FP&A

Accounting Classification of Marketing Expenses: By Purpose or by Nature of Expense?
Addressing the accounting classification of marketing expenses, this article analyzes whether professional service fees (consulting, direct mail activities) and printing and stationery expenses (brochures, flyers, promotional items) should be recorded as marketing expenses based on purpose, or accounted for separately according to the nature of the expense, and provides practical recommendations.

What topics would you like Proformative's free CPE webinars to cover?
The Proformative free CPE webinar series is seeking topic suggestions, focusing on finance, accounting, and intersecting fields. Readers are welcome to propose topics they would like experts to explain.

Parent Company Capital Injection into Trading Subsidiary: Tax and Legal Considerations for Loans and Capital Increases
An international startup is financed by its parent company and now needs to provide funding to its trading subsidiary. The question is: should the funds be transferred as an interest-free demand loan or as a capital contribution? The two approaches involve different tax and legal consequences. Based on available information, this article outlines key considerations and notes that there is no unified 'best practice,' requiring assessment based on specific circumstances.

Proformative Launches New Corporate Finance Training Platform
Proformative announced the official launch of its new course platform, designed to help finance, accounting, and treasury professionals enhance their skills through on-demand courses taught by seasoned practitioners and subject matter experts. The platform also opened instructor application and course suggestion channels to better serve community needs.

1099 Independent Contractor: Are Reimbursed Expenses Deductible on Schedule C?
A 1099 independent contractor incurred airfare, meals, and other expenses for business travel, which were reimbursed by the hiring company, and the 1099 form includes the reimbursement amount. The user asks whether these travel expenses can be claimed on Schedule C. Based on the facts, this article explains the correspondence between the reimbursement amount and expense deductions, and notes the need to distinguish between deductible and non-deductible situations.

Shareholder Value Maximization: A Dangerous Myth - The Case of Valeant
This article analyzes the danger of the 'shareholder value maximization' concept behind Valeant's governance difficulties. Chairman Pearson insists on this goal, but governance expert Hugh Arnold points out that the law does not require companies to maximize shareholder wealth; this is merely management's interpretation. The article argues that shareholder value should be a byproduct of excellent management, not an ultimate goal.

Key Skills for Success in Finance Careers: Which One Do You Think Matters Most?
The finance industry is highly competitive; which skills can better contribute to career success? This article presents an infographic listing several key skills and invites readers to share their views.

Questions about the Concur expense report submission process: How approvers track and coordinate with accounting
A new user, serving as the sole approver for Concur expense reports, has mastered most functions during testing but is uncertain about where reports go after submission: accounting has not seen the reports, and it is unclear whether they sync automatically to QuickBooks or require email notification. Based on existing information, this article organizes key questions and suggests possible directions for resolution.

Auditor Job Search Advice: Is It Appropriate to Seek Help from Your Current Auditor?
This article explores the feasibility of consulting a current auditor for job search advice or potential job leads while seeking reduced work hours due to family responsibilities, and analyzes the conflict of interest issues involved.

Can a single bank account be used for both an INC and an LLC affiliated company?
An EU company has a U.S. INC (parent company) and an LLC (wholly-owned subsidiary), which file consolidated taxes. It plans to close the LLC's bank account and use the INC's second bank account to handle customer receipts and supplier payments for the LLC. This article analyzes the feasibility, accounting methods, and potential legal and tax issues of this operation, and provides professional recommendations.