November 2015

Official Publication of the Nebraska Society of CPAs

A wide variety of great continu-ing professional education (CPE) courses are scheduled dur ing the final two months of 2015! Outstand-ing discussion leaders like Vern Hoven, Brad Burnett and Andy Biebl will be teaching courses through Dec. 21. But some of the courses may be very full so register early for your CPE! Check Page 7 of this newsletter for a complete list of the 26 courses upcoming during November and De-cember 2015. See you there!

GREAT CPE STILL AVAILABLE!!

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has urged Congress to act immediately on legislation that would temporarily or perma-nently extend the more than fifty provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, which are commonly referred to as the “tax extenders,” that ex-pired at the end of 2014 or will ex-pire at the end of this year.

In the Institute’s Oct. 1 letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, Troy K. Lewis, chair of the AICPA Tax

Executive Committee, wrote, “Although Congress considered tax extenders legislation earlier this year, America’s businesses and indi-viduals are still faced with uncer-tainty in planning and compliance as no legislation has been passed. Therefore, we strongly recommend that the House and Senate immedi-ately address these provisions as soon as possible, albeit perhaps on a temporary basis, to avoid further distortions in financial reporting, prevent unnecessary delays in the tax filing season, and end the result-ing needless uncertainty.”

Taxpayers and tax practitioners Continued on Page 10

2015 Scholarships Page 5

—————————— CPE Calendar

Page 7 ——————————

Opportunities Available Pages 9, 11 & 12

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts this summer re-appointed a Society member and a new public member to the Nebraska Board of Public Account-ancy (State Board).

In September, the Governor re-appointed Lori Druse, CPA, of Lincoln to her second four-year term on the State Board. She is an Audit Director with Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Nebraska and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the State Board. She represents CPAs in Nebraska’s First Congressional Dis-trict and is a member of the Society.

Governor Rickets also appointed Ken Brauer of Lincoln to complete the term of a public member, Janeth Glenn of Omaha, who resigned in September. There is one year left on Glenn’s term. Ken is the Owner and President of a tax and accounting firm in Lincoln, Kenneth E. Brauer & Associates, Inc. and is not a CPA. He is a member of the Nebraska Society of Independent Ac-countants.

Both appointments were supported by the Society’s Board of Directors and recommended to the Governor.

The 53rd Annual Great Plains Federal Tax Institute is scheduled at the Embassy Suites Downtown/Old Market, 555 S. 10th Street in Omaha, on December 3-4, 2015. The Insti-tute combines the interests of attor-neys, accountants, life insurance, and other tax professionals.

Natalie B. Choate, one of the country’s leading speakers on retire-ment planning will present two topics on Friday, December 4. Her presen-tations are titled, “201 Best (and Worst) Planning Ideas for Your Cli-ent’s Retirement Benefits” and “Making Retirement Benefits Paya-ble to Trusts.”

Creighton Law Professor Edward A. Morse will present “Developments in Federal Income Taxation” on the Thursday, Dec. 3. This presentation has been named in honor of Great Plains Federal Tax Institute founder Jack North, as established by the firm of McGrath North Mullin & Kratz,

PC LLO of Omaha. Also that day, Creighton Profes-

sor Thomas J. Purcell III and Edward S. Karl, of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, will give a two-hour ethics update on Fed-eral Tax Practice. The ethics presen-tation at the Institute is offered in memory of late board member Paul C. Jessen as established by the Oma-ha law firm of Koley Jessen.

John S. Goldsbury, Charlotte, NC will kick off the Thursday Dec. 3 af-ternoon sessions by presenting “How to Have a Trust’s Capital Gain In-cluded in DNI.” Terence F. Cuff of Los Angeles, CA, will then address “Like-Kind Exchanges,” providing tips for drafters of partnership and LLC agreements.

Among the other presentations on Friday Dec. 4 will be John S. Slowiaczek of Omaha speaking on “Divorce and Premarital and Post Marital Agreements,” Omaha attor-

ney Roberta L. Christensen will pre-sent a brief history of sales tax nexus law, and Nicholas K. Niemann, Oma-ha attorney, provides his annual “State Tax and Economic Develop-ment and Update for Both Nebraska and Iowa.”

Registration fees are $435, but a discounted fee of $385 is given for registrations received by Nov. 11. A special discount rate of $275 is of-fered to participants who have been in their professional practices for less than five years. The registration deadline is Nov. 23. Par ticipants will receive course materials online. The course provides both CLE and CPE credit for Nebraska and Iowa attorneys and CPAs. Online registra-tion is available at http://www.greatplainstax.org. The pro-gram manager is at (402) 483-4234 or cindylilleoien@gmail.com.

Continued on Page 3

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Nebraska CPA is published ten times annually for members of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Publication is monthly, with the exception of two combined issues: February/March and December/January. Copy dead-line is the tenth of the month prior to publication.

Nebraska Society of CPAs 635 South 14th Street, Suite 330

Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 (402) 476-8482 or (800) 642-6178

Fax (402) 476-8731 Email society@nescpa.org

www.nescpa.org

OFFICERS Patrick G. Kirlin, Chairman

Michelle R. Thornburg, Chairman-Elect Ryan L. Parker, Secretary Shari A. Munro, Treasurer

Anthony J. Pruss, III, Immediate Past Chairman

DIRECTORS Sheila A. Brugger Douglas J. Lacey

Christopher J. Lindner Patrick A. Meyer

Julie D. Bauman Elected Member of AICPA Council

Richard D. Gifford West Nebraska Chapter President

STAFF Dan Vodvarka, President

Trudy J. Meyer, Executive Vice President

The Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Nebraska Society of CPAs extends an enthusiastic THANK YOU to the following Nebraska Society members who have made generous contributions to the Foundation’s Fundraising Campaign. The Campaign, which began in 2010, has received contributions from numerous Society mem-bers and as of October 2015, the Campaign has raised over $51,000!! The Campaign’s long-term goal is to increase the value of the Foundation’s over 60 annual scholar-ships to Nebraska college accounting students. Recent 2015 contributions are:

“This scholarship will unques-tionably help in the final step of my academic career and the pursuit of future goals. Once again, thank you so much for your generosity.” -UNO Student

YES! WE SUPPORT

FUTURE NEBRASKA CPAS!

Want To Join Us? Contact Dan at (800) 642-6178 or vod@nescpa.org

SILVER INVESTORS (Minimum $250 Contribution)

Julie D. Bauman Marcy J. Luth

GOLD INVESTOR (Minimum $500 Contribution)

Tom Larsen

GREAT PLAINS . . . From Page 2

Onsite check-in for the event gets under way at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 3 with programming from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Insti-tute begins at 8:00 a.m. and con-cludes at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 4.

In Memoriam

John A. Sturgeon Omaha, Nebraska

1940-2015

Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award, 1998

Nebraska Certificate: #702 Society Certificate: #481

------------- The Society has made a donation

to the Society’s Foundation in remembrance of John.

DIAMOND INVESTOR (Minimum $1,000 Contribution)

Lockwood Foundation

Membership Applications

Nebraska Society membership applications have been received from the following indi-viduals. Objections should be filed with the Secretary of the Nebraska Society of CPAs: Ryan L. Parker, Endicott Clay Products Company, PO Box 17, Fairbury, NE 68352.

Derrick L. Blomstedt, Hayes & Associates, LLC; Omaha

Jodi M. Eckhout, McDermott & Miller, PC; Kearney

Jaclyn M. Jacox, Seim Johnson LLP; Omaha

Shelby Krings, Union Bank & Trust; Lincoln

Michael J. Marron, KPMG, LLP; Omaha

Jonathan R. Patent, Lutz & Company, PC; Omaha

Krista B. Zuroske, McGladrey LLP; Omaha

3

By Bryan P. Robertson, Past Society Chairman of the Board

In an Action on Decision (AOD) released recently, the Office of Chief Counsel of the IRS has notified taxpay-ers that the IRS will not acquiesce in the Eighth Circuit Court’s Morehouse deci-sion (the subject of an article in the De-cember 2014 - January 2015 issue of The Nebraska CPA). In that decision, the Eighth Circuit determined that payments made pursuant to the USDA Conserva-tion Reserve Program (CRP) were rental payments and, so, were not subject to self-employment taxes. With the release of the AOD, the IRS makes clear its in-tent to read very narrowly the decision of the Eighth Circuit.

Morehouse, who was not a farmer, enrolled certain real property he owned in the CRP and characterized the approx-imately $38,000 of CRP payments re-ceived in each of 2006 and 2007 as rent income. The Tax Court, in a nearly-unanimous full court opinion, deter-mined instead that Morehouse was en-gaged in the business of participating in and management of the CRP property and that, as a result, the CRP payments represented self-employment income. The majority of a divided Eighth Circuit, reversing the Tax Court, elected not to address the “participating in and man-agement of” business determination by the Tax Court finding instead that the inquiry largely stopped at the determina-tion of whether the taxpayer was en-gaged in the business of farming.

The Office of Chief Counsel, after reviewing the case background and a 2008 amendment to the self-employment provision of the Internal Revenue Code, notes that the IRS will follow Morehouse only within the Eighth Circuit and only to the extent of the facts presented by that case.

We recognize the precedential ef-fect of the decision in Morehouse to cases appealable to the Eighth Circuit. Accordingly, we will fol-low Morehouse within the Eighth Circuit only with respect to cases in which the CRP payments at issue were both (1) paid to an individual who was not engaged in farming prior to or during the period of en-rollment of his or her land in CRP and (2) paid prior to January 1, 2008 (i.e., the effective date of the 2008 amendment to section 1402(a)(1)). We will continue to litigate

the IRS position in the Eighth Circuit in cases not having these specific facts. We will also continue to litigate the IRS position in all cases in other circuits.

After the AOD, then, it appears that the position of the IRS with respect to the treatment of CRP payments within the boundaries of the Eighth Circuit may be demon-strated as follows:

Treatment Within the Eighth Circuit1

Income Characterization

Farmer Nonfarmer Participating in and

Management of the CRP Property

Other Than Participating in and Management of CRP Property

After 2007 Before 2008 Self-Employment X X X Rental X 1 The Eighth Circuit includes the states of NE, IA, SD, MO, AR, ND, and MN.

Treatment Outside the Eighth Circuit

Income Characterization

Farmer Nonfarmer Participating in and

Management of the CRP Property

Other Than Participating in and Management of CRP Property

After 2007 Before 2008 Self-Employment X X X X Rental

Likewise after the AOD, it appears that the position of the IRS with respect to the treatment of CRP payments outside the Eighth Circuit may be demonstrated as follows:

With the release of the AOD, based upon what it must perceive as the strong sup-port of the Tax Court, the IRS has placed practitioners and their clients on notice that the IRS expects to continue to aggressively characterize CRP payments made to even nonfarmers as self-employment income. Those of us that thought the appellate deci-sion in Morehouse might temper that position, obviously, were mistaken.

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FOUNDATION AWARDS 2015-16 SCHOLARSHIPS Bellevue University

Nathan Kallhoff Xijia Wang Jesse Powell Ashley Whitney

Chadron State College Kaylee Gaswick

Concordia University Rebekah Uden

Creighton University Austin Brendel Seth Johnson Yifei Cao Kyle Newman Mitchell Hagen

Doane College Kale Wolken

Hastings College Megan Peterson

Midland University Soren Nelson Hayley Pokorny

Nebraska Wesleyan University Joseph Babic Corey Labenz

Peru State College Mary Blacketer

Union College Catalina Grigore

University of Nebraska - Lincoln Kathleen Boylen Tram Le Casey C Gieseking Riley J Linder Chase Gorham Jigme Rinchen Jared Heins Gabriela Ritz Taylor Ann Kupfer Megan Rudolph

University of Nebraska at Kearney

LaurieAnn Callahan Ashley N Lopez Bailey Davis Diana Morales

University of Nebraska at Omaha Ian Matthew Buckley Sehar Latif Adaela Dostal Terry Lundeen Jonathan Foss Douglas Morris Alexander Haddad Baibhav Regmi

Wayne State College Ashley Adams Quinn Rochford

Support Accounting Scholarships! Donations can be sent to:

The Foundation of the Nebraska Society of CPAs 635 S. 14th St., Ste., 330, Lincoln, NE 68508

Again setting a new record for giving, the Society’s Founda-tion in 2015 provided outstanding financial support for Nebraska’s college accounting students!

At its May 2015 Board of Trustees’ meeting, the Founda-tion awarded an all-time record of over $107,000 in scholarships to accounting students at 14 Ne-braska colleges and universities. The scholarships ranged from $1,800 to $2,500 each. A total of 61 scholarships were awarded with 21 of the scholarships being for Fifth Year students who are completing their 150-hour educa-tion requirement before sitting for the CPA Exam. In 2013, the Board gave just over $84,000 in scholarships and in 2014 over $98,000.

Four of the scholarships are named for the Society’s 2015 Award Recipients, one scholar-ship is named for and in part funded each year by the Aureus Group of Lincoln and Omaha and one scholarship in memory of past Society President J. Ed-munds Miller and his wife Thel-ma.  

The Foundation Board, led by President Jan Mumm of Ceresco, annually distributes funds raised from the membership to fulfill its Mission, “to support excellence in the Certified Public Account-ing Profession through financial assistance to accounting stu-dents.”

Following is the 2015-2016 scholarship list:

Society Award Scholarships

Donald D. Kluthe of Omaha 2015 Distinguished Service

to the Profession Award Recipient - Tiffany Rocz

Midland University

Michael A. Summers of Omaha 2015 Outstanding CPA in

Business and Industry Award Recipient - Sarah Freepons

Creighton University

Kristian H. Rutford of Lincoln 2015 Public Service Award Recipient - Adam Whyrick

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Dr. Stanley R. Obermueller of Seward 2015 Outstanding Educator Award

Recipient - Mary Leising Concordia University

Fifth-Year (150-Hour) & Other Scholarships

Armando Becerril - Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln Heather Broman - Doane College

Nancy Drevo - Wayne State College Jacob Harney - Wayne State College

Zachary Justus - Univ. of NE at Kearney Mariah Karlin - Doane College

Theodore Kirkpatrick - Univ. of NE at Omaha Kelsey Martinsen - Univ. of NE at Kearney Ryan McChesney - Creighton University

Cassie Marie Minor - Wayne State College Hannah Mitchell - Creighton University

Keaton Moss - Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln Emily Streff - Wayne State College

Arnold L. Magnuson Scholarship Kaley Hodgen - Univ. of Nebraska at Kearney

Aureus Group Scholarship Morgan Birkel - Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha

Foundation Board Scholarship Rachel Bruch - Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln

J. Edmunds & Thelma Miller Scholarship

Jacob Bergdolt - Nebraska Wesleyan University

5

By Jon Hubbard Boomer Consulting, Inc.

Every firm understands the im-portance of client service. However, most firms struggle with establishing a consistent level of client service among all levels of the firm. Why is this? I have asked many Managing Partners this question and the most common answer I hear is that the firm lacks a culture of providing great client service. I then follow up with another question, “how would you describe a firm that has a culture of client service?” Most answers are similar to: Everyone in the firm understands

what great client service is Everyone in the firm talks about

client service Everyone in the firm understands

the client’s needs and puts the client first These answers are correct and I

would suggest that there are many additional correct answers. I then ask, “okay, so how do you become that type of firm?” The most com-mon answer is, “that’s been our prob-lem, I don’t know.”

I would submit that most firms struggle with consistently providing a high-level of client service because they are focusing on external clients first and not internal clients. Internal clients are those within your firm. Those you work with every day and have thousands of conversations with each year. If your internal team is not providing a high-level of client ser-vice to one another, how could you expect them to consistently provide a high-level of client service to the firm’s external clients?

Only when you first focus on internal client service will your cul-ture begin to change. Your entire firm needs to understand the concept

of internal client service. There needs to be a common language and under-standing of what it means to provide a high-level of client service to one another.

As part of the Five Star Client Service program, we walk firms through the 7 keys to creating a Five Star Client Service culture. The prin-ciples listed below are based on the same principles Five Star hotels and restaurants use to achieve high-quality service. If your firm focuses on the 7 areas below, you will begin to see a cultural shift happen and your firm’s level of client service will rise.

#1 - Connecting (Relationships) “Meaningful relationships are

developed through ongoing commu-nication, which fosters trust, care and confidence. Proactive connect-ing builds relationships.”

Building a strong internal team within your firm requires you to build strong working relationships through open and honest communi-cation. The best way to start building strong, professional relationships is to practice the principles 2-7 listed below.

#2 - Taking the Order “Expected results are created in

the mind before they are produced.” Every successful job or project

begins with proper preparation and communication. Your firm should work to anticipate each other’s per-spectives and needs while asking the right questions to ensure “the order” is being taken correctly.

#3 - Delivering the Order “Perceptions of value for intan-

gible services are created through emotions.”

Delivering the order focuses on making sure all parties understand the service that’s been performed and the benefits that have resulted. Con-sistently delivering the order well begins to make your firm a great

Continued on Page 8

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The Nebraska Society of CPAs’ 2015 Fall / Winter CPE Calendar www. nescpa.org Date Course Conference / Course Title Type Discussion Leader Facility & Location

November

2 TEOB Tax Exempt Organizations: Basic Operating Issues and Completing Form 990 TX Don Paul Cochran, Nichols

Patrick Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE

3 ITT U.S. Taxation of International Transactions TX Cochran, Nichols Patrick Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE

4 SVN4 The Seven Aspects of a GAAS Audit - NEW! (4-Hour Morning Course) AA Laura Lindal, Surgent McCoy German American Society, Omaha, NE

4 UIC4 Critical Internal Control Concepts Under COSO's Updated Internal Control - Integrated Framework (4-Hour Afternoon Course)

AA Laura Lindal, Surgent McCoy German American Society, Omaha, NE

5 PSAS Performing Single Audits in 2015 and Beyond - NEW! AA Laura Lindal, Surgent McCoy German American Society, Omaha, NE

6 H1TU 2015-16 One Day Federal Tax Update – Individual, Busi-ness & Corporate TX Vern Hoven & Ron Roberson,

Hoven Roberson Tax Seminars Embassy Suites, Lincoln, NE

9 FTU8 2015 Federal Tax Update TX Bradley P. Burnett, J.D., LL.M. Divots Conf. Ctr., Norfolk, NE

10 TPCP 2015 Tax Planning Update for C and S Corporations, Part-nerships and LLCs TX Bradley P. Burnett, J.D., LL.M. Divots Conf. Ctr., Norfolk, NE

11 SSTI Strictly State Taxes and State Incentive Programs - NEW! TX Nick Niemann, McGrath North Quarry Oaks, Ashland, NE

16 ETH4 Ethical Considerations for CPAs (4-Hour Morning Course) ET Michael Morgan, Surgent Fairfield Inn & Stes, Grand Island, NE

16 AAU4 Current Issues in Accounting & Auditing: Annual Update (4-Hour Afternoon Course) AA Michael Morgan, Surgent Fairfield Inn & Stes, Grand Island, NE

17 FSBT FASB's "Big 3" - Revenue Recognition, Leases and Finan-cial Instruments - NEW! AA Michael Morgan, Surgent Fairfield Inn & Stes, Grand Island, NE

18 NEIP Nebraska Economic Incentive Programs TX Mary Hugo, NE Dept. of Rev. The Cornhusker, Lincoln, NE

December

1 TAU Tax Advisors Update (Co-Sponsored with the IA Society of CPAs) TX Andy Biebl & Chris Hesse,

CliftonLarsonAllen Marina Inn Conf Ctr, S. Sioux City, NE

2 NESU Nebraska Sales & Use Tax Update (4-Hour Morning Course) TX Steve Drzaic, NE Dept of Reve-

nue Embassy Suites Conf. Ctr., LaVista, NE

2 PEU Professional Ethics Update for CPAs in Nebraska (4-Hour Afternoon Course) ET Tom Purcell & Edward Karl,

AICPA Embassy Suites Conf. Ctr., LaVista, NE

3 ACA Key Tax Issues of Implementing the Affordable Care Act TX Doug Van Der Aa, Federal Tax Workshops Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE

4 STBR Staff Training for Business Tax Returns TX Doug Van Der Aa, Federal Tax Workshops Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE

7 1041 Fiduciary Income Tax Returns - Form 1041 Workshop with Filled-in Forms TX Stephen Renberg, Surgent

McCoy Fairfield Inn & Stes, Grand Island, NE

8 ACTS Surgent's Advanced Critical Tax Issues for S Corporations TX Stephen Renberg, Surgent McCoy Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE

10 ICIL Intermediate Core Tax Issues in Partnerships and LLCs - NEW! TX Alicia Bingel, Surgent McCoy The Cornhusker, Lincoln, NE

11 PITR Preparing Individual Tax Returns for New Staff and Para-Professionals TX Alicia Bingel, Surgent McCoy The Cornhusker, Lincoln, NE

14-15 H2TU 2015-16 Two Day Federal Tax Update – Individual, Busi-ness & Corporate TX Vern Hoven & Ron Roberson,

Hoven Roberson Tax Seminars Embassy Suites Conf. Ctr., LaVista, NE

17 AANP Accounting & Auditing of Nonprofit Organizations - New Guide AA Paul Koehler, CPA Holthus Convention Center, York, NE

18 GAAU Governmental Accounting & Auditing Update AA Paul Koehler, CPA Holthus Convention Center, York, NE 21 FTU8 2015 Federal Tax Update TX Bradley P. Burnett, J.D., LL.M. Fairfield Inn & Stes, Grand Island, NE

7

CREATE FIVE-STAR . . . From Page 6

place to work. #4 - Ascertaining Satisfaction “Long-term relationships are

sustained from meeting, and then exceeding, stated and unstated needs.”

Ascertaining satisfaction is making sure your team understands how their efforts are perceived by those they are serving and if expec-tations were met.

#5 - Offering Dessert “The law of the harvest – you

reap what you sow.” Offering Dessert is one of the

most fun parts of belonging to a high-performing, strongly branded firm. It bonds relationships and en-hances your firm’s culture. The best firms seek opportunities to offer dessert.

#6 - Collecting the Check “The perception of value is

highest at the moment of delivery.” Internal and external clients val-

ue services the most at the time of delivery. Collecting the Check is the appropriate time to set the stage for the relationship’s future and build ongoing satisfaction.

#7 - Recovery “Long-term trust and respect is

built on taking responsibility for your actions.”

Recovery is the systematic steps we take to reestablish a relationship after we make a mistake or create a problem.

Creating a Five Star Client Ser-vice culture isn’t always easy, but it can be fun. I’ve had the privilege of taking firms through the Five Star Client Service process and it’s al-ways a joy to see all levels of the firm engaged in becoming “Five Star.” High-performing team mem-bers want to work in a Five Star Cli-ent Service culture. If your firm could improve in the area of client service, have your internal team start practicing the 7 keys listed above.

Paul Knutson and Colin Walker of Omaha have been promoted to Senior Accountants in the Omaha firm of Lutz & Co. PC. Also at Lutz & Co., Nate Hagge and Jeff Paesl of Omaha have been promoted to Audit Managers. Dan Kinsella, Doug Ewald and Leonard Sommer of Omaha have received 2014-2015 Alumni Achievement Awards from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Col-lege of Business Administration. Jeffrey J. Pirruccello of Omaha has been named to the list of “Lawyers of the Year” in the area of non-profit/charities law in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers of America. JoAnn Martin of Lincoln has been named Chairman-Elect of the University of Ne-braska Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ryan Wampler, Mishayla Richardson, Kyle Drummond and Maria Carl-son, all of Omaha, have been promoted to Supervisor in Assurance Services in the Omaha office of McGladrey LLP. Also at McGladrey in Omaha, Kevin Foral of Omaha has been promoted to Senior Manager in Tax Services.

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TAX MANAGER / DIRECTOR–Dickinson & Clark CPAs, PC, -Council Bluffs, Iowa is looking for a senior-level tax professional to support continued firm growth and complement the firm’s long-term succession/ownership strategy. This management position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; CPA li-cense; minimum 7-10 years of current experience in public accounting, with a focus on federal/state taxation of indi-viduals, businesses, trust and estates; an advanced understanding of Internal Rev-enue Code sections and regulations; and strong client consulting and planning skills in taxation. Duties include prepa-ration and review of individual and busi-ness income tax returns, performing fed-eral and state tax research, management of staff on client engagements, participa-tion in firm practice development oppor-tunities, and participation in leading and teaching in-house technical training. The firm is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and specializes in the construction, agri-culture, and real estate industries, and also has a significant diverse individual tax return client base. We offer a gener-ous compensation and benefit package, including bonus, retirement, health in-surance, additional time off, and an on-site workout area. Relocation package available. Qualified candidates should send resume to Tom Umphreys: tumphreys@dickinson-clark.com.

HASTINGS COLLEGE is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Controller. The successful candi-date will have a demonstrated ability to provide leadership to the college’s accounting and related functions, a comprehensive understanding of higher education accounting best practices, and strong communication skills. The Controller reports to, and works closely with the Vice President for Finance and Administration and ensures compliance with appropriate accounting and auditing standards. The Controller will manage a team responsible for Student Billing and Collections, Payroll Processing, Cash Management, Endowment and Grant accounting, and Accounts Payable and will be responsible for the coordi-nation of the fiscal year-end audits and tax preparation. For more infor-mation and for application, please go to www.hastings.edu/employment. Position is open immediately. Review of applications will be ongoing until the position has been filled.

PARTNER OPPORTUNITY Established accounting firm seeks ex-perienced tax manager to partner with old timer with expectations that new associate will take over in the near fu-ture. CPA certificate required. Must be proficient in both individual and corpo-rate tax returns, advanced tax knowledge and possess superior com-munications skills with both clients and staff. Email resume & letter of interest to tmeyer@nescpa.org.

CPA FIRM PARTNER: Lanphier, Kolasinski & Sagar, PC is seeking an innovative, energetic CPA for immediate partnership interest ac-quisition. The partner will need expe-rience in compilation and review, cor-porate, partnership, individual, payroll and sales taxation and QuickBooks. We are a family oriented firm special-izing in individuals and small to medi-um businesses. We have a forty year old client base with great growth po-tential. Qualified applicants should send their resume to 10842 John Galt Blvd, Omaha, NE 68137 or email in-fo@lkscpa.com.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE PAGEG 9, 11 & 12

Well established CPA Firm is seeking a highly motivated professional with 2 – 5 years of experience for our tax and audit practice. Certified Public Accountant or CPA candidate preferred. Please submit your resume in confidence to: Kruse, Schumacher, Smejkal & Brockhaus PC, PO Box 280, Columbus, NE 68602.

Lincoln, NE CPA firm has an opening for a full time accountant with 2 or more years of public accounting experience. Candidate must have skills in prepara-tion of individual and corporate income tax and a strong general accounting background. Practice consists of a wide variety of individual and business cli-ents. Qualified applicants should send their resume and cover letter to JoAnn K. Henke, CPA, 5640 South Street, Suite 2, Lincoln, NE 68506 or email: jhenke@windstream.net.

9

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TAX EXTENDERS . . . From Page 1 need certainty with regards to ex-tenders to perform any long-term tax, cash-flow or financial plan-ning and reporting, Lewis noted, and expressed concern about the following consequences if Con-gress does not act as soon as possi-ble: The impact on a company’s

financial accounting and re-porting;

The increase in complexity and administrative burden for tax-payers and the Internal Reve-nue Service (IRS);

The adverse impact on small businesses and, ultimately, jobs and growth; and

The effect on economic deci-sions and tax payments. Lewis also expressed concern

about the lack of transparency that results from short-term, retroactive extensions.

G400 Meetings & Railroads . . . As a fitting reward for his efforts and work with Nebraska CPA firms over the past couple of years, Ed Dupke (second from right) of the AICPA received a guided tour of the Bailey Yard in North Platte, the largest rail yard in the world, and had plenty of time to observe the Yard from the Golden Spike Tower. Ed is a self-proclaimed “train enthusiast and hobbyist.” Dupke, a retired Michigan CPA who now lives in Sun City West, AZ, spends some of his spare time meeting with “G-400 CPA firms” in the West and Midwest to update the firm’s staff and leadership on AICPA issues and pro-grams. G-400 firms is a designation used by the AICPA for CPA firms with 21-99 AICPA members and 4-34 partners. Bob McChesney of North Platte (right), a former Society Chairman of the Board, planned and hosted the Sept. 29 tour for Dupke. Also included was Society President Dan Vodvarka (left) and his wife Rose. Dupke and President Vodvarka met with one of Nebraska’s G-400 firms later that day.

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Accounting Practice Sales is the largest facilitator in North America for selling

accounting and tax practices. We provide a free estimate of your firm’s value,

market extensively, assist in negotiations and find you the right situation. We

understand your concerns and respect your confidentiality.

Contact us today so your last decision will be your best.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE PAGEG 9, 11 & 12

Fiserv is seeking Accounting Profes-sionals for several newly created openings! For consideration, please email: dottie.regan@fiserv.com. For more information on current job postings, please go to https://www.fiserv.com/about/careers.aspx.

REVENUE OPERATIONS MANAGER

Reporting to the Director of Accounting this opportunity exists for an experi-enced manager to lead a team of associ-ates and direct all billing operations for a large division of a $5B public compa-ny. This includes oversight of internal controls, integrity of data feeds to SAP, assistance with internal and external audits, and meeting required internal deadlines. The position will also entail significant project work as part of an exciting, broader, billing transformation project. Responsibilities: Oversee all Premier West billing

operations and associates Ensure all billing is complete, time-

ly, and accurate each month Ensure compliance of controls and

Corporate Policies Assist with internal and external

audits Support, promote, and lead through

continuous change Take a lead role in identifying and

developing best practices Work cross-functionally with other

internal accounting, finance and account executives

Required Qualifications: Education: Bachelor degree in Accounting or

related business field Job Related Experience: 5 years management experience

preferred Billing experience using SAP or

any other ERP system a plus Additional Skills/Knowledge: Self-motivated, pro-active, antici-

pates future needs Results focused while ensuring a

high level of quality; detail oriented Commitment to continuous process

improvement Ability to work independently Excellent organizational and time

management skills

(continued in next column)

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Opportunity exists to showcase your accounting skill and business acumen within a large business unit of a $5 bil-lion publically traded company. This new position reports to the business unit Accounting Manager and includes re-sponsibilities within monthly general ledger close, revenue recognition analy-sis, and balance sheet account reconcili-ations. Projects will be assigned that require the ability to research, analyze data, and generate appropriate account-ing documents and support within an SAP environment. Responsibilities Prepare and post journal entries

across a broad area of balance sheet and income statement accounts

Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations on accounts includ-ing prepaid expenses, accrued ex-penses, deferred revenue and others

Learn responsibilities of others within the accounting team

Perform other duties as required Required Education and Experience Bachelor Degree in Accounting or

equivalent business degree Two years general accounting expe-

rience preferred Balance sheet reconciliation experi-

ence preferred Functional Knowledge and Qualities Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Suite including intermediate Mi-crosoft Excel skills

Strong analytical skills with the ability to research and reconcile difficult accounts

Ability to analyze large amounts of data

Results focused while ensuring deadlines are met with a high level of quality

Detail oriented Ability to communicate effectively

with all levels of employees, man-agement and external customers

Commitment to continuous process improvement

Preferred SAP experience is a plus (continued in next column)

BILLING SPECIALIST This fast paced role includes numerous learning opportunities within SAP billing and accounts receivable environments. The billing department is dedicated to continual process improvement and is seeking job candidates who aspire to con-tribute thoughts and ideas that support positive change. The Billing Specialist will impact the success of both Fiserv and its clients by generating timely, accurate invoices, handling client inquiries, per-forming data validation, and contributing towards other miscellaneous projects. Responsibilities: General accounts receivable functions Provide first-class client billing sup-

port, which entails working with ac-count executives, client service man-agers, accounting managers, and peers

Pull data from multiple sources, vali-date, and compile it to create invoices in SAP

Research and understand client con-tracts to ensure accurate invoicing

Comply with internal controls and Fiserv financial policies

Assist with internal and external au-dits

Work cross-functionally with other internal accounting & finance teams

Seek opportunities to automate and improve invoicing processes

Other projects as assigned. The above statements are intended only to describe the general nature of the job, and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of position responsibilities. Required Qualifications: Education: Minimum 2 year accounting or fi-

nance degree Bachelor’s degree is preferred

Job Related Experience: Experience working with billing or

accounting is preferred Additional Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of basic account princi-

ples is preferred Basic to Intermediate Excel skills Ability to communicate effectively,

both written and verbally Detail oriented and organized in

work Ability to work cooperatively and

collaboratively will all levels of asso-ciates and clients

Fiserv, Inc. is an Equal Employment Op-portunity/Affirmative Action Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

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Nebraska Society of CPAs 635 South 14th Street, Suite 330 Lincoln, Nebraska 68508

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PAID CORNERSTONE

SENIOR ACCOUNTANTS TAX AND/OR AUDIT

McDermott & Miller, PC is presently hiring in its Hastings, Nebraska office. We have openings for current CPA’s with 3-5 years of tax and/or audit ex-perience in public accounting to lead engagements, supervise and train other professionals, and assist supervisors and managers in all functions. WE OFFER TOP PAY, A FULL BENEFITS PACKAGE, AND VERY LIMITED TRAVEL. To inquire or apply, please contact Andrew Janzen at (402) 462-4154, or email a cover letter and resume to ajanzen@mmcpas.com.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE PAGEG 9, 11 & 12

A Lincoln, Nebraska private sector company is seeking an accountant with a bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of accounting and auditing experience for our Business Intelli-gence Department. CPA not re-quired but helpful. Responsibilities would include assisting the compa-ny controller, assisting with annual audit and assist in providing CFO responsibilities and duties for a new-ly acquired client. Candidate should possess excellent computer and communication skills and be client service oriented. Candidate should be proficient in excel. An account-ing systems background (Microsoft, Dynamics GP) is desirable. We of-fer competitive wages and benefits package with very limited travel. Please send resume to Stan Martin, ALN Medical Management, P.O. Box 6971, Lincoln, NE 68516 or e-mail Stan.martin@alnmm.com.

LUTZ TALENT, a division of Lutz that focuses solely on direct hire positions in Accounting and Finance, is seeking candidates for a number of our clients. Some of the roles include:

Chief Financial Officer Controller Accounting Manager Senior Accountant Senior Financial Analyst Director of Internal Audit Audit Manager Senior Internal Auditor Tax Managers

and more! At the end of the day, we’re real, hardworking, fun-loving people like you. With zero financial risk, guaranteed confidentiality and decades of experience to help find what makes you happy, what do you have to lose? Email Josh Boesch at jboesch@lutz.us. Find what mat-ters at www.lutztalent.us.

McChesney Martin Sagehorn, CPA’s is seeking a full-time account-ant in their Ogallala, Nebraska loca-tion. Tax experience in public ac-counting is preferred. Duties include preparation of income tax returns for individuals and businesses, account-ing, payroll tax return preparation and financial statement preparation. QuickBooks experience preferred. Sal-ary commensurate with experience. Near beautiful Lake McConaughy. Excellent hunting and fishing. Email resume and letter of interest to: ajfaesser@cpas-mms.com.

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PRACTICE? Accounting Practice Sales is the leading marketer of ac-counting and tax practices in North America. We have a large pool of buy-ers, both individuals and firms, looking for practices now. We also have the experience to help you find the right fit for your firm and negotiate the best price and terms. To learn more about our risk-free and confidential services, call Trent Holmes at 1-800-397-0249 or email Trent@accountingpractice-sales.com. Interested in Buying a Practice? See local and nationwide listings at www.AccountingPracticeSales.com and register for free email updates or call us at 1-800-397-0249.

CFO Garner Industries has an immediate opening for a CFO who will be responsi-ble for directing the fiscal functions of the corporation as well as overseeing the IT and HR departments. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends to assist the CEO and department managers in performing their responsibilities, provid-ing strategic financial input and leadership on decision making, enhancing cash position, and advising the CEO on improvements to processes, etc. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of manufacturing accounting experience, a Bach-elor’s degree in accounting or related field and be licensed as a CPA. For more information on our company, please visit www.garnerindustries.com and www.binmaster.com. Please submit resume along with salary requirements to Darci Isherwood at disherwood@garnerindustries.com or mail to 7201 N 98th St, Lincoln, NE 68507.

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PAIDFIRESPRING