News & trends.

"Auditors have been given an invaluable government endowed franchise under the federal securities laws. But this franchise is only as valuable as the public confidence investors have in it. As firms grow their advisory practices and become ever larger multidisciplinary service organizations, firm leaders must never forget the 'public watchdog,' 'total independence from the client' and 'complete fidelity to the public trust' responsibilities of their audit practice."

--Steven B. Harris, PCAOB member

hire right

Lower Staff Morale & & Productivity Are the Biggest Pitfalls of Poor Hiring Decisions CFOs were asked, "Which one of the following, in your opinion, is the single greatest impact of a bad hiring decision?" and responded:

9% attributed a bad hiring decision to lower staff morale.

34% named lost productivity as the reason.

25% said monetary reasons are the problem.

--Robert Hatt

CalCPA Committees: Share Your Expertise

Want to use your talents at the statewide level? Your opportunity awaits--the application period is open to serve on our CalCPA committees for 2015-16. From estate planning to technology, and from personal financial planning to taxation, there's a committee that meets your interests and expertise.

Work with your peers on projects that increase members' technical knowledge, enhance the profession's image and draw the best and brightest into accounting--all while you build leadership skills and make valuable contacts. The application deadline is Jan. 15 and committee appointments will be later that month. The committee term is May 1-April 30.

Learn more and apply online: www.calcpa.org/committees.