How to deter and mitigate the fallout from cyberattacks
Is the confidential information on your network safe? That’s a question every organization should ask itself because network security breaches are common and becoming even more prevalent. Kristen Werries Collier, a partner with Novack and Macey LLP, says organizations must acknowledge this risk and vigilantly monitor and evaluate their cybersecurity safeguards and protocols to minimize […]
How your website and social media can get you into legal trouble
Even well-established companies can inadvertently trigger litigation through a violation of the law made through their Web practices, which include how they employ their website and social media strategies. “Companies don’t get into trouble just while constructing their initial website. The troubles evolve as companies, both big and small, and their products evolve,” says Bob […]
How to prepare for implementation of the 2013 COSO internal framework
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) recently updated the Internal Control-Integrated Framework. The goal is to provide greater clarity and guidance related to the design and implementation of an effective system of internal control. In order to implement the COSO Framework by the December 2014 deadline, companies need to get the […]
How delays and deadlines are affecting PPACA implementation
Enforcement of the employer mandate has been delayed until 2015, along with the annual limit on out-of-pocket costs a patient pays above what insurance covers, but the rest of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is still scheduled to proceed as planned — although it’s uncertain whether that schedule will be kept. “Right […]
How forensic accounting can snuff out fraud and mismanagement
With increased regulatory demands and constant threats of fraud and misconduct, businesses have to watch their backs, especially when it comes to finances. In many cases, having a traditional accountant is not enough. Instead, you may need someone who has not only accounting skills, but investigative and analytical skills as well. In other words, you […]
How private companies can benefit from establishing corporate governance
Corporate governance has become a popular topic. While it primarily pertains to the governance of public companies, it can be a useful set of policies and procedures to help guide a private company by fostering discipline and informed decision-making. “Historically, private company boards have been more casual in how they’re organized and how they act, […]
How to have an effective and successful open enrollment
Open enrollment is when employees review their current benefit elections and compare them to all the options offered by their employer. It can include medical, dental, vision, and ancillary products like supplemental life, long-term care and disability. “Some employers are unenthusiastic about open enrollment since employees are pulled out for mandatory meetings, but it alleviates […]
Unpaid interns could be costly, if you’re doing it wrong
In June, a New York federal court decided a case — known as the “Black Swan” case — that should make employers think hard about how to structure internship programs. The court found that a major movie studio should have paid its interns, and several other companies using unpaid interns are now facing similar lawsuits. […]
How to ensure your money is well spent with the right law firm during litigation
No one likes to be involved in a lawsuit — especially since they can be so expensive. However, if it should happen to your business, it’s important to not only hire the right lawyer but also to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth from that lawyer. You need to be aware of how much […]
How to transition your family business to the next generation
Business succession is the one thing many companies fail to address for fear of relinquishing control, a lack of time, the feeling that successors aren’t ready or other reasons. But, it’s never too early to start succession planning. “Statistically, roughly only 30 percent of family-owned businesses are effectively transferred to the second generation and just […]