Category: Career

Certified Public Accountant

An accountant who has been given a special designation after passing and meeting prescribed certifying requirements is a certified public accountant. The individual is also permitted to use the designation of certified public accountant abbreviated as CPA. In the United States, an accountant is required to qualify in a uniform CPA exam. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) developed these exams and is still the single authority in maintaining them.

Auditing, attestation, and opinions on financial statements can only be provided by professional licensed CPAs. In many parts of the United States, professionals without CPA licenses call themselves “public accountants.” CPAs are better known for their tax expertise and for making books of accounts for business enterprises. In addition to this, they are educated enough to perform attestation functions.

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, along with AICPA, also administers the CPA examination. The exams are widely conducted in fifty states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The licenses vary by state.

After passing the examination, the professional is also required to complete an accounting program at a university, which takes around 150 hours. An accountant with working experience is always considered to have an edge over the other professionals. Individuals need to dedicate a certain timeframe to education, even after obtaining their licenses.

Businesses interested in hiring certified public accountants would have to touch base with the local Chamber of Commerce for information regarding CPA members. The corporation should do a background check on the CPA, as well as look for recommendations from his peers.

CCNA

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate – a certification for IT professionals that is issued by Cisco Systems, Inc., one of the most successful computer networking companies. Cisco manufactures and markets a wide range of devices for both enterprises and telecommunications carriers. Cisco is an abbreviation of San FranCISCO.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate is an apprentice, or foundation level (along with Cisco Certified Design Associate), within the three levels of certification that include Associate, Professional, and Expert. Basically, CCNA professionals are certified to install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not exclusive to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, and Access Lists. The certification is valid for three years, after which recertification may be sought.

In order to hold a CCNA certification, a candidate has to pass either the Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam or a combination of Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies Exam and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Exam. Main topics for these three exams include Planning and Designing; Design and Support; Implementation and Operation; Troubleshooting; and Technology. Other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.

There are also some recommended training programs that may be taken before the above-mentioned examinations. These programs include Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO), Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND), and Additional Training (CCNA Prep Center Pilot). These trainings incorporate topics such as fundamental knowledge and comprehension of networking; how to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices; sample questions, simulations, e-learning modules, labs, tips, etc.

CCNA Training

There are two main trainings recommended by CISCO before taking up the CCNA or Cisco Certified Network Associate certification examinations, both of which are outlined below.

The first is the Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO). The prerequisites for this training include basic computer literacy and basic knowledge of PC hardware configurations and networking business drivers. INTRO is intended for people who want a fundamental knowledge and comprehension of networking, such as Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) seven-layer model concepts; terminology; and technologies. The training also provides them with basic skills to configure a Cisco IOS router for network connectivity.

The course outline consists of eight modules: Building a Simple Serial Network, Building a Smarter Network, Growing the Network, Connecting Networks, Ensuring the Reliability of Data Delivery, Connecting to Other Networks, Operating and Configuring Cisco IOS Devices, and Managing Your Network Environment.

The other main training program is the Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND). Knowledge of Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) content is the prerequisite for the instructor-led ICND training course. The training lasts for five days and concentrates on focuses on using Cisco Catalyst Switches and Cisco routers connected in local-area networks (LANs) and wide-area networks (WANs). It is mainly designed to educate students on how to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices.

The course outline consists of seven modules: Configuring Catalyst Switch Operations, Extending Switched Networks with VLANs, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP Traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Serial Point-to-Point Connections, Establishing Frame Relay Connections, and Completing ISDN Calls.

There is also an additional training module called the CCNA Prep Center Pilot. Included in this module are sample questions, simulations, e-learning modules, labs, tips from CCNA professionals, expert advice, and success stories, along with other CCNA resources. You can access the module through their CISCO’s webpage, http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/PrepCenter?page=main, but you need to register (for free) in order to get in.

CCNA Exams

In order to hold a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, a candidate has to pass either the Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam or a combination of Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies Exam and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Exam.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam is as single-exam option for the CCNA certification process, consisting of materials from the new Interconnection Cisco Network Devices (ICND) course, as well as the new Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) course; it covers topics on Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Point-to-Point connections, and Establishing Frame Relay Connections.

The main topics include Planning and Designing; Implementation and Operation; Troubleshooting; and Technology. Other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.

The Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies Exam is one of the two qualifying exams available to candidates pursuing a two-exam option for CCNA, consisting of materials covered in the Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) course, including topics on Network Types, Network Media, Switching Fundamentals, TCP/IP, IP Addressing and Routing, WAN Technologies, Operating and Configuring IOS Devices, and Managing Network Environments.

The main topics include Design and Support; Implementation and Operation; and Technology. Other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.

The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Exam is the other part of the two qualifying exams available to candidates pursuing a two-exam option for the Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA certification, consisting of materials from the new Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND) course. It includes topics on Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Point-to-Point connections, and Establishing Frame Relay Connections.

The main topics include Planning and Designing; Implementation and Operations; Troubleshooting; and Technology. Other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.

CCNA Certifications

A CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and apprentice, or foundation level certification, is a sub-part of the Cisco Career Certifications – IT professional certifications for products of Cisco Systems, Inc. The three levels of Cisco Career Certifications include Associate, Professional, and Expert. CCNA Certification is one of the two parts of Associate-level certifications (the other being Cisco Certified Design Associate) and is the most commonly held Cisco certification.

The CCNA certification indicates a foundation in and beginner’s knowledge of networking. CCNA professionals are certified to install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not exclusive to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, and Access Lists.

Although there are no specific prerequisites for the CCNA certification, a candidate must be familiar with Cisco-specific (or not) IOS, TCP/IP, LAN and WAN management, switching and routing protocols, the OSI model, LAN troubleshooting, and a number of network protocols. A grade of approximately 85% is required to pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam, which includes multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions, matching questions, and simulated “lab” questions. The other option is a combination of Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies Exam and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Exam.

CCNA certifications are valid for three years. In order to get re-certification, a holder can choose any of the four possible options: re-take the certification exam, pass the ICND exam, pass any 642 professional-level or Cisco Qualified Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a CCIE written exam. This was put into effect after October 1, 2004.

CAD

With the advent of hyper-advancement of computer technology came Computer-Aided Design (CAD). CAD is basically a professional aide in designing that was first offered to engineers and architects. Its popularity and reputation were soon recognized by other technical people in the field of design and construction and even mere design aficionados with little or no amount of formal professional training.

CAD mostly involves the CAD software and some specialty hardware. Among the capabilities of CAD are wire-frame geometry creation; three-dimensional parametric feature-based modeling; solid modeling; freeform-surface modeling; automated design of assemblies (which are collections of parts and/or other assemblies); creation of engineering drawings from solid models; electrical-component packaging; inclusion of programming code in a model to control and relate desired attributes of the model; programmable design studies and optimization; sophisticated visual-analysis routines, for draft, curvature, curvature continuity and many others.

CAD made the look of modern buildings possible. Most architectural firms can’t do without CAD technology, since this has been the accepted design instrument since the late 1980s. Building structures are easily checked and perused for errors.

Actually, CAD is the precursor of computer animation. CAD was first used to produce three-dimensional surface modeling and calculation for automobile and aircraft industries in the 1960s. This was made possible by the mathematical calculations and work described by Isaac Jacob Schoenberg in the 1940s. His work was supplemented by the findings of another brilliant mathematician named Roy Liming, who contributed so much to the understanding and application of polynomial curves and sculptured surface.

You might encounter CAD translated as “Computer-Assisted” or “Computer-Aided Drafting” or any similar phrase—all of which are synonymous except for some subtle differences in specification and semiotics. Those who wish to catch up on the latest CAD Technology or learn CAD can enroll in the CAD Schools that are often run by CAD software providers themselves.

Retail Recruiting

The process of retail recruiting requires an energetic and experienced group of professionals, equipped with retail industry information and skill. There are recruiting agencies that specialize in delivering national and international retail industry requirements.

Retail recruiting may involve filling various positions, such as the CEO, president, senior vice president, director, manager, or engineer. Retail recruiting also involves the procedure adopted in the case of account managers and account executives.

Retail recruiting differs due to the potential prospects having diverse backgrounds. The database is large, and there are many applicants with different educational backgrounds. In the case of the candidates currently working with the organization, it becomes easier to assess and communicate with them.

It is suggested that every employer turn to current and former employees, suppliers, and customers. Employers should reward them properly for recognizing quality and for referrals. It is recommended for the management to measure and allocate awards to all managers, depending on how well each of recruits and retains the existing talent.

One of the advanced tools for successful retail recruitment includes the creation of a profile. The short-listed candidates may have many things in common and making a profile of the top employees, is a good idea. The management can make use of this concept of the behavior profile to fine-tune the retail recruiting process and build a referral program and get every employee to become a recruiter.

Another aspect of retail recruiting involves the management looking for people who are not aware of the firm or product. This may apply in the case of the product being too fashionable, expensive, or not used by the community. This means that the prospective employee has to be made aware of the product by the distribution of free samples.

Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is the science and art of systematic recording, classifying and summarizing of financial transactions or events of a business in a set of books. A business transaction means the exchange of money or items of value between two or more persons.

Spicer and Pegler defined Bookkeeping as the systematic recording of the transactions in a manner enabling the financial relationships of a business with other persons to be clearly disclosed, and the cumulative effect of a transaction on the financial position of the business to be correctly ascertained. J. R. Baltiboi has observed that Bookkeeping is the art of recording business dealings in a set of books.

The recording of business transaction involves: analysis of transactions from the source document, recording those transactions, posting them in a ledger, and so forth. All business transactions are first entered in the journals. All these various types of entries need to be classified. This is achieved by opening different accounts on separate pages in the ledger and then posting various entries to the ledger under appropriate accounts.

A ledger account is a record of debits, credits and balances of each individual account–asset, liability, and revenue and expense items. Each account in the ledger represents a summarized record of all the transactions concerning that particular account. The importance of the ledger as the main book of accounts lies in the fact that the figures which appear in the financial statements, like balance sheets and profit and loss statements, are derived from the ledger. A ledger, together with cash and bankbooks, forms a complete set of business accounts.

Bookkeeping is the basis of the accounting process as financial accounting includes interpretations of details generated by the Bookkeeping.

Direct Depositing Paychecks

Every year, the Treasury Department of America restores around 800,000 checks that have been lost, stolen or damaged in transit. Now, for instance, the federal government gives social security, veteran’s benefits and other federal payments electronically, otherwise called direct deposit, although one could still be given federal payments by check. Additionally, many companies offer direct deposit of late.

The benefits of direct deposit are many. For one, checks cannot be lost or stolen. For another, payments get to an individual’s account the day of issue, no matter if the person is unavailable or unable to reach the relevant financial institution. Moreover, checking can be done at a very low cost, in some cases at no cost, because banks don’t have the additional expense of processing paper checks. Direct deposit protects checks from bouncing because they are deposited directly and on time. It also saves customers trips to the bank, and the hassle of waiting in line at the bank or ATM. The Federal government (as well as many companies) tends to deposit checks the previous day if payday falls on a holiday.

However, it is all not a bed of roses with direct deposit. For example, if one is attempting to protect one’s earnings from being embellished, or from someone else to whom the account is accessible, then cash or a paper check is definitely better.

In order to establish direct deposit, the employee has to go through the company of employment, who will have the relevant paperwork necessary to set it up. They will want the person’s social security number and an empty check containing the bank’s routing number and the particular account number of the individual. It takes a minimum of two weeks on average for direct deposit to become functional.

Setting up direct deposit for federal paychecks can usually be done over the phone or at the local federal building. However, federal government employees will not get a voucher every month stating how much was deposited in their account. They will have to confirm the direct deposit with the bank. This voucher, which looks just like a real check and contains all the same information, is usually sent to employees of private companies.

Direct Depositing Paychecks

Every year, the Treasury Department of America restores around 800,000 checks that have been lost, stolen or damaged in transit. Now, for instance, the federal government gives social security, veteran’s benefits and other federal payments electronically, otherwise called direct deposit, although one could still be given federal payments by check. Additionally, many companies offer direct deposit of late.

The benefits of direct deposit are many. For one, checks cannot be lost or stolen. For another, payments get to an individual’s account the day of issue, no matter if the person is unavailable or unable to reach the relevant financial institution. Moreover, checking can be done at a very low cost, in some cases at no cost, because banks don’t have the additional expense of processing paper checks. Direct deposit protects checks from bouncing because they are deposited directly and on time. It also saves customers trips to the bank, and the hassle of waiting in line at the bank or ATM. The Federal government (as well as many companies) tends to deposit checks the previous day if payday falls on a holiday.

However, it is all not a bed of roses with direct deposit. For example, if one is attempting to protect one’s earnings from being embellished, or from someone else to whom the account is accessible, then cash or a paper check is definitely better.

In order to establish direct deposit, the employee has to go through the company of employment, who will have the relevant paperwork necessary to set it up. They will want the person’s social security number and an empty check containing the bank’s routing number and the particular account number of the individual. It takes a minimum of two weeks on average for direct deposit to become functional.

Setting up direct deposit for federal paychecks can usually be done over the phone or at the local federal building. However, federal government employees will not get a voucher every month stating how much was deposited in their account. They will have to confirm the direct deposit with the bank. This voucher, which looks just like a real check and contains all the same information, is usually sent to employees of private companies.