120 best practices to improve the total process of the payroll department
Payroll Best Practices examines, in great detail, best practices for the payroll function, and how to install them to provide readers with an in-depth knowledge of how this critical functional area can be improved. Here, controllers, payroll managers, and CFOs will discover the exact work plans needed to implement each best practice in their organizations, and lays out pitfalls likely to be encountered and avoided along the way.
This how-to resource for payroll improvements includes:
* Techniques for reducing the workload and error rate of the payroll staff
* Methods for switching from an in-house to an outsourced payroll solution
* Ways to create or outsource a Web-based timekeeping system
* Approaches to switching to an employee-driven payroll deduction system
* Graphics indicating the cost and implementation duration for each best practice
* Policies and procedures that support the best practices
* A simplified best practices implementation plan
* An appendix that summarizes the large number of best practices presented
* A glossary of key payroll-related terminology
* And much more

Accounting expert Steven Bragg equips you with a working knowledge of the complete M&A process throughout "Mergers and Acquisitions: A Condensed Practitioner's Guide," with comprehensive, reader-friendly, and straightforward advice on principal business terms, as well as the due diligence process, the customary contractual provisions, legal background, and how-to's applicable to business acquisitions. Destined to become a well-thumbed addition to every manager's library, this essential guide addresses the entire acquisition process with pragmatic information that will serve you as an excellent reference whether you are a novice or expert acquirer.

The ultimate guide to investor relations

Your one-stop resource for everything pertaining to your company's dealings with the investment community, "Running an Effective Investor Relations Department" provides investor relations professionals with essential day-to-day information. From creating and properly communicating a company's investment story, to dealing with both the sell side and buy side of the investment community, to providing guidance, and the form and frequency of that guidance, this authoritative resource covers it all. Addresses every possible area of the investor relations professionIncludes chapters covering disclosure, forward-looking statements, guidance, event management, and twenty other topics Other titles by Bragg: "The Vest Pocket Controller, Accounting Best Practices, Sixth Edition, "and" Just-in-Time Accounting, Third Edition"

Practical and thorough, this book offers the world-class guidance you need to effectively manage your investor relations department.

The latest and most important information for best practices in the inventory function

"Inventory Best Practices, Second Edition" offers the latest and most important information on advanced techniques and strategies to improve on the accuracy of all ongoing inventories, configure a warehouse for optimum counting efficiencies, and more. Explains the difference between different types of distressed merchandise for disposal purposesShows how to maximize the efficiency of inventory tracking systems by shifting selected inventory items into floor stockExamines inventory picking, storage, transactions as well as warehouse layouts, and inventory measurement

"Inventory Best Practices, Second Edition" will not only show professionals how to cut their business costs but will demonstrate how to optimize their company's effectiveness as well.

The handy problem-solver with helpful information for today's busy bookkeepers

"Bookkeeping Essentials: How to Succeed as a Bookkeeper" is the handy problem-solver that gives today's busy bookkeepers and accountants the helpful information they need in a quick-reference format. Whether in public practice or private industry, professionals will always have this reliable reference tool at their fingertips.Packed with practical techniques and rules of thumb for analyzing, evaluating, and solving the day-to-day problems every accountant facesHelps bookkeepers and accountants quickly pinpoint what to look for, what to watch out for, what to do, and how to do itOffers hundreds of explanations supported by a multitude of examples, tables, charts, and ratios

Filled with dozens of accounting best practices, "Bookkeeping Essentials" is a powerful companion for the ever-changing world of today's accountant and bookkeeper.

"The latest edition goes beyond ho-hum analysis techniques and provides concrete problem solving. The text is sprinkled with real-world problems (and the analytical tools to solve them) that will be familiar to accounting professionals everywhere. A must-have for anyone looking to improve their company's decision making . . . and their own role in it."
--George R. MacEachern President, Grosvenor Financial Services

"Steve Bragg has presented yet another comprehensive reference tool for the finance professional. "Financial Analysis: A Controller's Guide" is the perfect reference guide for today's controller, presenting not only traditional financial analysis information, but also various types of analyses that will benefit any type of organization. This book is a must-have for any financial professional desiring to make a relevant contribution to his/her organization."
--Jodi Nefzger, CPP Director of Finance, Masonic Home of Missouri

Today's proactive controllers can soar past their mundane responsibilities and become active participants in their corporation's success with the visionary tools found in Steven Bragg's "Financial Analysis: A Controller's Guide, Second Edition,"

Now updated to include analyses of intangible asset measurement and performance improvement as well as evaluation methods to determine which products and services should be eliminated, "Financial Analysis: A Controller's Guide, Second Edition" helps financial managers upgrade their skills so they can answer their organization's call for company operations reviews, investment evaluations, problem reporting, and special investigation requests. Controllers prepared to address this growing need formore innovative financial analysis will open doors to a variety of promotions and high-level interactions with other departments.

Become a highly valued member of your company's infrastructure with the indispensable tools found in "Financial Analysis: A Controller's Guide, Second Edition,"

A one-stop resource for setting up or improving an existing payroll system

The most comprehensive resource available on the subject, Accounting for Payroll: A Comprehensive Guide provides up-to-date information to enable users to handle payroll accounting in the most cost-effective manner.

From creating a system from scratch to setting up a payroll department to record-keeping and journal entries, Accounting for Payroll provides the most authoritative information on the entire payroll process. Ideal for anyone new to the payroll system or as a skill-honing tool for those already immersed in the field, this hands-on reference provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a well-organized payroll system or improving an existing one.

The Controller's Guide to Planning and Controlling Operations is a comprehensive guide for controllers, CFOs, and budget managers who need to determine: The soundness of sales forecastsThe best approach for setting product pricesThe profitability of customers and market segmentsFederal tax remittance rulesThe impact of a just-in-time system on inventory levels

Packed with clear and realistic strategies, it helps create a coherent framework of financial plans that apply to the full breadth of ongoing corporate control systems, as well as illustrates: When to use labor and materials standards to control manufacturingHow to control research and development costsHow to grant appropriate credit levels to customersHow to set up an effective capital budgeting processHow to create a cost-of-capital calculation

A complete appraisal of analytical tools available to managers to assess performance

Required reading for anyone starting, running, or growing a business, "Business Ratios and Formulas, Third Edition" puts answers at the fingertips of business managers, with nearly 250 operational criteria and clear, easy-to-understand explanations that can be used right away. The "Third Edition" includes twenty new measurements.Approximately 20 new measurementsOffers a comprehensive resource of nearly 250 operational criteriaAn Appendix including a dictionary of accounting and finance termsA thorough list of every ratio and formula, and how to compile and interpret that informationAlso by Steven M. Bragg: Fast Close: A Guide to Closing the Books Quickly, Second Edition

An ideal tool for measuring corporate performance, this authoritative resource allows you to pick and choose the tools you need to best assess your organization's performance.

Praise for "Fast Close: A Guide to Closing the Books Quickly"

"Steve captures the essence of the problems affecting the financial close process within corporations of all sizes; from the period close of subledgers and general ledger through financial reporting, and the relationship and interdependencies of governance, people and technology. A must-read for the corporate controller."
--David Taylor, ACMA, MBA, VP Strategy, Trintech Inc.

""Fast Close: A Guide to Closing the Books Quickly," Second Edition is a must-read for today's busy controllers. Steven Bragg points out everything that can be done outside the close that you just never realized didn't actually have to be part of the month-end close process Very commonsensical approach "
--Kathleen Schneibel, mba, cpa, Controller/CFO for Hire, KMAS Consulting LLC

"A well-executed 'fast close' can bring many valuable benefits to any company, from improving organizational performance to transforming accounting executives from financial historians to trusted advisors. In Fast Close, Second Edition, Steve systematically breaks down the steps required to achieve a fast close in both public and private companies, providing financial executives with tips, checklists, and a cost-effective road map to implement fast close procedures in virtually any company."
--Matthew Posta, Esq., CPA, Vice President of Finance, Key Air, LLC

FROM THE FIRST EDITION

"This is an outstanding book in which Steve reveals his secrets to a fast close. Having personally experienced his (one-day) fast close for years and enjoyed the beneficial impact on my company, I highly recommend this book for all financial officers who desire to have a large, favorable impact on their company."
--Richard V. Souders, President and CEO, Kaba Workforce Solutions

Discover the tools for knowing the costs your company should cut, without impacting its ability to deliver goods and services

New from Steve Bragg, this book provides the tools for determining which costs a company should cut, without impacting its ability to deliver goods and services. It explains how to use throughput analysis in order to locate bottleneck operations in a company, which in turn dictates where capital investments should (and should not) be made.Delves into process analysis, to determine where excess resources are being used in a business processDescribes the total cost of ownership, showing how a single purchasing decision actually snowballs into a variety of ancillary costsShows how to create and use a spend management system to reduce procurement costsShows how just-in-time systems can be used to eliminate inventory costs

"Cost Reduction Analysis: Tools and Strategies" provides examples to show how much cost can potentially be eliminated to avoid drastic action later that can imperil your corporation's direction and future.

Praise for

throughput accounting

a guide to constraint management

"Throughput Accounting provides managers with a fresh set of eyes to identify and control bottlenecks. The drum, buffer, and rope will become part of the cost accounting lexicon in the future."
--Geoffrey Garland, Controller, StacoSwitch, Inc.

"This is good stuff! Steven Bragg has introduced us to an accounting structure that will enhance our bottom line utilizing throughput accounting methodology. Finally! We have a presentable means to transform a company's financial functions to support the cultural change to throughput accounting."
--Rick J. Stevens, President, LeanThinkingbyAccountants, LLC

"A thought-provoking, insightful, and useful book that explains how older conventions of accounting can lead to poor management decisions. Instead of focusing on typical cost-cutting methods only, Mr. Bragg provides CFOs with a systemic approach on how to instead focus on maximizing profits and become better business partners."
--Arif Iqball, Executive Director and CFO, Avon Products Co. Ltd. Japan

"Throughput Accounting by Steve Bragg presents a new way to evaluate and apply the concepts of cost accounting with greater impact on operational efficiencies. An interesting, understandable, and useful guide for anyone who needs a valuable source of information and ideas relating to financial and accounting affairs."
--Carlos Millan, Director of Finance and Operations, NOLA, Grupo Quanam

Throughput Accounting addresses every possible area of constraint management that would be of interest to an accountant. This groundbreaking book includes chapters covering financial analysis scenarios with casestudies that show specifically how throughput accounting can be used to find the best solutions in a large number of real-world situations.

If you are an accounting manager, financial analyst, production planner, or production manager, Throughput Accounting contains the tools you need to improve your company's performance.

Controllera s Guide to Costing is a comprehensive source for all issues related to cost accounting, detailing aspects of creating costing systems, how cost accounting systems work, interpreting the results, and how the resulting information can be used, including:* Provides an overview of various costing methodologies.* Written in easy to understand language - from one controller to another.* Includes information on application, implementation, reporting, problems that can arise, and example case studies.

Praise for Treasury Management The Practitioner's Guide

"Steven Bragg has written a broad-based look at the treasurer's function that is as timely as it is complete. This book is an excellent choice for experienced treasury personnel, those new to the area, or the small business CFO needing to develop additional expertise."
?Matthew Boutte, Asset/Liability Manager, AVP, Sterling Bank

"Cash is king Steven Bragg's "Treasury Management: The Practitioner's Guide" peels back the onion on the most pressing topics facing today's treasurer?cash management, financing, risk management, and treasury systems."
?Geoffrey Garland, Controller, Staco Systems

"This book gives an insight into the various intricacies, augmented with examples and flowcharts, involved in a treasury role. It gives a practical and detailed approach to cash management. A must-read for accounting heads of small businesses who have the additional responsibility of being a treasurer."
?Priya K Srinivasan, Owner, Priya K Srinivasan CPA

"Treasury Management: The Practitioner's Guide" describes all aspects of the treasury function. This comprehensive book includes chapters covering the treasury department, cash transfer methods, cash forecasting, cash concentration, working capital management, debt management, equity management, investment management, foreign exchange risk management, interest risk management, clearing and settlement systems, and treasury systems.

If you are a treasurer, CFO, cash manager, or controller, "Treasury Management: The Practitioner's Guide" allows you to quickly grasp the real world of treasury management and the many practical and strategic issues faced by treasurers and financial professionals today.

* Details how cost accounting systems work and how the resulting information can be used.* Includes a list of the most common costing problems, along with recommended solutions.* Provides case studies on costing issues and sample journal entries for the most common cost entries.* Includes a dictionary of cost accounting terminology.* Includes flowcharts and control point listing for several types of costing systems.

Dramatically improve inventory accuracy with bestselling author Steven Bragg's step-by-step guidelines
Inventory Accounting is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to setting up an inventory accounting system and keeping it running at maximum efficiency. This hands-on book provides accounting professionals with essential information on how to:
* Set up an accounting system that efficiently handles accumulating inventory costs, summarizing accounts, and standard journal entries used to record transactions
* Use best practices to increase the efficiency of inventory-tracking and costing functions
* Install unique controls to combat inventory fraud
* Implement a step-by-step checklist of activities for inventory counting procedures
* Save hours of valuable time researching various GAAP reference manuals
* Adapt inventory tracking and costing systems to accommodate a variety of manufacturing systems
Spanning the entire spectrum of inventory accounting, Inventory Accounting deftly explores every facet of the field to help professionals eliminate inaccuracies from their inventory accounting systems.

Now fully updated and at your fingertips the most practical, authoritative guide to implementing GAAP Get the answers you need to prepare financial statements and keep up to date on the latest FASB requirements. Now fully revised and updated, Wiley GAAP Policies and Procedures, Second Edition is an ideal companion to the Wiley GAAP guide and provides the practical application information essential to ensuring that a company's accounting systems are fully capable of incorporating the most recent GAAP. A concise version of the more detailed GAAP found in the Wiley GAAP guides, Wiley GAAP Policies and Procedures, Second Edition features handy, illustrative decision trees showing how to determine which GAAP ruling to use in a variety of situations, eliminating hours of time wading through detailed GAAP rulings and presents:
* New chapters on interim reporting, segment reporting, and accounting changes and correction of errors
* Updated content on FAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, FAS No. 153, Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets, FAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Correction, FAS No. 156, Servicing of Financial Assets
* Implementation on nineteen newly issued EITFs
* Specific accounting policies that comply with GAAP, especially in terms of creating controls that mesh with GAAP
* The most common accounting transactions modified to work within GAAP restrictions
* Specific controls that allow the maximum level of control over accounting systems while remaining in compliance with GAAP
* Templates for forms and reports that can be used in a GAAP-compliant accounting system
* Numerous examples of footnotes that can be used to describe GAAP-mandated financial disclosures
* Hundreds of GAAP-compliant journal entries for most accounting transactions
Wiley GAAP Policies and Procedures, Second Edition is a valuable tool for CFOs, controllers, accounting managers, and general ledger accountants who need to ensure that their company properly treats all types of accounting transactions in accordance with GAAP.

"Once again, Bragg has turned his discerning eye and formidable talents on a topic and the results are outstanding. Both those new to the business and the long-established entrepreneur will benefit greatly when he joins forces with E. James Burton to produce this outstanding work."
--Mary S. Schaeffer, Editorial Director "Accounts Payable Now & Tomorrow"

"I use the tips and practices found in this book] all through the year. They are clear, direct, and efficient-which, in turn, improves our company and our bottom line. I recommend this book] to anyone wanting to improve their own bottom line."
--D. R. Drum, CIO, CSO Engineering/Accounting, Dragon Moon Productions

"Eminently accessible, this book is a must-read for the entrepreneur, both new and established alike. Organizationally, the work flows smoothly and logically in a way that is valuable for the start-up as well as the veteran needing a refresher on specific aspects of the small business accounting/financing picture. I found particularly useful the rich resourcefulness that Messrs Burton and Bragg brought to the table in compiling the essential checklists for every conceivable corner of the entrepreneur's financial realm from fraud prevention to financing options. As a small business owner myself, I was well pleased with the real-world guidance and instant 'useability' this book offers."
--David Struthers, JDFacilitator/Trial Lawyer

"This book is essential for any small business owner, manager, or accountant's business tool kit. This easy-to-read book distills complex subject matter into meaningful and understandable information and is a great refresher course for those deeply involved in the accounting and financial matters of a small business. The book contains many examples that can be used immediately in daily operations to improve the quality of information for better decision making. The book provides those involved in small business the framework to manage what they measure."
--Jim Bologa, CFODaticon, Inc.

Praise for previous editions of "Accounting Best Practices"

"For a comprehensive, yet easy-to-read guide to fixing those all-too-common shortcomings in your accounting department, look no further than this excellent book. Steve Bragg provides hundreds of fixes, many of them requiring surprisingly little time or cost while providing a handy guide to common implementation pitfalls. . . . I would recommend this invaluable book to anyone who is looking to enhance their existing processes, whether due to growth in their business, compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley, or just as part of their ongoing improvement process."--Martyn Webster, CPA, Director of Finance, XenoPort, Inc.

"This book is critical to running an efficient and accurate accounting department. The use of RFID technology to track documents is one of many valuable tools in this latest edition. A required read for the demanding accounting manager's role."--Jason Charet, CPA

"I've used Steve Bragg's "Accounting Best Practices" books for years as a source of ideas for improvement. Like previous editions, this edition has a number of new, actionable best practices as well as refinements of those ideas reported in previous editions. The books are broad enough in their perspective so that nearly any organization could find ideas that could pay back the cost of the book many times over."--John Temmerman, Controller, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

"What a great resource I have been in the accounting field for over twenty years, and I was still able to gain insight into improving processes within my office. Thanks for putting it all in one book "--Tina M. Thomas, CPA, CTP, Controller, Goodman & Company, LLP

As paradoxical as it sounds, one of the toughest problems facing many of today's most successful companies is success itself. Like living organisms, companies are complex networks of interdependent systems-and unless managers recognize and swiftly implement the changes to those systems required by a sudden surge in demand, a booming business can easily go bust under the strain. Recent history abounds with examples of companies whose overnight success led to morning-after failure because their managers, like most managers, lacked the training or experience needed to manage explosive growth. Yet, surprisingly, until recently there have been few expert guides devoted exclusively to this crucial change management issue.
Managing Explosive Corporate Growth is a practical guide to piloting your company through periods of explosive growth with minimum damage and maximum sustainable profits. Author Steven Bragg explores the reasons why companies succeed or fail to adapt to explosive growth. He identifies the warning signs of impending explosions or declines in sales volume and zeroes in on the key growth issues specific to each functional area of the company-including accounting, auditing, IT, customer service, distribution, engineering, finance, HR, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. He also presents clear-cut guidelines on how to balance the demands of all organizational areas while guaranteeing customer satisfaction.
In addition to proven strategies for planning, financing, and managing explosive growth, he provides you with valuable explosive growth management tools, including checklists of key explosive growth indicators; metrics and reporting systems for controlling cashflow; multioption budgeting systems that address all growth levels; and reporting systems that help you monitor and control rapid expansion.
Managing Explosive Corporate Growth is an indispensable working resource for corporate managers, internal auditors, and entrepreneurs. It will also be of considerable interest to institutional investors who would like to learn the latest techniques for tracking the performance of current or potential investments.

The definitive guide to all things IFRS

"IFRS Made Easy" provides complete, easy-to-navigate coverage of all International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) with concise explanations and hundreds of supporting examples. This reference tool goes anywhere you go-to a client's office, on a business trip, or to an important lunch meeting, with on-the-spot answers to any questions that arise.Practical, plain -language explanation of the international financial accounting and reporting standardsSummarizes International Financial Reporting StandardsLiberally sprinkled with definitions and examplesNotes applicable IFRS source documents

Written for every company struggling with the impact of convergence, "IFRS Made Easy" clearly explains how IFRS will impact your company, how you will need to account for various specific items, and more. This book is filled with practical techniques and rules of thumb for understanding the day-to-day IFRS issues every accountant, controller or CFO is sure to face-and puts all the answers you need at your fingertips.

Praise for Running a Public Company: From IPO to SEC Reporting

"Steve Bragg's book is an essential read for anyone contemplating a public offering or taking on leadership responsibility in a public company. Not only does he explain the complicated aspects of registration and reporting, he provides practical examples of policies, procedures, and controls to keep a public company on the right track. This book is easy to follow and will continue to be a resource for the reader."--Tom Wilkinson, PMB Helin Donovan, LLP

"I will recommend Running a Public Company: From IPO to SEC Reporting to my clients and consulting colleagues as an excellent resource. The book provides helpful guidance about the decision to go public, and about managing the requirements once a company is public. Steve Bragg's extensive knowledge stems from actual business experience, and his writing style makes a complex topic easier to follow and understand."--Valerie G. Walling, CPA, CMC, Management and Internal Controls Consultant

"I highly recommend Steve's new book, Running a Public Company: From IPO to SEC Reporting, because it's a reference manual and insider's guide that contains a treasure trove of valuable insights certain to help managers, accountants, and attorneys navigate through the countless challenges that arise when taking (and keeping) a company public."--Matthew Posta, Esq., CPA, Vice President of Finance, Key Air, LLC

"Mr. Bragg has done an excellent job of demystifying what is required to run your company and sell your stock in the public markets. I consider this a must-read for anyone considering a public offering or working with a public company."--Wray Rives, CPA

"Running a Public Company: From IPO to SEC Reporting is an incredibly exhaustive guide to going public, spanning the process from first deciding to take the leap to filing with the SEC and everything in between--so comprehensive that it even includes the SEC's account number for paying filing fees This is yet another Steven Bragg title for professionals that takes a complicated and oftentimes confusing process and breaks it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Should our company ever decide to make that jump, it is reassuring to know that Running a Public Company has laid out the path before us in perfect detail. Whether used as a reference or a guide, Mr. Bragg makes the process simple, clear, and amazingly straightforward."--Adrienne Gonzalez, Project Coordinator, Roger CPA Review, Chief Information Officer, JrDeputyAccountant.com

"The first A to Z guide that I have seen. An excellent reference for management and investors alike."--Brian A. Lebrecht, Esq., President, The Lebrecht Group, APLC

Now in a fifth edition, "Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual: A Blueprint for Running an Effective and Efficient Department" is a how-to guide on creating an effective and efficient accounting department policies and procedures manual.

Written by Steven Bragg, the foremost authority in accounting and controllership issues, the new edition includes: A new, complimentary Web site providing readers with the foundation for creating or enhancing their accounting department policies and procedures manualMore coverage of accounting procedures including inventory, billing, cash receipts, pricing, order entry, credit, collections, sales returns, capital budgeting, cash forecasting, payroll, and closing the books

"Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual" is the tool every accounting department needs to regularize and systematize its procedures to match the best in the industry.

Today's controllers are no longer seen as technicians who process transactions; they are now seen as business executives with a wide-ranging knowledge of total business operations, best practices, and corporate strategy. Providing a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of controllers in today's environment, this Eighth Edition of "Controllership" continues to provide controllers and vice presidents of finance with all aspects of management accounting from the controller's perspective, including internal control, profit planning, cost control, inventory, and financial disclosure.

The comprehensive guide for CFOs who need an overview of leadership basics from strategies to management improvement tips

Filled with pragmatic insights and proactive strategies, "The New CFO Financial Leadership Manual, Third Edition" is destined to become your essential desktop companion. This thorough guidebook is filled with best practices to help you, as CFO, to improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and keep your organization competitive.Includes updated information on the relationship of the CFO with the Treasurer, registration statements and Fedwire payments, acquisitions integration, legal types of acquisitions, and government regulationsContains control flowcharts for the main accounting cyclesProvides new chapters on Investor Relations and Risk Management for Foreign Exchange and Interest RatesFeatures an itemized list of the key tasks every new CFO should complete when first entering the position, a checklist of 100 performance measures, and a detailed discussion of employee compensation plans

The reference CFOs and other financial managers can turn to for quick answers to questions they have as well as to help them plan their financial strategy, "The New CFO Financial Leadership Manual, Third Edition" is mandatory reading for every CFO wanting to play a strategic role in their organization.