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MISSISSIPPI SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS VOLUME XLVIII MAY 2010 In Memoriam Billy Joe Killebrew Greenwood Died March 14, 2010 MAJOR EVENTS IN JUNE June 1-7: Continuation of Ridgeland Cluster June 21-23: Gulfport Seminars (Including 3 days of Technology from K2) June 24-27: Annual Convention in Sandestin including one day of CPE on Thursday: Ethics in the AM and A&A Update in the PM July 1: IRS Practitioners’ Meeting at the MSCPA Center Mail Ballots Available for Officer Election, Update to Bylaws Members who choose to cast an absentee ballot for the 2010-2011 officer slate and the at-large Board of Governors member may now request a ballot from the Society office. Requests should be made in writing to the MSCPA, 306 Southampton Row, Ridgeland, MS 39157 or by email to [email protected] g . The Bylaws require that an absentee ballot must be voted and returned to the Society office no later than 15 days prior to the date of the Annual Business Meeting (June 26). Members will also be voting on proposed updates to the Bylaws which were recommended by the Long Range Planning Committee and approved by the Board of Governors at their May 4 meeting. The updates have been posted to the Society’s website and a hard copy will be included with the absentee ballots. Spring Ceremony Honors New CPAs The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy honored new CPAs during their April 24 ceremony at the New Capitol in Jackson. MSCPA President Bob Cunningham introduced the new CPAs to the MSCPA and benefits of membership. Steven Palazzo, CPA, a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, was guest speaker. State Board Chairman David Clarke administered the Oath of Title. The new CPAs included Karen B. Adams, Jonathan Brent Boutwell, Steven Joshua Carlisle, James H. Carter, Halton A. Davis, III, Renae Leigh Davis, Daniel James DeBlanc, Lydia N. Didia, Felicia Adale Dunn, Chad Edward Ervin, Sheila Franklin-Buie, Randall W. Geimer, Kimberly L. Henry, Derek Wade Holeman, Kristie Ann Holland, Ying Hou, Shelby Lynn Howarth, Kimberly Dawn Jenkins, Brandon Michael Jones, Jarred Hunter King, Mary Anne King, James David Madden, Debbie Lynn Clark McClelland, Jordan Dougas Miller, Danna Gwen Napp, Catherine Kimberly Naughton Peyton, Perry Calloway Rackley,Jr., Barrett Tadlock Smith, William Brent Tapscott, Toni C. Thrasher, James Warner Wadlington, Robert Bryan Wall, and Allison Amanda Wilson. Do We Have Your Email Address? Visit the Members Section of the Society website (top right main page at www.ms-cpa.org) to review your member information and make updates. Or, email your preferred email address to [email protected] g and we’ll do the update for you.

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Page 1: In Memoriam MAJOR EVENTS IN JUNE€¦ · MAJOR EVENTS IN JUNE June 1-7: Continuation of Ridgeland Cluster June 21-23: ... and create an online resume agent to email qualified candidates

MISSISSIPPI SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

VOLUME XLVIII MAY 2010

In MemoriamBilly Joe Killebrew

Greenwood

Died March 14, 2010

MAJOR EVENTS IN JUNEJune 1-7: Continuation of Ridgeland Cluster

June 21-23: Gulfport Seminars(Including 3 days of Technology from K2)

June 24-27: Annual Convention in Sandestin including one day of

CPE on Thursday: Ethics in the AM and A&A Update in the PM

July 1: IRS Practitioners’ Meeting at the MSCPA Center

Mail BallotsAvailable forOfficer Election,Update toBylaws

Members who choose to cast anabsentee ballot for the 2010-2011officer slate and the at-large Board ofGovernors member may now request aballot from the Society office. Requestsshould be made in writing to theMSCPA, 306 Southampton Row,Ridgeland, MS 39157 or by email [email protected]. The Bylaws requirethat an absentee ballot must be votedand returned to the Society office nolater than 15 days prior to the date ofthe Annual Business Meeting (June 26).

Members will also be voting onproposed updates to the Bylaws whichwere recommended by the Long RangePlanning Committee and approved bythe Board of Governors at their May 4meeting. The updates have beenposted to the Society’s website and ahard copy will be included with theabsentee ballots.

Spring Ceremony Honors New CPAsThe Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy honored new CPAs during their April 24ceremony at the New Capitol in Jackson. MSCPA President Bob Cunningham introducedthe new CPAs to the MSCPA and benefits of membership. Steven Palazzo, CPA, a memberof the Mississippi House of Representatives, was guest speaker. State Board Chairman DavidClarke administered the Oath of Title. The new CPAs included Karen B. Adams, JonathanBrent Boutwell, Steven Joshua Carlisle, James H. Carter, Halton A. Davis, III, Renae LeighDavis, Daniel James DeBlanc, Lydia N. Didia, Felicia Adale Dunn, Chad Edward Ervin, SheilaFranklin-Buie, Randall W. Geimer, Kimberly L. Henry, Derek Wade Holeman, Kristie AnnHolland, Ying Hou, Shelby Lynn Howarth, Kimberly Dawn Jenkins, Brandon Michael Jones,Jarred Hunter King, Mary Anne King, James David Madden, Debbie Lynn Clark McClelland,Jordan Dougas Miller, Danna Gwen Napp, Catherine Kimberly Naughton Peyton, PerryCalloway Rackley, Jr., Barrett Tadlock Smith, William Brent Tapscott, Toni C. Thrasher, JamesWarner Wadlington, Robert Bryan Wall, and Allison Amanda Wilson.

Do We Have YourEmail Address?Visit the Members Section of theSociety website (top right mainpage at www.ms-cpa.org) toreview your member informationand make updates. Or, emailyour preferred email address [email protected] and we’ll dothe update for you.

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

Publishedby the

Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

306 Southampton RowThe Commons

Highland Colony ParkwayRidgeland, MS 39157

PHONE: (601) 856-4244FAX: (601) 856-8255

E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

OFFICERS

PresidentBob Cunningham, Jackson

Vice President/President-ElectSim Mosby, Natchez

SecretarySusan Riley, Hattiesburg

TreasurerLee Adams, Jackson

Immediate Past-PresidentJan Lewis, Jackson

Executive DirectorJack O. Coppenbarger

The CPA Newsletter is the officialpublication of the Mississippi Society ofCertified Public Accountants. TheNewsletter invites articles of interest to theprofession and gives credit to the author;however, it reserves the right to editarticles for correct spelling, wording andpunctuation.

Opinions expressed are not necessarilythe official policy of the MSCPA.Advertising is accepted in good faith thatthe product/services are of value stated.

MSCPA Launches New Online Career CenterThe MSCPA has launched an interactive job board, the MSCPA Career Center. Thecenter offers an easy-to-use and highly targeted resource for online employmentconnections. A link is on the Society’s website.

Both members and non-members can use the MSCPA Career Center to reach qualifiedcandidates. Employers can post jobs online, search for qualified candidates based onspecific job criteria, and create an online resume agent to email qualified candidatesdaily. An added benefit is online reporting that provides job activity statistics.

For job seekers, MSCPA Career Center is a free service that provides access toemployers and jobs. In addition to posting their resumes, job seekers can browseand view available jobs based on their criteria and save those jobs for later review ifthey choose. Job seekers can also create a search agent to provide emailnotifications of jobs that match their criteria.

Welcome New MembersNew members include Rosemary Franks

Jarrell, Jared Hunter King, Jennifer RochellPowers, Debbie Lynn Clark McClelland,Scott Aaron Samuels, and Ellen FrancesWilliams.

Now completing the membershipprocess are:

Leigh F. Agnew was born in Mobile andreceived her BS in Accounting from WakeForest University. She is a Staff Accountantwith Nicholson & Company in Hattiesburg.

John F. Bakley was born in AtlanticCity, New Jersey and received his BS inAccounting from Seton Hall University. Heis EVP and CFO of Island View CasinoResort in Gulfport.

Lindsey Wilcox Conley was born inMobile and received her Bachelor and MBAdegrees from Spring Hill College in Mobile.She is Comptroller with ManagementResource Group in Ocean Springs.

Daniel James DeBlanc was born in NewOrleans and received a BSBA inManagement Information Systems, MBAwith emphasis in Finance and a BABA inAccounting from the University of SouthernMississippi. He is Controller with TWI inPicayune.

Chad Edward Ervin was born inMcComb and received his BSBA from theUniversity of Southern Mississippi. He is aStaff Accountant with McArthur, Thames,Slay & Dews, PLLC in Hattiesburg.

Karen Gurnik was born in New Jerseyand received her BS in Accounting fromRutgers University. She is a CPA withRickert and Company, LLC in Slidell.

Kimberly L. Henry was born inGreenville and received a BBA inAccounting, BS in Psychology and MAccfrom Millsaps College. She is a Senior

Accountant with Matthews, Cutrer &Lindsay P.A. in Ridgeland.

Kristie Ann Holland was born inHattiesburg and attended the University ofSouthern Mississippi and William CareyUniversity earning a BS in Accounting andMBA. She is a Lead Accountant for ForrestGeneral Hospital in Hattiesburg.

Shelby Lynn Howarth was born inPascagoula, earned an Associate degree fromMississippi Gulf Coast Community College,a Bachelor’s degree from the University ofSouthern Mississippi and is a SeniorAccountant with Nicholson & Company inHattiesburg.

Robbin Courtney Jones was born inHattiesburg and earned an Associate Degreein Business from Copiah-LincolnCommunity College, Bachelor ofProfessional Accountancy from MississippiState University and MBA from theUniversity of New Orleans. She is a StaffAccountant with Nicholson & Company inHattiesburg.

Shawna Leigh Post was born inMeridian and received a BS in Accountingfrom Mississippi State University-Meridian.She is a Staff Accountant with Rea, Shaw,Giffin & Stuart, LLP in Meridian.

Kenneth Angelo Primos, III was bornin Jackson and received Bachelor andMaster of Accoutancy degrees and his JurisDoctorate from the University ofMississippi. He is an Associate with Butler,Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada inRidgeland.

Troy Daniel Rankin was born inJackson and received his BSBA inAccounting from the University of Southern

continued on page 4

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

NEW MEMBERSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Mississippi. He is a Financial Analyst withTrustmark National Bank in Jackson

Richard George Roberts, Jr., was bornin Chicago and received a BSC inCommerce from Loyola University. He is asole practitioner in Oxford.

Barrett T. Smith was born in Jacksonand received a BS in Fitness Managementfrom Mississippi State University and aBSBA in Accountancy from the Universityof Southern Mississippi. He is a StaffAccountant with Matthews, Cutrer &Lindsay, P.A. in Ridgeland.

Katie Bruce Stuart is applying as anAssociate Member. She received herBachelor and Master of Accountancydegrees from the University of Mississippiand is a Staff Accountant with NailMcKinney, P.A. in Tupelo.

Deborah Shea Sutherland was born inJackson and attended Mississippi Collegeand the University of Texas earning BSBAand MAcc degrees. She is CFO of HealthManagement Associates in Midwest City,Oklahoma.

Lauren Bailey Trussell was born inHattiesburg and received her BSBA inAccounting and MPA from the University ofSouthern Mississippi. She is an Associatewith William F. Horne & Co., PLLC inLaurel.

Ima Ruth Whitehead was born inPhiladelphia, Miss., and attended EastCentral Junior College and Mississippi StateUniversity earning a BPA. She is anAccountant/ Auditor with A. T. Williams inPhiladelphia.

Allison A. Wilson was born in Jacksonand received her Bachelor of Accountancyand Master of Professional Accountancyfrom Mississippi State University. She is astaff auditor with BKD, LLP in Jackson.

Security Concerns Every CPA Firm Should ConsiderBy Trey James, Xcentric

This article was originally going to be titled “10Surefire Ways to Break into an AccountingFirm’s Data,” but, as you can imagine, we wereconcerned about making it any easier than italready is to break in and didn’t want to createany unnecessary frustration in the marketplace.So here’s a tamed down, but hopefully stillpotent, reminder that data security doesn’tsimply care for itself and must be managed likeany other aspect of your business.

By law, we have a duty to protect ourclient data. It’s important that weunderstand our physical security risks, know

what risk points exist for exposure of clientdata and enforce a plan to keep key systemsproperly updated and staff up to date onsecurity best practices.

The truth is a hacker can find outeverything they need to know about yourdomain, spam service, website and mailserver just through passive and publiclyavailable information lookups. And if youhappen to be hosting both your website andmail server from your office, this tells ahacker exactly which IP range to attack.

So how do you keep your firmprotected? Here are some things toconsider:

Server SecurityIf your servers are located in your office,

new legislation, like the freshly minted (asof March 1, 2010) Massachusetts 201 CMR17, requires that they be behind a securelocked door with restricted access and lockson the server cases, cabinets, drive chassisand server console screen. Or if your servers

are hosted offsite at a data center, it’s best toensure that all of the physical securityrequirements are being met based on yourneeds.

Confidential DataIn theory, CPA firms securely shred

everything. In practice, someone couldlikely find a wealth of information theyshouldn’t have access to just by goingdumpster digging. Does your firm activelyenforce a confidential data policy thataddresses paper copies of confidential data?

Password SecurityIt is important to educate your firm on

the importance of using secure passwordsand keeping them secure by not writingthem down, telling them to anyone or usingthe “remember my password” checkbox atthe login prompt. Did you know thatadding just one capital letter and oneasterisk changes the processing time to crackan 8 character password from 35 minutes to

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

2010 MSCPA ConventionJune 24-27, 2010

The 2010 MSCPA Annual Convention isJune 24-27, 2010 at the Sandestin Golf &Beach Resort in Sandestin, Florida as theSociety marks the 90th anniversary.President Bob Cunningham invites allMSCPA members to attend.

Activities begin on Thursday, June 24when exhibitors set up booths in theBaytowne Conference Center. Two four-hourCPE programs are offered to the membershipwith Dr. Quinton Booker of Jackson StateUniversity presenting a four-hour Ethics,Rules & Regulations Seminar Thursdaymorning and Dr. Stan Clark of theUniversity of Southern Mississippipresenting a four-hour Accounting &Auditing Update Thursday afternoon. Aseparate brochure with complete details isavailable on the two four-hour programs atwww.ms-cpa.org.

The convention registration desk opensat 1 p.m. Thursday on the second level ofthe Baytowne Conference Center. Thewelcome reception starts at 7 p.m. in theAzalea Ballroom officially opening themeeting and members will be greeted by thecurrent MSCPA officers.

u u uBarry Melancon speaks at 9 a.m. onFriday…….

Barry Melancon,President of the AICPA, willprovide a professional issuesupdate Friday morning.Barry is the President andChief Executive Officer ofthe American Institute ofCertified Public

Accountants (AICPA), the nationalprofessional organization of CPAs with350,000 members. As head of the largestbody of CPAs in the world, Melancon iscalled upon to represent the Institute withstate, national and international

organizations and is sought after by keyopinion leaders for his expertise.

Under Melancon, the Institute hasspearheaded private company financialreporting standards; eXtensible BusinessReporting Language (XBRL); thecomputerized CPA exam; audit qualitycenters; an Audit Committee EffectivenessCenter; and two consumer educationprograms: 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy, anational effort to help Americans understandhow financial issues affect them at differentlife stages, and a related campaign, Feed thePig, created with the Ad Council anddesigned to help 25 – 34 year olds gaincontrol of their personal finances.

Melancon is a member of the AICPA’sdelegation to the International Federation ofAccountants and founding board member ofthe Global Accounting Alliance. In 2007and 2008, he served on the U. S.Department of the Treasury AdvisoryCommittee on the Auditing Profession.

Prior to joining the AICPA, Melanconserved for eight years as Executive Directorof the Society of Louisiana CPAs. He beganhis accounting career in 1979 at a small CPAfirm in Louisiana and was elected partner in1984. Melancon holds a bachelor’s inaccounting and MBA from Nicholls StateUniversity, where he served four years as anadjunct professor of accounting.

u u uJonathan Turner discusses fraudissues at 10:15 a.m…..

Jonathan Turner hasextensive experienceconducting civilinvestigations,concentrating on financialfraud, money launderingand computer crime cases.During his career, he hashelped hundreds of

Melancon

Turner

companies and organizations resolve fraudmatters, primarily in the healthcare,banking, manufacturing, and service sectors.

He is a Managing Director with Wilson &Turner Incorporated, where he specializes inthe prevention and detection of financialfraud and employee crime issues. Prior to co-founding WTI, he served in investigationsmanagement positions with regional,national and international investigationsfirms, with operational responsibility forthousands of investigations. Turner waseducated at Tulane University (BA,International Relations) and the Universityof Leicester (MSc, Security & RiskManagement).

He is an expert in the investigation anddocumentation of financial fraud andcomputer crime matters. He concentrates onthe prevention, detection and resolution offinancial fraud schemes. He prepares fidelitybond and employee crime claims for victimorganizations. Working with Fortune 500and other leading companies, his effortshave led to numerous multi-million dollarrecoveries from fraud losses. He has beenretained to provide expert testimonyregarding fraud, on behalf of governmental,public and private organizations, for mattersbefore U.S. State, Federal & Bankruptcycourts, as well as international courts.

Turner is a Certified Fraud Examiner(CFE), a Certified International Investigator(CII), and is licensed as a private investigator.He maintains active membership in theAssociation of Certified Fraud Examiners,where he is Chairman of the Board ofRegents; the American Bar Association; theAmerican Society of Criminology; and manyother professional groups. He serves on theEditorial Boards of Fraud Magazine and TheJohn Liner Review, and he is an advisor to theAudit Committees of Not-for-ProfitOrganizations.

u u uFollowing the morning

presentations, members are free to enjoyan afternoon of relaxation or may choose to

continued on page 7

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

participate in the golf tournament on theBaytowne Course or aboard the Sweet Jodyfor an afternoon of fishing. A box lunch willbe provided after the last speaker concludes.

u u uAnnual Business Meeting Starts at 9a.m. on Saturday…….

The Annual Business Meeting will becalled into session at 9 a.m. on Saturday byPresident Cunningham. Officers for the2010-2011 fiscal year will be elected andreports from the Secretary, Treasurer,Insurance Trust Chairman, Legislation, andthe Mississippi State Board of PublicAccountancy will be presented. Memberswho have won the Outstanding Educatorand Public Service Awards will also behonored. CPA Exam Medal Winners will alsobe recognized.

u u uAndy Taggart and Jere Nash talkpolitics at 11 a.m on Saturday:

Originally published in 2006, MississippiPolitics quickly became the definitive workon the state’s recent political history,campaigns, legislative battles, and litigation,as well as how Mississippi shaped and was

shaped by national andregional trends. A centraltheme of the 2006 editionwas the state’s gradualtransition from a Democraticsurety to a Republicanstronghold. For the updatededition, authors Jere Nashand Andy Taggart examinethe aftermath of the 2007gubernatorial and 2008presidential elections—andall the fireworks in between.The new edition adds achapter covering the last twoyears and includes analyses

of the 2007 and 2008 statewide, legislative,and federal elections; the resignations ofSenator Trent Lott and Congressman ChipPickering; the indictments of Richard Scruggsand other prominent lawyers; PresidentBarack Obama’s influence on the state’s 2008voting dynamics; and the election of HouseSpeaker Billy McCoy. Jere Nash, aDemocrat, is a consultant whose politicalpositions have included executive director ofMississippi First, deputy state auditor, andchief of staff for the Office of the Governor.He has consulted on numerous state andlocal campaigns. Andy Taggart, aRepublican, currently operates his own law

firm, focusing on business counseling andconsulting with emphasis on governmentand health. He has served as executivedirector of the Mississippi Republican Party,chief of staff for the Office of the Governor,and president/CEO of the MississippiTechnology Alliance.

u u uFree Time Saturday Afternoon

Members return from a free afternoon fora reception and dinner on the Grand Lawn.President Cunningham will introduce newlyelected officers and the traditional exchangeof gavel will be made as President-Elect SimMosby nears the beginning of his term.

u u uPrayer Breakfast Closes ConventionSunday morning…..

The traditional Sunday morning PrayerBreakfast, very popular with members andwell attended, will close the 2010 meeting.

u u uSpecial for Spouses: On Friday

morning at 9 o’clock, a breakfast buffet willbe served for Spouses. This will be held onthe Second Level of the Baytown ConferenceCenter. And on Saturday starting at 9 a.m.,bingo will be held in the conference centerwith prizes made possible by the MSCPAChapters.

Taggart

Nash

2010 CONVENTIONCONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

President-Elect Sim Mosby NamesChairmen for 2010-2011 CommitteesPresident-Elect Sim Mosby has selected Committee Chairmen to serve in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Committee ChairmenAccounting & Auditing ......................................Jennifer Hilliard, JacksonAdvisory to State Board ......................................Gary Walker, RidgelandAwards, Education & Scholarships.....................Karen Moody, JacksonBusiness Valuation & Litigation Support ...........Jim Koerber, HattiesburgContinuing Professional Education ...................Gloria Crechale, FlowoodFirm Administration & Development................Beth Burgess, FlowoodGovernmental Accounting & Auditing .............Angela Herzog, Hattiesburg Health Care Services ...........................................David Williams, JacksonIndustry ..............................................................Daniel Wright, JacksonInsurance Trust ...................................................Lance Mize, RidgelandLegislation...........................................................Tommy Butler, RidgelandLong Range Planning .........................................Ed Jones, PascagoulaNon-Profits .........................................................Charles Lindsay, RidgelandPeer Review.........................................................Charles R. Prince, MageeProfessional Conduct .........................................Larry Lefoldt, RidgelandTaxation ..............................................................Ted Edwards, Jackson

NewMSCPA

CAREERCENTER

For

Job SeekersAnd

EmployersSign up at

www.ms-cpa.org

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

SECURITY CONCERNSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

346 days? We recommend enforcing apassword policy that includes forcedpassword changes every 90 days withspecific complexity requirements (aminimum of 8 characters with acombination of lowercase, uppercase,numbers and symbols). Feel free to useXcentric’s password policy as a startingpoint for your firm.

Microsoft PatchesStaying up to date with Microsoft

patches is a critical step to ensuring yourfirm’s security. We recommend usingautomated patch management likeGFiLANguard or Windows Server UpdateServices, which is free. All of the Microsoftserver vulnerabilities and their relatedpatches (sometimes called ‘fixes’) arepublished on their Security AdvisoriesArchive site. This serves as a great inventoryof how to protect your firm, but alsosimultaneously provides cyber-punks aroadmap for exactly how to break into yourun-patched servers. Server security is onlyas good as its latest application of patches.

WebsiteAnother thing to consider is what

information you post on your website. CPAfirms love to publish everyone’s name,phone number and email address, which ishelpful for the general public, but makes itone step easier for someone to get into yournetwork. If you find this concerning,consider including a contact number and

generic email address for each department toadd one more layer of protection for yourfirm.

Voicemail SystemSecure passwords are important here too.

You don’t want someone calling your officeafter hours, figuring out how to get apassword prompt and then gaining access tosomeone’s voicemail because they usedsomething like 1111, 1234, or 0000 as theirpassword. This is another reason not to posteveryone’s number online.

ISP RouterThe Internet Service Provider’s (ISP)

“managed router” is one of the mostoverlooked pieces of the network. It’s anondescript box in the closet with blinkinglights that few people understand.Somehow ignorance makes way for comfort.Most firms assume that because the ISP set itup, it must be configured correctly. Not true.We’ve seen default passwords used on ISProuters many times. MANY times. Some ofthese routers have built-in sniffing tools toallow you to watch all traffic going in andout. This information is very helpful to ahacker. Request that your ISP changes thedefault login password on your router.

FirewallWhen is the last time your firewall was

updated? Firewalls are found both in theserver room and as a piece of software onyour PC. We recommend using Cisco fornetwork hardware-based firewalls. Otheroptions include SonicWall or WatchGuard.Just as any other component of technology

needs management, hardware firewalls alsoneed to be kept up to date. Your PC-basedfirewalls found on desktops, laptops andhome PCs are generally updated wheneverthe Windows Updates are installed.

We also recommend using IntrusionDetection/Prevention (IDS/IPS) to protectyour firm in addition to firewalls. Wherefirewalls passively block known attacks,IDS/IPS solutions are proactive in nature andwill provide reporting on the number andtypes of attacks that are attempted. Thereare numerous options out there, includingfree services like Symantec DeepSight andSnort. Other options include McAfee,VeriSign, IBM ISS and Cisco. This providesan extra layer of protection, as a hacker

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Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants May 2010

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May 2010 Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

SECURITY CONCERNSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

would have to get through your firewall andIDS/IPS system before getting to your clientdata.

Wireless AccessWPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is

mandatory for all new devices considered“Wi-Fi Certified” by the Wi-Fi Alliance.Using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) isunsecure and opens up the risk of keyloggers and Wi-Fi piggybacking. If a hackerwere able to get onto your wireless network,they would be able to dig deeper byscanning and mapping your network fromthe inside. You also want to make sure noone brings a computer from home to pluginto your network that isn’t Wi-Fi certified.

Remote AccessIn this day and age the convenience of

anytime, anywhere access to data possesnew security threats that firms need toconsider and address. Our duty to keepclient data secure now extends far beyondthe walls of the office and staff in the fieldto our employees’ homes and cell phones aswell. It’s a good idea to develop a writtenpolicy for remote access and transit withthings like remote wipe, mobile phone lock,

Wi-Fi protocol and password complexityenforcement. Centralized management ofanti-virus and personal firewalls is also keyto making sure your firm is adequatelyprotected on all fronts.

EncryptionMost states have breach notification laws

and nearly all of them waive therequirement for notification where data hasbeen encrypted. Whole disk and USB-stickencryption are the two most common placeswhere encryption can be used. Imagine allof the free press you could get just byhaving an auditor lose their USB-memorystick.

Another way to avoid data loss withoutusing device or PC encryption is by usingremote access technologies such asCitrix/Terminal Services. In the remotecomputing environments, data is rarelystored on the device, rather it is left on theserver where it can be controlled and isgenerally less likely to be left on a train orstolen from your backseat.

We also recommend using remote laptopsecurity tools like Xtool MobileSecurity andAbsolute Software Computrace LoJack,which come with a laptop tracker andrecovery guarantee to help protect yourfirm. Xtool MobileSecurity also includes

features like encrypted disk and remotedelete, which are helpful in such situationsas well. We recommend using IronKey orPGP to encrypt your USB sticks and PGP orWindows Vista BitLocker for whole diskencryption.

We encourage you to consider this list,as well as additional policies like third partyconnection, acceptable use, and incidentreport, to ensure your firm is adequatelyprotected on all fronts. Above all, make sureyour firm actively enforces the policies andstandards you establish because, no matterwhat kind of security you have in place,your firm is only as safe as your weakest lineof defense.

Special thanks to our internal security experts forexplaining the deep and dark hacker tricks in terms that even Ican understand.

Trey James is the co-founder and CEO of Xcentric, whichspecializes in Cloud Computing and IT consulting for CPAfirms. Trey brings 19 years of experience – a blend ofexecutive, strategic, technical and operational roles includingsuccessful roles with the regional firms, local firms andleading IT consultancies to the profession. Trey was selected asone of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in theaccounting industry for 2009 by Accounting Today and as a“Top 40 under 40” honoree by The CPA Technology Advisorin 2006, 2007, and 2008. Trey graduated from TexasWesleyan University in Fort Worth, TX with a degree inInformation Systems. Trey can be reached at 678.297.0066ext. 517 or at [email protected]. For more about Xcentric,go to www.xcentric.com or follow them at blog.xcentric.comand www.twitter.com/xcentric.

Page 20: In Memoriam MAJOR EVENTS IN JUNE€¦ · MAJOR EVENTS IN JUNE June 1-7: Continuation of Ridgeland Cluster June 21-23: ... and create an online resume agent to email qualified candidates

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, MSPERMIT #814

Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants

and its Education Foundation306 Southampton RowRidgeland, MS 39157

CLASSIFIEDSand tax professionals for its Mississippi offices.Candidates must have CPA or be CPA eligible. For acloser look at BKD, please visit www.bkd.com.

uu uu uuCCPPAA FFIIRRMM seeking experienced or entry levelauditors that live in the Central to South Deltaregion of Mississippi. Competitive salary andbenefits with limited travel. No overnight trips orweekend work. Reply in confidence to File #401, c/oMSCPA, 306 Southampton Row, Ridgeland, MS39157.

uu uu uuThe firm of GGrraanntthhaammPPoooollee CCPPAAss, past recipient ofthe Mississippi Business Journal’s prestigious BBeessttPPllaacceess ttoo WWoorrkk iinn MMiissssiissssiippppii award, is looking forgreat staff additions. If you love tax preparation andplanning and enjoy taking excellent care of clients,we may have a home for you. Full time, seasonal, andpart-time staff members are all valued atGranthamPoole. Competitive salary, partner track,great benefits, and excellent opportunity foradvancement all make GranthamPoole anoutstanding place to work! Send resumes to 6360 I-55North, Suite 101, Jackson, MS 39211, fax to 601-957-9599 or email [email protected].

uu uu uuCCoommee jjooiinn tthhee Wolfe, McDuff, & Oppie team – thefirm of choice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Wehave openings at all levels, each with opportunitiesfor advancement. We are looking for ambitious,energetic and self-starting individuals who seek acareer in public accounting. You must becomfortable working in a laid-back, flexibleenvironment. We offer competitive salaries, bonusopportunities, great benefits and excellent growthopportunities. Send your resume [email protected] or fax to 228-762-4498.

uu uu uuAAlleexxaannddeerr,, VVaann LLoooonn,, SSllooaann,, LLeevveennss && FFaavvrree,,PPLLLLCC, a Gulf Coast based CPA firm, Finalist for the2006 Best Places To Work in Mississippi award, isaccepting resumes’ for Senior In-Charge LevelAuditors.. CCoommppeettiittiivvee ssaallaarryy,, ggrreeaatt bbeenneeffiittss,,lliimmiitteedd ttrraavveell aanndd oovveerrttiimmee –– oouuttssttaannddiinngg ppllaacceettoo wwoorrkk!! Send resume’ to the following address (NoCalls): Mail to: Attn: Cindy Moore, 9490 ThreeRivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503; E-mail:[email protected]; Fax: (228) 863-1165

uu uu uuHHAADDDDOOXX RREEIIDD BBUURRKKEESS && CCAALLHHOOUUNN PPLLLLCC seeksexperienced audit and tax professionals interested ina rewarding career with one of the most establishedand respected CPA firms in the Jackson area.Excellent benefit package, competitive salary, andopportunity for advancement. Flexible workschedule is an option. Contact Debbie Holbrook([email protected]) or mail resume inconfidence to P.O. Drawer 22507, Jackson, MS39225-2507. For more information, visit our websiteat www.hrbccpa.com.

uu uu uuKKPPMMGG LLLLPP seeks experienced audit professionalsinterested in a rewarding career with one of thelargest and most dynamic CPA firms in the world.

TTHHEE OOFFFFIICCEE OOFF TTHHEE SSTTAATTEE AAUUDDIITTOORR is currentlyseeking an Audit Department Audit Branch Managerposition in the EDP Section. The minimumrequirements are a Bachelor’s Degree, 21 semesterhours in accounting, and six (6) years of relatedexperience, of which three (3) years must be directlyrelated to identifying and evaluating informationsystems controls and the use of computer assistedaudit techniques. Certification as a CPA, CIA or CISApreferred but not required. You may applyelectronically on the State Personnel Board’s website,www.spb.state.ms.us or mail your completed State ofMississippi application to arrive at the StatePersonnel Board, Robert G. Clark, Jr., Building, 301North Lamar, Suite 200, Jackson, MS 39201 not laterthan May 31, 2010. For additional information,please contact Bill Doss, CPA, Director of Financialand Compliance Audits at 601-576-2672 or by e-mailat [email protected].

uu uu uuWWmm.. FF.. HHoorrnnee && CCOO,, PPLLLLCC seeks experienced taxprofessionals for the Hattiesburg and Laurel,Mississippi area. Excellent benefits and competitivesalary with opportunity for advancement. To apply,email resume to [email protected] or fax to 601-649-5233.

uu uu uuWWmm.. FF.. HHoorrnnee && CCoo..,, PPLLLLCC seeks Health CareConsultant: South Mississippi Public Accountingfirm seeking full-time health care consultant to workwith their physician and institutional clients. Fiveyears experience with Masters Degree preferred.Candidate must have extensive knowledge in thearea of physician practice management, includingcoding and reimbursement. Excellent benefits andopportunity for advancement. To apply, [email protected] or fax to 601-649-5233.

uu uu uuFFrreedd TT.. NNeeeellyy && CCoo, CPAs is seeking a senior levelaudit and tax professional. Competitive salary,excellent opportunity for advancement, greatbenefits package and no travel. Please send resumeto P O Box 894, Greenwood, Ms 38935-0894

uu uu uuPPrrooffeessssiioonnaall SSttaaffff:: MMaayy && CCoommppaannyy,, LLLLPP,, inVicksburg, a recipient of the Mississippi BusinessJournal’s 22001100 BBeesstt PPllaaccee ttoo WWoorrkk iinn MMiissssiissssiippppii,, islooking for highly motivated tax and auditprofessionals. We offer competitive compensation,excellent benefits and opportunities foradvancement in a relaxed environment. May &Company is extremely employee friendly with paidovertime or comp time, minimal out of townovernight travel, and opportunities in taxpreparation and auditing. Mail resumes withconfidence to Attn: Human Resources, P.O. Box821568, Vicksburg, MS 39182-1568 or email [email protected].

uu uu uuBBKKDD,, LLLLPP,, one of the 10 largest CPA and advisoryfirms in the U.S., is looking for experienced audit

Competitive compensation, excellent benefits andample opportunity for advancement are offered.Mail resumes in confidence to 188 E. Capitol Street,Suite 1100, Jackson, MS 39201, [email protected] , or visit our website atwww.kpmg.com.

uu uu uuJJAACCKKSSOONN CCPPAA FFIIRRMM of Breazeale, Saunders & O’Neil,Ltd. is seeking experienced audit and taxprofessionals, both full time and part time. Our staffenjoys state-of-the-art technology, intellectuallychallenging assignments and meaningfulopportunities to enhance professional and personalskills. In addition to an excellent compensationpackage, we offer a family atmosphere with a strongemphasis on client-centered professionalism. Sendresume in confidence to P. O. Box 80, Jackson, MS39205-0080. FAX 601-355-9003.

uu uu uuCCAALLCCUULLAATTOORRSS PPLLUUSS is now handling the MonroeCalculators and supplies Call Chester Wasser at 601-709-0371 or 888-264-3939 for more information andspecial CPA pricing.

uu uu uuJJIIMM BBUURRFFOORRDD, AGENT FOR ACCOUNTINGPRACTICE SALES - WHERE PRACTICE SELLERSAND BUYERS MEET!!! We have a lending sourcethat will lend 100% of purchase price of accountingpractices plus operating funds, 10 year loanamortization period, with no down payment, toparty that has good credit and at least 2 years ofrelative experience. An excellent opportunity toopen your own office or expand an existing office.ACCOUNTING PRACTICES FOR SALE: MS practice Gross $1,020,000 * Southeastern LApractice Gross $382,000 * Vicksburg Practice Gross$86,000 * Ocean Springs Gross $270,000 * Practice 1hour south of Tupelo Gross $85,000 * Lake Charles,LA Gross $558,000 * Jackson Purchase Area of KYGross $758,000.Thinking of selling? We have qualified buyerswaiting and an ever expanding data base of qualifiedbuyers and 100% cash out financing available toclose the sale of your practice within 90 days. TOLIST YOUR PRACTICE WITH US OR TO CHECKOUT OUR CURRENT LISTINGS Call me, JIMBURFORD, CPA TOLL FREE (800) 340-7002 or visitour website at www.accountingpracticesales.com ore-mail me at [email protected]

uu uu uu1155tthh AAnnnnuuaall GGoovveerrnnmmeennttaall and Non-ProfitConference, Sept. 28, 29 and 30, 2010 at theMarriott Courtyard in Gulfport, MS. Understanding& Documenting the Entity & Its EnvironmentIncluding Internal Controls in Smaller Entities, Sept.28; Single Audit Testing and Documentation, Sept.29; and 2010 Governmental and Non-ProfitAccounting & Auditing Update, Sept. 30. Seminarsconducted by nationally recognized instructor, J.Michael Inzina. Attend any combination of days.Multi-day seminar discounts apply. Call (251) 344-7178 for a brochure or more information.

CLASSIFIEDS