Akron Chapter IMA Newsletter )
The Summit Report January 2007
In this issue
  • President's Message
  • Short Technical Session
  • CReTISA - Information Security and Regulatory Compliance Beyond SOX
  • Pricing for 2006 - 2007
  • Welcome New Members
  • 2006 - 2007 Meeting Schedule
  • HB Consultants - Job Openings
  • Message from Employment Director
  • The Importance of an Employee-Friendly Work Environment
  • Dear Members:

    Please take this opportunity to network with fellow members over Hors D’Oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. on January 17, 2007 at the Tangier Restaurant. A Technical Session will follow at 6:15 p.m.


    Shirley Calvin

    President's Message
    Dean

    Happy New Year Fellow Members,

    On behalf of the chapter, I want to thank and congratulate Diane Saulino and her staff for putting on another truly outstanding event. The December 8th Professional Development Seminar held at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls was a huge success. The people who took the opportunity to attend gave excellent reviews of the speakers and the facilities. Based on the overwhelming positive feedback received, it would be safe to say the chapter will be sponsoring another seminar next year.

    The New Year has started. It is usually during this time of year that we make resolutions and promises to facilitate change in the upcoming year. I would like to challenge you, my fellow chapter members, to come to a meeting if you have not attended in a while. To those of you who do attend the meetings, bring a friend or colleague and show them what the IMA has to offer. If you want to become more involved in the chapter, step up and let us know. We will do our best to accommodate you.

    The January meeting is our shortest scheduled meeting of the year. It will be held at Tangiers starting at 5:30 PM on January 17th. Our speaker is Lance Knepper, who is scheduled to begin at 6:15 PM. Lance will be sharing with us his insights on working smarter with excel and other Microsoft products. There will be an excellent opportunity to network both before and after Lance’s presentation.

    I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year.

    Sincerely, Dean C. Hull II
    President
    Akron Chapter IMA

    Short Technical Session


    Tangier Restaurant
    January 17, 2007
    LANCE KNEPPER
    Director of Technology, Socius
    “Working Smarter with Excel and Other Microsoft Tools”

    As Socius’ Director of Technology, Lance Knepper is responsible for the leadership of the professional service delivery teams and internal technology. With over sixteen years experience leading teams and projects to successful results, his expertise includes strategic planning, project management, software implementation, enterprise application integration, software development and system architecture design. He has managed large-scale technology engagements, overseeing project scope, budget, resource management and overall client satisfaction.

    Throughout his career, Lance has performed software selection, requirement analysis, system implementation and process improvement activities for key clients. He has worked with senior level management to identify and document key business processes that can be improved through the implementation of technology. Lance also served as an Application control consultant on the Sarbanes- Oxley project for American Express and was involved in the review of several key internal financial and operational processes in American Express global locations.

    Lance is a graduate of Clark State College with a degree in Business Management. He is also a Microsoft Certified Professional and has completed the Six Sigma Black Belt certification process while working under American Express.

    CReTISA - Information Security and Regulatory Compliance Beyond SOX

    CReTISA



    Friday, February 23, 2007
    7:30AM - 5:15PM

    This Year's Theme:
    Information Security and Regulatory Compliance Beyond SOX

    New This Year:
    Hands-on XBRL Workshop
    Thursday, FEBRUARY 22, 2007 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM, CBA 106


    HOSTED BY
    Center for Research & Training in Information Security & Assurance
    The G. W. Daverio School of Accountancy
    College of Business Administration
    The University of Akron
    Akron, OH 44325-4802
    (330) 972-7588 (phone)
    (330) 972-8597 (fax)

    CPE Credit: 8 hours

    LOCATION
    Crowne Plaza at Quaker Square
    Downtown Akron
    135 South Broadway Street
    Akron, OH 44304
    (330) 253-5970

    SPONSORED BY
    Information Systems Audit & Control Association—Northeast Ohio Chapter
    The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (Pending)
    Institute of Management Accountants—Akron Chapter (Pending)
    Institute of Internal Auditors—Northeast Ohio Chapter (Pending)


    Deadline for registration is Friday, February 16, 2007. Fee:

    • Registration fee for only xbrl the workshop on Thursday (February 22) is $100 This includes XBRL material, refreshments, and dinner.

    • Registration for only the Friday sessions is $150 This includes continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments during the mid- morning and mid-afternoon breaks.

    • Registration for both the Thursday workshop and the Friday sessions is $225 This includes all the items noted above.

    • A late fee of $25 will be charged for registration after February 16.
      Click here for online registration.


      Click here for registration form
      Hotel Reservations. We have reserved a small block of Crowne Plaza Hotel rooms at a nightly rate of $79 for persons who make hotel reservations by February 5, 2007. Call the hotel directly at (330) 253- 5970 or toll free (866) 668-6689 or (800) 2CROWNE.


    WHO SHOULD ATTEND

    This symposium is designed for persons with responsibilities and interest in information systems risk, security, assurance, and regulatory compliance. It is especially geared towards financial professionals who supervise information systems departments, information systems auditors, internal auditors, public accountants, CIOs, CFOs, attorneys, college professors, and members of professional organizations such as the AICPA, OSCPA , IIA, IMA, and ISACA. Employees of local, state, and federal governments with responsibility for information systems security would also benefit from this seminar.


    CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
    Total for both Thursday and Friday sessions – 12 CPEs
    Total for only the Workshop – 4 CPEs
    Total for only the Friday Session – 8 CPEs.


    For further information about the Symposium, contact either of the following:

    Thomas Calderon

    Akhilesh Chandra

    tcalderon@uakro n.edu

    ac10@uakron.edu

    (330) 972-6228

    (330) 972-6230


    Pricing for 2006 - 2007

    The price for the 2006/2007 Tech Session Dinner Meetings will be $25.00 per meeting.

    The Pre-Tech Sessions will remain at $10.00 per session. You can also pre-pay $50.00 for all the sessions and save $20.00

    Pre-Tech Sessions will begin and end promptly at 5:25 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. respectively.

    Welcome New Members

    10-27-06 Yelena Kemp
    11-29-06 Nadine Nash, KSU Student
    12-08-06 C. Susanne Carmack
    12-18-06 John Vacarchuk, Akron U student

    2006 - 2007 Meeting Schedule

    All Regular Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the Month

  • 1/17/07 Tangier Restaurant
  • 2/21/07 Martin University Center
  • 3/21/07 Tangier Restaurant
  • 4/18/07 KSU Student Center
  • 5/16/07 Tangier Restaurant
  • HB Consultants - Job Openings

    HB Consultants
    3175 Belmont Ave., Suite B
    Youngstown OH 44505
    330-759-8700
    Email: HB Consultants@sbcglobal.com
    We have the following job openings:

    SAP Module Service Level 2 Specialists
    Metals company located in northeast Ohio is seeking candidates for the positions of SAP Service Level 2 Specialist in (one each) the Fi/Co, SD and PP modules. Duties include module configuration, implementation oversight, training and support, in primarily domestic but some foreign corporate locations. This position is also responsible for managing module upgrades. Five or more years of functional SAP experience in configuring, debugging and implementing the modules is required. Experience in SAP BW and CRM are a plus. A bachelor’s degree in an information technology discipline or equivalent experience is required.


    CORPORATE ACCOUNTING ANALYST
    REQUIRED BACKGROUND:

    • 3+ years of hands-on experience in public accounting (Big 4 preferred) or external financial reporting
    • A Bachelor’s degree in accounting
    • CPA required
    • Knowledge of current GAAP
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and meet strict deadlines
    • Ability to work effectively with varying levels and staff and management

    Position will play a key role in the preparation and filing of all SEC documents as well as providing support in all areas of the corporate accounting functions. This position will report to the Manager of SEC Reporting and Internal Controls, offer significant exposure to senior management, and create an excellent opportunity to add value in a high-profile process.

    • Participate in the preparation of the Annual Report and Proxy for the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
    • Participate in the preparation/review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q
    • Coordinate and partner with various finance and non-finance departments to obtain the information needed to prepare SEC filings, review information and prepare organized work-papers
    • Assist with the updating of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures documentation on a quarterly basis
    • Monitor communications from the FASB, SEC, etc. for changes in accounting and reporting requirements
    • Complete technical accounting/reporting research, assess the impact of and assist in the implementation of new accounting and disclosure requirements
    • Assist in the review of monthly sales/quarterly earnings releases and related prepared scripts
    • Monitor peer SEC filings and other SEC filings to identify best practices for reporting and disclosure
    • Complete ad hoc financial projects as requested by Management

    INTERNAL CONTROL ANALYST
    REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
    Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Related Field.
    Minimum four years Hands-on experience, public accounting, internal audit, and/or internal controls.
    Demonstrated experience with internal controls evaluation, US GAAP, COSO, and SOX 404.

    • Assist with the management of the SOX compliance process throughout the corporation.
    • Work with business unit Controllers to evaluate internal control testing results and implement corrective actions.
    • Assist in the assessment of the design and effectiveness of internal controls.
    • Coordinate and lead annual internal control documentation walkthroughs for all business units.
    • Perform the corporation’s planning analysis to determine SOX scoping and monitor for quarterly changes.
    • Manage the documentation change process associated with SOX compliance.
    • Perform process and internal control reviews and identify improvements to reduce key controls, control effectiveness and control efficiency.
    • Assist with the implementation of SOX for future acquisitions or the redesign of internal controls for changes in information systems.
    • Communicate with external auditors regarding SOX requirements.

    PLUSES:
    A professional certification in finance (or working toward one), such as CPA, CIA, or CMA.
    MISC:
    Position is located at Corporation Headquarters in NE Ohio and approximately 30% travel to domestic and international locations is expected. Position reports to Manager of SEC Reporting and Internal Controls.

    Message from Employment Director

    Please contact Roy Howarter if you have a job available or are looking for an employment opportunity.

    Roy Howarter - Akron IMA Employment Director, 1- 800-321-5583

    The Importance of an Employee-Friendly Work Environment

    A positive, people-focused work environment is crucial to recruiting and retaining top accounting professionals. In a survey by Robert Half International, executives were asked, “If you were president of your company, what, if anything, would you change?” More than a quarter of respondents said their first priority would be creating a more flexible, employee-friendly work environment.

    But what characterizes an “employee-friendly” atmosphere? While firms are as diverse and unique as their workers, all managers can benefit both their employees and organizations by considering the following tips:

    Empower employees. As a manager, promoting entrepreneurship is vital. Encourage workers to offer input and ideas, and allow them to put their personal stamp on projects when appropriate. Employees who feel they have ownership of a project are likely to care much more about its success

    Recognize contributions. A heartfelt “thank you” for a job well done is a simple – but often overlooked – way to motivate staff. Foster a sense of unity and teamwork by rewarding the entire department when pivotal goals are achieved. In addition, if one of your management accountants goes above and beyond the call of duty, you might mention his or her efforts in the company newsletter or give the employee a handwritten note of gratitude.

    Get flexible. Work/life balance is extremely important to employees. Many need time to care for children, parents or both. Others simply seek the opportunity to pursue hobbies, take classes or spend time with family. Offering flexible work hours, telecommuting options, tuition reimbursement and other perks allow employees to better balance personal and professional obligations.

    Be socially responsible. Being viewed as a good corporate citizen can reinforce your company’s core values and inspire employee loyalty. Firms can support their communities by giving team members the opportunity to engage in volunteer work, investing in corporate philanthropy or establishing an employee matching-gifts program. You can further demonstrate the high priority your organization places on corporate citizenship by personally getting involved in goodwill initiatives.

    Strong leadership is a key driver for creating an employee-friendly environment. By taking the suggestions highlighted above, you’ll attract top performers and build a culture that gives current team members great incentive to stay.

    Accountemps is the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The company has more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.

    Quick Links...