Spring 2014
Forensic Accounting in the News: 04/07/2014
The US Senate's own use of forensic accounting came up this week with news of Caterpillar facing an IRS inquiry, following a report by the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The subcommittee was investigating an international subsidiary set up by Caterpillar, which allowed the company to either defer or avoid paying $2.4 billion in taxes.
It was announced last week that CitiGroup failed the Federal Reserve's stress tests, not due to a lack of capital, but instead due to for flaws in the quality of its submission and failing to fix previous mistakes. In response, CitiGroup has delayed the pending retirement of one of their divisional leaders in a bid to rectify the situation immediately. For further explanation on FED Stress Testing and the related risk implications, join the ZFAA on Wednesday afternoon in welcoming Ajay Bhatt, who used to work with CitiGroup.
Finally, something you may be hearing a great deal about in the very near future is the publication of Michael Lewis' (Moneyball) new book, Flash Boys, which describes the concept of High Frequency Trading (HFT) and takes a critical view on it's affect on the stock market. Regardless of how much interest you take in the stock market, the debate on the merits of HFT is likely going to receive more and more attention, including an inquiry by the FBI. A debate between several related parties, broadcast this past Tuesday on CNBC, is well worth a watch.
The US Senate's own use of forensic accounting came up this week with news of Caterpillar facing an IRS inquiry, following a report by the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The subcommittee was investigating an international subsidiary set up by Caterpillar, which allowed the company to either defer or avoid paying $2.4 billion in taxes.
It was announced last week that CitiGroup failed the Federal Reserve's stress tests, not due to a lack of capital, but instead due to for flaws in the quality of its submission and failing to fix previous mistakes. In response, CitiGroup has delayed the pending retirement of one of their divisional leaders in a bid to rectify the situation immediately. For further explanation on FED Stress Testing and the related risk implications, join the ZFAA on Wednesday afternoon in welcoming Ajay Bhatt, who used to work with CitiGroup.
Finally, something you may be hearing a great deal about in the very near future is the publication of Michael Lewis' (Moneyball) new book, Flash Boys, which describes the concept of High Frequency Trading (HFT) and takes a critical view on it's affect on the stock market. Regardless of how much interest you take in the stock market, the debate on the merits of HFT is likely going to receive more and more attention, including an inquiry by the FBI. A debate between several related parties, broadcast this past Tuesday on CNBC, is well worth a watch.
Forensic Accounting in the News: 03/31/2014
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) have announced a new mentor program for forensic accountants. In recognition of the increased use of forensic accountants. AICPA research has predicted increasing demand for forensic services, largely due to an anticipated uptick in litigation and regulatory enforcement.
We have been following some of the major fraud cases over the last few months. One of the Madoff Ponzi scheme cases has just been completed with five former employees being found guilty of fraud. In the case of Dewey & LeBoeuf, the sealed records of six former employees of the firm, who had already pleaded guilty to accounting fraud charges, have been opened in an effort to support the government's active case against top executives of the firm.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) have announced a new mentor program for forensic accountants. In recognition of the increased use of forensic accountants. AICPA research has predicted increasing demand for forensic services, largely due to an anticipated uptick in litigation and regulatory enforcement.
We have been following some of the major fraud cases over the last few months. One of the Madoff Ponzi scheme cases has just been completed with five former employees being found guilty of fraud. In the case of Dewey & LeBoeuf, the sealed records of six former employees of the firm, who had already pleaded guilty to accounting fraud charges, have been opened in an effort to support the government's active case against top executives of the firm.
EOC jOB$MART - CPA Panel April 29th - Includes a Forensic Accountant
EOC JOB$MART Career Hour – CPA Panel: Career Opportunities in Accounting
Tuesday, April 29th , – 1:00 pm - 2:00pm, Vertical Campus; Room 14-245, (55 Lexington Ave)
EOC’s Job$mart Career Hour brings students and executives together to discuss career-related issues and topics and to assist students in gaining a greater knowledge and understanding of the various industries and organizations. No RSVP necessary for guests with a valid Baruch ID card. If you do not have a valid Baruch ID card, please RSVP to executivesoncampus@baruch.cuny.edu. Please arrive on time as space is limited and the program will start promptly at 1pm. Open to all students and alumni.
Tuesday, April 29th , – 1:00 pm - 2:00pm, Vertical Campus; Room 14-245, (55 Lexington Ave)
EOC’s Job$mart Career Hour brings students and executives together to discuss career-related issues and topics and to assist students in gaining a greater knowledge and understanding of the various industries and organizations. No RSVP necessary for guests with a valid Baruch ID card. If you do not have a valid Baruch ID card, please RSVP to executivesoncampus@baruch.cuny.edu. Please arrive on time as space is limited and the program will start promptly at 1pm. Open to all students and alumni.
Excellent Volunteering Opportunity
The 13th Annual Financial Reporting Conference, featuring FASB Chairman Russell Golden, will be held throughout the day at Baruch on Thursday May 1st. The event is a very important event for professionals, but not a student event, in that there is no free student access. Tickets would cost $195. However, ZFAA members have been offered an opportunity for participation by volunteering at the event. This represents a wonderful opportunity for students. Any volunteers would need to arrive on campus at 7 a.m. to help with the registration desk. At around 8:30 a.m. you would get into the conference room to help with microphones and listen to the speakers. If you are interested, please email zicklinfaa@gmail.com with your availability on that day.
Other guests include:
PAUL BESWICK - Chief Accountant, Office of the Chief Accountant, SEC
MICHAEL MALONEY - Chief Accountant, Div. of Enforcement, SEC
DANIEL MURDOCK - Deputy Chief Accountant, Office of the Chief Accountant, SEC
CRAIG OLINGER - Deputy Chief Accountant, Div. of Corporation Finance, SEC
JAN HAUSER - Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, GE
DUSTY STALLINGS - Partner, PwC
SCOTT TAUB - Managing Director, Financial Reporting Advisors, LLC
JAMES DOTY - Chair, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
SUSAN COSPER - Technical Director, FASB
JACKSON DAY - Partner, EY
ROBERT LAUX - Sr. Dir. of Financial Accounting and Reporting, Microsoft, Inc.
ROBERT UHL - Partner, Deloitte
MARK BIELSTEIN - Partner, KPMG
The 13th Annual Financial Reporting Conference, featuring FASB Chairman Russell Golden, will be held throughout the day at Baruch on Thursday May 1st. The event is a very important event for professionals, but not a student event, in that there is no free student access. Tickets would cost $195. However, ZFAA members have been offered an opportunity for participation by volunteering at the event. This represents a wonderful opportunity for students. Any volunteers would need to arrive on campus at 7 a.m. to help with the registration desk. At around 8:30 a.m. you would get into the conference room to help with microphones and listen to the speakers. If you are interested, please email zicklinfaa@gmail.com with your availability on that day.
Other guests include:
PAUL BESWICK - Chief Accountant, Office of the Chief Accountant, SEC
MICHAEL MALONEY - Chief Accountant, Div. of Enforcement, SEC
DANIEL MURDOCK - Deputy Chief Accountant, Office of the Chief Accountant, SEC
CRAIG OLINGER - Deputy Chief Accountant, Div. of Corporation Finance, SEC
JAN HAUSER - Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, GE
DUSTY STALLINGS - Partner, PwC
SCOTT TAUB - Managing Director, Financial Reporting Advisors, LLC
JAMES DOTY - Chair, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
SUSAN COSPER - Technical Director, FASB
JACKSON DAY - Partner, EY
ROBERT LAUX - Sr. Dir. of Financial Accounting and Reporting, Microsoft, Inc.
ROBERT UHL - Partner, Deloitte
MARK BIELSTEIN - Partner, KPMG
Mentoring with Entry Level Associates
Wondering what it is like when you actually get on the job? Between training, learning the corporate culture, and navigating new projects, the first year can be stressful and overwhelming.
Mentoring with Entry Level Associates is an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with an experienced associate from Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and more to discuss your first year fears. Gain insight on the day to day activities and challenges you might face in the first week, month, and year of your career so you can enter the workplace with confidence. Advisory, Audit, and Tax practices will be represented.
Presented by Graduate Beta Alpha Psi and the Zicklin Graduate Tax Society
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Location: 14-275
RSVP via CareerLink, Refreshments will be served
Information Sessions & Workshops
Sponsored by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and the GCMC! Whether your goal is to improve your chances of getting a full-time offer or simply making the most of your internship experience, you will benefit by attending this workshop. Come and gain various insights about how to be the rockstar intern and ensure you don't spend your internship scanning and filing!
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: 3-210
RSVP at Zicklin Careerlink
Spend a Day with Baker Tilly - Thursday July 24
Spend a Day with Baker Tilly is a one-day program designed for students to experience the culture and career opportunities at one of the largest public accounting and advisory firms. You’ll have an opportunity to:
>explore careers in public accounting or consulting,
>learn about our clients and how we help them,
>engage in a team building activity,
>network with associates of all levels,
>discover opportunities to jumpstart your career through our internship program, and more!
Spend a Day with Baker Tilly is a rewarding, educational, and fun program. Come join us!
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is ranked as one of the top 20 largest accounting and advisory firms in the United States according to Accounting Today’s 2014 list of “Top 100 Firms.” Our principles of integrity, passion, and stewardship guide our behavior and help us strive for excellence in our work. We believe investing in our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve benefits all of us. Join us this summer to learn and understand about an organization that truly believes we realize our potential by helping you realize yours!
Qualifications
>Declared accounting major or high interest in accounting
>Preferred GPA 3.2
Questions? Check out their website! - bakertilly.com/careers/student-programs
Wondering what it is like when you actually get on the job? Between training, learning the corporate culture, and navigating new projects, the first year can be stressful and overwhelming.
Mentoring with Entry Level Associates is an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with an experienced associate from Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and more to discuss your first year fears. Gain insight on the day to day activities and challenges you might face in the first week, month, and year of your career so you can enter the workplace with confidence. Advisory, Audit, and Tax practices will be represented.
Presented by Graduate Beta Alpha Psi and the Zicklin Graduate Tax Society
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Location: 14-275
RSVP via CareerLink, Refreshments will be served
Information Sessions & Workshops
Sponsored by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and the GCMC! Whether your goal is to improve your chances of getting a full-time offer or simply making the most of your internship experience, you will benefit by attending this workshop. Come and gain various insights about how to be the rockstar intern and ensure you don't spend your internship scanning and filing!
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: 3-210
RSVP at Zicklin Careerlink
Spend a Day with Baker Tilly - Thursday July 24
Spend a Day with Baker Tilly is a one-day program designed for students to experience the culture and career opportunities at one of the largest public accounting and advisory firms. You’ll have an opportunity to:
>explore careers in public accounting or consulting,
>learn about our clients and how we help them,
>engage in a team building activity,
>network with associates of all levels,
>discover opportunities to jumpstart your career through our internship program, and more!
Spend a Day with Baker Tilly is a rewarding, educational, and fun program. Come join us!
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is ranked as one of the top 20 largest accounting and advisory firms in the United States according to Accounting Today’s 2014 list of “Top 100 Firms.” Our principles of integrity, passion, and stewardship guide our behavior and help us strive for excellence in our work. We believe investing in our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve benefits all of us. Join us this summer to learn and understand about an organization that truly believes we realize our potential by helping you realize yours!
Qualifications
>Declared accounting major or high interest in accounting
>Preferred GPA 3.2
Questions? Check out their website! - bakertilly.com/careers/student-programs
Put your accounting and tax education to use learning terrific QuickBooks skills at these Friday workshops:
February 14, 2014: QuickBooks Intro Exercises
March 14, 2014: Accounts Receivable
April 11, 2014: Accounts Receivables
May 9, 2014: Accounts Payables
All workshops are from 8:30AM-12:00PM, led by Donna Zanger, owner of a premier provider of outsourced, full-charge bookkeeping services firm.
RSVP for in Zicklin CareerLink today and to get all the details!
February 14, 2014: QuickBooks Intro Exercises
March 14, 2014: Accounts Receivable
April 11, 2014: Accounts Receivables
May 9, 2014: Accounts Payables
All workshops are from 8:30AM-12:00PM, led by Donna Zanger, owner of a premier provider of outsourced, full-charge bookkeeping services firm.
RSVP for in Zicklin CareerLink today and to get all the details!
Fall 2014
ZFAA General Meeting
Tuesday, September 2nd, – 12:30 pm - 2:30pm, Vertical Campus; 14-270
Snacks and drinks will be served
ZFAA's general meeting is a great opportunity for existing members and new candidates to get together for introductions and networking. Learn about the club's upcoming events, tips for OCR and develop connections with your fellow students. .
This is also a great opportunity to learn about the positions available with the ZFAA. Being involved in a club is a great way to gain experience in working with both students and professionals, as well as to develop your network. Also, it looks really good on a resume.
Tuesday, September 2nd, – 12:30 pm - 2:30pm, Vertical Campus; 14-270
Snacks and drinks will be served
ZFAA's general meeting is a great opportunity for existing members and new candidates to get together for introductions and networking. Learn about the club's upcoming events, tips for OCR and develop connections with your fellow students. .
This is also a great opportunity to learn about the positions available with the ZFAA. Being involved in a club is a great way to gain experience in working with both students and professionals, as well as to develop your network. Also, it looks really good on a resume.
CPA CAREER FAIR: Career Opportunities in Accounting
Friday, September 5th – 12:00 pm - 4:00pm, Vertical Campus; Gymnasium
The CPA Fair is a huge event, featuring a variety of different accounting firms. More information can be found in a guide put together by the Newman Library, which offers details about all the employers attending and current accounting news:
http://guides.newman.baruch.cuny.edu/cpafair2014
Friday, September 5th – 12:00 pm - 4:00pm, Vertical Campus; Gymnasium
The CPA Fair is a huge event, featuring a variety of different accounting firms. More information can be found in a guide put together by the Newman Library, which offers details about all the employers attending and current accounting news:
http://guides.newman.baruch.cuny.edu/cpafair2014
Speaking Truth to Power: A presentation by Carson Block
Wednesday, September 10th - 12.30pm - 2pm, VC 14-220
Lunch will be served, business attire requested.
The ZFAA, in association with the Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity, is proud to announce a presentation by Carson Block, founder of Muddy Waters Research. Muddy Waters Research offers freely published investment research, producing three types of reports: Business Fraud, Accounting Fraud and fundamental problems. Carson will discuss the strategies that Muddy Waters Research uses, the motivations behind such events and the effect on the wider industry and market that Muddy Waters has.
The event page, including the required rsvp form, is here. Due to large demand, this event has been moved to VC 14-220. There are already more than 120 confirmed attendees, most of which are either professionals, alumni or faculty. Please make sure you rsvp as soon as possible.
Wednesday, September 10th - 12.30pm - 2pm, VC 14-220
Lunch will be served, business attire requested.
The ZFAA, in association with the Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity, is proud to announce a presentation by Carson Block, founder of Muddy Waters Research. Muddy Waters Research offers freely published investment research, producing three types of reports: Business Fraud, Accounting Fraud and fundamental problems. Carson will discuss the strategies that Muddy Waters Research uses, the motivations behind such events and the effect on the wider industry and market that Muddy Waters has.
The event page, including the required rsvp form, is here. Due to large demand, this event has been moved to VC 14-220. There are already more than 120 confirmed attendees, most of which are either professionals, alumni or faculty. Please make sure you rsvp as soon as possible.
Together, the FAA and GBAP co-sponsored an OCR workshop led by Jack Pullara, a former PwC Principal and current career adviser, to address the concerns of graduating MBA and MS students.
Wednesday, September 11
12:30 - 2:30 pm
VC 14-270
Wednesday, September 11
12:30 - 2:30 pm
VC 14-270
Tips for On-Campus Recruiting (OCR)
Service Line Roundtable
Together, the FAA and GBAP cosponsored this innovative networking and mentoring event. Students enjoyed lunch with professionals from the Big Four and mid-size firms working in audit, tax, advisory, and forensics.
Thursday, September 26
12:30 - 2:30 pm
Library Room 750
Together, the FAA and GBAP cosponsored this innovative networking and mentoring event. Students enjoyed lunch with professionals from the Big Four and mid-size firms working in audit, tax, advisory, and forensics.
Thursday, September 26
12:30 - 2:30 pm
Library Room 750
EY's Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services (FIDS) Presentation
Wednesday, September 17th - 12.30pm - 2pm, VC 14-250
Lunch will be served, business attire requested.
The ZFAA is delighted to welcome back EY's Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services (FIDS) and Forensic Technology & Discovery Services (FTDS) teams. A large group of EY professionals will be here to present their service line and the variety of projects that they manage. The presentation will be followed by questions and networking, so come prepared! This is a really fantastic opportunity to meet with professionals and find out more about what is a growing field of accounting, and a major alternative to audit and tax.
UPDATE: This event is now full. Join the wait list now, as it is very likely that there will be space for you at the event itself.
Important: This is an informational and networking event, not a recruiting event. Do not bring copies of your resume. If a professional asks for your resume, you may follow up later via email.
Wednesday, September 17th - 12.30pm - 2pm, VC 14-250
Lunch will be served, business attire requested.
The ZFAA is delighted to welcome back EY's Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services (FIDS) and Forensic Technology & Discovery Services (FTDS) teams. A large group of EY professionals will be here to present their service line and the variety of projects that they manage. The presentation will be followed by questions and networking, so come prepared! This is a really fantastic opportunity to meet with professionals and find out more about what is a growing field of accounting, and a major alternative to audit and tax.
UPDATE: This event is now full. Join the wait list now, as it is very likely that there will be space for you at the event itself.
Important: This is an informational and networking event, not a recruiting event. Do not bring copies of your resume. If a professional asks for your resume, you may follow up later via email.
Introduction to SQL, with Ricardo Bosch
Tuesday, October 7th - 12.30pm - 2pm, VC 14-245
Attendees will learn how to think about and manage big data, as well as how to run some simple queries and produce informative reports. The instructor is ZFAA's own Ricardo Bosch, who brings with him a wealth of experience in technology and finance. Ricardo has been an extremely valuable member of the ZFAA since joining at the start of the year, and is personally responsible for bringing both Ajay Bhatt and Carson Block to Baruch.
Attendees will need to bring their own laptop, as well as download some software ahead of this tutorial. This information will be provided to confirmed attendees ahead of the tutorial.
RSVP here
Tuesday, October 7th - 12.30pm - 2pm, VC 14-245
Attendees will learn how to think about and manage big data, as well as how to run some simple queries and produce informative reports. The instructor is ZFAA's own Ricardo Bosch, who brings with him a wealth of experience in technology and finance. Ricardo has been an extremely valuable member of the ZFAA since joining at the start of the year, and is personally responsible for bringing both Ajay Bhatt and Carson Block to Baruch.
Attendees will need to bring their own laptop, as well as download some software ahead of this tutorial. This information will be provided to confirmed attendees ahead of the tutorial.
RSVP here
Lunch and Learn
We would like to invite you to our first Lunch&Learn meeting next week. This will be a great opportunity to learn from each other about the topics shown below. Please click on the link below and RSVP. If you cannot attend, please indicate this through the same link. We hope to see everyone there. Thank you!
Event information:
Topics: CPA Exam &. BOA Penalty
Time： Tuesday, November 11th 12:40pm - 2:20pm.
Location: NVC 3-215
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14lg4NgzhQTCsmBgCV1JtQ6CZuTxNC8w0KgYY5HR2kd4/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link
We would like to invite you to our first Lunch&Learn meeting next week. This will be a great opportunity to learn from each other about the topics shown below. Please click on the link below and RSVP. If you cannot attend, please indicate this through the same link. We hope to see everyone there. Thank you!
Event information:
Topics: CPA Exam &. BOA Penalty
Time： Tuesday, November 11th 12:40pm - 2:20pm.
Location: NVC 3-215
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14lg4NgzhQTCsmBgCV1JtQ6CZuTxNC8w0KgYY5HR2kd4/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link
