SEEN + HEARD

NEWS BYTES, SOUND ADVICE AND PRACTICAL BUSINESS TIPS

Finance Salary Predictions

The 2010 Salary Guides from Robert Half International project that businesses seeking financial professionals will offer starting salaries that reflect an average increase of 0.5 percent.

Positions with the best salary increase prospects include:

Tax Accountant: Those with one to three years of experience at large companies (more than $250 million in sales) can expect an average national starting salary of $46,500 to $61,500.
Compliance Director: Needed for compliance with SEC mandates and new regulations, and to prepare for IFRS transition, this position can expect starting salaries at a small company (up to $25 million in sales) in the range of $83,750 to $108,500.
Credit Manager/Supervisor: Credit and collections specialists who can evaluate credit risk, manage delinquent payments and help to improve cash flow can demand base compensation between $42,500 and $57,500 in small companies.
Senior Financial Analyst: A senior financial analyst at a midsize company ($25 million to $250 million in sales) is expected to earn a starting salary of $57,750 to $74,000.

Five Tech Don’ts

According to CPATrendlines.com, if you’re only worried about your computer and network security then you’re still not seeing the big IT picture. Here are five of the top technology areas not to be overlooked:

Wireless Network Connection Security: Use protection like Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). When you’re not using your wireless connection turn it off.
Social Media Tools: For CPAs, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are too important to ignore. Firms need to establish policies and integrate the use of social media into everyday work practices.
Instant Messaging Applications: AOL, Microsoft, Google and Yahoo provide popular IM applications that can be used as effective and expedient means of internal communications.
Mobile Phones: Many fail to embrace devices like BlackBerrys, iPhones or Smartphones. What’s more, mobile phones are sometimes irresponsibly used to store confidential information such as client data, Social Security numbers and passwords.
Security for Portable Media: When it comes to USB drives, SD cards and laptops, every accounting office should supply encrypted and authenticated devices.

Get Your Firm on the Map

Google Maps Optimization (GMO) is a valuable tool for businesses looking for ways to attract new clients through the web—at low or no cost. Because it attracts local consumers, GMO is a powerful compliment to other search engine optimization strategies. And unlike sponsored search engine links, listing your firm or business on Google Maps is free.

In addition to increasing visibility, GMO increases your general search ranking and the overall credibility of your business.

To register with Google Maps, visit Google’s Local Business Center.

Source: Theprogressiveaccountant.com

Prepare for a Comeback

According to a recent survey by Ajilon Finance Solutions, companies could do more to ready themselves for the economic recovery. Here are tips to help finance professionals prepare for a brighter future.

Focus on Talent Management: As workloads begin to increase, it’s critical to ensure your firm has highquality employees ready to take those workloads on. Think about adding temporary workers to balance peak workflows and ensure your existing staff doesn’t feel overwhelmed or burnt out. Recognize star performers and openly acknowledge their contributions.
Improve Information Flow: Look into Enterprise Resource Planning systems that bridge communication gaps. Ensure information is passed on quickly and accurately to support key decisions.
Take a Transformational Approach: Focus on strategic and structural improvements that create a more scalable and sustainable cost infrastructure.
Consider Partnering for New Solutions: Partnering with a company in a complimentary industry can help to spread out risk and costs, and can help you gain access to new markets.

iPhone Travel Tips

Planning an overseas business trip or vacation? Don’t come home to a sky-high iPhone bill. AT&T offers these tips:

Turn Data Roaming “Off.”
Use WiFi instead of 3G/GPRS/EDGE; it’s available in most hotels, restaurants and airports.
Turn “Fetch New Data” off so you can control the flow of data to your phone.
Reset your “Data Usage Tracker” to zero, so you can track exactly what you use.
Consider purchasing a monthly international data plan, which will significantly reduce your data usage fees while overseas. Once you’re back on home soil you can cancel the plan if necessary.

Job Dissatisfaction on the Rise

Adecco Group North America's latest American Workplace Insights Survey indicates that 75 percent of workers are looking for another job in today's tightening labor market. According to the survey, companies seeking to retain their employees need to start addressing three key areas of dissatisfaction: compensation, career growth and retention efforts. Specifically, the survey revealed that 66 percent of American workers are not satisfied with their compensation; 76 percent are not satisfied with future career growth opportunities at their company; and 78 percent are not satisfied with their company's overall retention efforts.

What’s more, 48 percent of workers are dissatisfied with the relationship they have with their bosses, and 77 percent disprove of the strategy and vision of the company and its leadership.

If you sense employee dissatisfaction within your ranks, these tips may help to boost loyalty and morale:

Make Retention Efforts Visible: Staff won't feel valued if your efforts to retain them aren't apparent. Retention efforts begin with mutual dialogue and trust building. In other words, engage your employees fully.
Reward Employees and State Your Reasons: If increasing compensation isn’t possible, reward employees through an awards program or team contest. Improving morale by recognizing good work can help to ease compensation complaints.
Communicate Growth Paths for Employees: Managers need to map out a growth plan for employees and communicate it to their teams in order to build confidence.