that their skill is of high quality and is worthy of the trust of business owners of whatever size.

There are accounting firms that remain small because they prefer to work with smaller businesses. It is somewhat easier to work with businesses in their early stages because there is so much room to grow. When there is much room to grow, there can be a lot of responsibilities to handle. This includes handling the cash flow within a company. The cash flow integrates the vital processes in a company—how much money goes in, stays in, and how much goes out.

The money that goes out is vital to any business. The job of the CPA is to advise small business owners how much they need to spend to maintain a balanced and consistent business operation. For example, a local café is popular within an area not just because the coffee is well-roasted and concocted into a wonderful blend in fancy cups, there is a small business CPA Chicago business owners get advice from. The CPA advises how much has to be spent for what purpose.

Such accounts are knowledgeable in their field that business owners are confident in their expenses. When the business owner has a certified public accountant for a partner, nearly every business move is well-calculated that business owners have a good idea which decisions are too safe and which risks to take. Business owners tend to be quite gutsy; many of them are willing to sacrifice their investments in hopes of success. Sometimes, these entrepreneurs suffer several failures before they attain their goals and become giants.

Whatever their reason may be, there are CPAs entrepreneurs can hire and collaborate with to avoid failure. Entrepreneurs love what they do, and they are often willing to make sacrifices. But sometimes, there are those who prefer to make stable decisions and keep their decisions safe enough to keep their resources intact but risky enough when opportunities come.

The tax accountants Chicago entrepreneurs hire can help them make good decisions. They know how much money comes in and how much goes out. The best part of it is that they care about the business's success.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/small-business-tax-accountants-and-their-duties-5384122.html

About the Author

For more details, search small business CPA Chicago in Google for related information.

Facts on a Certified Public Accountant

Author: Dianita Gonzalmer

The work of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is mainly about managing an entity's expense. Also, a CPA budgets the money of the company, plots all their spending, and analyze the company's financial status. The CPA determines if the company is financially stable to continue with their business or big enough to start a new endeavor to expand the business.

The CPA's main duties and responsibilities are to maintain and audit the company's financial records. They know all the transactions that the company does; regardless if the money is coming in the company, or being spent by the company. He is mainly responsible for making sure that the reports are ironed out and the business knows where it's standing from a financial perspective.

Another duty that CPAs need to accomplish for their business is to give financial management assistance. They research the company's style and try to determine how they can maximize the spending to generate more revenue. The CPA follows a specific code of ethics in order to watch the company where money is coming from.

One of the skills required to be a chicago cpa is the basic intent to deal with numbers. It doesn't mean that only a math geek can become a CPA; anyone who is willing to learn and think analytically with numbers can become a successful CPA. They should also have to be able to talk to people in a respectable manner because the job entails reporting to people who rely on what the CPA says for monetary growth.

For those who want to become CPAs, they are required to have a degree in accounting, finance, or other related field. Most chicago cpa firms require a CPA that has a master's degree in order to be hired. Some firms also require the completion of a number of hours of service before they can be hired. The number of hours normally ranges between 120 to 150 hours.

Because of the importance of their job in chicago financial services, CPAs are paid bigger than most other professions. The lower the years of experience, the lower the pay; but for public CPAs, they can reach an annual of over $100,000 based on the services that they render.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/facts-on-a-certified-public-accountant-5194194.html

About the Author

If you have questions, please visit us at www.smallbusinessaccountingchicago.com for complete details and answers.

Renting a downtown Chicago apartment

Author: Beata ChicagoApartmentSeeker

Moving to Chicago for a new job? Wanting to move on with life in the Windy City? Finding a decent apartment in downtown Chicago can be as frustrating, as finding a needle in a haystack. To step into Chicago's ever changing contemporary culture, you must have a place to live first – a nice and cozy downtown Chicago apartment perhaps.

A city with a rich history and culture, Chicago is made alive by people of different cultures, tastes, and styles. This can be reflected in its various neighborhoods, each possessing its unique appeal. If you cut through its busy thoroughfares, you will notice many establishments around, catering to the city's locals and visitors. Observing the city from the window of your apartment, you can see the city is teeming with urbanity.

It is much cheaper to rent an apartment in downtown Chicago than in New York or L.A. The city has lots to offer, whether you are living on your own or with a room-mate. You will have plenty of options to choose from.

Determine your budget

How much do you want to spend on rent? This is the first question you will have to consider. Make an accounting of your finances and determine how much you can set aside to pay for the rent, plus the utilities. Consider your job. Can it pay off your rent plus household expenses? If not, you will have to decide living in less expensive areas or earn more money through part-time or freelance work.

It could be financially straining to live on your own, so how about finding yourself a room-mate? If you would decide to live with a room-mate, you can choose from any of your friends, bring them over to your place, and live with you. A potential room-mate should be someone you can find comfortable living with, and ready to share resources and help pay expenses too.

Discuss with your room-mate about the living arrangements, housing costs, and other finances to avoid misunderstanding and conflicts later on.

Choose a neighborhood

You will not have a hard time finding downtown apartments in Chicago. The city has many neighborhoods in its four areas: the North, South, West, and The Loop. Walk or drive through any potential neighborhoods where you would want to seek an apartment. Spend some time there at different times of the day or week and observe how the place looks and sounds like day and night.

The Loop is the historic commercial center of downtown Chicago. It is a home to many government offices, businesses, shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. Apartment rent is quite expensive there, but if you love the upscale life, then this is the place for you.

Chicago's South Side is divided into smaller towns. A not so glitzy area, the South Side is where the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry are located. The places also have some large parks for outdoor recreation: Jackson Park, Washington Park, and Burnham Park. If you are a fan of the Chicago White Sox, the South Side is where they play, at 35th Street. Apartments here are guaranteed to be cheap, so move in there if you are tight on budget.

To get away from the downtown Chicago noise, you could consider renting an apartment somewhere in the North Side. Slightly farther away from downtown, the North Side is a bit quieter but slightly more expensive than other places in Chicago. The area has many of the posh neighborhoods in the city.

If you love suburban life, then consider seeking an apartment in the West Side of Chicago. The rents are often cheaper than somewhere else in Chicago. The West Side is not devoid of special attractions, like the Garfield Park Conservatory and National Museum of Mexican Art. If you follow the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, they play at Madison Avenue.

Wherever you choose to stay in Chicago, look out for transportation access to important parts of the city. Most importantly, check out you neighborhood's safety and security measures. Be cautious about the area you select. Learn as much as possible about the neighborhood before you move in.

Ask for referrals, or check listings in newspapers and local directories

If you happen to know someone, you can ask for information about affordable apartments for rent. They can provide you with names of landlords, real estate brokers, and their contact details. They can show you around the neighborhood if you like.

You can narrow your search by browsing apartment finders online (http://www.chicagoapartmentseekers.com/) or scanning the classified ads of newspapers for local listings of Chicago's apartments for rent.  These resources feature all available apartments or residential complexes. These listing are updated daily, so check up as soon as possible on the latest availability.

Searching for apartments in downtown Chicago can take time, especially if you are looking for a great place to stay. But the long search is worth if you move on to your dream home. Happy searching!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/renting-a-downtown-chicago-apartment-5115748.html

About the Author

While seeking a downtown apartmetn in Chicago I fell in love with the Windy City and that is how my knowledge came to be. Hope it helps you. Happy searching.

A Brief History of the Big 4 Public Accounting Firms

Author: Big 4 Guru

Entering a Big 4 Firm is a lot like entering a secret society or fraternity.  There are traditions and secrets that are shared by the members and passed down to new recruits.  This feeling of comradery and heritage is one of the most special parts of working for a Big 4 firm and what separates the experience from working for a regional or local firm. 



As you begin your journey it will do you good to learn a bit of the history of these firms.  Knowing where these firms have been will help you understand the role that you will be taking on as a new recruit and the legacy you will continue. 



While you will most likely not be held responsible for this information in an interview, learning these basic facts will provide you with an easy way to impress the Big 4.



PricewaterhouseCoopers (aka PwC, “P Dubs”)



The history of PwC dates back to the 19th century London.  Samuel Lowell Price, the son of a Bristol stone potter, was born in 1821.  Entering the accounting profession at an early age, Price was a member of several smaller firms before striking out on his own as a sole practitioner. 



Meanwhile, a young English accountant, Edwin Waterhouse (b. 1841), was making a name for himself.  The son of lucrative mill-owning parents, and brother to Alfred Waterhouse, a prominent London architect, Edwin rose quickly in the ranks to the London accounting elite.



Around this time, another accountant by the name of William Cooper established a rival firm in London with his three brothers.  Across the ocean in the U.S., William Lybrand and others created yet another firm.  These firms merged in 1957 into what would be known as Coopers and Lybrand.



Price and Waterhouse joined forces in 1874 to create Price, Waterhouse & Co.  The firm became well-known as one of the finest in London and eventually opened their first U.S. office in 1890 in New York.  The firm began to establish separate partnerships across the globe.



In 1998 Coopers & Lybrand merged with Price Waterhouse to form, PricewaterhouseCoopers.  The firm now employs over 146,000 people in 150 countries and had worldwide revenues of $28 billion in fiscal year 2008.



Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (aka Deloitte, D&T, Deloitte & Touche)



Back to London….let’s meet William Welch Deloitte. Born in 1818, Deloitte was the grandson of Count de Loitte, an expatriate of France who left during the French Revolution.  Deloitte was a quick learner and began his career at the age of 15 in the bankruptcy courts of London.  Deloitte opened his own office at the age of 25 with a focus on the railway industry.  In fact, Deloitte was employed as the first external auditor EVER appointed and developed a system of safeguarding records to protect investors. 



Deloitte would go on to become president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and open a U.S. practice in 1893. 



Sir George Alexander Touche (b. 1861), an accountant from, you guessed it…London, opened a practice in 1899.  He later spread the practice to New York, capitalizing on the growing demand for income tax preparation. 



Over the course of the 20th century, Deloitte and Touches’ separate firms merged with a number of other firms in various markets.  One of the key mergers was the combination of Touché Ross (as it was then known) and the Japanese firm, Tohmatsu Awoki & Co in 1975.



In 1989, the firm then known as Deloitte Haskins & Sells broke up.  The majority of the individual partnerships that had made up the firm, including the U.S. piece, merged with Touché Ross to form Deloitte & Touché.  Some of the smaller partnerships that were against the merger of Touché Ross merged with Coopers & Lybrand.  In 1993 the firm was renamed to Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu, due to the growing influence of the Japanese brand. 



The firm now employs over 165,000 people in 140 countries and had worldwide revenues of $27.4 billion in fiscal year 2008  



Ernst & Young (aka E&Y, EY)



As is the case with PwC and Deloitte, E&Y in its current state is a result of a series of mergers.  One difference with E&Y, however, is that the major players and namesakes of the firm are American rather than British.  In 1903 an accounting firm was formed in Cleveland by brothers Theodore and Alwin Ernst.  In 1906 the firm Arthur Young & Co. was established in Chicago.   These two firms individually joined forces with well-known British firms.  Ernst merged with Whinney Smith & Whinney and Young joined forces with Broads Patterson & Co.  In 1989, the successors of these firms merged to create what we now know as Ernst & Young.



The firm now employs over 137,000 people in worldwide and had revenues of $24.5 billion in fiscal year 2008    



KPMG (aka Klynveld, Peat, Marwick, Goerdeler)



By now I’m sure you can see a pattern here:  two or three dominant US and British firms join forces, go through a series of mergers and achieve world-wide status.  KPMG is no different.  The key information to note is the following:



Prominent British Founder – William Barclay Peat (b. 1852)



Key Mergers:



  • William Barclay Peat merge with Marwick Mitchell Co. (1911) to form Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co.



  • Thomson McLintock firm forms a group of independent European firms known as KMG (1979)



  • KMG and Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. join forces in largest accounting firm merger to date to form KPMG (1987)



  • Renamed to KPMG Peat Marwick (1991)



  • Renamed back to KPMG (1995)





It is interesting to note that KPMG and E&Y were all but ready to merge in 1997 as a power play against the merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers Lybrand.  However, this merger eventually fell through.



The firm now employs over 123,000 people in worldwide and had revenues of $19.8 billion in fiscal year 2008.



Phew….that is all for the history lesson.  The common theme here is that these firms are all founded by the best and the brightest of their time.  The accounting profession as we know it today would not be what it is without good old Sam Price, Billy Deloitte, Teddy Ernst and Bill Peat.  These men are the founding fathers of public accounting and it is their legacy you will continue when you join on of these great firms.  Their stories are a lesson in excellence and their influence is still felt to this day.



For more information on how to work for the Big 4, please visit http://www.big4guru.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accounting-articles/a-brief-history-of-the-big-4-public-accounting-firms-672187.html

About the Author

The Big 4 Guru is a CPA, proud Big 4 alumni and seasoned industry professional. His passion is helping new accounting professionals achieve their career goals.

What You Gain from Outsourcing Accounting Services

Author: carolabrams

Are you tired of your accounting department's procrastination? Have you done everything to help them accomplish their job such as investing on training programs and software products? If yes is your answer to both questions, you should consider outsourcing your accounting services. Keep in mind that accounting is the basis of all business decisions. Thus, if the department is inefficient, your business would not move forward. There are four main benefits of outsourcing your accounting servicesa

First, outsourcing is cheaper, since there is less accountabilities. You do not have to worry about employee initiatives and health insurance applications. Moreover, you do not have to invest on training programs and software products, since the accounting firm takes care of updating their knowledge and improving their services.

Furthermore, outsourcing is cheaper since you can opt to hire an accounting firm regularly, or avail its services only when you need to. Accounting firms recognize that companies have different needs; thus, they offer both short-term and long-term packages. All you have to do is confer your accounting needs, and these companies would decide which package is best for you.

Second, outsourcing assures that all deadlines are met. You do not have to remind them of report deadlines, since they finish bookkeeping on time. Moreover, you do not have to worry about tax penalties and bank loan interests, since the bookkeeping Chicago firm reminds you of payment deadlines. The firm makes sure that your company does not falter due to financial technicalities.

Third, outsourcing is advantageous due to the insightful analyses that the bookkeeping firm gives. Each Chicago accountant measures department performances and gives advice on how to cut costs and reach goals faster. Moreover, the accountant helps your company set new competitive goals and maintain your business focus.

Finally, you gain from outsourcing since accounting firms are knowledgeable about the law and market conditions. The Chicago accountants make sure your company meets the demands of the law. Furthermore, they can guide you in expanding your business to avoid big losses. Outsourcing does not only improve your bookkeeping records; it also maximizes your company's overall improvement.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accounting-articles/what-you-gain-from-outsourcing-accounting-services-5299460.html

About the Author

Visit www.SmallBusinessAccountingChicago.com for more details

Basic Accounting Services for Small Businesses

Author: carolabrams

Most small business owners prefer handling all the business tasks on their own, especially if their business just started. However, like other endeavors business involves many factors to keep it running. For struggling small business owners out there who want to manage their establishment more effectively, particularly in the financial aspects, experts recommend hiring a reliable accounting firm to help them out.

 

Small business accounting firms assist you in cash management, payroll, and tax preparation, which are key items to keep a business running. These financial experts also manage accounts receivable, accounts payable, and assets and liabilities to lighten your business management load. Instead of spending time, money, and effort in learning about accounting principles, business owners can partner with a reliable accounting firm to provide them with an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will guide them through making financial strategies and pave the way for business success.

 

Most small basic accounting firms offer a wide range of services fit for each client's needs. Business planning, for example, involves proper cash management and handling critical items for a growing company like payables and receivables. The firm will serve as trusted financial advisers, helping businesses use their resources as efficiently as they can.

 

Most Chicago CPA firms also offer tax management, which is another essential factor in handling a business' financial branch. Staying updated with tax law is not easy if the owner has no experience. Having a professional CPA at hand can help build a stable tax plan to facilitate and guide your business into success.

 

Aside from business planning and tax management, various Chicago CPA firms also offer staff augmentation to help with bookkeeping. Accounting businesses big or small involves assistance from reliable people who can get the job done right. These CPA firms can provide full or part time employees to help owners get through busy periods and in handling other financial needs.

 

These basic accounting services are key elements in handling businesses, but most Chicago CPA firms can generally offer more. Their Chicago financial services can answer most businesses' financing and insurance needs, as well as handle legal, marketing, and sales concerns to ensure that companies run smoothly. In general, small business accounting firms can help owners through financial issues, manage customer demands, and in the long run, foster consistent business growth.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accounting-articles/basic-accounting-services-for-small-businesses-5299461.html

About the Author

Visit www.SmallBusinessAccountingChicago.com for more details

Chicago Residents Consider an Accounting Degree

Author: William Hauselberg

Getting an accounting degree can lead to a satisfying and financially rewarding career. Chicago is one of the best cities to earn such a degree because there are so many colleges and universities located in the state of Illinois.

Choosing a Chicago Accounting School

Choosing a good accounting school in Chicago involves some research on the part of the potential degree earner. In Chicago accredited accounting degree programs run the gamut from undergraduate degrees to graduate degrees such as master's and doctorates. In Chicago accredited accounting degree study programs are essential in order to have the right academic credentials when the student graduates.

Research has to first be done to see which schools in Chicago are accredited and which ones also offer accounting degrees. Internet research can greatly help in this area. The cost factor of the degree also needs to be considered. Students need to see if they can afford to attend the specific college or university with a combination of their own savings, their parents' help, and financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Those pursuing an accounting degree in Chicago will be taught courses in taxation, economics, finance, banking, the stock market, bookkeeping, and how to run a business. It's especially wise for a student working towards an accounting degree in Chicago to plan to want to obtain a position in the state after graduation because many companies favor hiring graduates from schools located in the same state. This helps with their knowledge of the area when they have to travel to meet clients on the job.

Students should inquire how long the degree program will be. Most undergraduate programs are four years, but accelerated degrees can often be earned in only three years. On the graduate level, a master's degree from a Chicago accounting school usually takes two years and a doctorate in the field takes between two to four years beyond the master's. If an accounting student wants to become a college professor in accounting, he should pursue his doctorate in the subject.

Chicago Job Opportunities with an Accounting Degree

Upon graduation, those holding accounting degrees can apply for work at many private companies, they can choose to work for the state of Chicago government offices, or they can apply for employment as teachers at local Chicago high schools and colleges. They can even open their own business and start out in private practice, if they wish.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/chicago-residents-consider-an-accounting-degree-4758738.html

About the Author

Visit http://www.northwesterncollege.edu for more information about Chicago accredited accounting degree and Chicago accounting school.

Planning Your Chicago Prom Event

Author: Stevie Dee

As the spring semester of high school resumes in Chicago, many students begin to have prom on their minds.  Prom committees have usually formed at this point and a lot of the necessary steps to plan the event have already taken place.  Planning a Chicago prom can be quite a task and can often go unrecognized and unrewarded.  Often times if the prom dance is a flop the members of the committee will take a lot of the heat.  So to help avoid some of those unnecessary negative comments we've created a step by step guide to help aid you in the planning of your Chicago Prom.


So where do we begin?  When is the right time to start thinking prom?  The correct answer would one year prior to the date. There are several things that will need to be taken care of that time.  Listed below are a few steps you'll want to take one year prior to your Chicago Prom event……






  • Choose prom committee members and create sub-committees.  Without the prom committee there would be no prom, so having the right leaders on the committee can often make or break your event.  Your Chicago Prom committee should be made up of advisors and various student volunteers.



  • Set a realistic budget.  Creating a realistic budget is a very important step in planning a prom.  You'll want to begin by collecting the most detailed information on how much each element will cost.  This will give you a good idea for how much to budget for.  You'll then want to take things into account like how much money will be coming from fundraising and from sponsors.   From there you can then determine how many tickets you'll need to sell to break even for the event.



  • Set the date.  Setting a date for your event can be very difficult.  You'll want to take things into account like holidays, school activities, sporting events, and even neighboring school's prom dates.  You'll want to choose a date that coincides with all of those things.  Nine times out of ten you probably you won't be able to please everyone with the selected date. 



  • Choose you location/venue.  You've successfully created a budget and selected a date now it's time to book a venue.  When choosing a venue you'll want to find a facility that will be able to hold your crowd comfortably.  You'll also want to look into food and catering options at those venues.  If you're planning on having entertainment and dancing, will the venue be able to accommodate those needs?  As you search for venues you'll notice a lot of reception halls prefer not to host school proms on Saturday evenings because they can conflict with their high priority wedding dates.  Make sure you confirm your venue early as the longer you wait the harder it'll be to settle on the right place.





After you've done all the steps above you're well on your way to creating a successful Chicago prom, you can now relax and have the next couple months off before the next batch of planning begins.  Around 8 months before your prom you'll want to pick up with the committee meetings again and begin the next stages.






  • Choose a theme.  Choosing a prom theme often can be one of the most important decisions your prom committee will make.  Choosing the right theme can make your prom stand out from others in the past and can be that key component in creating a memorable night.  When choosing a theme you'll want to think of the mood you'd like to portray that night.  You'll want to take into consideration whether you'd like to portray a fun mood, romantic mood, or even a mysterious mood.  A good Chicago prom theme should revolve around an innovative title, unique decorations, and a treasured song.  This is when you'll want a lot of input from your committee members.



  • Discuss fundraising opportunities.   Fundraising is very important in planning a Chicago prom and should never be overlooked.  After adding up the total expenses and dividing it by the number of students attending the event the cost per ticket can many times be rather expensive.  Students are usually aware that prom isn't cheap so fundraisers are often appreciated.  There are hundreds of fundraising ideas available on the internet and you should utilized them when planning your event.



  • Book your Disc Jockey.  This is another crucial and overlooked step that many don't spend a lot of time on.  The success of your event a lot of times rides on the music that's to be played and the DJ that's playing it.  There are hundreds of Chicago DJ companies and only a handful of good ones.  Make sure you spend some time when selecting your entertainment.  Prices can vary greatly; most Chicago Prom DJs are priced around $1,000 and go up from there.  You'll want to hire an experienced disc jockey that specializes in prom entertainment, not just your average wedding DJ.



  • Begin discussing decoration ideas.   Now is the time when you'll want to start talking decorations.  You'll want to choose decorations that revolve around your theme for the evening.  As you plan for you Chicago Prom you'll be surprised as to all the decorations available out there.  You can always buy pre-assembled decorations, but they'll cost you.  Talk with your committee members and see what they can come up with on their own.  This can help save on the decoration costs.  A lot of schools in Chicago have actually cut back on their decorations and have invested their money into the dinner and the entertainment.  This may be an route you'd like to take.





You've now completed most of the important steps towards planning your Chicago Prom.  We recommend waiting about 2 or 3 months prior to your prom before you begin with the next steps. 






  • Order invitations, programs, party items, and tickets.  Now is the time when you'll want to send out for these important items.  It can sometimes take a few weeks to get things printed so be sure to get your final work to the printers before it's too late.  You'll also want to order your royalty party items like crowns, sashes, tiaras, and etc.



  • Begin your advertising campaign.   You'll want to start hyping the excitement of your Chicago prom.  You may want to consider hanging posters, placing ads in the school newspapers, hand our flyers, and/or even run commercials on your student radio station.



  • Book a photographer.  At this time you'll want to finalize your photographer.  You'll want to decide how pictures will be taken that night and where in the venue will they run their operation.  Often times schools will use their yearbook photographers for the miscellaneous photos and then hire another professional photographer for portraits.  You'll want to consider several options with your prom committee.





The time has finally arrived and it's now 2 weeks prior to your event.  It's crunch time and there are a few other details that'll need to be taken care of….






  • Send out your invitations and start selling your tickets.  Choose a central location in your school to setup a ticket sales booth.  Make sure the kids are aware of this location.  You may want to sell tickets at normal prices for the first week and then raise the price as the event draws nearer.  This will encourage immediate ticket sales and will prevent students from holding off until the last day to purchase their tickets.



  • Confirm your vendors.  Now is the time when you should finalize all the details with your venue, DJ, caterer, and photographer.  You'll want to make sure everyone's timeline is laid out the same and there aren't any conflicting schedules.  You'll also want to confirm your theme song with your Chicago Prom DJ.  Don't forget to call your chaperones as too!



  • Setup a schedule for decorating your venue.  You'll want to assign committee members the task of decorating the venue.  Make sure you confirm times with the venue and they are ok with you hanging decorations.  You'll want to take time and read through any instructions kits that came with your decorations.  Make sure all the pieces are included in your kits and figure out the estimated time it'll take to set them all up.



  • Hold nominations for prom court.  This job usually falls under your job description as well.  You'll want to decide how nominations will be made and who will conduct them at the event.





After you've completed the above steps you should be well on your way to create a successful Chicago Prom.  As you can see a lot of work and time goes into planning a big event like this.  When it's all said in done though, the students you work with will remember this night for the rest of their lives.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/teenagers-articles/planning-your-chicago-prom-event-706688.html

About the Author

Stevie Dee is Owner and General Manager for Operation Getdown DJs. His team provides DJs and lighting for Chicago wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info check out Chicago DJ Blogor Chicago Prom DJs.

Business in Chicago

Author: Crystal Ware

With a business district that ranks in the top five in the US, Chicago is a thriving metropolis with all of the amenities needed to entice people to the windy city. Add to that the fact that Chicago is home to no less than four major financial and futures exchanges, a huge IT community, a fiery nightlife and diverse cultural center, Chicago is among the most sought after cities for commerce. Ranked as the number one distribution center of the US (rail, air and truck) it is also home to the head quarters of multiple big businesses and a leader in many different industries including:

  • Biotechnology
  • Advanced telecommunications
  • Manufacturing
  • Food Processing
  • Nanotechnology
  • Printing

With such a commanding business district it's no surprise that Chicago colleges have set themselves up to supply the demand of well trained, professional workers with their business and commerce programs. Students in the area can expect world class training in areas like IT networking and solutions, engineering, management, business, accounting and a wide range of specialized programs geared towards biodiversity and green enterprises.  With such a diverse economy students can also seek internships in order to apply real world experience to their area of study.  Attending classes and checking out the work force in a city like Chicago provides those looking for their first job an amazing and applicable experience.

 

The demand for employees is being met within the Chicago college roster and really does give the future professional nearly unlimited career options within a job market that is flourishing. With the economic downturn almost behind us, Chicago is a city that has bounced back with a vengeance and it's colleges are turning out our countries future professionals with the speed and expertise needed to compete in such a vast market.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/business-in-chicago-2837535.html

About the Author

Crystal is an account coordinator with Location3 Media. Her personal blog discusses travel, health, fitness, and finance.

Chicago Accountant Reveals Top 5 Financial Mistakes Business Owners Make And How To Avoid Them

Author: Dale Kubiesa

The Top 5 Biggest Mistakes

�

1. ACTING ON INACCURATE OR UNTIMELY INFORMATION.

2. FAILING TO USE MORE THAN ONE SET OF BOOKS

3. FAILING TO MONITOR YOUR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE ON A TIMELY BASIS

4. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY YOUR PROFITS OR SALES ARE NOT GROWING

5. LETTING OVERHEAD GET OUT OF CONTROL

1. ACTING ON INACCURATE OR UNTIMELY INFORMATION.

It seems that many business owners believe that accounting is something that your accountant does at the end of the quarter or the end of the year in order to comply with the tax laws.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

You simply cannot wait till the end of the year, when it's tax time for your accountant to finally look at your numbers and figure out how you did. In some industries, let's say for example masonry contracting in Chicago, you really need to be looking at your numbers every single day to determine whether your costs are in line with your estimates and to manage your profitability at the job level.

Your accounting system and processes should be the foundation of your financial house. For some businesses it starts pretty simply, but it should be something upon which you are continually building and expanding in capabilities over time.

2. FAILING TO USE MORE THAN ONE SET OF BOOKS

Now let me set the record straight, I'm not advocating any type of Chicago Mob style or illegal activity! What I mean by keeping more than one set of books is completely legal and makes a lot of sense. Let me explain.

In running your business it will be necessary for you to report, display and use the financial data pertaining to your business for a variety of different reasons. For example, when speaking to your banker or your accountant you want to have your financial records prepared in a standard GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) format. GAAP reports are great for your banker but do very little to help you run your business.

So for you as the business owner you need a second set of "books" or reports to provide you the visibility into your business that you will need to determine profitability and costs, and really manage your business. I call this a managerial format. A managerial format displays the data of your business by segments and profit centers such as the products and services you sell, the geographical areas you serve, even by crew or service team. For example, let's say that you run a landscaping business. You really should be able at a glance to determine which segments of your business are running profitably and which ones are not. Perhaps your tree trimming segment is losing money while your lawn spraying segment is doing well and your installation and design segment is the most profitable in terms of gross margin percentage but contributes the least to your overall cash flow.

A correctly formatted managerial report will highlight all of that information and more allowing you to make intelligent and informed decisions about your business operation. In the aforementioned landscaping example, tree trimming has a much higher workers' compensation insurance premium than the lawn spraying segment. So if you charge the same hourly rate for both of these services the tree trimming segment will naturally be less profitable but this will go unrecognized if you simply look at a GAAP set of books.

A third set of books that may be advantageous for you to keep is a set of books that is structured around tax compliance. Tax compliance is a very complicated and specialized area of accounting and by keeping a set of books that provides the information that is important for tax preparation by your accountant you can save yourself and your accountant a lot of time and energy, which of course saves you money.

3. FAILING TO MONITOR YOUR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE ON A TIMELY BASIS

As touched on previously, depending upon your business you will need to monitor results on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis. Waiting for your accountant to review reports on a quarterly basis is not enough.

Let's revisit the Chicago based masonry contractor example. If he has bid on a $100,000 fixed-price contract he will earn $100,000 in revenue whether it takes him one week, one month or one year to complete.  However, the amount of profits he earns is directly proportional to the amount of time and the amount of materials he consumes in completing the job.

Therefore, it is very important for him to understand at the end of every day exactly how many hours were applied to the job, exactly how much material was consumed, as well as the percent completion of the job. Without daily feedback it is impossible for him to manage the job correctly and therefore whether or not he turns a profit becomes a game of chance. Make sense?

So what I recommend to my clients here in Chicago is that they develop a daily feedback mechanism that is simple to complete and use, yet provides all of the necessary information required to manage their business professionally and profitably.

4. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY YOUR PROFITS OR SALES ARE NOT GROWING

Again, timeliness of information is critical here. You simply cannot wait till the end of the year or even the end of the quarter for your accountant to analyze your sales versus projections and hope to be able to take corrective actions that can get you back on track before it is too late. So in my role as an Accounting-CFO I help my clients expand their view beyond their own company here in Chicago and into the wider marketplace. We want to know how they stack up against the competition in terms of pricing, product quality, and customer service.

By combining this external view with a detailed managerial view of your own operation (complete with your own internal costing data) you can determine where you are falling short (or excelling) and make the necessary changes to get back on track sooner rather than later.

5. LETTING OVERHEAD GET OUT OF CONTROL

Overhead is never a problem when things are going well and your business is growing.  It's when things slow down or there are changing conditions in your marketplace that changes to overhead may be required. I recall walking into a client's downtown Chicago office years ago and there was a sign on the wall that said "overhead kills" and that message has stuck with me ever since.

Your overhead has to be paced to the business you currently have as well as the business you are going to have and this can be a delicate balancing act. Should you add a fixed cost? Should you add a variable cost? In my role as a Chicago accountant I help clients understand when and how to add overhead for their maximum benefit. In general though, you want to keep your fixed costs as low as possible and have the remaining costs be variable so that they track with your business volume and revenue even if it means a slightly lower profitability on a percentage basis.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accounting-articles/chicago-accountant-reveals-top-5-financial-mistakes-business-owners-make-and-how-to-avoid-them-1935346.html

About the Author

Dale Kubiesa, your Accounting-CFO, has over 30 years of experience working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. Dale holds a BA in Commerce and an MBA, both from DePaul University. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and CFO for hire, Dale brings the accounting and financial firepower to your organization that you need, no matter how challenging the situation.


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I hope you enjoyed and profited from this article. If you have not already downloaded complete whitepaper and listened to the accompanying podcast I recommend that you do so, as there are far more details and examples given within that audio program.


When you are ready to upgrade your financial and accounting team please pick up the phone and call me, Dale Kubiesa, the Accounting-CFO to discuss your particular situation. At the end of that discussion, we will decide together whether or not I can be of assistance. And if we decide that my services are not in your best interest we will part as friends.  Sound Fair?


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Dale Kubiesa, MBA, CPA, CFO


The Accounting-CFO


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