Unemployment Rate in Missouri Finally Goes Down!

The state of Missouri’s unemployment rate receded in April, following nine consecutive months of increases, but the state’s nonfarm payrolls continued to lose jobs, according to data released today by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

The state’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell by six-tenths of a point from 8.7 in March to 8.1 percent, which was the same rate during the month of January. Approximately 242,900 Missourians were estimated to have been jobless during the month of April.

Does this mean economic recovery is on its way?

http://www.ded.mo.gov/cgi-bin/dispress.pl?txtpressid=80

Deadline Approaching To Be In Centennial ASSET!

DEADLINE—THIS FRIDAY
to be a part of the July 2009 Centennial ASSET!

Individual Members: Submit Your Congratulatory Notes
Simply pen a short congratulatory note to be designed and published by MSCPA to appear in the ASSET in the July 2009 commemorative issue. Notes should be 75 words or less.

To submit your note, go to:
http://www.mocpa.org/Content/22719.aspx


CPA Firms/Companies: Submit Your Centennial Ads
Special advertising opportunities are offered to CPA firms and companies in the July 2009 commemorative issue. CPA firms/companies may wish to provide an ad that is either congratulatory in nature or about the advertiser’s own company history.

To reserve your space, go to:
http://www.mocpa.org/Content/22721.aspx

Ad artwork deadline is June 1. Mechanical specifications can be found at: http://www.mocpa.org/content/files/pdfs/mech_specs.pdf
If you need assistance with design of your ad, please let MSCPA know…we can help!

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dawn Martin at the society at 800-264-7966 or by email at dmartin@mocpa.org.

CPAs Absorb Falling Rates As A New Cost Of Business

The Boston Business Journal ran a story last week that stated that CPA firms in that area have had to lower fees to remain competitive.

Is this happening here in Missouri?

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/othercities/boston/stories/2009/05/04/focus8.html?b=1241409600^1821598

Make Sure Your CPE Is Documented!

MSCPA reminds all Missouri CPAs to take a few minutes to make sure you plan to take and document all required CPE not only for this year (minimum of 20 hours), but for the past three years (minimum of 120 hours).

Missouri accountancy law also requires that each Missouri CPA take two hours of ethics CPE per year to maintain licensure. It is critical that all your CPE is properly accounted for and documented. The Missouri State Board of Accountancy (MOSBA) does CPE audits on a random, but continuous basis.

Remember—all courses you take through the MSCPA are properly documented and members have complete access to their CPE transcript 24 hours a day. MOSBA will accept MSCPA transcripts for use during a CPE audit.

The Missouri Society of CPAs is here to help you through this process!
http://www.mocpa.org/Content/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fmembernet%2fmembers%2fCourseHistory.aspx&emi=1

CFOs On IFRS: Forget About It!

Many companies are taking a wait-and-see approach to the IFRS momentum, which seemed to be moving fast under Cox precrisis, but has now hit a standstill.

More than two-thirds of financial professionals have not budgeted for converting to IFRS, according to a Deloitte & Touche survey in March of 150 CFOs and finance managers.

Read more at CFO Magazine:
http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/13517383?f=most_read

Should Businesses Twitter?

Twitter?

Our teenagers get it...but do we get it?

Many of us don't. Does Twitter belong in your business? It's definitely the latest trend. See how Forbes Magazine compiled a number of articles that explain that Twitter may have a place in your business:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/twitter-business-fun-technology-personal-tech-twitter_land.html

Ten Things To Buy Before The Economy Improves

CPAs are good with money, right? Well, do you agree that people (who can afford to) buy these items while the prices may be low?

http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/31/consumer-behavior-recession-business-commerce-buying.html