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Granholm Signs Bill
Creating New Protection from Identity Theft
On January 3, 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed
Public Act 566, requiring notification of Michigan residents if the
security of a database containing their personal information is breached.
The legislation requires individuals and government agencies to notify
consumers when a security breach puts personal information, including social
security numbers, driver’s license numbers and financial information, at
risk. Failure to properly notify consumers of a security breach can result
in a fine of up to $750,000.
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Board to Continue
Forums on Auditing in the Small Business Environment in 2007
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) will continue its
Forums on Auditing in the Small Business Environment in 2007. These
forums are designed to help share important information concerning the PCAOB
with registered public accounting firms and public companies operating in
the small business community. During the 2007 series, small registered
public accounting firms will be invited to attend a one-day session in one
of eight major cities throughout the country. Although similar in nature to
last year’s forums, the PCAOB plans to make significant changes to the
program to address emerging issues.
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AICPA Issues
Invitation for 2007 Research Grants
The AICPA issued its 2007 invitation to submit proposals for research
grants as part of its continuing program to provide through leadership in
management accounting in collaboration with the American Accounting
Association’s (AAA) Management Accounting Section. Research areas include
Strategic Management; Performance Management; and Risk Management. The AICPA
will fund one or more projects with grants up to $50,000. Selections will be
made in April 2007, with research completed by July 2008. Proposal
guidelines may be found at the AICPA’s
Financial Management
Center.
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People to People
Announces Fall 2007 Women in Accounting Program in South Africa
People to People Ambassador Programs is coordinating a
delegation of
women professionals in accounting who will travel to South Africa from
November 5 - 15, 2007. Led by MACPA member Judge Judith R. Trepeck,
delegates will visit universities, agencies and firms
and will meet with women leaders and colleagues in accounting. The exchange
will include extensive discussions on areas of accounting – public, private
and non-profit; women accountants in the workplace; technology and software
standards; accounting standards in South Africa, including national and
international standards; and the income tax structure. Delegates will visit
two primary areas — Johannesburg and Cape Town — experiencing the culture
and heritage of South Africa along the way. Program details and a
registration form are available by calling 1-877-787-2000, ext. 8100, or
e-mailing
info@ambassadorprograms.org. More information on People to People
Ambassador Programs can be found online at
www.ambassadorprograms.org.
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Make a Difference
Using Your Expertise: Volunteer for the 2007 Tax Assistance Program
The MACPA Communications Task Force seeks volunteers for the 2007
Tax
Assistance Program. In partnership with the Accounting Aid Society, MACPA
volunteers will assist low-income families and individuals with their taxes.
MACPA’s event will take place on two Saturdays, February 10 and February 17,
at Focus: HOPE in Detroit. All volunteers must attend a training session
that explains the software used, typical client situations and tax updates. For more
information, contact Wendi Salmons at 248.267.3709 or via
e-mail.
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Taking Time to Streamline Can Pay Off
Bob Zounek of Bay Shore, N.Y.-based Long Island Forum for Technology
says companies are often too busy to slow down and look for ways to slash
operational costs and boost productivity, but this is a necessary task.
Zounek says companies should consider the layout of their office space, as
well as how much time is spent producing and disseminating unnecessary
documents. To read this article in its entirety and much more about
developments in technology, access
Technology and
Productivity Weekly, the MACPA's electronic technology newsletter for
industry professionals, sponsored by Information, Inc.
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