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Rodman & Rodman CPAs Offer Primer on New QuickBooks Online Features

Leah Shanahan, CPA, Manager and one of four Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers
Leah Shanahan, CPA, Manager and one of four Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm in Newton, MA catering to small and medium-sized companies, offers a quick primer on the latest features in QuickBooks Online.

“The new features in QuickBooks Online look and feel different, so it’s a matter of learning where the tools are located,” explained Leah Shanahan, CPA, Manager and one of four Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers at Rodman & Rodman.

She continued, “The new features work best with Google Chrome or Firefox. You may use Internet Explorer, but the new features are not supported by it.”

Ms. Shanahan outlined the new features:

Users are now able to have the Profit & Loss and the Balance sheet open at the same time. The Multi-tab/Multi-window feature allows users to click on the Menu bar, open a link in a new tab or window and also drag to a second screen. Simply clicking and holding the Back key enables access to previous Window History.

The new Toolbar offers a magnifying glass as the traditional “find” feature; the plus sign as the “create” option for the creation of invoices, bills, checks; as well as a timer which allows you one- click access to recently edited transactions.

The Gear Toolbar, found at the top right of the screen, will get you to all core accounting preferences and settings such as lists, users, settings, reconciling transactions and more.

Rodman & Rodman has been a member of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program since 1999. Having provided hundreds of small to mid-size companies with training and consulting, Rodman & Rodman’s QuickBooks team provides superior services and expertise to meet the accounting software installation, setup, and training needs of businesses.

For questions or to learn more about QuickBooks, visit www.rodmancpa.com

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

 

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Rodman & Rodman’s Community Outreach Team Caters Meals for Rosie’s Place

Rodman and Rodman Team at Rosies Place
Rodman & Rodman’s Community Outreach Team serves up meals at Rosie’s Place – Front row: Janine O’Connor, Leah Shanahan, Kate Doherty, Caroline Gosselin, Elysha Sturm. Back row: Tom Astore, Syed Ahmed, Jeremy Eckmair, Marc Scribi

The Community Outreach team at Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm in Newton, MA, recently catered meals for three days at Rosie’s Place, the Boston based women’s shelter that provides housing, meals, education and support services.

Working under the supervision of Rosie’s Place Dining Room staff, Rodman’s Community Outreach team of nine prepared and served meals to approximately 150 women in need on each of the three days. Rodman also financially underwrote the cost of the nutritious meals.

“Catering and serving meals is their greatest volunteer need. A large part of Rodman & Rodman’s company culture revolves around our Community Outreach Program, which encourages staff to give back and get involved by helping others,” noted Steve Rodman, president.

He continued, “We were honored to be able to help out at Rosie’s Place.”

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms” and named Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

 

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Rodman & Rodman Partner Serves as Panelist at MA Energy Summit

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., served as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit on October 21, 2014 which was held at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

“Although 1603 cash grants have expired, Investment Tax credits, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and other state and local incentives will continue to drive the growth of renewable energy in Massachusetts,” said Parker.

The Mass Energy Summit brought together leaders from the energy sector and leading business executives from throughout the state. Ms. Parker, along with Craig W. Huntley, Founding Principal of Solect Energy and Briony Angus, Project Manager, Tighe and Bond served on the “Solar for the Commercial Customer” panel. Ms. Parker shared her expertise in renewable energy accounting and state and federal incentives with companies looking to implement solar to reduce energy expenditures. Topics of the discussion included financing options, lenders and investors, tax issues, and federal and state qualifications.

Keynote speakers at the event were Maeve Vallely Bartlett, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Marcy L. Reed, President of National Grid, Massachusetts. The event featured six panels: Case Studies; Municipal Focus; Careers in Energy; State of the State; Solar for the Commercial Customer and National Grid, Smart Energy Solutions Program.

“We can assist companies that are looking to introduce solar to reduce their energy expenditures by providing sound strategies for the project, which include financing, federal and state incentives, renewable energy credits, entity/partnership structuring, and more,” noted Parker.

Speaker’s Bureau

Ms. Parker, along with Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, are recognized experts in renewable energy accounting and are available for speaking engagements. Mr. Astore and Ms. Parker have been guest speakers at numerous Cleantech industry conferences and forums. Most recently, Mr. Astore spoke about green market incentives on New England Real Estate Journal Radio with host Rick Kaplan and Eric Wilson. In addition to serving as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit, Ms. Parker spoke at “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” as well as at the “Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar” hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England.

For more information about Rodman & Rodman, visit rodmancpa.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman P.C. of Newton Honored as 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, president
Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, president

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. , an independent accounting and tax firm based in Newton, MA with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving clients throughout the U.S., has recently been honored as one of the 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for. This is the fourth year that Rodman & Rodman has received this distinction.

The 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for annual list was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the accounting industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 100 companies.

Companies from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75 percent of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

Rodman & Rodman’s growing team is led by three partners: Steven P. Rodman CPA, MST, president; Kathy Parker CPA, MST and Thomas Astore CPA, JD.

“We are committed to providing our staff of dedicated professionals with a very positive and engaging working environment along with many opportunities for career advancement. We’re delighted to receive this honor,” noted Rodman.

For more information on Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for program, visitwww.BestAccountingFirmsToWorkFor.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

 

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Preventing tax overbites. “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Dentists Thousands”, written and offered free by Millbury–based Accountant Paul Dion.

Paul Dion, CPA CTC.
Paul Dion, CPA CTC.

MILLBURY, MA…

When it comes to holes, dentists typically know what to do: drill and fill. When it comes to loopholes—specifically tax loopholes that are available to all small business owners, many dentists aren’t quite as informed. In his new book “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Dentists Thousands”, Millbury, MA-based accountant Paul Dion CPA demonstrates how many of these “loopholes” are excellent tax strategies for dentists and self-employed individuals—if you know how to implement them and then make them audit-proof.

“Before a dentist does any work on a patient, they look around, probe and then take x-rays so they can form a plan to treat a patient and then perform the treatment.

Optimizing tax opportunities for small business owners like dentists is very similar. It’s all about diagnosis and treatment,” said Dion.

Some of the topics covered by The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes… include discussion of the right benefits for you and your employees; taking advantage of all the legitimate deductions, credits, loopholes and strategies the Tax Code offers; and selecting the right retirement plan for your future.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “Many dentists, in fact probably most, are doctors first, business owners second. And thank goodness for that. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be equally adept at business, too.

My book covers some very basic tax strategies that can benefits dentists and small business owners of any kind. It’s a worthwhile read and a great starting point to taking control of your financial future.”

In addition to his publishing efforts, Dion often speaks to associations and groups, as well as other small business networking groups, regarding these tax strategies. To book Dion as a speaker, call (508) 853-3292.

CTC published “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…”.  The book is available to individuals and business owners for free, although there is a $4 cost of shipping the 76-page book.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

Preventing tax overbites. “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Dentists Thousands”, written and offered free by Millbury–based Accountant Paul Dion.Read More

The Pocket Guide to Obamacare written and offered free by Millbury –based Accountant Paul Dion

Paul Dion, CPA CTC.
Paul Dion, CPA CTC.

MILLBURY, MA…

Obamacare, intended to provide health care to all Americans, has many confused and concerned.  In recognition of this, Millbury –based Accountant Paul Dion, CPA, CTC authored “The Pocket Guide to Obamacare”.  The book is available to individuals and business owners for free, although there is a $4 cost of shipping the 72 page book.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “My book covers the most important aspects of the law and how it impacts taxes.  The quick read also gives people a framework for making smart, informed choices in this new healthcare environment.“

The complimentary book outlines how the law works, employer tax credits, insurance exchanges, premium subsidies, employee requirements, options for individuals, options for small employers, self-insured plans, and Medicare tax on earned income.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

The Pocket Guide to Obamacare written and offered free by Millbury –based Accountant Paul DionRead More

Marshfield CPA and Resident Judges Bentley Bowl

Bentley University alumnus John Topham, CPA, founding partner of Damon, Topham & Company, tax specialists and 2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Managers based in Marshfield, MA, had the honor of judging this year’s Bentley Business Bowl (BBB).

The BBB is a campus-wide, business case competition held annually at Bentley University. Topham served as one of a dozen judges on the panel. Graduate and undergraduate students were divided into Junior/Senior and Freshman/Sophomore divisions and given a case study on Best Buy. They were required to review the business problems in the case, conduct research and develop their plan of action to solve the problem. The teams then formally presented their case to the judges. Monetary awards were presented to teams in first, second and third place.

According to Topham, “The Business Bowl helps to prepare students for the real business world. They are presented with complex business challenges and must determine how to solve these challenges. Not only do they develop a plan of action but they must execute it. They must show how they will successfully attain their objectives.”

Topham is a Marshfield resident.

About Damon, Topham & Company

Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, are Certified Public Accountants and Business Development Advisors. Damon, Topham & Company has been named a 2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager and is part of that elite group which represents less than 3 percent of the wealth managers in the Boston area.

Utilize the “Damon, Topham Advantage”- go beyond the traditional services of auditing, accounting and taxation. Damon, Topham & Company provides business valuation, estate, individual and corporate tax planning and savings, financial planning, consulting and financing solutions. A full service multi-disciplined firm, Damon, Topham & Company has been serving the South Shore for over 20 years. Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, is located just off Route 139, 475 School St., Suite 8, Marshfield, MA. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.damtopcpa.com.

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Marshfield’s FIVE STAR Wealth Manager John Topham Advises on High Tech Gadget Tax Deductions

Most employees who receive a W-2 assume that they are not eligible for any further tax deductions. There are actually a number of “high tech” deductions, such as cell phones, internet service, laptops, software and more that can be claimed by individuals who use these items for business.

John Topham, CPA, founding partner of Damon, Topham & Company, tax specialists and 2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Managers based in Marshfield, MA, shares his insight on high tech deductions of items an individual uses for business, but that are NOT supplied by his/her employer.

According to Topham, “To be deductible, these must be ordinary and necessary and paid or incurred in carrying out required employment activities/duties. Key deductions would be auto and travel, meals and entertainment and miscellaneous employee business expenses. Miscellaneous employee business expenses would include these high tech items.”

Topham advises taxpayers on these key deductions:

High tech gadgets are considered Miscellaneous Employee Business Expenses. Employee Business Expenses are reported on Form 2106 and are subject to a 2 percent AGI limitation. Meaning that, if your AGI is $100,000, the limit or floor is $2,000. You would need $2,001 in expenses to deduct $1 in expense.

High tech expenses can be classified into to three categories and must be ordinary and necessary business expenses:
Tangible items: Computers, laptops, smart phones, printers and modems, routers, external hard drives, Bluetooth devices, etc.
Software items: Business applications, industry-specific software, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Adobe, etc.
Service and or access fees: Typically the monthly charge for some type of connectivity, data plans, internet fees, on-line back-up services, on-line identity protection.
Documentation is key. When purchasing high tech gadgets, documentation is key. Be sure to keep receipts, canceled checks, invoices and other documentation.
Record-keeping of usage is necessary with high tech gadgets. These are employee business expenses which fall under the IRS contemporaneous records requirement. This means a log of activity including date, business purpose or task, and time/hours. The business use is calculated from the log which records the above. An example would be 1,200 hours of total computer usage during the year with 400 of those hours business related. One third of the related expenses would be deductible that year. If the expense is clearly business-related, such as industry-specific, a log is not necessary.

Topham noted, “Stay within the limitations as outlined above, keep your receipts and track your business usage of high tech items. Be wary of trying to deduct clearly personal expenses, such as gaming systems, televisions, etc. as it will increase your risk of tax audit.”

About Damon, Topham & Company
Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, are Certified Public Accountants and Business Development Advisors. Damon, Topham & Company has been named a 2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager and is part of that elite group which represents less than 3 percent of the wealth managers in the Boston area.

Utilize the “Damon, Topham Advantage”- go beyond the traditional services of auditing, accounting and taxation. Damon, Topham & Company provides business valuation, estate, individual and corporate tax planning and savings, financial planning, consulting and financing solutions. A full service multi-disciplined firm, Damon, Topham & Company has been serving the South Shore for over 20 years. Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, is located just off Route 139, 475 School St., Suite 8, Marshfield, MA. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.damtopcpa.com.

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Rodman & Rodman Announces QuickBooks Seminars in Newton and Braintree

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. , providers of accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England, is offering four QuickBooks seminars at their Newton and Braintree locations.

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, Partner; Bonnie Stockdale, Accountant and Leah Schlegelmilch, CPA at Rodman & Rodman are Certified ProAdvisors of QuickBooks and will lead the seminars.

The “Learning QuickBooks Step-By-Step” Beginners Seminar is geared towards individuals with little or no experience working with QuickBooks or those wishing to brush up on the basics.
This class will be held:
In Newton on Tuesday, October 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Rodman & Rodman’s office, 3 Newton Executive Park, Suite 101.
In Braintree on Tuesday, November 1st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rodman & Rodman, Braintree Hill Office Park, 2nd Floor Conference Room.

The “Learning QuickBooks Step-By-Step” Advanced Seminar is geared towards business owners who handle their books and want to ensure they keep them accurately; bookkeepers looking to sharpen their skills and learn the latest tips & tricks and businesses considering automating their accounting to the #1 accounting software in the world. This class will be held:
In Newton on Thursday, October 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Rodman & Rodman’s office, 3 Newton Executive Park, Suite 101.
In Braintree on Thursday, November 3rd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rodman & Rodman, Braintree Hill Office Park, 2nd Floor Conference Room.

Investment is $250 per class and includes course materials. Lunch will also be provided.
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat by contacting Ann Reading at 617-965-5959 or email ann@rodmancpa.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.
Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth. The company has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today for the second consecutive year and is listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms”.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. The Rodman & Rodman Green Team is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, MA. For more information, email greenteam@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman Announces QuickBooks Seminars in Newton and BraintreeRead More