The Secret to Having Hard Conversations
Many leaders approach hard conversations the wrong way. The two most common mistakes we see are (1) allowing your emotions to set the tone and (2) making judgments about a person.
Want to keep employees? Have “stay conversations”
Recently we helped a family-owned general contractor re-engage two key employees. One was a supervisor whose future was in question as a large job was winding down. The other was a back office team member who’d become demotivated. Both were valuable to the business. The owners wanted to know: How can we help them stay?
IRS Places Moratorium on the Processing of New ERC Filings
If you’re looking to file an Employee Retention Credit claim with the IRS, please note that there is a hold on processing of all new ERC filings until at least January 1, 2024 – according to the IRS.
HORNE ranked in Top 100 by INSIDE Public Accounting
INSIDE Public Accounting has ranked HORNE number 25 on the Top 500 Firms list for 2023.
One question to immediately improve your hiring process
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve hiring is to ask better interview questions. But what is a “better” or “worse” question? Today we’ll explain the anatomy of a better interview question and give one example that applies to any position.
How to set and achieve better goals
Let’s focus on goal setting. Take a moment to think about your goals. How confident are you that you can achieve them? How clear are they?
Kim Ashworth
Kim Ashworth is a tax director in HORNE’s franchise division where she helps clients understand tax planning, compliance and their financial statements.
Charles Arinder
Charles Arinder is a business advisory and accounting services senior manager in the franchise practice at HORNE.
HORNE Earns C3PAO Designation
HORNE’s cyber team recently earned The Cyber AB Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) designation which allows HORNE to perform specific cyber security assessments for Organizations Seeking Compliance (OSC) through contractual agreements.
Elizabeth Boyle
Elizabeth Boyle is a client experience leader at HORNE where she works with franchise owners to provide strategic planning, data analysis and insights on financial results and operational practices.
A deeper look at the generations
The workplace is no stranger to diversity, including race, religion and culture. But in the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the diversity and differences in generations.
4 ways to build bridges with multiple generations in the workplace
Those in management positions or roles of influence should learn the best ways to connect and manage each generation in a way that encourages a strong sense of community.
HORNE Board of Directors admits new partner
Chandler Croom, who works in HORNE’s Franchise services group, was admitted as a partner, effective January 1.
Tips for Managing Your Vendor Master File – Part 1
Feeling out of control is not a feeling we like to experience. Reminders, sticky notes and to-do lists are a testament of us striving for control.
Tips for Managing Your Vendor Master File – Part 2
A vendor master database is common to most companies but is often overlooked and can become rampant with fraud. In part one of this series, we reviewed steps for decreasing the size of the vendor population. With a slimmer vendor master, we are ready to take your review to the next level.
How companies combat software insecurities
In most companies, developers are focused on meeting project deadlines, and that often leads to applications that are insecurely coded. Custom development can multiply vulnerabilities. Some 48 percent of developers think they leave vulnerabilities in their code, according to the State of Developer-Driven Security Survey 2022 from Secure Code Warrior.
Franchise owners: Focus on strategy, service level, quality control
There are many opportunities for the franchise industry right now to win the sales game with the right strategies, service levels and quality control.
Essentials for growth: Culture, leadership development, planning
When it comes to sustaining or growing a business today, the status quo isn’t good enough anymore. We are in exponential times where the change around us is no longer incremental and we must anticipate the opportunities and challenges facing us in the future.
Fueling business growth through strategic planning
Exponential times have raised the bar for us to sustain business growth today. We are experiencing fast-moving change in so many facets of our businesses. Incremental thinking will only put us further behind so an effective strategic plan must be a priority.
Challenges to growth: Leadership Development
A critical challenge facing businesses today is leadership development. Opportunities for exponential growth and succession of various leadership roles require companies to plan and be intentional to develop the leaders to secure a bright and growing future.
Want growth for your business? Create a culture of belonging.
Large and small businesses have gone through massive changes in the past few years. Many saw their profits fall; they lost employees and suffered from supply chain issues.
Hire, Develop & Retain – Prioritize people and achieve growth.
The global pandemic reshaped the way we work. Not only did it expedite the shift to remote teams, it also highlighted the importance of work-life balance and allowed many workers to re-think their personal and career goals.
Do you need cyber insurance to protect your business?
Cybersecurity and cyber insurance are a priority in today’s world, but in the past few years, these issues have become even more important for companies with employees working remotely. Working from home has multiplied the risks and occurrences of data breaches, and breach costs also have grown.
Cybersecurity: Protecting your Growth
Cybersecurity risks challenge your business development. You need to address the bad risks so you can take the good risks that let you grow and maneuver to stay ahead of your competition. You also need expert insights into cyber risk and how you must defend your organization and protect your growth.
Using technology to process and fuel growth
Technology’s power to disrupt is undeniable. One of the clearest examples rests in our pockets and purses. Decades ago, one would need a camcorder, gaming system, computer, stereo and encyclopedia – as well as a telephone – to replace just one of our mobile devices.
Unlocking the Power of Your Data
Since the early 1700s, when the first insurance companies were formed, organizations have sought to leverage data. What’s unique about now is the sheer amount of data available, thanks to how fast it’s generated.
Strategic Planning: Grow your company by planning ahead
If you don’t know your organization’s strategy, there’s a good chance company progress can be derailed. Change that equation with a dynamic and effective strategic plan.
Strategic Planning: Implementation and Accountability
Good preparation is crucial to good strategic planning – but you can’t finish without a robust strategic implementation program
Are you prepared for the roads ahead? Tips to weather the storm
While 2020 and 2021 brought about unprecedented high sales for many quick-serve/fast casual concepts, 2022 has brought unprecedented lows. With bills to pay, loan covenants to meet and employees to retain, the pressure is mounting and where do you start? Acknowledging times are tough is the first step.
Inflation Reduction Act gives funds to IRS, taxes some corporations
The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate each have passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a $430 billion package that includes several changes to tax laws. President Biden signed the bill into law on August 16
Is your franchise eligible for the FICA Tip Credit?
Tips can be challenging for restaurants and bars to track and report, but your franchise may be eligible for a tax credit based on accurate reporting.
Franchise owners and employee benefits: Your best path forward
The term “employee compensation” is often limited to discussions on salary and possibly bonuses for tenure, performance or end-of-the-cash payouts. What is the best path forward for franchise owners and employee benefits?
2022 Industry Growth Forecast
The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for American businesses and local governments. As our nation heads toward a post-Covid environment, equally unique opportunities are taking shape. What does this mean for you?
Sales Tax Collections Increased at Record Rates During the Pandemic
Increased consumer spending during the pandemic and rising inflation has also resulted in higher tax revenues for nearly all states.
Jonathan Martin
Jonathan Martin is the director of business development at HORNE where he works to cultivate growth in the franchise services practice by leveraging existing and new partnerships. He develops new strategies to ensure upward and continuous growth in franchise accounting, tax and advisory services.
Threading the Needle with Competitive Wage Compensation Plans
Franchise owners looking to build a competitive wage structure can take a page from the Goldilocks fable, where the goal is to not pay too much or too little. The objective is to find balance and build a wage scale that’s “just right.”
Tax Planning: Did You Know?
As we gear up for another tax planning season, the following are a few insights on some frequently unknown or misunderstood tax topics:
Key to the Sale: Confidential Information Memorandum
Entrepreneurs and business owners spend years building their business — and often years before that dreaming of and planning for it. Every owner knows the journey it took, from the highs of launching the business or securing the first customer to the lows of meeting an early payroll liability or facing the uncertainties of the recent pandemic.
New to Food Delivery? 8 Things You Need to Know
COVID-19 is changing consumer habits. From retail to food service, many businesses are now offering delivery for the first time. While this can be great for business and a necessary means to survival, there are some critical components you need to consider before you begin.
Should I Sell My Business Now?
If you simply are not emotionally ready to sell, if there is still fire in your belly — enough fire to fuel your continued investment in the company — or if you ultimately want to leave the business to family members or employees, then you may not be in a position to sell your business — yet.
Eight Ways to Exit Your Company
Determining your exit plan well in advance of your departure gives you and your advisors the time necessary to make your goals a reality.
Which Comes First? Estate Planning Or Exit Planning?
A successful business exit plan achieves three important owner goals: achieving financial security, identifying the right successor and minimizing income tax.
Tips for Restaurants to Weather the Pandemic
While the COVID-19 situation has been a disruptor to many industries, restaurants have the ability to weather this pandemic by adopting a few best practices.
Fairness of Tipped Worker Pay – Are there changes coming?
On June 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new agenda – one key topic included the fairness of tipped worker pay. While the agenda is specifically related to tipped worker pay on federal contracts, this could be an indicator of wider scale changes for all employees.
Top Payroll Mistakes You Could Be Making
Payroll is undoubtedly complex and an administrative burden. The risk of ‘getting it wrong’ comes with a high price. Employers can face fines and penalties from the IRS, state governing bodies and the Department of Labor (DOL), to name a few. Furthermore, payroll mistakes can lead to costly missed opportunities. With that in mind, we would like to highlight a few of the most common [and costly] payroll mistakes you could be making with your in-house payroll.
Carla Wallace
Carla Wallace is a director in franchise services at HORNE. She serves as the director of technology for franchise and is committed to serving our client by ensuring access to the most current digital tools in the industry. Prior to joining HORNE in 2012, she held roles in various accounting areas including payroll, executive management and even small business owner.
Karen L. Taylor
Karen serves as a director in franchise at HORNE where she specializes in providing client accounting and business advisory services to multi-unit restaurant franchisees. She focuses on financial statement analysis and operations consulting. Karen has a tax background as well, allowing her to integrate operational and tax consulting.
Janis Pearman
Janis Pearman is a payroll director at HORNE specializing in business advisory and accounting services for franchise clients.
Mary Overstreet
Mary Overstreet is a tax director in the franchise practice at HORNE where she provides her clients with consulting and tax services. With a focus in managing tax engagements that center around estate and succession planning for franchisees, her expertise in tax services allows her clients to spend their time, finances, and energy on growing their businesses.
Lauren Hanat
Lauren Hanat provides business advisory and accounting services to franchise clients. In this role, she focuses on providing insights and consultation on franchise operations while managing the spectrum of the outsourced bookkeeping experience. Lauren is passionate about helping franchisees achieve their goals and providing the support that allows them to focus on what matters.
Cathy T. Haltom
Cathy T. Haltom is a director in franchise services at HORNE where she focuses on providing general accounting and business advisory services to multi-unit quick service restaurant franchisees. She joined the firm in 1989 and has more than 30 years of experience performing various accounting functions for clients, including payroll services, accounts payable, sales and use tax preparation, and financial statement preparation.
Ann Goss
Ann Goss serves as a tax director for HORNE where she specializes in serving franchise clients by providing tax planning and compliance services. Ann joined HORNE in 1991. She has both tax and assurance experience, but has focused on tax and advisory services for most of her career.
Chandler Croom
Chandler Croom is a partner in franchise services at HORNE where he specializes in reviewing financial statements and managing advisory services for various franchise clients across the country. He is passionate about collaborating with both new and growing franchisees through the unique challenges of owning a franchise business.
Thad Burke
Thad Burke is a senior tax manager at HORNE where he provides tax and consulting services for franchise clients. Thad joined HORNE in 2019 and has 10 years of experience in public accounting managing a variety of tax engagements focusing on large multistate entities and high wealth individuals. He also has experience in private accounting.
Leslie Barton
Leslie Barton serves as director of operations for franchise services at HORNE. She focuses on strategic initiatives in our recurring service offerings, maximizing resources and streamlining processes. She oversees the team of compilation, accounts payable and payroll specialists to ensure quality and timely results are delivered to clients on a recurring basis.
Managed Accounting Services
Trust us to manage your day-to-day bill pay, bookkeeping, payroll and tax services while our team of industry experts guide you to make better decisions through tax and financial planning, operational consulting, benchmarking and more.
Tax
Tax rules get more complex every year. Every decision you make impacts your tax situation. HORNE knows the vital impact of proactive tax planning.
Risk Management
Risk management involves every facet of your organization, regardless of your industry. We help transform risk into opportunity to give you peace of mind.
Same Day Pay: The Pros and Cons for Employees and Employers
This is an Insights article. We will post it to a test category, industry, and solution.
Dustin Taylor
At HORNE, we go further than a traditional client-CPA relationship — we help franchisees meet their long-term goals through a strategic partnership. Dustin Taylor values those relationships, and with a seat at their table, he is able to provide insights, collaboration and ongoing dialogue throughout the year to help clients mitigate taxes and plan for the future.
Jeffrey N. Aucoin
Jeffery N. Aucoin is passionate about helping clients manage their financial reporting, while mitigating risks. This allows them to focus on managing their operations while helping their customers. We also provide services to help clients pay vendors and team members, fulfill various regulatory obligations, and make strategic, anticipatory decisions.
Emily Parrish Miller
We exist to support and implement our clients’ mission and goals—collaborating with them as a strategic partner focused on delivering an unrivaled client experience. Throughout her career, Emily Parrish Miller has served clients across a number of industries through accounting and assurance services and financial statement analysis.
Dee Boykin Jr.
The key to helping our clients succeed is to always approach each client relationship with a strong vested interest in them, above everything else. I treat each client’s business as if it were my own, giving it my full attention and effort as we provide a complete outsourced solution for their accounting, tax, and consulting needs. HORNE becomes an integral part of their team and our role transcends the typical client-CPA relationship, which is really satisfying.
Jason Saulters
We are privileged to serve our clients as a strategic partner, guiding them through challenging franchise industry environments and decisions on their way to achieving their full potential. HORNE’s service offerings are unique to franchise accounting. Jason Saulters combines the broad technical expertise of a CPA firm with innovative technology solutions, fresh industry insights, data benchmarking, and best practices advisory. And we do it with an unrivaled focus on client relationships.
Risk Management
Some of the biggest concerns and risks you face fall outside the realm of day-to-day business. Whether it’s protecting your business against embezzlement and fraud, documenting claims for insurance or litigation or safeguarding the integrity of your data, IT systems and operations, HORNE has effective solutions to address risks unique to businesses with high-transaction volumes, largely cash receipts and high employee turnover.
Strategic Consulting
Franchise Strategic Consulting Where do you want to take your business? Looking to grow? Do you have a structure and organization to support growth? Need a succession or estate plan? Planning a course for the future isn’t just about the numbers. It’s also about your...
Tax Compliance & Planning
At HORNE, we offer a courtesy tax review of prior year filings to identify missed opportunities. We strive to thoroughly understand your situation in order to make the best recommendations on a go-forward basis.
Managed Accounting Services
The amount of time it takes to oversee routine accounting and financial operation functions is increasing. Let HORNE provide your managed accounting services.
Data & Technology
Competitive advantage goes to the business that leverages data, automates its workplace & has a solid infrastructure. Transform your data & technology today.
Cybersecurity
Reduce exposure to cybersecurity threats. Stay ahead of the ever-changing regulatory requirements and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.
Wealth Building Strategies
The best wealth building strategies are achieved when we collaborate with you, your wealth advisor and your attorney to create your plan
Automation & Enhanced Productivity
Process automation empowers teams to work more effectively. HORNE finds opportunities to restructure workflows and take advantage of automation.
Audit & Compliance
HORNE’s audit and compliance services provide a strategy to institute controls and manage risk and compliance to keep you prepared for opportunity.
UPDATE: Bonus Depreciation on Qualified Improvement Property
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, changes were made to legislation surrounding bonus depreciation on Qualified Improvement Property (QIP), originally established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This is great news all around but especially for the restaurant industry.
What Is a Sell-Side Marketing Process?
Part of the life cycle of a business is a change in ownership, when an owner or founder sells his or her business.
SBA 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Assistance
Many companies and individuals have applied for funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) Relief Loans Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Our previous communication addresses the recent suspension of the PPP due to inadequate funding. For our clients that did not receive funds or approval prior to the suspension, we will continue to work on completing applications and submitting to lenders in anticipation of additional funds being made available under the PPP.
Funding & Forgiveness: Exploring the CARES Act & Mississippi State Tax Incentives
Businesses today have to make tough decisions and search for funds to keep doors open and employees paid. Many applied for the SBA’s PPP loan to offset losses during the COVID-19 shutdown. The loan offers short-term relief, but there may be another opportunity for businesses to find additional monies in the form of unclaimed Mississippi state tax incentives.
PPP Forgiveness: New Questionnaire Requirement for Large Borrowers
Just as many Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) lenders are beginning to accept forgiveness applications and submit them to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for consideration of partial or full forgiveness, the SBA has announced it will begin requiring a new Loan Necessity Questionnaire for large borrowers.
Beware: Phishing Emails Target COVID-19 Small Business Loans
It has come to our attention that a new email phishing or “spoofing” scheme is being sent to businesses seeking financial assistance due to COVID-19. The emails are an attempt to scam business owners that have applied, or are considering applying, for Paycheck Protection Program loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These emails may look legitimate and appear to come from your bank.
COVID-19: HR Guidance and Best Practices
The COVID-19 pandemic has companies facing a new reality. From keeping your employees and public spaces safe to handling employees who may be sick or been exposed to the virus, there are many questions around how a business should manage these situations. In addition to employee and public safety, HR professionals are navigating the implications of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act as well as considering the impacts of reduced business hours or even a company shutdown.