Shows
Cherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGASB 102 & 103 Updates ExplainedIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector podcast, Danny Martinez, CFO Advisory Partner, and Scott Anderson, Audit Director, discuss updates to Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 102 & 103. Whether you're a seasoned accounting professional or just trying to keep up with the latest in governmental accounting, this episode will help you understand what these standards mean, why they matter and how they could impact your reporting processes.Tune in to learn about: Disclosure criteria for GASB 102 Guidance on constraints and concentrations that cause risks that impact a government’s ability to provide services How governments can use...
2025-10-2124 min
Cherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry GuidanceAligning Finance and Fundraising for SuccessOne of the most powerful yet often overlooked dynamics in the not-for-profit world is the alignment between finance teams and fundraising teams. While their day-to-day responsibilities may seem worlds apart, their collaboration is essential for mission success.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Not-for-Profits podcasts, Jason Sturdevant, NFP Accounting Advisory Manager, is joined by co-host Blakeley Richard, NFP Accounting Advisory Manager, to discuss the critical alignment between finance and fundraising teams. Together, they discuss how collaboration across these functions can enhance donor relationships, improve reporting accuracy and support more strategic decision-making within not-for-profit organizations.Li...
2025-10-1312 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGrants Management Audit Preparation Tips Part 1Grants professionals must navigate every phase of the grant lifecycle, from pre-award planning to final closeout. One particularly stressful aspect of grants management is preparing for the single audit and addressing the associated challenges. For success in this phase, grant professionals and accounting staff must seek to comprehend the auditor's role and the expectations involved. In part one of this two-part episode series, we explore effective strategies for audit preparation with Kat Kizior, Grant Management Solutions Manager, and co-host Paula Heller, Grants Management Solutions Lead, as they are joined by special guest Auditing Manager Zach LeMorta....
2025-09-0835 min
Cherry Bekaert: Private Equity Industry GuidanceHow Commercial Due Diligence and Market Studies Enhance Value for M&A DealsIn this episode of The Drawdown, Cherry Bekaert’s Cameron Smith is joined by Richard Schwartz and Travis Sheldon to reveal how commercial due diligence and market studies are enhancing M&A outcomes by empowering buyers and sellers. From validating investment theses to strengthening negotiation positions, the conversation dives into how M&A participants can leverage market intelligence to drive value in middle-market deals.Listen in as they discuss:The evolving role of commercial due diligence in buy- and sell-side transactionsHow market studies help sellers cast a wider buyer net and de-risk buyer concernsThe importance of su...
2025-07-2412 min
Cherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceGovernment Contracting Joint Ventures ExplainedIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Advisory Managing Director Michael Cippel and Senior Audit Manager Sarah Tucker explore the foundational principles and nuanced challenges of joint ventures (JVs) within the government contracting sector. Tune in to learn about:► Definition and Structure of JVs► Strategic Benefits of JVs► Types of JVs► Pros and Cons of JVs► Role of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program► Accounting for JVs► How Cherry Bekaert can assist with JV setup, tax structuring, accounting systems and...
2025-07-2315 minCherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry GuidanceManaging Not-for-Profit Endowments EffectivelyIn today's complex financial landscape, managing an endowment effectively is more critical than ever to provide a stable source of funding that supports long-term missions.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Not-for-Profits (NFP) podcasts, Jason Sturdevant, NFP Accounting Advisory Manager, is joined by co-host Blakeley Richard, NFP Accounting Advisory Manager, to discuss endowments in the context of educational organizations like private universities or K-12 schools. This episode also covers other information that can benefit any organization looking for best practices regarding their endowments. Listen to learn about:Endowments and Personnel Transition K-12 Cleanup Endow...
2025-05-0514 min
Cherry Bekaert: Private Client ServicesBusiness Succession Planning with Trust & Estate ToolsThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences, helps align the recognition and measurement guidance under a unified model and amends certain previously required disclosures. The statement refreshes the GASB’s compensated absence guidance from the 90s to reflect changes to compensated absences offered since the guidance was introduced.Cherry Bekaert’s team has outlined a four-phase approach to help your government implement GASB 101. In the final episode of the four-part GASB 101 podcast series, podcast host Danny Martinez, Partner, and Scott Anderson, Director, discuss journal entries, disclosures and go-forward training to ensure continued compliance and effe...
2025-04-1722 min
Cherry Bekaert: Tax ServicesExploring New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) BenefitsNew Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) provide essential benefits for driving economic growth and revitalization in underserved communities. By leveraging this impactful program, organizations can attract significant private sector investment through loans or equity, transforming community development projects and expanding access to jobs, facilities and services.Additionally, NMTCs enhance the capacity of community development lenders, investors and financial service providers, creating a robust network that addresses the needs of low-income areas. With strategic allocation and comprehensive guidance, NMTCs empower businesses and nonprofits to achieve substantial community impact and sustainable growth.On this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s...
2025-04-1420 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGASB 101 - Journal Entries, Disclosures, and Go-Forward TrainingThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences, helps align the recognition and measurement guidance under a unified model and amends certain previously required disclosures. The statement refreshes the GASB’s compensated absence guidance from the 90s to reflect changes to compensated absences offered since the guidance was introduced.Cherry Bekaert’s team has outlined a four-phase approach to help your government implement GASB 101. In the final episode of the four-part GASB 101 podcast series, podcast host Danny Martinez, Partner, and Scott Anderson, Director, discuss journal entries, disclosures and go-forward training to ensure continued compliance and effe...
2025-04-0721 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGASB 101: Current State of Policies & ProceduresThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences, helps align the recognition and measurement guidance under a unified model and amends certain previously required disclosures. The statement refreshes GASB’s guidance from the 90s based on the changes to compensated absences offered since the guidance was introduced.Cherry Bekaert’s team has outlined a four-phase approach to help your government implement GASB 101. In the third episode of the four-part GASB 101 podcast series, podcast host Danny Martinez, Partner, and Bailee Steinle, Senior Associate, discuss evaluating the current state of policies and procedures, what may be missing, and...
2025-03-0620 minCherry Bekaert: Private Client ServicesBusiness Valuation Strategies to Maximize ValueTune in to Cherry Bekaert’s Private Client Services podcast for the second episode in our series on closely held businesses. In this insightful installment, we explore the complexities of business valuation, providing guidance on understanding and maximizing your company’s worth. Listen as Jessica Fairchild, Partner, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, along with Kyle Nevins, Partner, Cherry Bekaert, and David Nissen, Partner, Cherry Bekaert, discuss key factors influencing valuation.Our guests explore the critical role of professional valuation in the sale process, covering the importance of timing, market conditions and involving the right team. Learn how industry-specific multipl...
2025-02-2722 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGASB 101: Completeness of Compensated AbsencesThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences, helps align the recognition and measurement guidance under a unified model and amends certain previously required disclosures. The statement refreshes GASB’s compensated absence guidance from the 90s based on the changes to compensated absences offered since the guidance was introduced.Cherry Bekaert’s team has outlined a four-phase approach to help your government implement GASB 101. In the second episode of the four-part GASB 101 podcast series, podcast host Danny Martinez, Partner, and Tatiana Britton, Advisory Associate, discuss Cherry Bekaert’s second phase of implementation which focuses on comple...
2025-02-1915 min
Cherry Bekaert: The Tax BeatGASB 101: Completeness of Compensated AbsencesThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences, helps align the recognition and measurement guidance under a unified model and amends certain previously required disclosures. The statement refreshes GASB’s compensated absence guidance from the 90s based on the changes to compensated absences offered since the guidance was introduced.Cherry Bekaert’s team has outlined a four-phase approach to help your government implement GASB 101. In the second episode of the four-part GASB 101 podcast series, podcast host Danny Martinez, Partner, and Tatiana Britton, Advisory Associate, discuss Cherry Bekaert’s second phase of implementation which focuses on comple...
2025-02-1715 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorOMB Federal Funding Freeze: Insights & StrategiesIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector podcast, host Kat Kizior, Cherry Bekaert’s Grants Management Solutions Lead, and GovNavigators’ CEO Robert Shea, walk through the sequence of events following the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) memo issued Monday, January 27, 2025. The memo instructed all agencies to temporarily halt "all activities related to the obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance." The OMB then released a Q&A on the following Tuesday, clarifying that the initial memo was meant to affect a specific set of programs identified by certain executive orders. By Wednesday, January...
2025-02-0731 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGASB 101 Implementation: Phase One OverviewThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences helps align the recognition and measurement guidance under a unified model and amends certain previously required disclosures. The statement refreshes GASB’s compensated absence guidance from the 90s based on the changes to compensated absences offered since the guidance was introduced.Cherry Bekaert’s team has outlined a four-phase approach to help your government implement GASB 101. In the first episode of the four-part GASB 101 podcast series, podcast host Danny Martinez, Partner, and Scott Anderson, Director, give an overview of GASB 101 and Cherry Bekaert’s first phase of implem...
2025-02-0316 minCherry Bekaert: Private Client ServicesExit Strategies for Closely Held BusinessesJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Private Client Services podcast in the first podcast of our series for closely held businesses. In the first podcast, our team explores exit strategy essentials, diving deep into the world of closely held business transitions. Join our speakers Jessica Fairchild, Partner, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, Drew Hinnant, Director, Cherry Bekaert, and David Nissen, Partner, Cherry Bekaert, as they unravel the complexities of exit strategies. Whether you're a founder considering retirement, a business owner looking to unlock your company's value, or planning a transition to the next generation, this podcast is your go-to resource.In...
2025-01-2324 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceProject Cost & Tax Considerations for Government ContractorsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss what to consider when planning the cost of a project. Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jonathan Reid, a Director in Outsourced Accounting Services.Tune in to learn more about:What to expect when reporting costImpact revenue recognition on the cost of a project Tax impactsFinancial reporting considerations Compliance requirements Setting up a project for joint ventureCompanies who aren’t in government but work with Government ContractorsCherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professio...
2025-01-1616 minCherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry GuidanceNot-for-Profit Accounting Advisory Success StoriesAcross the Not-for-Profit sector, accounting and finance teams can often find themselves stuck in crisis mode, without a way forward or resources to solve their problems. At other times, teams can navigate the status quo, but growth or improvement is out of the question. In either instance, NFPs can find themselves in the common position of being stretched too thin. What solutions are out there?Jason Sturdevant, NFP Accounting Advisory Manager, and co-host Blakeley Richard, NFP Accounting Advisory Senior Associate, join forces to discuss some examples of NFP accounting teams that were struggling to juggle day-to-day needs...
2025-01-1009 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceForward Pricing Rates: Key Benefits ExplainedIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice, is joined by Jade Casey, a director in the Firm’s Government Contracting Services group. Jeff spent more than 13 years working with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and brings valuable experience to their discussion on forward pricing rates and their benefits.Tune in to learn more about:An overview of forward pricing ratesHow forward pricing rates differ from provisional billing rates The forward pricing rates proposal processDifference between a recommendation (FPRR) and an agre...
2024-12-1712 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorAmerican Rescue Plan Act: Compliance InsightsThe American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. ARPA is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package. The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) is a significant component of the ARPA. The SLFRF allocates $350 billion to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. The purpose of these funds is to provide governments with the resources needed to respond to the pandemic, replace lost revenue, and support economic recovery.Grant Management Solutions Lead and Advisory Manager Kat Kizior and co-host and Grants Management Senior Associate Paula Heller join forces to address...
2024-12-1019 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGrants Compliance Tips During Staffing TransitionsIn the field of grants management, staffing transitions often lead to a high-risk environment for compliance violations, operations disruption, and heightened stress levels in organizations already stretched thin. Nevertheless, as explored in this podcast, these transitions and the accompanying challenges are common issues many organizations face for various reasons. Grant Management Manager Kat Kizior and new co-host and Grants Management Senior Associate Paula Heller join forces to respond to listeners’ questions concerning their staffing challenges. With Manager Kimberly Konczak serving as moderator, Kat and Paula provide guidance that will help listeners stay compliant during change. As part...
2024-12-0424 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceTruthful Cost or Pricing Data Act: A Government Contractors' GuideIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice. Bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting space, Brendan and Jeff discuss the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, formerly known as the Truth in Negotiations Act or TINA.Brendan was previously a divisional administrative contracting officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Jeff has spent over 13 years with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA...
2024-12-0317 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceEffective Deltek Costpoint Tips for BusinessesIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, Romain Robveille, Advisory Services Director, is joined by Justin Pell, Senior Manager, for an overview of the Deltek Costpoint software and how to get the most out of this system. Tune in to learn more about:Effective uses of Deltek Costpoint for businesses Issues with current Costpoint uses and leadership challengesHow changes in leadership can affect system and accounting efficiencies Areas companies need to consider to make the most of Deltek CostpointBenefits of a system assessment for organizations using Deltek Costpoint Cherry Bekaert’s team of g...
2024-12-0308 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceUnanet Key Features and Benefits OverviewIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host and Advisory Services Manager Shaydah Naraghi is joined by Advisory Services Senior Manager Christine DeYuliis to discuss how Unanet could help guide your business forward. Tune in to learn more about:How Unanet got its nameHow long it typically takes employees to adopt time and expense functionality in UnanetThe recommended company size needed to utilize UnanetHow Unanet supports growth in a companyHow Unanet supports DCAA and FAR complianceThe ease of standard and analytics reportingAdditional resources available during and after implementation Cherry Bekaert’s team of gov...
2024-11-2918 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceGovernment Contractor Financial Planning Tips for 2025In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, Mike Cippel, a Managing Director in the Firm’s Outsourced Accounting Advisory practice, is joined by Irwin Kaplan, Director, to discuss how government contractors can begin to plan for next year. They cover the ideal timeframe for contractors to start preparing, as well as key planning considerations. Tune in to learn more about vital elements of year-end planning, including:BudgetingContract WaterfallCash ForecastingKey Measures: Monthly Tracking and Reporting Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professionals have significant experience with next-year and year-end planning for government contract...
2024-11-1322 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorFEMA Disaster Assistance: Application Process GuideFollowing the recent natural disaster, we paused our scheduled programming to provide our viewers with key information on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for recovery. This podcast provides essential details on deadlines, the application process for the FEMA Public Assistance Program and what to expect after applying. Kat Kizior, Grant Management Manager, and new co-host Paula Heller, Grants Management Senior Associate, join forces to address FEMA grant funding possibilities for all those affected by unexpected, devastating acts of nature. The information in this podcast is applicable for any natural disaster where the president approves a...
2024-10-0826 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceOutsourcing Do’s, Don’ts and Pitfalls for Government ContractorsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss the do’s, don’ts and pitfalls of outsourced accounting. Host Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jonathan Reid, a Director in Outsourced Accounting Services. Tune in to learn more about:How outsourced accounting helps government contractors Differences between bookkeeping and outsourced accounting Situations in which government contractors need accounting help How to make a smooth transition into outsourcing accounting needsTips for forming a positive relationship with an outsourcing firmPitfalls a company should avoid before getting into an out...
2024-09-1012 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorManaging Grant Funding with Workflow Automation ToolsIn the fifth episode of the grants management podcast series, we focus on grants compliance and the benefit of using automation for tracking and reporting.Host Kimberly Konczack, an Advisory Manager at Cherry Bekaert, is joined by Kat Kizior, Manager, and special guest Emily Naufel, Director of Customer Success at AmpliFund. Together, they discuss the benefits of automation and tips for organizations interested in making the switch. As part of Cherry Bekaert’s GPS podcast series, this episode covers:Benefits of making the switch from Excel spreadsheets to automationHow organizations are handling a large influx of gr...
2024-09-0927 min
Talkin' Talent with Cordia's Sam McCarthyHuman Capital Strategy Insights for HR ProfessionalsIn episode seventeen of Talkin’ Talent, Susan Pittman, Managing Director and Leader of Human Capital Advisory at Cherry Bekaert, joins Sam McCarthy to discuss all things human resources (HR). Together, they discuss her fascinating career journey, which includes working as the only female in personnel management at the United States Steel Corporation, and how it led to her managing the Human Capital Advisory practice at Cherry Bekaert. With over 35 years of experience in human capital strategy and organizational development, Susan shares her insights on creating people-centered strategies that align with business goals. She also discusses her passion for...
2024-09-0437 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceChoosing an ERP: Key Steps for Government ContractorsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss how to choose the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that fits your company’s unique needs. Host Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Christine DeYuliis, a Senior Manager. Tune in to learn more about steps your business can take to find the right ERP, including:Conducting an initial discussion with stakeholdersDefining and documenting current business processes, strengths and pain pointsDetermining required features and functions Identifying needed software integrations Integrating accounting and reporting considerations Considering compliance requirem...
2024-08-2715 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGrants Management: Understanding Indirect Cost & Cost AllocationEpisode four of the Grants Management Podcast series focuses on indirect costs related to grant projects and the importance of capturing those costs to assist your organization with grant-related personnel and overhead expenses.This podcast episode is hosted by Kimberly Konczack, an Advisory Manager at Cherry Bekaert, and Kat Kizior, Manager, with special guest Nikky Lettini, Managing Director, Advisory Services. As part of Cherry Bekaert’s GPS podcast series, this episode covers:An explanation of indirect costsDefinitions of indirect cost rate and cost allocation The importance of using indirect costs to recover administrative expensesThe adva...
2024-08-1321 min
Cherry Bekaert: Professional ServicesHow To Manage Cyber Risk in the Professional Services IndustryIn the latest episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Professional Services podcast, we discuss the importance of cybersecurity, privacy and data security within the professional services industry. Scott Duda, Professional Services Industry Leader, is joined by Steve Ursillo, a Partner with Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity practice, as they explore the top cyber threats facing the industry. Listen to learn more about:The top cyber threats facing the professional services industryWhy managing cyber risk is important for professional service organizationsHow cyber threats affect the overall well-being and operational integrity of professional service firmsWhat measures professional services firms...
2024-08-0817 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCost Accounting Standards: General Dollar Magnitude vs. Detailed Cost ImpactsIn the fourth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) podcast series, Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice. Bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting space, Brendan and Jeff discuss cost impacts, as well as the differences between General Dollar Magnitude (GDM) and Detailed Cost Impacts (DCI).Brendan was previously a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Jeff has spent over 13 years with the Defense Contra...
2024-07-3020 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceMid-Year Budget & Forecasting Tips for Government ContractorsIn the second episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Operational Effectiveness podcast series, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Todd Angioli, a Director in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice with 20+ years of financial operations experience.Together, Eric and Todd discuss mid-year considerations when budgeting and forecasting.Listen to this episode to find out more about:What government contractors should consider at the mid-year point when forecasting for the remainder of the calendar yearHigh-level considerations when reforecasting the operating plan:RevenueDirect LaborFringeOverheadGeneral and Administrative Expenses (G&A)Bo...
2024-07-1612 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceTake Advantage of R&D Credits for Government ContractorsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast host Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Vivian Kohrs, Director, Strategic Tax, and Bryan Weems, Senior Manager, Tax Credits and Incentives. Together they give an overview of research and development (R&D) credits for government contractors. Listen to learn about:What R&D credits areWho is able to take advantage of these creditsContract R&D CreditsRights and risksHow subcontractors could potentially qualify R&D credits by state: Virginia GeorgiaTexasMarylandFloridaSection 174 impact to tax liability and cashflowRecommendations on how to colle...
2024-06-2517 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceASC 606 Revenue Recognition for Government ContractorsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Brynn McNeil and Craig Hunter both Assurance Partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, discuss revenue recognition for government contractors. Listen to learn more about:The five steps for recognizing revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606Understanding how costs drive revenue Common errors in recording revenue Best practices for government contractors regarding processes and controls for recording revenue Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting consultants have significant experience in navigating the SBA 8(a) business development program and can assist your business with the best accounting practices...
2024-06-0619 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorUnderstanding 2024 OMB 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance ChangesThe Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently published its final revisions to the federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). This revision outlines compliance and reporting requirements for federal financial assistance, such as grants and loans. Host Kat Kizior, Senior Associate at Cherry Bekaert, is joined by special guest Robert Shea, CEO of GovNavigators, to discuss2 CFR 200 uniform guidance updates and how these changes will affect state and local governments, non-profits and public entities.As part of Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector (GPS) podcast series, and the third episode in the grants management mini-series, this epi...
2024-05-2420 minCherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry GuidanceSage Intacct: Your Solution for Nonprofit Accounting ProcessesNot-for-profits (NFP) across the country often struggle with their accounting processes due to outdated software, spreadsheets and manual data entry. Sage Intacct, a cloud-based platform, can simplify accounting processes so not-for-profits can focus on the business of helping others. In this episode of our NFP podcast series, we hear about the power of Sage Intacct from Kristen Jenei, Managing Director at Cherry Bekaert, and Hina Babar, a Director at Cherry Bekaert.Tune in to learn how Cherry Bekaert can help implement Sage Intacct, and discover how the platform can help your organization: Gain visibility in...
2024-05-0617 minCherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry Guidance179D Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction for Not-for-ProfitsSection 179D Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction (section 179D) is an energy tax deduction created to incentivize the adoption of clean solutions in commercial buildings. Originally intended for the commercial industry, not-for-profit organizations are now able to take advantage of this notable tax deduction if they invest in energy-efficient improvements. Since not-for-profits are tax-exempt, they can allocate the energy tax incentive to a taxpaying entity working on the structure renovations. Before applying for the Section 179D tax credit, it’s imperative to understand the solutions that make the most sense for your building and the potential deduction allocations yo...
2024-04-0812 minCherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry GuidanceDirect Pay for Not-for-ProfitsThe Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) opened the direct pay program for not-for-profit or tax-exempt organizations to qualify for energy tax credits if they were investing in clean energy solutions. Before the IRA, there were clean energy tax credits available to tax-paying entities to take advantage of, but tax-exempt organizations couldn’t reap any benefits when choosing to invest in energy enhancements. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) often releases new guidance on energy tax credits and incentives concerning not-for-profit and tax-exempt organizations, so it is imperative to stay updated to prevent incorrectly filed tax applications. Host Amy Do...
2024-04-0113 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorJustify Your Spending— Grant ExpendituresAs a grant recipient, it's important to ensure the money is being spent effectively and efficiently when it comes to the costs related to grant expenditures. However, justifying grant expenditures can be a complex and time-consuming process. Hosts Kimberly Konczack, an Advisory Manager at Cherry Bekaert, and Shuo Zhang, Manager, are joined by Kat Kizior, Senior Associate, and special guest Anthony Walsh, Senior Manager. As part of Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector (GPS) podcast series, and the second episode in the grants management mini-series, this episode covers:• Costs related to grants ...
2024-03-1519 min
Cherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysPreparing for Tableau Pulse and Migrating to the CloudTableau, from Salesforce, has recently made headlines with its new solution – Tableau Pulse. Cherry Bekaert is front and center of this solution that focuses on AI-powered insights to scale data-driven decision-making for organizations.As a leading provider of this solution, Cherry Bekaert sheds light on the features of Tableau Pulse and the necessary steps for utilizing it, which includes migrating Tableau to the cloud.In this episode of Digital Journeys, Shannon Merritt – Senior Manager for Cherry Bekaert’s Salesforce solutions – and Michael Barber – Manager for Cherry Bekaert’s Salesforce solutions – discuss some of the features of Tableau Pul...
2024-02-2812 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorBudget For Success - How to Build a Successful Grant BudgetGrant recipients, and hopeful recipients, are often overwhelmed by the management aspect of their funds. On this episode, Cherry Bekaert experts provide insight on key considerations for a comprehensive grant budget. Kimberly Konczack, an Advisory Manager at Cherry Bekaert, hosted Shuo Zhang, Manager, and Kat Kizior, Senior Associate, to discuss their experience with grants management at state and local organizations, grant budgets and the importance of planning. As part of Cherry Bekaert’s GPS podcast series, and the first in the grants management mini-series, this episode covers:An introduction to Cherry Bekaert’s Gran...
2024-02-0925 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCost Accounting Standards (CAS): Implications When Acquiring CompaniesIn the third episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) podcast series, Brendan Halloran, a Director with Cherry Bekaert Advisory, is joined by Jeffery Annessa, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice, to discuss CAS implications during mergers and acquisitions. Cherry Bekaert’s government contracting consulting team has years of CAS experience and can help you navigate CAS compliance issues or disclosure statement development.This episode highlights key topics to help guide your business forward, including:Scenarios and implications to CAS when:A CAS-covered company acquires a company that is...
2024-01-1819 minTalkin' Talent with Cordia's Sam McCarthyEpisode 13: Key Strategies for HR Leaders During Acquisitions: Insights from Cherry Bekaert's Chief People OfficerWelcome to the 13th episode of "Talkin' Talent" with Sam McCarthy, MBA! Our guest, Lindsey McCarty, Chief People Officer at Cherry Bekaert, shares insights on navigating HR leadership during acquisitions. We explore key strategies such as transparent communication, talent retention and cultural integration. Learn how Cherry Bekaert excels in a flexible work model, embracing advanced technology, clear remote work policies and a commitment to employee well-being. Join us as we unravel HR leadership secrets in the dynamic landscapes of acquisitions and flexible work environments.Listeners will learn about:Key strategies for HR leaders during...
2024-01-0940 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCMMC Program Proposed Rule Published in the Federal Register on 12/26/23: Insights Into the Proposed Rule and When CMMC Will Be RequiredOn December 26, 2023, the proposed rule for the Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program was published in the Federal Register. Listen to Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice and Brian Kirk, Senior Manager in the Firm’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity practice, as they share insights into the proposed rule, including the surprises that came out and DoD’s timing for implementation.Refresher on CMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment, CMMC Level 2 Self-Assessment + CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) Assessment, and CMMC Level 3 Government-Led AssessmentEquivalency: Cloud Service Provider (CSP) and Externa...
2024-01-0421 minCherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysNext Generation Technology and Trends Unveiled at Microsoft IgniteMicrosoft Ignite 2023 was a spectacular event for techies, as thousands of people gathered at the Seattle Convention Center’s stunning new Summit building in November to learn about the latest Microsoft trends. Cherry Bekaert was a sponsor of this premier event as we demonstrated new, modern solutions that we built on Microsoft’s robust platforms.In this episode of Digital Journeys, Trace Armstrong and Nate Regimbal discuss the exciting trends and announcements from Ignite. They also discuss how Cherry Bekaert is enhancing the capabilities of its Microsoft practice by partnering with Verdocs, a developer-friendly electronic signature solution that...
2023-12-1322 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceNavigating the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program - Accounting Best PracticesIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast series on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program, Brynn McNeil and Craig Hunter, assurance partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, discuss accounting best practices for 8(a) companies. Listen to find out about:Setting up an accounting system to segregate costsChart of AccountsIndirect ratesReporting functionality for:Contract revenue summary by contractShowing cumulative revenueAnnual revenueDirect costsImportance of month end reconciliations of balance sheet account Recent accounting pronouncements that impact accounting ASC 505ASC 842What to consider when selecting an accounting system Accounting department general housekeeping best prac...
2023-12-0518 minCherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysManaging Data Better with Cherry Bekaert’s New Sage Intacct SolutionCherry Bekaert is committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients. Recently, we developed a new solution using the power of Microsoft Excel to better manage Sage Intacct data for our clients.In this episode of Digital Journeys, Randy Kardas , a Senior Manager of our Sage Intacct practice who developed this Sage Intacct Excel Add-In application, dives into the benefits of this new tool and its capabilities. Randy also discusses our progress in making this solution commercially available to the public. Nate Regimbal, New Practices and Solutions Leader at Cherry Bekaert, discusses how this new t...
2023-11-2817 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCost Accounting Standards and Growing a GovConIn the second episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) podcast series, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 13+ years with DCAA and held various positions such as Quality Manager, Supervisory Auditor, Field Audit Office Manager, and Artan Ivezaj, a manager in Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon practice with 15 years of experience at the DCAA, to discuss CAS considerations for a growing GovCon. Listen to this the episode to find out more about:When a company...
2023-11-0115 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceAn Overview of Cost Accounting StandardsCost Accounting Standards (CAS) are 19 standards and rules promulgated by 41 U.S.C. 422. These standards impact emerging small and large businesses alike. They are designed to achieve uniformity and consistency in cost accounting practices and to improve the accuracy of cost data by ensuring its basis on consistent definitions and principles. Ultimately, the Federal government wants a reliable basis for cost comparison and decision making. This allows them to be able to compare proposals from contractor to contractor and from a single contractor year-over-year.In this new Cherry Bekaert GovCon Podcast CAS series, Eric Poppe, a...
2023-10-1723 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 9 – Navigating Review and Audit FindingsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert's Government Contracting podcast, Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice ,and Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice continue our Contractor Business Systems series, discussing system reviews, audit findings, corrective actions, and ACO determinations.Indicators of potential findings or noncompliances during a DCAA system audit and steps contractors can takeThe DCMA system review processThe ACO process in determining the level of deficienciesWays to get a DCAA finding viewed as non-significant and differences between DCAA and DCMA Business System Deficiency terminologyTools used by the ACO a...
2023-10-0428 minCherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysOur Perspective on Dreamforce 2023Another successful sponsorship of Dreamforce is in the books for Cherry Bekaert. Dreamforce 2023, Salesforce’s premiere technology conference in San Francisco, was all about artificial intelligence and sustainability, and we had a front-row seat to all the action. Cherry Bekaert was also on center stage, presenting on c-suites solving the carbon neutral puzzle with Net Zero Cloud. In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Digital Journeys podcast series, Pamela Butler, Salesforce Architect for our Digital Advisory services, and Tertius Eksteen, Senior Manager of Digital Advisory services, discuss their perspectives on Dreamforce 2023. Listen to th...
2023-10-0317 minCherry Bekaert: Professional ServicesExploring System Reviews for A&E FirmsArchitectural & Engineering (A&E) firms that propose or work on government contracts may be required to have an adequate system review. In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Professional Services podcast, Brynn McNeil, an Audit Partner in the Firm’s Professional Services Industry practice, welcomes Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in our Government Contractor Industry practice, to discuss the types of systems reviews and the advantages these reviews can provide emerging small businesses. Listen in to find out about: The types of system reviews and why an A&E firm would need oneSize limitations and/or system...
2023-09-1817 minCherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysTeaming for a Highly Distributed and Renewable Grid of the FutureCherry Bekaert and PXiSE Energy Solutions, a Yokogawa Company and innovative software-based energy grids control company in San Diego, CA, have joined forces on product development work that will soon bring cloud-native software to market and drive the digital transformation of the grid. PXiSE enables utilities, campuses and communities to hit their clean energy goals by empowering grid operators to manage unlimited renewables and distributed energy resources (DER), while providing safe and reliable power. Tim Allen, President and CEO of PXiSE Energy, Nate Regimbal, Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Digital Advisory practice and Jon Schr...
2023-08-1514 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceInsights Into DCAA’s Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2022The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) recently released its Fiscal Year 2022 Report to Congress. By law, the DCAA is required to submit an annual report detailing the DCAA’s activities for the previous year.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 13+ years with the DCAA and held various positions such as Quality Manager, Supervisory Auditor, Field Audit Office Manager and Senior Financial Liaison Advisor, and Jacquelin LaClair...
2023-08-0919 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceFinal CMMC Rule Reaches Critical MilestoneIn this episode, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice is joined by Matt Schiavone, Managing Director, and Brian Kirk, Senior Manager in the Firm’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity practice to discuss the Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program milestone and what contractors should be doing now to prepare.Listen in as they share insights into the:Recent updates to the final CMMC rule, including next steps and an updated expectation on when it will go finalProjected timeline implications for contractors and action steps to prepareRecommendations for...
2023-08-0107 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorConsiderations for Leveraging Federal Funding to Close the Digital Equity GapWith billions of dollars in available federal funding, state and local governments can significantly improve the quality of public broadband connectivity services, especially for unserved and underserved populations. As they work to close the digital divide and utilize these funds, governments also face a great need for program integrity and audit readiness solutions that ensure projects facilitate compliance and deliver results. Paul Folkers, a Senior Manager on Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector (GPS) team, and Dr. Robert Loube, Vice President and owner of Rolka Loube, sat down with Denise Lippuner, Cherry Bekaert GPS’s State & Local Advi...
2023-07-1224 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart 8 – Navigating Business Systems Audits and ReviewsIn this eighth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on Contractor Business Systems, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who was previously a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), is joined by Roy Rushing, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice and a former Contracting Officer with various federal agencies, to talk about navigating Contractor Business Systems audits and reviews. Listen in to find out about:The two primary types of system audits/reviews: Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits Defense Contract...
2023-06-2721 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceHow Will NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171, Revision 3 Impact CMMC?In this episode, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice, is joined by Brian Kirk, Senior Manager in the Firm’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity practice, to discuss the impact of the Draft NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171 Revision 3 on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program. The Revision 3 draft was released on May 10, 2023, and is out for public comment through July 14, 2023.Listen in as they share insights into:Why the update to NIST SP 800-171 is significant to CMMCTimeline for the final version of NIS...
2023-06-1310 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 7 – Material Management and Accounting SystemA government contractor Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), as outlined in Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.242-7004, is a system for planning, controlling and accounting for the acquisition, use, issuance and disposition of material. It is under the cognizance of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and geared towards a contractors’ manufacturing planning and production. In this seventh episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the Contractor Business Systems, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who was previously a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Def...
2023-06-0520 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 6 – Property Management SystemGovernment Property Management System is one of the six systems covered by the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Contractor Business Systems. In this sixth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast mini-series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who previously was a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), discuss the requirements for a Contractor Property Management System, 252.245-7003, and when it is required.Listen in to fi...
2023-04-1916 minCherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysHow To Use the Power Platform: Part 3In Part 1 of this three-part series, Cherry Bekaert’s Digital Advisory Practice advisors defined the Power Apps and in Part 2, they focused on the purpose and benefits of the Power Platform. This low-code development platform enables businesses to easily build dashboards, applications and workflows to best fit your needs. Quickly build data-driven business solutions with the Power Platform application—Power Apps, Power Automate (formerly known as Flow), Power BI and Power Pages.In Part 3, Jim Holman, Director and Strategy & Operations Leader, is joined by Trace Armstrong, Senior Manager of Digital Advisory, to discuss best practices on leveraging the...
2023-04-0614 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceThe Incurred Cost Submission – When It Is Required, How to Prepare and Best PracticesContractors with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment included in their cost reimbursable and time & materials (T&M) contracts are required to submit an Incurred Cost Submission (ICS). Submitting your ICS on time to the appropriate Government Administrative Contracting Officer and the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) office can be a hurdle but a requirement. Late submissions are subject to a unilateral decision by the Contracting Officer (CO) to apply a decrement factor, which will reduce the billed cost.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Brendan Halloran, a Se...
2023-04-0519 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceWhat Is the Current State of the Final CMMC Rule?In this episode, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice, and Brian Kirk, Senior Manager in the Firm’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity practice, share an update on the status of the final rule of the Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program and what contractors should be doing now to prepare.Listen in as they share insights into the:Current state of the final CMMC rule, including next steps and an updated expectation on when it will go finalComparison of the current projected timeline with the...
2023-03-1305 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContract Considerations During an Acquisition – Part 2In Part 1 of this two-part series, Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry advisors discussed what companies need to consider when being acquired or acquiring a company that has federal contracts that are a significant part of their business, including some of the administrative items critical to that process. In Part 2 Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by John Ure, a Tax Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice, to discuss some of the additional administrative steps and tax considerations.Listen to find out about:Cont...
2023-02-2732 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 5 – Earned Value Management SystemAn Earned Value Management System (EVMS) refers to the software, processes, tools, templates and management controls a contractor uses to accomplish their earned value management activities in accordance with the guidelines established by the Electronics Industry Alliance (EIA) Standard 748. Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) is the standard for DoD (Department of Defense) Earned Value Management System Programs and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.234-7001 Notice of Earned Value Management System.In this fifth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Go...
2023-01-2525 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceSmall Business Administration Size StandardsWhat are size standards and how does the Small Business Administration (SBA) determine a small business’s size? In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast series, John Ure and Carol Marin, Tax Partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice join James Kahrs, a Business Development Director in the Firm’s GovCon practice. Together, they discuss SBA size standards and recent threshold adjustments, which are used to determine whether a business entity is considered small, and subsequently eligible for government programs and preferences reserved for small business concerns.Listen in to find o...
2023-01-1813 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 4 – Purchasing SystemWhat is a Contractor Purchasing System? When is a Contractor Purchasing System required? What trends are being seen in solicitations?The fourth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems features Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who previously was a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and John Bula, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice. Together they discuss the requirements for a Contractor Purchasing System, as outlined in Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.244-7001...
2023-01-1321 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContract Considerations During an Acquisition – Part 1Merger and acquisition activity is complex on its own, much less when you factor in government contracts. What should government contracting companies consider when evaluating a potential transaction? Join Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice for a two-part series on government contract considerations during an acquisition. In the first episode, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Roy Rushing, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice, discuss contract types, requirements and considerations when a company evaluates acquiring a company or being acquired. Listen to find out about:Types o...
2022-12-1426 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCMMC 2.0 – Where Does It Stand?In this episode Eric Poppe, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice, leads a panel discussion on the current state of the Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program. He and the panel draw from the Firm’s own experience with the assessment process, having undergone a Level 2 assessment to receive authorization from the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Accreditation Body, Inc. (The Cyber AB) as a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).Listen in to hear from Neal Beggan, Partner and leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Risk Advisory and Information Techno...
2022-12-0919 minCherry Bekaert: Professional Services2022 Year-End Tax Planning for Professional Services BusinessesWhat year-end, tax-saving steps can professional services businesses and their owners take? How can they prepare for tax law changes impacting 2023? In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Professional Services podcast series, Dale Hrapchak, Tax Partner in Cherry Bekaert’s Professional Services Industry practice, and Amber Teague, Tax Partner in the Firm’s Private Client Services practice, discuss year-end tax planning at the entity and individual levels, including pertinent information for professional services businesses.Listen in to find out about: Methods to reduce current year income for both accrual method basis and cash met...
2022-12-0221 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors Guidance2022 Year-End Tax Planning for Government ContractorsWhat year-end, tax-saving steps can government contracting businesses and their owners take? How can they prepare for tax law changes impacting 2023? In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast series, John Ure and Carol Marin, Tax Partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice and Private Client Services practice, discuss year-end tax planning at the entity and individual levels, including pertinent information for government contractors and 8(a) government contractors.Listen in to find out about:Methods to reduce current year incomeCaptial expenditures, fixed assets and phase out of bonus depreciation rules start...
2022-11-3016 minCherry Bekaert: Digital JourneysTap Into the Value of Managed IT Services to Gain a Competitive AdvantageNearly all organizations heavily rely on technology. An important business matter for organizations to ask themselves when evaluating their network and IT needs is - Should I capitalize on an outsourced, third-party IT provider or continue using in-house services? In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Digital Journeys podcast, Jerry Hereden hosts Dan Hulen, Director, and Chris Martin, Senior Manager, in our Digital Advisory practice to discover the value of Managed IT Security Services and its benefits. As you decide whether outsourcing your IT infrastructure is the right direction for your organization, our advisors provide a holistic vie...
2022-11-2923 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 3 – Estimating SystemWhen should government contractors that work with the Department of Defense (DoD) be concerned about Cost Estimating System Requirements for compliance and adequacy per the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) What are the requirements and trends being seen in solicitations?In this third episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems, Eric Poppe, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who previously was a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency...
2022-11-0123 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 2 – Accounting SystemThe Contractor Business Systems podcast series hosts members of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry team to discuss each of the six contractor business systems—Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management. In this second episode, Eric Poppe, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Jacquelin LaClair, a Senior Associate in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 10 years working with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), discuss the requirements for an adequate accounting system as outlined...
2022-10-1714 min
Cherry Bekaert: Real Estate & Construction Industry GuidanceWhat the Inflation Reduction Act Means for 45LThe Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law in August 2022 and creates huge tax credit incentive savings for real estate and construction groups that prioritize clean energy. One tax provision of the IRA was the 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit.Mark Cooter, Cherry Bekaert’s Real Estate and Construction Practice Leader, invites Ron Wainwright, Strategic Tax Partner and Leader of the Firm’s Energy Tax Credits & Incentives Practice within the Tax Credits and Incentives Advisory group, and Bill Harbeson, a manager at Cherry Bekaert, will discuss how 45L has changed with the IRA and how.T...
2022-09-2621 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceBusiness Systems Series: Part 1 – ApplicabilityJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry team for part one of a new podcast series discussing the six contractor business systems—Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management. The series will discuss Business Systems applicability, requirements and trends currently seen for Business Systems in solicitations.In the first episode Susan Moser, Partner and Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice, and Roy Rushing, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice and a former Contracting Officer with various federal agencies, discuss Business Systems applicability, including an overv...
2022-09-2016 minCherry Bekaert: Real Estate & Construction Industry GuidanceHow the Real Estate and Construction Industry Benefits from the Inflation Reduction ActThe recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) on the 179D deduction is incredibly important and lucrative new legislation for the Real Estate and Construction industry. The 179D is a tax deduction to incentivize builders and building designers to create energy-efficient commercial buildings. The IRA increased the maximum tax deduction from $1.80 per square foot to $5.00 per square foot. Mark Cooter, Cherry Bekaert’s Real Estate and Construction Practice Leader, invites Ron Wainwright, Strategic Tax Partner and Leader of the Firm’s Energy Practice within the Tax Credits and Incentives Advisory group, and Bill Harbeson, a manager at Cherry Bekaert, to...
2022-09-1420 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorGASB Hot Topics and Accounting Standards UpdateThe Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) develops and issues accounting standards for state and local governments. Scott Anderson, a Director on Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector team who has recently returned from his fellowship with GASB, sat down with Danny Martinez, Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector Accounting Advisory Lead to discuss GASB hot topics, insights, and key takeaways. This podcast discusses:Relationships, similarities, and differences between GASB Statements 87, 94, and 96 Importance of constituent feedback during GASB’s standard setting processTakeaways from being the Zone 3 (GASB) Chair on the AICPA Technical Issues Committee and a GASB P...
2022-09-0916 min
Cherry Bekaert: Risk & CybersecurityWhat Accounting Automation Means for Your BusinessIn today’s complex and fast-moving business environment, it’s important to leverage technology and automation in all your business systems. Through strategic alliance with Blackline, which supports activities not managed by ERPs, but that are critical to business stakeholders and their performance analytics, planning and decision process, our professionals will cover issues facing the modern accounting and finance department, and how your business can use technology to help automate substantiation of reconciliations and mitigate risks to ensure integrity during the record-to-report process. This allows financing staff and management to make sound and timely business decisions from valid results. ...
2022-09-0112 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceWhat’s New with CMMC 2.0?Where does the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program currently stand? Neal Beggan, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Risk Advisory Services and a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice and Eric Poppe, a Director in the Firm’s Government Contractor Services Group, discuss the latest information about the Department of Defense (DoD) CMMC 2.0 program.Listen in to find out about:The CMMC accreditation body - now called “The CYBER AB”CAP, a pre-decisional draft of the CMMC assessment process (CAP) released by The CYBER ABFedRAMP certification and NIST SP 800-171Recent DoD memora...
2022-08-2417 min
Cherry Bekaert: Industrial ManufacturingThe Importance of Fractional CIO ServicesNumerous middle-market organizations need a Chief Information Officer (CIO), but they don’t know where to start. Some companies have started seeking out fractional, or interim CIOs to assist their organizations in times of need. Fractional CIOs can help organizations with business processes, systems, infrastructure, and more.In our most recent podcast, Steve Holliday, Director at Cherry Bekaert, discusses why CIO services are important for an organization and how to get successfully started. Listen in to find out about:Why it’s important to be proactive when it comes to investing in technologyWhen it makes sense to b...
2022-08-1112 minCherry Bekaert: Tax ServicesHow Best to Document the R&D Credits For Your Technology InvestmentsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Credits & Incentives Advisory Podcast, Martin Karamon welcomes Tax Credits & Incentives Advisory leaders Dan Mennel and Vivian Kohrs to talk about R&D documentation as you make investments in technology or look at the ROI of making such an investment.The R&D Tax Credit is one of the most lucrative incentives available to taxpayers and provides a permanent offset to tax liabilities. This credit is an activity-based credit – meaning that if a taxpayer is performing specific types of activities, the costs incurred to perform those activities go into a sepa...
2022-07-2515 minCherry Bekaert: Professional ServicesVIP Plan Advantages – Combining the Best Features of Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit PlansJoin host Scott Duda, Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Professional Services Industry practice as he sits down with Jeff Gump, Financial Advisor with Cherry Bekaert Wealth Management, to discuss VIP plans. Although many think of very important people when they hear VIP, in this case, it stands for Direct Recognition Variable Investment Plans. Coincidentally, although many may think they are familiar with these types of plans and have seen them before, there are some considerations that may have been missed. In this episode, Jeff explains what sets these types of plans apart and why they are becoming more attractive to...
2022-03-1412 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCMMC 2.0 – Current State of AffairsIn this episode Neal Beggan, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Risk Advisory Services and a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice, selected as one of the first Provisional Assessors nationwide by the CMMC Accreditation Body, and Eric Poppe, a senior manager in the Firm’s Government Contractor Services Group, discuss the current state of the Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program and share insights on what contractors and subcontractors in the defense industrial base (DIB) should be doing now to prepare.Discussion includes:The Pentagon’s shift of responsibility for the...
2022-03-0115 minCherry Bekaert: Government & Public SectorThe Impact of GASB Pronouncements on AirportsThis podcast examines the impact on airports of pronouncements created by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Cherry Bekaert is honored to have one of the Firm’s Directors, Scott Anderson, currently serving as one of two Practice Fellows with GASB. This discussion features Scott’s review of key GASB accounting standards that can help improve financial reporting for airports. Greg Miller, Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Transportation Group, and Lauren Strope, Director with the Firm’s Government Services Group, lead the conversation that offers listeners a rare opportunity to hear an insider’s view of current and future GAS...
2022-01-0513 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceThe Impact of PPP Forgiveness and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) on Government Contracts: What Small Business Government Contractors Need to KnowThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act at the start of the pandemic was a lifeline for millions of small businesses in the U.S. The Paycheck Protection loan program (PPP) and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) provided relief and cash for all kinds of small businesses, but for government contractors, the confusion and changing guidance and interpretations has caused much consternation, stress, confusion, and frustration.Now, almost two years after the initial programs were put in place, there is still confusion. Listen to Susan Moser, Advisory Partner and leader of Cherry Bekaert’s G...
2022-01-0317 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceThe SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – What Is It and What Are the Requirements?Join Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part one of a new podcast series discussing various aspects of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program. The 8(a) program is a business assistance program that was created to help small disadvantaged businesses wanting to do business with the Federal government gain a foothold in Federal government contracting.Our Government Contractor Services group has an in-depth understanding of the 8(a) program and advises a number of 8(a) government contractors through each step of the process to add value and anticipate ongoing opportunities. From the init...
2021-07-2319 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceIndirect Rates – More than Just a Math Exercise: Part OneListen to Eric Poppe, Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice and Rich Wilkinson, Director of Product Marketing at Unanet discuss the importance of indirect rates. Indirect rates are more than just a math exercise. Having rates isn’t the objective. It’s having something you can use to figure out what your costs are. This is part one of a four-part series on indirect rates that Cherry Bekaert and Unanet will explore. In this episode we discuss:Why do government contracting firms need indirect rates?For pricing, estimating and foreca...
2021-07-2109 minCherry Bekaert: Private Equity Industry GuidanceSPAC Transactions: The Players and the Paper: Part I2020 was a record-breaking year for Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) transactions, with over 240 completed SPAC IPOs, raising total gross proceeds of approximately $75 billion. The trend has continued into 2021 with over 350 IPOs completed so far this year, with no apparent let-up in sight.In this episode of the Drawdown, hosted by Cherry Bekaert’s Cameron Smith, Business Development Director of Private Equity, Cameron is joined by Cherry Bekaert’s Accounting Advisory Leader, Chase Wright, in Part I of a four-part series discussing the ins and outs of SPAC transactions and the material parties involved. In Part I, Chase intr...
2021-07-1413 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceImpacts and Timing of President Biden’s Executive Order to Improve the Nation’s CybersecurityPresident Biden signed an Executive Order (“EO”) on May 12th aimed at improving and preparing for cybersecurity defenses for public and private sector companies. The EO is aimed at improving protective measures to federal networks, information-sharing between the U.S. government and the private sector on cyber issues and the collective ability to respond when incidents occur. The EO addresses initiatives and directives in many areas, which Cherry Bekaert summarized in a recent alert.Susan Moser, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group, John Ford, a senior consultant in the Firm’s GovCon Group and Neal Beg...
2021-05-2824 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceTop 5 Things to Know when Working with Contracting OfficersListen to Susan Moser, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services practice and Brendan Halloran, a new member of our team discuss best practices when working with Contracting Officers, including what contractors may be surprised to know. Before to joining Cherry Bekaert, Brendan spent 10 years at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) as a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) and supervisory contract specialist focused on cost and pricing. He was the Cognizant Federal Agency Official for multiple major defense contractor business divisions, responsible for ensuring compliance with FAR, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and CAS...
2021-03-3020 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart IV: How to Prepare for a CMMC C3PAO Assessment for CertificationPart IV: How to Prepare for a CMMC C3PAO Assessment for CertificationJoin Cherry Bekaert, a Registered Practitioner Organization (“RPO”) and one of the first Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAO) accredited to perform certification assessments for the Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”) program, for part four of our podcast series discussing the various elements of CMMC.Neal Beggan, a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice, selected as one of the first Provisional Assessors nationwide by the CMMC Accreditation Body, leads the series along with Er...
2021-02-1215 minCherry Bekaert: Tax ServicesEmployee Retention Credit: What is It, Who Qualifies and How to Claim ItEmployers that have been affected by COVID-19 that experienced a significant decline in revenues, or that had to comply with government mandates restricting travel, commerce, operating hours, may qualify for a refundable Employee Retention payroll tax credit, even if the Employer previously applied for PPP benefits. This podcast provides a complete and concise explanation of the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), including who qualifies and how to claim the credit. Two of Cherry Bekaert’s Credits and Incentives professionals will describe the credit benefits, what you need to do to take advantage of the credit, and how Cherry Bekaer...
2021-01-2812 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceWhat to Expect in an Upcoming CMMC C3PAO Assessment & How to PreparePart Three - What to Expect in an Upcoming CMMC C3PAO Assessment & How to PrepareJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part three of our podcast series discussing the Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”). Neal Beggan, a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice, selected as one of the first Provisional Assessors nationwide by the CMMC Accreditation Body, leads the series along with Eric Poppe from the Firm’s Government Contractor Services Group, to provide contractors with the latest information on CM...
2020-12-1417 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCMMC and the DFARS ClausePart Two - CMMC and the DFARS Clause Join Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part two of a new podcast series discussing the Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”). Neal Beggan, a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice, selected as one of the first Provisional Assessors nationwide by the CMMC Accreditation Body, leads the series along with Eric Poppe from the Firm’s Government Contractor Services Group, to provide contractors with the latest information on CMMC and navigating its impact on the government...
2020-11-0415 minCherry Bekaert: Real Estate & Construction Industry GuidanceOZ for Funds, P1: Opportunity Zone OverviewJoin Richard Schneider, Partner and Chairman of Cherry Bekaert’s OZ Task Force Team and Polly Hoxha, Senior Manager and Cherry Bekaert’s OZ Champion for Washington D.C., as they kick off our six-part series on the Opportunity Zone ("OZ") regulations which will address fund level topics. Our first podcast series focused on OZ investor incentives and provided insight on key topics that investors need to know. You can catch up with our Investor Series podcast here. Stay tuned for the remaining five podcasts in our OZ Fund Series:Part 2 – Opportunity Zone Imp...
2020-11-0314 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCurrent State of CMMCPart One - Current State of CMMCJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part one of a new podcast series discussing the Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”). The CMMC landscape has been taking shape and changing over the past few years and is approaching the finish line.Neal Beggan, a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice, selected as one of 72 Provisional Assessors in the country by the CMMC Accreditation Body, will lead this series along with Eric Poppe from the Fi...
2020-10-0719 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceProposals and Estimating Practices for Government ContractorsA basis of estimate is that backbone to every price estimate submitted to the government. In this Cherry Bekaert GovCon podcast, Eric Poppe, Senior Manager and Javier Diaz, Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group discuss the common methodologies and basis of estimates used for various cost elements normally included in proposals.View all Government Contracting Podcasts
2020-05-1513 min