Human Capital


  • CFO Bogged-Down In Repetitive Details

    I'm a CFO trying to get out of the day to day operations of the business.  I feel I spend most of my time dealing with HR functions. I'm thinkg I need to hire an HR manager that is also a numbers person. We 150 employees, two entities, combined revenues are $30 mill. We process basically 2 complete…

  • Are leaders born or made?

    Leadership is my passion and I love to ask this question from time to time to gauge the responses and reconfirm my own beliefs. Please share your insights as to how you would answer that question . Thanks and Regards, Bud Kulesza

  • Establishing PEO

    Hello, I am looking at the option of buying a PEO or establishing it myself. Can anyone share with me there experience with starting a PEO: business model, capital, etc? Thanks, Julie Austin

  • Salary & Relocation Package Negotiation Tips

    I currently live in the northwest and my wife and I are being flown down to Texas for what I believe to be the final round for a Controller position. I also believe I am the only candidate that has survived to this point. When speaking to the Human Resources person in the very first preliminary pho…

  • Compensation consultant or lawyer

    I do not really know the answer..... When is it time (or salary range or compensation package complexity) to have a compensation consultant or lawyer?

  • Company Relationships.... Especially In The C-Suite

    Following the announcement of the resignation (forced?) of Priceline's CEO following an investigation about his relationship with someone within the company, what are your thoughts on company relationships? Details are scarce but here is the Bus Insider article that got me thinking... http://www.bu…

  • Career advice

    Thread on Quora "What are a few pieces of unique career advice that nobody ever mentions?"

  • What do you like most about your job?

    Since this is not a job interview, although this question does get asked in interviews, please try to answer without regard to how it may reflect upon you. I know, that is not easy! I'll start things off. On the most basic level, I enjoy talking with people. My job provides me an opportunity to pu…

  • What are your favorite team building exercises?

    I am in the process of transitioning from my current position of corporate accountant to accounting manager within another area our company. I will initially have four direct reports. I want to ensure the team is strong in their accounting duties, as well as relationally while they are at work. Wha…

  • Accountant Job Interview Questions

    What are some of the best questions to ask when you are interviewing potential accountants? Thanks!

  • When To Give A Raise

    I'm new to being a manager, so I'm not sure what is the best way to look at the situation. I have an employee who is a great employee. I recently gave him a 10% raise. He works in the payroll department, so is able to see other employees' pay rates. I feel like he's getting fair pay based on his ed…

  • CFOs with CPAs Skimp in Growth Industries

    In an article in the WSJ by Richard Teitelbaum, the premise is stated that CFO's in high-growth industries invest less due to risk avoidance learned in public accounting. This according to a study to be published in the Journal for Accounting and Economics. Without reading the study, would you agre…

  • Interview Questions For An Accountant II Position

    What questions would you ask an accounting candidate to ensure the following: 1. They embrace technology and change 2. They drive tasks to completion 3. Have a learning / curious mentality I am advising in the hiring process and the position will change completely within 3 months of hiring and then…

  • MBA Or CPA Best Route To CFO Or Controller Job?

    I have my thoughts on this but was curious what the group thought was better training to be CFO and/or controller? MBA or CPA or CMA or what? I recognize they are two different positions requiring different skills so opinions on which is better for both would be great. I am having a discussion wit…

  • Are gift cards taxable income to employees?

    Is it ever possible that a retailer gift card given to employees can use the de minimis exception to taxable income to the employee?  What if the gift cards are given at a retailer such as Apple where specific products are the only possible end gifts? Editor's Discussion Summary: Gifts under $5…

  • When does accepting counter offer from current employer make sense?

    Many articles advise against accepting a job counter offer from the current employer, as your current boss may no longer trust your loyalty or may not present you with future advancement opportunities. I am somehow not fully convinced yet. Do you guys have any thoughts on that? Has anyone successfu…

  • Requesting copies of W-2 from a candidate before extending an offer

    Someone came to ask me and I thought I raise it out here.  This is HR related.Is it legal for a prospective employer to request for a copy of the W-2 from a candidate that the employer is about to make an offer?  The prospective employer already verified employment with the candidate’s HR dept.  T…

  • Accounting Department Goals

    I am trying to put together an incentive plan for my accounting employees.  Any ideas on goals to include for accounting personnel? Editor's Discussion Summary: Accounting Department Goals, in this case as they relate to an incentive plan Focus on a limited set of important metrics Consider A/R…

  • Non-Cash Perks

    What type of non-cash perks would you want/have? What do you think your employees want? According to Robert Half some of the perks are: Additional Days Off Telecommuting Non-traditional work hours Health and wellness benefits (gyms) On site perks (parking, free lunch)

  • What percentage "uplift" to salaries for taxes & benfits?

    Hi. I need to put together a budget for a project we are bidding on. I know the target salaries for each position, but do not know what % "uplift" to add the a salaries for employer taxes and benefits. The new employees will be in CO, MA and NC. Your input on this will be greatly appreciated. Thank…

  • As a CMA, do I have to write all 4-parts of the CPA in TX?

    I'm a CMA and also want to get the CPA designation. Or is there a waiver for some part of the CPA?

  • How do you create an elevator pitch?

    Constructing and refining an elevator pitch are about as much fun as writing a resume, but the risk of not having and delivering one can keep your career on ice. I work with Purdue students via mock interviews and one thing there are always “supposed to” convey to me is their elevator pitch. I have…

  • Business Consultant

    I have a bcomm degree and now studying towards CIMA. I want to be a business consultant. Is it possible to avoid working in a consulting firm and just open my own practice and learn the ropes from there?

  • Financial risk presenation

    Currently as Finance Manager in the private health insurance space, I am being considered for the position of GM-Finance in the general insurance space. As part of the interview process I am required to make a 5-10 minute powerpoint presentation on "HOW TO MANAGE FINANCIAL RISKS" In your opinion; a…

  • How Netflix Reinvented HR

    "We also departed from a formal travel and expense policy and decided to simply require adultlike behavior there, too. The company’s expense policy is five words long: “Act in Netflix’s best interests.” In talking that through with employees, we said we expected them to spend company money frugally…