6 Ways to Offer Accounting Job Training

6 Ways to Offer Accounting Job Training6 Ways to Offer Accounting Job TrainingHave you heard the joke about the two managers talking about offering accounting job training for their employees? The first asks, Yeah, but what if we train them, and they just leave us? The second one responds, What if we dont train them, and they stay?A survey by Robert Half Finance Accounting shows that companies offer training in a variety of areas to finance staff, including technology skills, accounting and finance skills, leadership/management and soft skills, such as writing, negotiation and presentation. See the infographic below.Some financial executives are willing to hire people without college degrees in functional areas such as payroll and accounts payable and accounts receivable, another survey shows. And 63 percent of them said theyd offer tuition reimbursement or professional development to those new hires.Most leaders recognize the need to provide accounting job training and education su pport as a recruitment and retention strategy, as well as a key component in succession planning - both for the success of their employees and for their companies. However, not everyone knows the best ways to achieve it. Here are six methods, along with some useful tips.1. Present on-site workshopsHolding workshops in the office is an affordable training option for employees, because you can simply invite an expert and hold a brown-bag session. In addition, it ensures that your entire staff receives the same ingestaltation and training, and it contributes to your company culture. But to inspire learning, you need to find a presenter who leads an interactive, engaging session, rather than simply lecturing.2. Offer off-site conferencesTraveling for off-site training and conferences is a perk many people enjoy, and it allows them and their companies to expand their networks.Of course, your budget dictates how many employees can participate - and how frequently. One way to maximize co nference benefits is to have the attendees who participate train other employees on what they learned. This helps educate the entire group, while giving the new trainers an opportunity to expand their presentation and leadership skills.Looking to add to your accounting and finance team? Use Robert Halfs candidate finder.3. Engage in webinars, virtual conferencesVirtual professional development methods, using a software application like Skype thats viewed by webcam, are a great option for reducing travel expenses and providing training in any location. In the past, the required technology of virtual training has intimidated some employees and required more server bandwidth than some companies have had, but thats becoming less and less of a barrier. 4. Support education effortsThe biggest bene fit of erreichbar courses is flexibility, because they usually allow people to sign on and view them on their own schedules. They are useful for developing hard skills, such as learning a new analytics, tax or bookkeeping program, and they can lead to a college degree or financial certifications.College coursework can be expensive, but a way to build loyalty and help employees sharpen their skill sets is to reimburse them for tuition. Our survey shows large companies (1,000 or more employees) are almost twice as likely as small firms (20 to 49 employees) to provide tuition reimbursement or pay for professional development.START HIRING NOW5. Set up a mentoring programMentorship programs offer a particularly effective way of training a new accountant or entry-level employees, while simultaneously giving more experienced employees a chance to take on a leadership role. The one-on-one nature of the relationship thats cultivated can help newcomers integrate quickly into your firm, feel m ore confident about their jobs, and become a productive member of the staff.6. Encourage memberships, publicationsFrom the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to the Financial Executives International (FEI) and Accounting Financial Womens Alliance (AFWA), there are numerous professional associations for accounting professionals. When a CPA or other accounting and finance professionals join these groups, they enjoy invaluable benefits, including professional development and continuing education opportunities.Industry publications also offer an excellent way for professionals to keep up to date in their field, whether they work in public or private accounting. Because this is a self-motivated, independent form of learning, your staff members will have to be motivated to take charge of what they ultimately learn - and should be encouraged to search for publications that are most relevant to their employment and their goals.Of course, youll want to weigh these options with your own com pany and employees in mind. If you choose to survey your employees for their preferences, be sure to include an open-ended question calling for their ideas.A good manager should see the value in accommodating the companys greatest asset top-performing employees who are eager to boost their skills and build their careers with your company.

How to Handle a Hostile Work Environment

How to Handle a Hostile Work EnvironmentHow to Handle a Hostile Work EnvironmentEmployees should be able to come into a positive, healthy work environment each day. Unfortunately, many people struggle with hostile work environments. Its important to understand what exactly a hostile work environment is and how to deal with the situation. What Is a Hostile Work Environment? A hostile work environment is a workplace in which unwelcome comments or conduct based on gender, race, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, or other legally protected characteristics unreasonably interfere with an employees work performance or create an intimidating or offensive work environment for the employee who is being harassed. This conduct can severely diminish an employees productivity and self-esteem both in and out of the workplace. A hostile work environment is created when anyone in a workplace commitsthis type of harassment, including a co-worker, a supervisor or manager, a contractor, client, vendor, or visitor. In addition to the person who is directly harassed, other employees who are impacted by the harassment (by hearing or viewing it) are also considered victims. They too might find the work environment intimidating or hostile, and it might affect their work performance. In this way, bullies and harassers can affect many more people than just the targeted employee. Examples of a Hostile Work Environment Harassment in the workplace can take on many different facades. Harassers may make offensive jokes, call victims names, threaten fellow employees physically or verbally, ridicule others, display offensive photographs, or impede on another persons work throughout the day. Harassment might be based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, nationality, age, physicalor mental disability, or genetic information. While people are often most familiar with the concept of sexual harassment in the workplace, there are many other types of workp lace harassment. Hostile Work Environments and the Law Law related to a hostile work environment is enforced by theEqual Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC). Harassment becomes unlawful when either the conduct becomes a requirement to continued employment (or if it affects an employees salary or status), or the conduct is considered hostile, abusive, or intimidating. Any individual who believes that his or her employment rights have been violated may filea charge of discriminationwith theEEOC. Charges are filed in three ways by mail, in person, and by telephone. You have to file your complaint within 180 days of the incident. There are some opportunities for extension, but its good to file as soon as possible. It is important to inform yourself about the definition of unlawful harassment in the workplace before filing your claim with the EEOC. The organizations website has an online assessment tool that can help to determine if they will be able to help the situation at hand . If the EEOC is unable to solve your problem within six months, or if you feel as if your case is not being handled properly, you can contact a lawyer to discuss other possibilities. Employers are usually held liable for harassment caused by a supervisor or co-worker unless they can prove that they tried to prevent it or that the victim refused the help provided to them. Other Steps to Take If you do not want to file a claim or contact a lawyer, but you find the work environment unbearable, you might consider other options. One is to solve the issue you are having with the person or persons making the work environment hostile. You might speak to your companys human resources office for advice on rahmen up a meeting or mediated conversation between you and the other party. If staying at your workplace is unbearable, you might also consider resigning from your job. However, even if you are extremely unhappy at work, it is important to resign gracefully and professionally. You nev er know when you will need a recommendation or a letter of reference from your boss, and a graceful exit will help you get a positive review. Hostility and the Job Interview Occasionally, a job interview can be a hostile environment. For example, an employer might ask you inappropriate or illegal interview questions. Before an interview, know what questions employers are and are not allowed to ask you. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.

Commercial Lease Agreement FAQ - United States

Commercial Lease Agreement FAQ - United StatesCommercial Lease Agreement FAQ - United StatesCommercial Lease BasicsWhat is a commercial lease?A commercial lease is a legally binding contract made between a landlord and a business tenant. The lease gives a tenant the right to use certain property for a business or commercial activity for a period of time in exchange for money paid to the landlord. Additionally, the lease outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant during the lease term. LawDepot provides a written Commercial Lease Agreement.What makes a commercial property lease different from a residential property lease?A commercial lease is used by a tenant to rent space for a business while a residential lease is used by a tenant to rent a home or space to personally reside in. Commercial leases are typically viewed as contracts between knowledgeable business people. Consequently, less governmental protection is available for tenants of commercial property than tenants of residential property. Because the parties are knowledgeable business people, the underlying belief is that they should be able to negotiate the terms of the lease to their liking. Consistent with this idea, the parties of a commercial lease typically have greater bargaining power and more negotiating ability than the parties of a residential lease.Why isnt an oral lease agreement sufficient?The problem with oral lease agreements is that they can be difficult to enforce. If a dispute arose, a court would have to hear evidence and decide whose version of the story to accept. If there is a written agreement, courts will generally be obligated to uphold the terms of the written agreement even if the courts dont like them. Some jurisdictions require that any contract dealing with land or an interest in land must be in writing to be enforceable.What are provisions commonly dealt with in a commercial lease?A commercial lease typically deals with the following the type of property being rented the address of the property being rented the term of the tenancy and whether the tenancy is for a fixed term or renews periodically the amount of rent payable, how often and when the rent should be paid the type of business that may be conducted on the premises ownership of any leasehold improvements and the provisions of any security/damage deposit.In addition, a commercial lease may also identify the following provisions for lease renewal landlord improvements and signing incentives tenant improvements whether the tenant can assign or sublet the property elendice provisions for termination of the tenancy and insurance provisions.What is the governing law of my lease?The governing law is the jurisdiction where the property is located, regardless of the jurisdiction where the landlord and tenant reside.What is cousine rent?Base rent refers to the minimum or base amount of rent as set out in the lease excluding percentage rents or any other additional or operating costs. What is a percentage lease?A percentage lease refers to a specific type of rental arrangement that applies mainly to retailers, especially in shopping centers or multiple-tenant malls. With a percentage lease, the tenant pays a fixed or base rent positiv a percentage of gross income. To create this type of rental arrangement, have the tenant pay Base Rent plus% of Gross Profits. What is a Gross rent lease?A Gross rent lease is a type of commercial lease where the tenant pays a fixed rent (sometimes the tenant will be required to pay a fixed base rent plus certain specified expenses with respect to the Premises) and the landlord pays all other expenses associated with operating and maintaining the property. Operating expenses may include insurance, utilities, maintenance expenses and sometimes taxes.The PartiesWho are the parties to the lease?The parties to a lease are the lessor (also called the landlord) and the lessee (also called the tenant). The lessor owns the property and allows the lessee to use the property in exchange for monetary payments called rent.The Leased PremisesWhat is the legal description of a premises?The legal description of the premises refers to how the property is identified in real estate legal transactions. The description can be found in a deed, mortgage, or other purchase document or may be obtained from a county recorder, land titles office, tax assessor, or other similar official.What are fixtures?In real estate terminology, the word fixture refers to a piece of property that is sufficiently attached to the Premises so that to move or remove it would damage the property. If the attached part of the property can be removed without significant damage to the property then it is usually not considered a fixture. Examples of fixtures may include built in cabinets, sinks, toilets or wall-to-wall carpeting.What are chattels?Chattels are personal property. They are distinct from real property or real estate in that t hey can be moved from one location to another. Examples of chattels may include blinds or curtains, microwaves, refrigerators, desks and personal computers.What are leasehold improvements?A leasehold improvement is an expense incurred for the permanent improvement to the leased property. They are considered fixed assets and depreciate in value over the period of the lease.How is the tenant allowed to use the premises?The tenant can only use the leased property for purposes that have been approved by the Landlord. The permitted use of premises clause limits the tenant to only engage in certain types of business. Before allowing the tenant to use the property for additional purposes that are not stated in the Lease, the tenant needs to obtain the written consent of the Landlord.The Lease TermWhat does Automatic Renewal mean?Automatic renewal means that the lease continues indefinitely on the agreed upon period (weekly, monthly, or yearly) until either the tenant or the landlord giv es notice to the other cocktailparty that they will be terminating the lease.Which lease term should I use?LawDepot allows you to choose from several different types of lease terms Fixed End DateA lease with a fixed end date gives certainty of term for both the landlord and the tenant. It specifies the exact day the tenancy will end. The advantage here is that neither party has to give notice to terminate the lease, it simply ends on the specified date. In a fixed end date lease, the landlord cannot increase the rent, or change any other terms of the lease unless he specifically reserves the right in the lease, and the tenant agrees to the changes. If the tenant remains past the specified date the landlord can either (a) accept rental payments and have the lease continue as a month-to-month tenancy with the same rules as the expired fixed end date lease (b) sign a new lease or (c) abflug eviction proceedings against the tenant. Fixed Number of Weeks/Months/YearsA lease for a f ixed number of weeks/months/years gives a start date for the lease and the number of weeks/months/years that the lease will run (for example the lease could start on September 1, 2005 and then continue for a period of 18 months). The advantage here is that neither party has to give notice to terminate the lease, it simply ends on the specified number of weeks/months/years. In a fixed term lease, the landlord cannot increase the rent or change any other terms of the lease unless he specifically reserves the right in the lease, and the tenant agrees to the changes. At the end of the specified period, the landlord can either (a) accept rental payments and have the lease continue as a weekly/monthly/yearly tenancy with the same rules as the expired fixed end date lease (b) sign a new lease or (c) start eviction proceedings against the tenant. PeriodicA periodic tenancy (a weekly/monthly/yearly lease with automatic renewal) will continue until one of the parties terminates the lease. T o terminate the lease, the landlord or tenant must give notice of their intention to terminate as specified by statute. A landlord can usually raise the rent, or change the terms of the lease in these types of agreements by providing proper notice as required by statute. At the end of the notice period the tenant must move out or the landlord can start eviction proceedings against the tenant.RentWhat is Base rent?Base rent refers to the minimum or base amount of rent as set out in the lease excluding percentage rents or any other additional or operating costs.What is a percentage lease?A percentage lease refers to a specific type of rental arrangement that applies mainly to retailers, especially in shopping centers or multiple-tenant malls. In a percentage lease, the tenant pays a fixed or base rent plus a percentage of gross income. To create this type of rental arrangement, have the tenant pay Base Rent plus% of Gross Profits.What are triple-net leases?Triple-net leases are the most common fasson of commercial lease. They can be used for retail, warehouse and industrial properties. The tenant is responsible for all of the costs of operating the building (including repairs and maintenance) in a triple-net lease.Security/Damage DepositWhat is a security/damage deposit?A security deposit is a sum of money the tenant pays to the landlord to guarantee that the tenant will fulfill all obligations under the lease. The landlord holds the security deposit for the term of the lease to ensure that the tenant does not default on the terms of the lease agreement or otherwise damage the property. Should the tenant damage the property (normal wear and tear excluded) or if the Tenant has not paid rent, the landlord is entitled to recoup the debt from the security deposit. Usually the tenant must provide the landlord with the security deposit at the start of the lease term. At the end of the lease term, the tenant will receive the deposit back minus any deductions for repairs/restoration.How much should the damage/security deposit be?Damage deposits are usually equivalent to the maximum of one months rent, but can be any amount that the landlord decides upon in a commercial setting. Security deposits can vary from one up to three months rent depending upon the tenant and industry.What is an inspection report?The inspection report is completed by the tenant within a reasonable amount of time after the tenant takes possession of the property. This form contains a description of the condition of the property at the time of the tenants possession, and is used at the end of the lease term as a comparison tool to determine if the tenant caused any damage to the property. The tenant should ensure that all damage is properly disclosed in this report to prevent a landlord from assuming the tenant has caused the damage.Landlord Improvement/Signing IncentivesWhat is a signing incentive?A signing incentive is an incentive or concession given to the tenant to enter into the lease, such as a months free rent.Clause DatabaseWill my rights be affected if I do not specify some of the clauses in the clause database?Please note that not specifying some of the clauses in the Clause Database may affect a partys rights or their ability to enforce those rights.What is included in the standard landlord insurance provisions?The standard landlord insurance provisions set out that the landlord must haveextended fire and extended coverage insurance on the Buildingboiler and machinery insurance andcomprehensive general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury, including death and property damage.What is included in the standard tenant insurance provisions?The standard tenant insurance provisions set out that the tenant must havecomprehensive general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury, including death and property damage or loss arising from occupying the premisesrisk insurance for the tenants merchandise, stock, furnitur e, fixtures, improvements and property in the premisesinsurance for glass and plate glass in the premisesinsurance for boilers and machinery which the tenant installed or controls andautomobile insurance for motor vehicles owned by the tenant or used in the operation of the tenants business.MiscellaneousWhat is a shareholders personal guarantee?A shareholders personal guarantee is a promise made by a shareholder (or shareholders) to personally repay any rent or damage the corporate tenant may owe under the lease.What is subleasing a lease?A sublease is when the rights to use the property (or a part of the property) under a lease, is transferred by the current tenant to a third party for a portion of the remaining term of the lease.What is assigning a lease?Assigning the lease refers to the complete transfer of all rights to occupy the premises for the rest of the term from the current tenant to a third party.What additional clauses does the long version include?The long version incl udes several clauses such as obtaining insurance (if you select the long version you will be prompted to answer several questions relating to insurance).When would the tenants have to have the carpets professionally steam cleaned?The tenants will be required to have the carpets professionally steam cleaned before the final move-out inspection occurs.Signing DetailsI do not know when the lease will be signed. Can I fill in the date later?Yes, by selecting Unsure as the date the agreement will be signed, a blank line will be inserted into the lease so that you can add the correct date after printing the document.Who should sign the lease?Both the landlord and the tenant should sign the lease. Having witnesses to the parties signatures provides greater evidence that the parties entered into the lease.