Accounting Seminars and Events Archive

From the Boston CPA Firm of Feeley & Driscoll, P.C.

403(b) Audit and Compliance Requirements Webinar

January 25, 2012

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a complimentary webinar to discuss the increased compliance, documentation, audits, and risks associated with the 403(b) plan requirements. This program will prepare you by highlighting areas of concern with the 403(b) requirements. Topics of discussion include the following:

• Quick recap of the impact of the 403(b) regulations
• What to expect from an audit
• How to plan for and manage the audit
• Problems encountered
• Early lessons learned and common compliance issues

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast (right click to download)

TAX PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR CONTRACTORS

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

In 2010, a number of tax law changes were enacted that must be addressed in 2011 and 2012. In addition, a number of proposals are in consideration which should impact business and tax planning for 2011/2012 and beyond. Please join us as the experts of Feeley & Driscoll discuss tax strategies that you and your organization can take full advantage of, including:

• Income tax planning ideas that will benefit you in 2011
• Tax implications that will make 2011 the year to revisit and update your Estate Plan
• Discussion of the enacted and proposed 2011/2012 tax law changes and how they can affect you on both a corporate and individual level

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

maSSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 2011

Wednesday, December 5, 2011

Topics of discussion:

• The Voluntary Classification Settlement Program
• "Tax Home" implications
• Mixed use travel
• Accountable Plans
• The Economic Substance Doctrine

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Key Metrics to Run Your Law Firm Profitably

December 1, 2011

What are the key financial metrics do you need to track to run a successful law firm? What financial indicators should you monitor to ensure profitability?  This session will provide you with the key metrics you need to measure, monitor and improve in order to drive profitable growth.  You will learn how to calculate and how to improve financial metrics and take away tools so you can start tomorrow.

Presented by K. Jennie Kinnevy and Neil Scullion of the Professional Service Firm Group at Feeley and Driscoll.

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Year End Tax Planning for Law Firms

Thursday, November 17, 2011

This has been a year of change for many law firms. A comprehensive tax strategy is essential in anticipation of state and federal tax law changes. It is important, now more than ever, to review these changes and how they can affect you. Please join us as the experts of Feeley & Driscoll discuss tax strategies that you and your organization can take full advantage of, including:

• Managing the tax planning process
• It's never too early to start
• Sharing some of the tools/techniques
• Ideas to mitigate the impact of last minute surprises
• How tax planning impacts:
• Annual financial statements
• Banking relationship/loan covenants
• Business opportunities/funding growth
• Opportunities for deductions
• Pension plan strategies
• Capital spending
• Uncollectible client costs
• Types of expenses to pay (and not pay)
• Planning for the new tax law and potential change in tax rates
• Tax saving strategies
• Tax traps for the unwary
• Compliance with IRS rules
• Outlook for 2012
• Budgeting
• Where is growth going to come from?

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Year End Payroll Issues Seminar

Friday, November 18, 2011

Mistakes and obstacles on payroll taxes at year-end can quickly surface and not only create aggravation, but further increase work during an already busy time. Feeley & Driscoll is hosting their annual Year-End Payroll Issues Seminar to help businesses avoid the most common mistakes that lead to year-end frustrations.

This complimentary program will help to answer the complex questions that arise through an interactive discussion with our experts including:

• What fringe benefits should be added to the W-2?
• Which items are subject to FICA and Medicare?
• Should someone be classified as an employee or independent contractor?
• How do I determine the taxable amount?
• Which new payroll changes affect me?
• Proposed 2012 payroll tax reductions

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Strategic Issues Facing the Construction Industry | 2011/2012

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 3:00 – 6:00 PM

ARE ALL CONTRACTORS ALIKE? Does your company have a strategy to address the ever-changing construction business environment? Factors to consider:

• BIM
• Cloud Computing
• CRM
• Green
• Lean & Integrated Project Delivery
• LEED
• Paperless
• Social Media

More than ever, it is crucial for companies to not only stay ahead of the competition, but to overcome the challenges presented by technological advances. Please join us as the leaders of Feeley & Driscoll’s Construction Industry Group discuss how to differentiate yourself with active plans to address these strategic issues.

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Overhead Rates, Federal & State Agency Updates, and Best Overhead Management Practices for Engineers

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The experts of Feeley & Driscoll’s Engineering Services Group are hosting a complementary roundtable. Please join us as Jacqueline Weir will lead an interactive discussion, touching upon topics related to Overhead Rates, FAR Regulations, and Pricing Techniques.

Opportunity to Discuss:

• How to calculate your overhead rate and cost pools
• How to keep rates competitive through overhead management
• Federal and state overhead issues:
  • Use of cognizant agents
  • Rate caps and limitations - negotiation and classifying costs
  • Helping your sub-consultants in the pre-qualification process

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

IRS Form 990 Roundtable

Fiscal year 2010 | Lessons Learned

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The experts at Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. are hosting a complimentary roundtable
for healthcare and non-profit organizations that will focus on the lessons
learned related to the IRS Form 990.

Douglas J. McGregor will lead this open discussion and review the changes
from past years made to the new Form 990. A conducted survey, primarily
relating to Schedule H, and what is being reported by other organizations will
provide further insight.

Please join us for an interactive discussion that will highlight the
following topics:

• Schedule K Tax Exempt Data Reporting
• Schedule H Hospitals
• Unique Requirements
• IRS Updates

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Medicare Cost Report Form 2552-10 Webinar

What’s New/ Important Changes

September 13, 2011

Feeley & Driscoll P.C. is hosting a complementary webinar for Hospital cost report preparers that will focus on the new Medicare cost Reporting form 2552-10. Effective for all September 30th year end filers, the new form has many changes from the former version.

Karl Baker and Richard Carr will lead a discussion on the new form, highlighting significant changes, including a one time extension of time to file, with a special emphasis on the following topics:

1. Merging of the old Form 339 into the S Schedules
2. New cost centers and numbering system
3. Revamped Form S-10, Free Care Reporting
4. Changes to Worksheet A-7 and the HIT designated assets

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast (right click to download)

IRS Form 990 Roundtable for Fiscal year 2010

June 30, 2011

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a roundtable for healthcare and non-profit organizations that will focus on the lessons learned related to the IRS Form 990. This open discussion will review the changes over the past two years to the new Form 990. Please join us as we encourage an interactive discussion regarding the following topics:

• Unique Requirements
• Schedule H Hospitals
• Schedule K Tax Exempt Data Reporting
• IRS Updates

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

SUCCESSION PLANNING A TO Z

June 29, 2011

What is your succession plan? Have you built a business that can survive without you? Is your business financially viable without your involvement? From a tax point of view, how can I best structure the transition? These are all questions your surety, bank, senior management team, and spouse want to know.

Feeley & Driscoll will provide you with the concepts on how to develop a proactive plan for transferring ownership and leadership to the next generation in your firm. Whether your primary goal is to provide an opportunity for the next generation, or maximize your financial proceeds, this program will enable you to undertake the process with confidence. The following topics will be covered during this seminar:

• The Sustainable Business
• The Next Generation
• Financial Viability
• Tax Planning Items to Consider
• Case Study Illustration

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

A Trustee’s Guide to Nonprofit Finance: The Basics of Governance and Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations Webinar

JUNE 15, 2011

The business world continues to grow more complex and to place increasing pressures on you to perform at the highest levels. These pressures come from all angles. Despite the fact that nonprofits may desire to be mission driven first, finances play an important role in your organization's success, and finances will usually determine the pace at which you can advance your mission. Thus, it is very important to understand financial matters. This session will be a summary of the basics.

Takeaways:

• Summarize the key financial responsibilities of executives and the key role of finance committees
• Review a typical non-profit’s financial statement to be able to understand key components
• List and review key ratios for a nonprofit organization
• Summarize key financial reporting to expect from finance office
• Summarize other key financial responsibilities such as working with auditors, internal controls, etc.

Construction Executive Leadership Seminar
Strategy, Execution and Planning for 2011

May 25, 2011

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a complimentary seminar designed to discuss the challenging road ahead. For more than 35 years Feeley & Driscoll has helped construction companies to grow and prosper. New opportunities and ways of doing business have presented themselves and the companies who are able to adapt their strategy will be successful in both the short and long term. Some of the key issues we will discuss include:

• An update on the state of the construction economy in 2010 & 2011
• How to identify market opportunities
  
• Pricing strategies for 2011 & beyond
  
• The next generation of leadership; do we know who they are?

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Finance and Audit Committee Trends and Best Practices for Non-Profits Webinar

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011

Over the past decade, not-for-profit organizations have improved and increased the role of governing boards.  Many mission-minded board members have become more focused on the fiscal responsibility that comes with board membership. A renewed interest in financial reporting and internal controls within not-for profit organizations has led many boards to question their composition, structure and role. Donors and other funding sources are asking tough questions, too. They want to make sure organizations are good supervisors of their resources and spending money for intended purposes.

As a result of these issues and Sarbanes-Oxley legislation this past decade, best practices have evolved to help not-for-profit organizations evaluate the effectiveness of their financial reporting processes. These best practices improve independence, eliminate conflicts of interest and instill confidence that financial reporting is accurate and ethical. 

Even so, the role of governing bodies should continually be evaluated and improved. 

Key Topics

This presentation will include the following:

• A brief historical perspective and insight into board governance
• A list of reasons for adopting numerous board governance best practices
• A list of best practice ideas for board governance
• A summary of board and audit committee oversight responsibility, including evaluating internal controls and key financial data

Objectives

• At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Summarize recent trends in improving board governance
• Discuss reasons for adopting numerous board governance best practices
• Discuss best practice ideas for board governance and audit committees
• Discuss board and audit committee oversight responsibility, including evaluating internal controls and key financial data
• Discuss how improved board governance improves an organization

Click Here to Listen to Podcast (right click to download)

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Understanding Financial Statements and Tax – The CPA Behind the Opinion

WEDNESDAY, April 27, 2011

This presentation was given to the New England chapter of the Risk Management Association during the Loan Officer Resident Seminar (LORS) by Feeley & Driscoll partners Edward J. Callahan and Christopher P. Hines.  For over 35 years, LORS has served as a resource for RMA Banks throughout New England by providing Commercial Lending training to bank Credit Analysts and Junior Commercial Lending Officers.

The presentation covered the following topics:

• Level of Assurance/Opinion
• Financial Statement Overview
• Analyzing the Corporate Tax Returns
• Accounting Updates
• Evaluate the Quality of the Accounting Firms
• Know the CPA’s Your Clients Utilize

Click here to view presentation (right click to download)

Start-Up Contractor Seminar
Build the Foundation for a Successful Company

WEDNESDAY, April 13, 2011

As a start-up contractor you have been managing your company and its growth by intuition.  As you take your company to the next stage of growth, critical decisions can determine success vs. failure.  In this program we will discuss what is needed to build a successful, growing and profitable construction company.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Building the foundation
• Getting the work
• Rating your customers
• Standing out amongst the crowd
• Beating the competition
• Filling the right positions
• Making money
• Achieving profitable growth

Click here to view the presentation

The Increasing Role of Board Governance and Audit Committees Webinar

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2011

Over the past decade, not-for-profit organizations have improved and increased the role of governing boards.  Many mission-minded board members have become more focused on the fiscal responsibility that comes with board membership. A renewed interest in financial reporting and internal controls within not-for profit organizations has led many boards to question their composition, structure and role. Donors and other funding sources are asking tough questions, too. They want to make sure organizations are good supervisors of their resources and spending money for intended purposes.

As a result of these issues and Sarbanes-Oxley legislation this past decade, best practices have evolved to help not-for-profit organizations evaluate the effectiveness of their financial reporting processes. These best practices improve independence, eliminate conflicts of interest and instill confidence that financial reporting is accurate and ethical. 

Even so, the role of governing bodies should continually be evaluated and improved. 

Key Topics

This presentation will include the following:

• A brief historical perspective and insight into board governance
• A list of reasons for adopting numerous board governance best practices
• A list of best practice ideas for board governance
• A summary of board and audit committee oversight responsibility, including evaluating internal controls and key financial data

 

Objectives

• At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Summarize recent trends in improving board governance
• Discuss reasons for adopting numerous board governance best practices
• Discuss best practice ideas for board governance and audit committees
• Discuss board and audit committee oversight responsibility, including evaluating internal controls and key financial data
• Discuss how improved board governance improves an organization

403(b) Webinar new audit and compliance requirements

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011

Due to popular demand, Feeley & Driscoll is hosting a webinar to discuss the increased compliance, documentation, audits and risks associated with the 403(b) plan requirements. This program will prepare you by highlighting areas of concern with the new 403(b) requirements including:

• How to determine if a 403(b) audit is required
• Audit purpose and preparedness approaches
• 403(b) plan documentation
• Procedures to expect from auditors
• Unique issues for 403(b) audits
• Management tips for an efficient audit
• Early lessons learned from beginning to audit client 403(b) plans

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

>Click here to listen to the podcast

tax planning strategies for contractors

This program will signify the importance of having a comprehensive tax strategy in anticipation of state and federal tax law. The experts at Feeley & Driscoll will discuss tax strategies that you and your organization can take full advantage of, including:

• Tax planning ideas that will benefit you in 2010
• Tax implications that will make 2010 the year to revisit and update your Estate Plan
• Discussion of the enacted and proposed 2010/2011 tax law changes and how they can affect you on both a corporate and individual level

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

Mergers & acquisitions roundtable for engineers

As the second part of Feeley & Driscoll's Engineering Roundtable Series, this program will be an interactive discussion aimed at assisting you in the development of a strategy for the acquisition or sale of a firm. Whether you are currently interested in purchasing or selling, or just interested in learning the process, you must be equipped with the knowledge necessary to uncover the opportunities which will create value within your firm. Enhancing value from a sale or acquisition will benefit employees, shareholders and your firm as a whole. Some of the topics that will be discussed include:

• Current M&A trends within the industry
• How to determine value in an M&A deal
• The top 5 deal issues to consider
• What to look for during the due diligence process
• Deal structure - advantages and disadvantages
• Tools that will help you succeed

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

YEAR END payroll issues seminar 2010

Mistakes on payroll taxes at year-end can quickly multiply your headaches during an already busy time. Feeley & Driscoll is hosting their annual Year-End Payroll Issues Seminar to help businesses avoid the most common mistakes and make the entire year-end process as painless as possible. This complimentary program will help answer your toughest questions through an interactive and lively discussion with our experts.

Topics to be discussed include:

• What fringe benefits should be added to the W-2?
• Which items are subject to FICA and Medicare?
• How do I determine the taxable amount?
• Which new payroll changes affect you?

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

YEAR END TAX PLANNING FOR lAW FIRMS

This has been a year of change for many law firms. A comprehensive tax strategy is essential in anticipation of state and federal tax law changes. It is important, now more than ever, to review these changes and how they can affect you. Please join us as the experts of Feeley & Driscoll discuss tax strategies that you and your organization can take full advantage of, including:

• Managing the tax planning process
  - It's never too early to start
  - Sharing some of the tools/techniques
  - Ideas to mitigate the impact of last minute surprises

• How tax planning impacts:
  - Annual financial statements
  - Banking relationship/loan covenants
  - Business opportunities/funding growth

• Opportunities for deductions
  - Pension plan strategies
  - Capital spending
  - Uncollectible client costs
  - Types of expenses to pay (and not pay)

• Planning for the new tax law and potential change in tax rates
  - Tax saving strategies
  - Tax traps for the unwary
  - Compliance with IRS rules

• Capitalization
  - Commitments to profitability
  - Debt covenants
  - Importance of retaining partners' capital
  - Developing a capital retention plan

• Outlook for 2011
  - Budgeting
  - Where is growth going to come from?

Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

IRS FORM 990 WEBINAR

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a webinar for healthcare and non-profit organizations that will focus on the complex redesign of the IRS Form 990. This open and interactive discussion will prepare you for the changes and requirements you will face when filing the new form 990 including:

• Introduction and 990 Overview
• New for 2009 IRS Form 990 (for 12/31/09, 6/30/10 and 9/30/10)
• Governance Policies Refresher
• Lessons learned

>View the presentation (right click to download)

Bringing Clarity to Uncertain Times
Business and Strategic Planning for the best-of-class contractors in 2010

“How is a contractor supposed to remain successful in today’s business environment?” you ask. With focused, strategic planning, that’s how. Trying to guide your business without a plan can allow any company to veer in the wrong direction. A comprehensive, strategic plan including simplicity, focus, leverage and accountability can mean the difference between success and failure.

Please join us as the leaders of Feeley & Driscoll’s Construction Industry Group discuss how to utilize focused, strategic business techniques to help your company grow and prosper. Industry-specific tools will be provided that are designed to facilitate the decision making process and align your workforce to commit to your ideas. The topics that will be discussed include:

• Focused business and strategic planning
• Setting goals and sticking to them
• Creating the future
• Establishing commitment among workers
• Key metrics to measuring strategy & performance
• Creating a culture destined for success

>View the presentation (right click to download)

Utilizing Key Performance Metrics to Enhance Your Budgeting Process

Once again, it’s time to dust off last year's budgets and plan for the year to come. As you evaluate your performance in 2010 and analyze changes since years past, it is crucial to take action in planning for the upcoming business environment. By identifying the key metrics that drive the profits of your organization, you will have the opportunity to strategically lead your organization in this competitive marketplace. Some of the topics that will be discussed will include:

• Identifying vital financial metrics and how to use them to create a tactical budget
• Aligning your strategic plan, business plan and annual budget by division/sector and person
• Developing Individual and holistic budgeting goals that will engage all levels of your organization
• Preparing for contingencies and having a backup plan in place
• Measuring your performance, analyzing budget variances and taking action
• Sharing best of class budget models systems and tools with industry leaders

POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES IN THE U.S.

Getting incorporated and complying with tax regulations is easy compared to establishing and implementing corporate policies and procedures for foreign owned companies doing business in the United States. This can be a daunting task that has to take into account the foreign parent culture, policies and procedures as well as stay in compliance with U.S. law and treaties. This seminar will discuss best of class practices for implementing a successful policies and procedures plan within your U.S. based company of a foreign owned parent. Items to be discussed include:

• Establishing sound policies and procedures
  • Personnel, Independent contractors, Computer and IT systems, travel, operating procedures
• Internal controls
  • Financial and accounting
    • Foreign currency
    • Cash management, A/P, A/R, Job Orders, Purchasing
    • IFRS
• International Tax basics and updates

DETERMINING LABOR RATES IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

This program will discuss how accurate and relevant fixed and variable cost information is critical for construction fabricators of any size especially when dealing with highs and lows of demand. This seminar will introduce you to the concept of practical capacity. Practical capacity is a valuable tool that allows you to realize the true cost of operations and to take advantage of economies of scale when you are at peak performance and how to account for the scaling back of resources. We will discuss the keys to successful implementation for continued success, walk you through the steps to formulate and implement a system, outline the critical tools for decision making allowing you to achieve superior performance.

The key points we will focus on are as follows:

• Introduction to practical capacity
• Determining your capacity cost rates
• Labor costs
• Indirect costs
• Material costs
• Plant costs
• How you can affect the cost rate
• Measuring practical capacity
• Peak levels vs. low demand
• By customer segment
• Estimating and pricing using practical capacity
• Scheduling
• Budgeting by month, quarter, year
• Understanding your breakeven point

START-UP CONTRACTOR SEMINAR

As a start-up contractor you have been managing your company and growth by intuition. As you take your company to the next stage of growth, critical decisions can determine success vs. failure. In this program we will discuss what is needed to build a successful, growing and profitable construction company. Topics to be discussed include:

• Getting the work,
• Rating your customers,
• Standing out amongst the crowd,
• Beating the competition,
• Filling the right positions,
• Making money,
• ACHIEVING PROFITABLE GROWTH.
  

>Click here to view the presentation

403(b) seminar

Due to popular demand, Feeley & Driscoll is hosting a seminar to discuss the increased compliance, documentation, audits and risks associated with the 403(b) plan requirements. This program will prepare you by highlighting areas of concern with the new 403(b) requirements including:

• How to determine if a 403(b) audit is required
• Audit purpose and preparedness approaches
• 403(b) plan documentation
• Procedures to expect from auditors
• Unique issues for 403(b) audits
• Management tips for an efficient audit
• Early lessons learned from beginning to audit client 403(b) plans

We will have a significant amount of time dedicated to Q&A, along with best practice sharing. Please come prepared to share ideas with other participants!

START-UP law firm SEMINAR

The experts of Feeley and Driscoll help our law firm clients through all stages of growth – from start-up to established organization. As you lead your company through the next stage of growth, critical decisions can determine whether or not you will achieve the success for which you strive. Feeley and Driscoll’s seminar will discuss what is needed to build a profitable law firm. Topics to be discussed include:

• Effective marketing and business development
• Setting competitive but profitable billing rates
• Profitability improvements and the key drivers for success
• Improving collections and cash flow
• Evaluating potential hires and employees
• Performance based compensation systems
• Goal setting for optimal results
• Partnership agreements

fORM 990 rOUNDTABLE - The New Reporting Requirements

1. Schedule K - Tax Exempt Bonds

a. Bond Issues
b. Proceeds
c. Private Business Use
d. Arbitrage

2. Schedule L - Transactions with Interested Persons

a. Business Transactions

3. Schedule G - Supplemental Information Regarding Fundraising or Gaming Activities

a. Fundraising events reporting

4. Applicable information on the IRS revisions to the Form 990 for 2009

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

Construction executive leadership seminar

Strategy, execution and planning for 2010

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a complimentary seminar designed to discuss the challenging road ahead. For more than 35 years Feeley & Driscoll has
helped construction companies to grow and prosper. New opportunities and ways of doing business have presented themselves and the companies who are able to adapt their strategy will be successful in both the short and long term. Some of the key issues we will
discuss include:

• An update on the state of the construction economy
• How to identify market opportunities
• Strategic planning for a changing and competitive business climate
• Success factors for contractors in 2010 and beyond

>View the presentation (right click to download)

Start-up A/E Seminar

• Financial Statements
• Budgeting
• Key Financial Ratios
• Project Tracking Systems

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

Form 990 roundtable

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a complimentary seminar for hospitals and non-profit organizations that will focus on the complex redesign of the IRS Form 990. It is imperative that executives become familiar with the new 990 and its revised reporting requirements. This program will prepare you by highlighting areas of concern you will face when filing the form including:

1. Compensation Reporting Elements
   • Deferred Compensation
   • Box 5 on the W-2
   • Functional Allocations
   • Key Employees
   • Explanation of Perks
   • Reporting Thresholds
2. Related Parties
   • Related Organizations
   • Interested Persons
3. Governance Disclosures
   • Policies
   • Transparency

403(B) NEW AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE rEQUIREMENTS

Feeley & Driscoll is hosting a complimentary seminar to discuss the increased compliance, documentation requirements, audits and risks associated with the 403(b) plan requirements.  This program will prepare you by highlighting areas of concern with the new 403(b) requirements including:

• How to determine if a 403(b) audit required
• Audit purpose and preparedness approaches
• 403(b) plan documentation
• Procedures to expect from auditors and unique issues for 403(b) audits
• Management  tips for an efficient audit

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

OWNERSHIP TRANSFER AND MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION CONFERENCE

The experts of Feeley & Driscoll and FMI are coming together to assist you in developing a proactive plan for transferring ownership and leadership to the next generation in your firm. Whether your primary goal is to define your legacy, provide an opportunity for the next generation, or maximize your financial proceeds, this program will enable you to undertake the process with confidence. The following topics will be covered during this seminar:

• Ownership Transition and Management Succession
• Defining Goals, Objectives, and Key Issues
• Developing Future Leaders and Managers
• Valuation Methods
• Techniques for Transferring Ownership

YEAR END TAX PLANNING FOR LAW FIRMS
This has been a year of change for many law firms. A comprehensive tax strategy is essential in anticipation of state and federal tax law changes. It is important, now more than ever, to review these changes and how they can affect you. Please join us as the experts of Feeley & Driscoll discuss tax strategies that you and your organization can take full advantage of, including:

• Managing the tax planning process
  • It's never too early to start
  • Sharing some of the tools/techniques
  • Ideas to mitigate the impact of last minute surprises
• How tax planning impacts:
  • Annual financial statements
  • Banking relationship/loan covenants
  • Business opportunities/funding growth
• Opportunities for deductions
  • Pension plan strategies
  • Capital spending
  • Uncollectible client costs
  • Types of expenses to pay (and not pay)
• Planning for the new tax law and potential change in tax rates
  • Tax saving strategies
  • Tax traps for the unwary
• Capitalization
  • Commitments to profitability
  • Debt covenants
  • Importance of retaining partners' capital
  • Developing a capital retention plan
• Outlook for 2010
  • Budgeting
  • Where is growth going to come from?

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

YEAR END TAX PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR ENGINEERS
This has been a year of change for many engineering firms. A comprehensive tax
strategy is essential in anticipation of state and federal tax law changes. It is important,
now more than ever, to review these changes and how they can affect you. Please join
us as the experts at Feeley & Driscoll will discuss tax strategies that you and your
organization can take full advantage of, including:

• Method of Accounting for Tax Purposes
  • Accrual Basis Tax Method Opportunities
  • Cash Basis Tax Method Opportunities
    
• New Tax Law
  • Tax Savings Strategies
  • Tax Traps for the Unwary
• Deferred Cash Deductions
  • Pension Plan Strategies
  • Depreciation
• Other Risk Areas
• Tax Credits
• Year End Payroll Considerations
• Planning for 2010

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

YEAR END PAYROLL ISSUES

Topics to be discussed include:

• What fringe benefits should be added to the W-2?
• Which items are subject to FICA and Medicare?
• How do I determine the taxable amount?
• Which new payroll changes affect you?

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

QuickBooks FOR THE YOUNG CONTRACTOR

This seminar is designed specifically for the emerging (25 to 35 year old) contractor
looking to learn how to set up QuickBooks to manage the construction process. This program is geared toward current QuickBooks users who want to maximize their ability to produce accurate construction accounting information and timely
management reports to maximize productivity and profits.

• We will review:
  • Developing your burden rate
  • Comparing budget cost to actual cost
  • Percentage of completion
  • Estimates to complete
  • Performance management
  • Measurement system

• We will set up decisions for:
  • chart of accounts
  • payroll
  • job cost

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

PREPARING FOR 2010: INTEGRATING THE BUDGETING PROCESS WITH KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS (Geared towards firms with over 40 employees)

It’s that time of year again, to dust off last year’s budgets and plan for 2010.  As you evaluate your performance in 2009 and analyze any budget variances from the current year it is important, now more than ever to take decisive action in creating your plan for next year.  Identifying the key metrics that drive the profits of your organization and taking this information to turn it into knowledge can help to strategically lead your organization in this competitive environment. Planning is the key to success.

Agenda:

• Identifying the predictive financial metrics and how to use them to create your budget
• Align your strategic plan, business plan and annual budget by division/sector and person
• Budgeting Goals individually and overall
• Prepare for contingencies
• Measure your performance, analyze budget variances and take action
• Sharing a Best of Class budget models, systems and tools

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GROWTH STRATEGIES FOR 2010 - A SEMINAR FOR M&D EXECUTIVES

Feeley & Driscoll’s Manufacturing and Distribution Services Group is hosting a complimentary seminar designed to discuss the challenging and changing conditions confronting Manufacturing and Distribution executives. Today’s executives need to have a firm handle on what’s in store for the future. By Leveraging the lessons learned in
2009, the experts of F&D will provide you with strategies to prepare you for 2010.
Some of the topics that will be discussed include:

• Leveraging the lessons learned from 2009
• Extending best practices to increase business sales and profits
  
• Aligning key business initiatives in a changing economy
  
• Proposed tax law changes

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BILLING AND CLOSING BEST PRACTICES

Surprisingly, many engineering firms think it is not possible to bill clients and close the month within 3-5 business days!!  We will discuss how engineering firms are capable of dramatically reducing the days outstanding and work in process by implementing best of class billing and closing practices.  At this roundtable you will learn how to turn your billing into cash at a faster rate than ever before and provide timely financial information to Company leaders.   The experts of Feeley & Driscoll’s Engineering Services Group will also lead discussions on:

• Pre-Qualifying the customer and project
• Develop and refine the billing process
• Billing and closing calendar
• Mapping the process and improving
• Accounts receivable management
• Refine the collection process
• Cash flow projections
• Benchmarking your results

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THE EVOLUTION OF BUILDING A GREAT COMPANY

After years of "smooth sailing," it can become difficult to identify the original key factors that lead your company to such great success. Feeley & Driscoll’s Construction Services group is hosting a seminar that will help you to re-emphasize the importance of the original success factors, keeping you from falling from great to good. We will provide you with new strategies, tools, and ideas to help boost innovation. Some of the topics that will be discussed to help the development of your organization include:

• “Luck is not a strategy”
  • Remember what got you here
  • Responding to data and "warning signs"
  • Taking calculated risks
  • Disciplined management approaches
  • Disciplined growth for the long term
  • The right people
  • Asking Why
• Creating a best-of-class business development mind set
  • Systems: Managing the sales and business
    development process
  • People: Referral development,
    professional growth, social
    networking tools
  • Customer: Create customer loyalty and
    uncover opportunities
  • Getting Involved: Board of directors, networking,
    and overall visibility
  • Markets: Where's the work, what the leading
    contractors are doing, competing against
    lower prices, differentiating yourself
  • Market Intelligence: Customer research, available tools

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Engineering Industry Roundtable: Overhead Rates, FAR Regulations, and Pricing Techniques

As part of our Engineering Industry Roundtable Series, the Overhead Rates, FAR
Regulations, and Pricing Techniques Roundtable included an interactive discussion
lead by the experts of Feeley & Driscoll’s Engineering Services Group. At this roundtable,
we discussed:

• How to keep rates competitive through overhead management
• How to manage, improve, and track staff chargeability and utilization
• Understand and measure intercompany charges - labor, travel, etc.
• Update on federal and state overhead issues:
  1. Use of cognizant agents
  2. Rate caps and limitations - the art of negotiation and classifying costs
  3. The new pre-qualification requirements
  4. Helping your sub-consultants in the pre-qualification process

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Productivity Seminar

As part of our Construction Executive Leadership Series, Feeley & Driscoll hosted a complimentary seminar focused on productivity within the Construction Industry. As projects become increasingly competitive, maximizing productivity is crucial to survival. Maximum efficiency and the implementation of technology are essential in today’s environment. Construction executives must be committed to driving down costs and remaining disciplined to rise above the competition. Topics discussed included:

• Understanding the effects of inadequate planning
• How to evaluate your staff and make sure the right people are in the right position
• How to pick projects and geographies that will justify your investment of time and efforts
• How to drive down costs without negatively impacting the quality of your customer relations
• Maximizing your day-to-day operations
• Best-of-class labor management techniques including: Scheduling, remote time entry, time management, recoverable loss time, etc.

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International Operations Strategies

Feeley & Driscoll, P. C. is hosted a complimentary seminar focused on international tax planning and reporting. This seminar helped participants meet the challenges of international tax planning in this global era by providing practical solutions for issues that may arise. Our Experts discussed the latest legislative, regulatory, and administrative initiatives as they apply to business today. Topics discussed included:

• Planning for international activity
• Establishing presence in a foreign country
• Understanding the differences across the border (Transfer pricing, tax treaties, rules)
• Current issues and opportunities

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IRS Form 990 Seminar: Hospitals

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. hosted a complimentary seminar for hospitals that focused on the complex redesign of IRS Form 990. This program prepared attendees by highlighting areas of concern you may face when filing the form including:

• Crucial Steps your company should be taking
• New core elements added by the IRS
• Issues newly emphasized by the IRS
• Information that you will need to be compliant
• Schedule H and
• Proper planning techniques

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IRS Form 990 Seminar: Non-profits

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. hosted a complimentary seminar for non-profit organizations that focused on the complex redesign of IRS Form 990. This program prepared attendees by highlighting areas of concern you may face when filing the form including:

• Crucial Steps your company should be taking
• New core elements added by the IRS
• Issues newly emphasized by the IRS
• Information that you will need to be compliant
• And proper planning techniques

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Construction Executive Leadership Seminar 2009

This complimentary seminar was designed to discuss the challenging and changing conditions confronting construction executives. Executives need to have a firm handle on the fundamentals of their business. This program presented strategic opportunities to implement within an organization. Topics discussed included:

• Making Difficult Decisions
• Discovering Market Opportunities
• Surety Consolidation
• Lack of available credit
• Risk Management 101: Customer, Job, Vendor, Asset Protection

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Extended Care Industry Roundtable

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. hosted a roundtable designed to help you and your staff stay abreast of breaking issues impacting your institution’s financial position. This informal forum presented timely topics that are affecting the financial, compliance, and reimbursement systems within the extended care industry. Presenters discussed ways to keep staff “on the cutting edge” of current events and topics.

Topics Discussed:
-Medicare and Medicaid Payment System Updates
-Compliance Issues
-Current Financial Topics
-Investment Impairments and Reporting

Year End Payroll Issues Seminar

Year end reporting of fringe benefits can be an overwhelming task. This seminar offered easy answers to the following tough questions:

- What fringe benefits should be added to the W-2?
- Which items are subject to FICA and Medicare?
- How do I determine the taxable amount?
- New payroll changes

Fall Construction Seminar Series | Building Stronger Relationships Through Better Communication
Part II: The General Contractor/Subcontractor Relationship

Too often disputes arise as a result of miscommunication or lack of communication relating to: Design, Scope, Schedule, Manpower, Pre qualification, Payment, Closeout, Coordination, etc. This session will cover common disputes through the eyes of both the general contractor and subcontractor and what can be done to avoid them.

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Fall Construction Seminar Series | Building Stronger Relationships Through Better Communication
Part I: The Customer

The most successful construction firms know that communication is the essential component for success in all areas of their operations. It starts with the customer - articulating a clear project timeframe, implementing and meeting key deadlines, and successfully managing the information flow on the job to keep everyone in the know. This seminar will lay out some best practices to set your company on the road to communicating for profit. We will cover: Up front customer acceptance, Change order management, Prequalification jobs/customers, Kickoff meetings, scheduling, Information flow, document control, and Payment process.

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Fall Construction Seminar Series
QuickBooks for the 25 to 35 Year Old Contractor

This seminar is designed specifically for the emerging (25 to 35 year old) contractor looking to learn how to set up QuickBooks to manage the construction process. This program is geared toward current QuickBooks users who want to maximize their ability to produce accurate construction accounting information and timely management reports to maximize productivity and profit.

Inventory Best Practices

Manufacturers and distributors must make inventory control a top priority. We have found that our most profitable manufacturers and distributors have implemented controls and systems to gain a firm grasp over their inventory and have taken advantage of the useful financial information derived from their cost accounting systems to make effective business decisions. We will discuss how these best of class companies have overcome various challenges to implement these systems within their organizations. This seminar will assist you in developing a game plan for evaluating your current inventory system and provide a blueprint to implement best of class strategies to increase profitability.

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Architects and Engineers Annual Update

Business Best Practices for Large Engineering Firms (Over 40 Employees)

The most successful A/E/C firms employ proactive project managers, executives and finance staff who “know the costs” and use it as an essential part of the project management process. This program is designed to help you better understand accounting and finance issues specific to the A/E/C industry. We will present strategies and financial know-how as well as identify tools to increase the profitability of your projects and your organization’s bottom line. We encourage you and members of your team to participate in this timely, informative and valuable seminar.

Buying & Selling a Business

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Balancing Act—Network Building for the Project Manager

A successful project manager understands the importance of relationship building. Contractors are discovering that effective networking and people management produces a climate of efficiency and sustained growth. We will discuss the importance of advance planning, time management, effective communication methods, mentoring, delegation and goal setting.

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Budgeting for Profitable Results, Capital Retention, and Bank Loan Compliance

This seminar is a hands-on case study in creating a law firm budget from scratch. It is ideal for attorneys, firm administrators and accounting personnel involved in the budgeting or tax planning process. We will consider budgeting allowances for employees, capacity, clients and new business; as well as explore some popular models for budgeting and performance tracking.

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Business Best Practices for Small to Mid-size Engineering Firms (Under 40 Employees)

The most successful A/E/C firms employ proactive project managers, executives and finance staff who “know the costs” and use it as an essential part of the project management process. This program is designed to help you better understand accounting and finance issues specific to the A/E/C industry. We will present strategies and financial know-how as well as identify tools to increase the profitability of your projects and your organization’s bottom line. We encourage you and members of your team to participate in this timely, informative and valuable seminar.

Compliance Officer's Roundtable Series Presents: An Open Forum with CMS, AHS and NHIC

Please join us for the next meeting in our Compliance Officer’s Roundtable series - an educational forum designed to provide CEOs, CFOs, Compliance Officers, General Counsel Staff, and Others with information, ideas and strategies to address current issues in Healthcare Compliance. The first portion of our program will include presentations from representatives of CMS, AHS and NHIC on the structure of their entity’s enforcement functions and a brief discussion of their view of key current issues. The second portion of our program will incorporate a moderated panel discussion featuring representatives of CMS, AHS and NHIC (question and answer format) focused on current regulatory issues. Please note that this meeting will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Dedham, MA. This meeting will be an expansion of our normal format. Representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Region I, Associated Hospital Services (Part A Fiscal Intermediary) and National Heritage Insurance Company (Part B Carrier) will join us as participants.

Compliance Roundtable - The OIG's Supplemental Compliance Program Guidance for Hospitals

Each roundtable includes discussions lead by a combination of experts from Feeley & Driscoll's Healthcare Services Group and outside agencies, payors and regulators. We encourage you to send a member (or members) of your team to participate in these valuable, timely and informative sessions. Agenda: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 8:45 - 9:00 Registration & Coffee 9:00 - 10:00 The OIG's Supplemental Compliance Program Guidance for Hospitals - Discussion of Changes with Mark Rich of Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. 10:00 - 11:00 Update on Current Compliance Issues & Q&A with invited guest James Bryant, Esq., Deputy Administrator, CMS Region I

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Cost Saving Best Practices for Manufacturers & Distributors

The northeast is finally experiencing economic growth. Despite this fact, companies have struggled to improve their top and bottom lines. Many manufacturing and distribution companies have implemented changes to improve sales and results. This seminar will describe steps companies use to achieve a "Best in Class" standing and the approaches used. The discussion will emphasize how to apply critical cost savings and offer examples of dollar savings for small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors. Please note that this meeting will be held at the Westford Regency Hotel, Westford, MA.

Cost Segregation Strategies for Contractors

Cost segregation studies on commercial construction projects can maximize savings by accelerating depreciation deductions and cash flow, reduce property taxes and lower sales tax liabilities. Learn how this process works and, if you are in the construction industry, how this may provide you with a distinct advantage over your competition.

Current Surety Market and the Financial and Bonding Capacity for Contractors

Geared towards Contractors, this seminar will address the Surety Market of the 1990's vs. that of 2000 and that of today. Also discussed will be Contract Surety Losses, Top Surety Writers, and Advice for Contractors in Today's Market. This seminar will be held at the Feeley & Driscoll Training Center located at 200 Portland Street, Boston, MA.

Do Work

The key people in your organization determine your success. This seminar will discuss how to attract, hire and keep the best people. Other topics include how to determine if an incentive compensation plan is right for your company as well as assessing your current project delivery system.

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ERP Selection Process Survival Guide

This program will provide an overview of the steps that a manufacturer should be prepared to go through in order to conduct an effective and successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution evaluation. The program will help you understand exactly what an ERP system is; business conditions (or signs) that indicate it is time to select an ERP system; common steps and exercises that an organization needs to take in evaluating an ERP system; the final process of selecting the solution; key “dos” and “don’ts” associated with the process and an overview of the often confusing and ever-changing ERP landscape of vendors. Registration begins at 2:30 pm.

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Estimating for Profit

This seminar will illustrate how contractors can modify their bidding practices to establish a true cost and improve success ratios by reviewing the key elements of an estimate. Estimating for Profit will benefit any contractor who depends on good estimating practices for acquiring work and retaining clients. Accurate estimating and job cost tracking are fundamental to every successful construction business. This session covers everything the building professional needs to know — from material takeoffs and completing job-cost reports, to bidding, budgeting, calculating contract prices and tools for organizing and reporting estimates using current systems. We will also give you practical examples of how integrated estimating, buyout, and job cost accounting software can provide this key management information. This seminar will be held at the F&D Training Center.

Executive Time Management

This seminar will discuss the common problems encountered by Executives in managing their time and recommend solutions to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability without increasing hours. Topics to be discussed include: best business practices; effective communication methods; and the most common personal productivity tools.

Financial and Accounting Aspects of Running Your Practice

This program is designed for Attorneys in Start-up and Growing Law Firm Practices (less than 5 years old). This seminar will discuss: entity selection; capitalization needs and funding growth; tax compliance and requirements; and financial and accounting aspects of running your practice.

Financial Management & Reporting Roundtable #1

This roundtable is designed to help you and your staff stay abreast of key financial management and reporting issues impacting your institution’s financial reporting. The agenda includes: Financial Reporting – Statement of Cash Flows, Cash Flow Case Study, and Resource Materials to Simplify the Reporting of Cash Flows.

Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers

The most successful companies are managed by proactive Executives who “know the numbers” and who use their company’s numbers as an essential part of their management tool box. This program will teach you the key financial measures you need and how you can use them to maximize performance.

Financial Analysis using QuickBooks Premier Contractor Edition

This program is for current users who want to learn how to fully utilize QuickBooks to increase their profitability. We will discuss how the “Best of Class” contractors are utilizing QuickBooks to effectively manage their construction process and maximize their ability to produce accurate construction accounting information and timely management reports. We will review: developing your burden rate, comparing budget cost to actual cost, percentage of completion, estimates to complete, and performance management / measurement systems. We will set up decisions for: chart of accounts, payroll, and job cost.

Focus on Tax: Opportunities for Significant Savings

This presentation will educate and inform you with a high level overview of the many tax options available for manufacturers, distributors and technology companies. We will discuss how today’s leading companies are achieving their tax objectives by implementing the available tax favored opportunities and new regulations. Understanding what the new regulations mean and how to work them into your organization are key. Of the many opportunities available, we will focus on the following: research and development tax credits; section 199 manufacturers deduction; cost segregation; sales tax; Massachusetts medical device tax credit; charitable contributions of inventory; IC-DISC; establishing a 30 day lower of cost or market inventory value; state income and sales tax measures; acceleration of insurance deduction; lowering Mass. tax by creating out of state nexus, and the Mass. Economic opportunity area credit.

Get Paid

Are you doing all that you can to evaluate your customers’ creditworthiness to ensure you will get paid. This seminar will be a discussion of how to monitor the financing source for a project and what to do when the money stops.

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Get Work

In the last five years work has found many contractors. Today there is a need for a coordinated marketing/business development effort. This seminar will show you how to define who you are and where you want to go and how to get that message to the market.

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Getting Results from QuickBooks Pro

This program is for current users of QuickBooks Pro who want to customize it to effectively manage their construction process and maximize their ability to produce accurate construction accounting information and timely management reports.

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HIPAA: What it Means for You and Your Organization

Worried about HIPAA? Do you know what PHI really means? This seminar will discuss what HIPAA is, how it will affect you and your organization, and when changes can be expected. Come join us to learn about the practical steps your organization should take to prepare. This program will provide you will a checklist for ensuring HIPAA compliance through a practical discussion of the regulations and implementation schedule.

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How to Maximize Profits through Benchmarking and Process Improvement

This seminar is geared towards Manufacturers and Distributors. Building a solid foundation of organizational strategies within your company will allow you to prosper. Sales growth has been the focus and many financial reporting functions have fallen to the back burner. Financial reporting should now be a priority within your organization. Measurement systems are the most important tool that you can use to identify problems immediately. Shrinking backlog, cash, and margins in tandem with growing accounts receivable days, inventory, leverage and overhead are financial warning signs for organizational change. The following are the keys to profitability we will discuss: Are you aligning business intelligence and performance measurements to your strategic planning process; Is your accounting/finance department participating in the formulation of strategy to support objectives; What are the key financial benchmarks and how often should they be measured; What key financial indicators should be looked at within production segments; Understand operating cycle and cash gap analysis; Which "numbers" does my bank track most closely; What is your competitive advantage; Define customer selection process; Refine billing process/Accounts receivable management; Prepare cash flow projections; How to stay focused and disciplined in your strategic planning, problem solving and processes.

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Implementing & Measuring Activity Based Costing within Your Organization

This seminar is geared towards manufacturers interested in learning the steps to building a successful, profitable organization. Topics to be discussed include: Introduction to Activity Based Costing, The Process, and How to Ensure a Successful Implementation within Your Organizations.

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Incentive Compensation

This seminar will focus on the components of an effective compensation program to help you attract and keep the best people. This program will also stress methods of rewarding them for performance that contributes to the increased success of your company

Increasing Your Software Utilization to Best of Class Standards

General and Subcontractor Tracks - This program will include outside experts from Timberline Software and Prolog Software for discussion of the functionality of each program including: how their best of class contractors are integrating the various applications, and modules to create efficiencies.

Internal Controls: Safeguarding Your Company

With the introduction of the rules and standards incorporated in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and other regulatory and professional association pronouncements, there has never been a greater emphasis on the presence of internal controls in an organization. A strong internal control system is not only important in publicly traded companies, it is just as critical in privately held organizations. We will discuss an overview of the aspects of a sound internal control system, walk through some basic internal control elements in each major transaction processing cycle, and discuss the impact of automated systems in a company’s overall internal control environment. This program will provide your organization with key points to consider in establishing proper internal controls.

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Integrating Business Processes to Drive Down Costs and Increase Profitability

This seminar is geared for the General Contractor and Subcontractor Tracks. We have found that software programs are not used 100% when they come right out of the box, if the program is to be applied to everyday tasks, more and more features of the software will need to be maximized. This is essential for making jobs more organized and staff more accountable.

Keys to Managing your Growing Law Firm Practice

This seminar is geared towards new law firms (under 3 years old) and will discuss firm management and governance, increasing profitability while sustaining growth, setting policies and procedures and the motivation and retention of employees.

Law Firm Financing & Capitalization Strategies

This seminar focused on proper levels of law firm capitalization, benchmarks of successful financial performances and realistic personal earning expectations. This seminar covered various methods of financing for working capital needs, equipment, relocation and practice development projects.

LTCH PPS Roundtable Series

Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. and MHA are hosting a series of roundtable discussions designed to help you and your staff stay abreast of issues related to the implementation of the new Medicare Prospective Payment System for Long-term Hospitals. The agenda includes: Introduction - Proposed Regulation Overview by Mark Rich (Feeley & Driscoll, P.C.), Implementation Issues - Questions & Answers by guest speakers Bill Wheeler & Renee Richard (AHS), Implementation Issues - Continued Discussion and Other Issues.

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Mapping a Strategic Plan for Your Firm

This program is designed for Attorneys in Start-up and Growing Law Firm Practices less than 5 years old). Topics to be discussed include: 5 steps in the strategic planning process; developing and implementing your plan; strategic practical aids including how to create a vision, get the clients, do the work, and remain profitable.

Maximize Profits through Productivity Improvements

U.S. companies have increased productivity by 2-4% over the last few years, while productivity in the construction industry has increased by only 0.8%. By implementing and communicating an effective Productivity Strategy you will be able to increase productivity by 5% over the next 12 months - increasing your bottom line and profitability. Productivity improvements must start with the CEO and top level managers and filter down to the field personnel. This program will discuss what the best of class contractors are doing to improve productivity from a process and training standpoint. This seminar will be held at the F&D Training Center.

Medicare Reimbursement for Interns and Residents Not in Approved Programs

As you know, the Fiscal Intermediary historically has recognized the costs of residents and interns so long as the hospital could prove that they were in an approved GME program at another hospital. Recently, at the instruction of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, the FI has undertaken a complete change of direction. Since it is likely that your institution either is now or will soon be facing an audit on these principals, we thought it appropriate to bring together the interested parties to discuss this issue and any opportunities for cooperative resolution to the benefit of all the hospitals. Please respond to MAFerreira@haslaw.com or 617 345 9000 Ext. 4636 to indicate whether you can attend. Please note this meeting will be held at the offices of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, 28 State Street, Boston.

Mergers & Acquisitions/Succession

This program will focus on the current issues that leaders of manufacturing and distributing companies face with succession planning, selling a company or buying another business. This seminar should be attended by business owners considering business succession or acquisition, and those considering selling or merging their current organization. We will be exploring deal transactions from both seller and buyer perspectives.

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National Provider Identifier (NPI)

Geared towards an audience of hospital providers, Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a series of complimentary roundtables designed to help you and your staff stay abreast of breaking issues impacting your institution’s financial position. These informal forums present timely topics that are affecting the health care environment. This seminar will be held at the F&D Conference Center, 2nd Floor.

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On the Ground: Best of Class Practices for the Foreman

As a foreman, you oversee the daily workings of the project, controlling the work environment. Establishing quantifiable goals for crew members is the best way to increase performance, improve morale, and reduce turnover. This program will discuss best of class practices, including: how to be a superstar foreman, involving your crew in planning, and how to monitor the job site. We will also give you tools to implement these practices: foreman’s daily plan, daily huddle, performance measurements, and improvement measurements.

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Paperwork and Closeout Track

Given the current economic trends in the industry, the challenge will be for construction companies to continue to obtain revenue stream at current profit margins. The key to this will be maintaining an efficient and effective project management system. This seminar is geared towards project managers and owners who are looking to develop and implement a best of class project management system within their organizations.

Project Management - Project Specific Website

Waiting for information or acting with the wrong information can cause major cost overruns. With a Project Specific Web Site, changes to the project are communicated to the entire project team instantly; shop drawings submitted, checked, and returned on-line; meeting minutes and schedule revisions are available to the project team. Product and color schedules can be posted and test results can be made available. At the same time, project information is secure, available only to those who have the appropriate access privileges. This seminar will feature a Massachusetts contractor who is using a Project Specific Web Site and a representative from a provider of these services. This program will demonstrate the functionality of a Project Specific Web Site and allow you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with a current user and a service provider.

QuickBooks for the Emerging Contractor

This seminar is designed specifically for the emerging (25 to 35 year old) contractor looking to learn how to set up QuickBooks to manage the construction process. This program is geared toward current QuickBooks users who want to maximize their ability to produce accurate construction accounting information and timely management reports to maximize productivity and profit.

Reimbursement Roundtable

As you know, Feeley & Driscoll, P.C. is hosting a series of complimentary roundtables designed to help you and your staff stay abreast of breaking issues impacting your institution’s financial position. These informal forums present timely topics that are affecting the reimbursement structures within the health care environment. At each forum we will hear from a combination of experts from F&D, outside agencies, payors, and regulators who will lead a discussion designed to keep your staff "on the cutting edge" of current events and topics. This seminar will be held at the Feeley & Driscoll Training Center.

>Click here to view the presentation (right click to download)

Satisfaction

In today's vibrant economic climate, if your business suffers from the following, Constraints Management might be for you. The Program is designed to help small to mid-sized manufacturing companies improve performance, create competitive advantage and maximize sales by identifying and managing process constraints.

Show Me the Money! Tax Saving Strategies for Manufacturers, Distributors and Exporters

This program will discuss recent economic stimulus legislation that provides significant tax benefits to manufacturers, distributors, and exporters. We will focus the discussion on the following high level topics: Research & Development Credits; EOAC; Mass. Apportionment for Manufacturers; Independent Contractor Rules in MA; MA Manufacturers 355Q; Review Schedule M-3; Entity Choice Issues and Strategies; Federal Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community and Renewal Initiatives; Estimated Tax Payment Alternatives; Sales & Use Tax; Prepaid Insurance Deduction; Obsolete Inventory Rule; IC-DISC; Transfer Pricing; Deferred Compensation Rules; Foreign Related Party Interest Limit; Foreign Dividends and 5.25% Tax Rate. Please Note: this seminar will be held at the Westford Regency Hotel - Westford, MA.

Show Me the Money: Grants and Economic Incentives for your Company

This seminar is geared towards the Construction Industry. Thinking of expanding or training your workforce? If so, there are several economic incentives and grants available to you at both the federal and state level. For example, the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund and the U.S. Department of Labor Grants will reimburse you for the cost of training to upgrade employee skills. In addition, there are some very attractive federal and state tax credits and incentive financing packages available for increasing employment or expanding into selected areas within the state. Please join us on October 19 from 9 to 11 AM when Feeley & Driscoll directors Jackie Weir and Jonathan Chapman team up with Lynn Tokarczyk of Business Development Strategies, Inc. and Susan Gray of Workforce Designs, Inc. discuss these important economic opportunities that can save you thousands of dollars in employee training and business expansion costs. Please note this seminar will be held at the Feeley & Driscoll Conference Center.

Software User Group Meeting

As the number of Timberline users in the area continues to grow, we felt creating a forum for users to discuss issues associated with the software will ultimately increase the utilization of the product. We will present an overview of Estimating Explorer and Estimating Reports Manager and how to import data to accrue such costs as, General Liability insurance or invoices in Timberline's Accounts Payable Pending Invoice System. This seminar will be held at the Feeley & Driscoll Training Center located at 200 Portland Street, Boston, MA.

Strategic Planning for the Emerging Contractor

A successful contractor must differentiate itself from the competition and provide outstanding service and greater value to its customers. Contractors are discovering that strategic planning is the key to meeting this challenge. Unplanned, uncontrolled growth usually leads a company to crisis. A comprehensive strategic plan can mean the difference between success and failure in your company’s future. This program will also discuss how the “Best of Class” contractors are utilizing QuickBooks Pro to effectively manage the construction process and maximize their ability to produce accurate construction accounting information and timely management reports. This seminar will be held at the Feeley and Driscoll Conference Center.

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Tax & Accounting Issues

This seminar will compare and contrast the tax and GAAP issues for Manufacturers and Distributors. Some of the issues affecting the M&D industry to be discussed include: inventory, receivables, payables, compensation, multi-state concerns and accounting methods.

Tax Planning Opportunities and Pitfalls; A Call for Immediate Action

2005 is turning out to be a fairly active year for federal and state tax developments. These developments provide both savings opportunities and expensive pitfalls. At the top of the list of pitfalls is a new law that was enacted in 2004 that involves non qualified deferred compensation plans. Lending new meaning to the phrase “a trap for the unwary”, a failure to comply with this provision can result in a 20% penalty plus interest on amounts paid under these plans (in addition to the regular tax). We will discuss some recent guidance provided by the IRS and some important year-end and long-term planning that will help you avoid these consequences. In addition, we will discuss some of the more positive legislative and regulatory developments and year-end tax planning considerations that could result in considerable tax savings. This seminar will be held at the F&D Conference Center.

Timberline Software User Group Meeting

As the number of Timberline users in the area continues to grow, we felt creating a forum for users to discuss issues associated with the software will ultimately increase the utilization of the product. We will present an overview of Estimating Explorer and Estimating Reports Manager and how to import data to accrue such costs as, General Liability insurance or invoices in Timberline's Accounts Payable Pending Invoice System. This seminar will be held at the Feeley & Driscoll Training Center located at 200 Portland Street, Boston, MA.

Tips on How to Survive an IRS Audit

This seminar will provide you with a game plan for dealing with the IRS should you receive an audit notice or an IRS surprise visit. Some of the issues to be discussed include the statute of limitations, classification and selection of returns, types of audits, taxpayers' rights during an audit, and the appeal process for unagreed cases.

The Construction CEO: Leader of Change in Uncertain Times

What is the work of the CEO? In growing construction organizations, CEOs must continuously transform their organizations in the face of unrelenting change. The economic climate in 2008 is strikingly similar to those of 1990 and 2003. This environment is forcing construction companies to address challenging issues. The CEOs of construction organizations must continually transform their organizations in the face of unrelenting change. This program discusses the following topics:

1. Focus- Niche markets, Collections, Build the balance sheet/invest in your own company
2. Diversification- Geographic, React to changing market
3. People- Continued investment in new staff, build the next generation of leaders
4. Leverage- Measure gross profit dollars per staff member, leverage technology investment, reduce office staff commensurate with held, increase expectations of senior management
5. Risk Management- Customer and project prequalifications, contractual issues, collection and change order management.

We will also give you tools to implement change in your organization, including: the Behavior Grid, CEO Report Cards and CEO Best Practices.

Using QuickBooks Pro Accounting Software

Learn to manage your fast-growing manufacturing company profitably. This program is for current users of QuickBooks Pro who want to customize it to effectively manage their manufacturing organization and maximize their ability to produce accurate accounting information and timely management reports.

>Click Here to View the Presentation (right click to download)

Year End Tax Considerations and Client Trust Accounting Controls

This seminar is geared towards attorneys and law firms. This seminar will be broken out into two sections. In the first section we will discuss year end tax considerations, concentrating on: income and expense issues; sales tax and employment issues; advanced client costs; retirement plan considerations and will conclude with a discussion on year end strategies. During the second part, we will discuss on Client Trust Accounting Controls. This program will summarize a Lawyer’s responsibility on the basics of Trust Account Management. We will focus on detailed controls vs. supervisory control along with ways to improving trust account internal controls to reduce risk of loss.

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