{"id":3246,"date":"2009-04-15t13:29:03","date_gmt":"2009-04-15t18:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/48e130086c.nxcli.net\/?p=3246"},"modified":"2016-04-19t11:20:03","modified_gmt":"2016-04-19t15:20:03","slug":"aicpa-braces-members-firms-for-cutbacks-and-layoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.g005e.com\/2009\/04\/15\/aicpa-braces-members-firms-for-cutbacks-and-layoffs\/","title":{"rendered":"aicpa advises members, firms on cutbacks and layoffs [updated]"},"content":{"rendered":"

memo to members urges firms to use layoffs as last resort.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“in today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s tough economic times, the aicpa is aware that some firms are tightening their belts and considering cost-saving options,” says the memo<\/a>, which is full of great resource links. “the aicpa is concerned with the well-being of our individual members and member firms”<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. as a first step, the aicpa provides eight alternatives to layoffs, ranging from improved staff coaching for better productivity to cutting partner pay.<\/li>\n
  2. prepare the staff with regular and honest communications.<\/li>\n
  3. when all else fails, be professional and respectful and, above all, know the law.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    “we all know that the current economic climate will change for the better in the future,” says the aicpa. “what we don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know is when things will start to turn around.”<\/p>\n

    what are you seeing? leave a comment here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    [update 5:45pm et, april 15, 2009]<\/p>\n

    meanwhile, let’s not get the wrong idea. the aicpa’s mark koziel says here in comments<\/a>:<\/p>\n

    rick, aicpa isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t saying its going to be bad, just that some firms are considering cost savings options. we want to see every option exhausted before layoffs and if it comes down to it, offering help to the few who may need it. it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not time to say the sky is falling as many firms are still doing quite well. <\/em><\/p>\n

    we continue to help the firms who are doing well in pcps and wanted to be sure to help those who may need it. i wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t say that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a grim outlook, just trying to help all firms out there.<\/em><\/p>\n

    and i agree. the outlook may be cause for concern, but the vast majority of cpa firms are coming off one of their best tax seasons in memory<\/a>. and tax prep firm valuations are up 9%<\/a>. layoffs are the last thing firms should be doing.<\/p>\n