Oracle Enterprise Taxation Management 2.2.0

Oracle has announced the availability of Oracle Enterprise Taxation Management 2.2.0, the newest version of the tax-specific, commercial off-the-shelf software application that enables tax and revenue authorities to optimize revenue collection.
Providing a configurable alternative to custom-built systems, the application enables local tax collection authorities to optimize all aspects of the revenue collection process and respond to tax law and regulatory changes, said Oracle.
According to the company, the software provides tax authorities with an integrated system to enable near-term functional improvements, while providing the adaptability and flexibility needed to address future challenges as well. It is built on Java Enterprise (J2EE) and service-oriented architecture industry standards.
John Andrus, vice president and general manager for Oracle tax global business unit, said: "Oracle Enterprise Taxation Management 2.2.0 demonstrates that tax authorities no longer need to rely on costly custom systems. Its standards-based platform and pre-built integrations allow for easy configuration to meet unique requirements and helps ensure the application will meet the needs of tax authorities today and in the future."
I think Oracle Enterprise Tax Management 2.2.0 will help tax authorities a lot by saving time and cut cost because it is pre-designed to meet the tax requirements.
http://enterpriseapplications.cbronline.com/news/oracle_launches_new_version_of_tax_specific_software_application_080409

Forensic Auditing

Forensic accounting is the specialty practice area of accountancy that describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated disputes or litigation. "Forensic" means "suitable for use in a court of law", and it is to that standard and potential outcome that forensic accountants generally have to work. Forensic accountants, also referred to as forensic auditors or investigative auditors, often have to give expert evidence at the eventual trial. All of the larger accounting firms, as well as many medium-sized and boutique firms, have specialist forensic accounting departments. Within these groups, there may be further sub-specializations, some forensic accountants may, for example, just specialize in insurance claims, personal injury claims, fraud, construction, or royalty audits.
Forensic accountants utilize an understanding of business information and financial reporting systems, accounting and auditing standards and procedures, evidence gathering and investigative techniques, and litigation processes and procedures to perform their work. Forensic accountants are also increasingly playing more proactive risk reduction roles by designing and performing extended procedures as part of the statutory audit, acting as advisers to audit committees, fraud deterrence engagements, and assisting in investment analyst research.
I think that Forensic accounting is a very interesting and unique subject that is worthy of studying.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_accounting

Business Intelligence

Business intelligence (BI) refers to skills, technologies, applications and practices used to help a business acquire a better understanding of its commercial context. Business intelligence may also refer to the collected information itself.
BI applications provide historical, current, and predictive views of business operations. Common functions of business intelligence applications are reporting, OLAP, analytics , data mining business performance management, benchmarks, text mining, and predictive analytics.
Business intelligence often aims to support better business decision-making. Thus a BI system can be called a decision support system (DSS).
Often BI applications use data gathered from a data warehouse or a data mart. However, not all data warehouses are used for business intelligence nor do all business intelligence applications require a data warehouse.
I happened to write a research paper on BI,data marts and data warehousing last semester. I learned a lot. I wanted to share part of that knowledge with you by posting a thread on BI.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_intelligence

PROCAS Accounting System

PROCAS Software was Specifically designed to:• Comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31• Satisfy the audit requirements of the Defense ContractAudit Agency (DCAA).
PROCAS was the first to offer a hosted solution and has been doing so for more than five of the company's ten-plus years of service. it is used for:
Indirect rate calculations, job cost ledger and automatedbilling, Automatic drill down from high-level summary information totransaction level details, Web-enabled employee timekeeping and expense reporting, More intuitive; significantly easier to implement and operate than other systems, Flexible license and hosted options, Safe and secure information transmission. It is Cost effective; easily scalable from start-ups to multi-segmentorganizations, Implemented and supported by specialists in government contract accounting and information systems.
I think that PROCAS software is really such a useful program to use to cut cost and improve productivity.
http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Downloads/Request.aspx?dlid=1019

Intuit Indian Products

Intuit will focus on developing products for the Web and mobile devices that solve problems for both consumers and small businesses for indian companies. These products will help consumers manage money, track expenses, and assist with their taxes. Other solutions will help small business owners find and retain customers and grow their businesses.“This is the right place and the right time for global expansion,” said Smith 'Intuit president and chief executive officer'. “Consumers in India will benefit from new products developed by people who live and work here. We expect the combination of Intuit and India to revolutionize personal and small business finance here as it has in the United States.”
It also announced that it will establish a presence in India for its Global Business Division. The division will lead efforts to introduce Intuit’s unique approach to customer-driven innovation in India, with plans to expand into major emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region to pursue global growth opportunities.
I don't think it to be a bad idea to try to do more business on a global scale.
http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Press/PressDocView.aspx?docid=10748

Intuit Online Payroll System

The move addresses customer need for an easy and affordable way to manage their payroll with confidence. New service offerings will be available as early as spring 2009.“Whether you are a small business owner or an accountant, using a Mac or a PC, Intuit Online Payroll will be at your service—anytime, anywhere,” said Cameron Schmidt, director of marketing for the Intuit Payroll Division. “With more than one million customers, Intuit Payroll has been a trusted partner to small businesses, helping them save time and money. We are excited to extend the benefits of Intuit Online Payroll to even more businesses and accountants through this expansion.”Customers soon to benefit from Intuit’s Online Payroll service include:
AccountingProfessionals: In spring 2009, Intuit Online Payroll for Accounting Professionals will bring accountant specific functionality designed to make it easier, faster and more profitable for accountants to manage payroll for their clients. The service will help accountants be more productive through Direct and Easy Export to QuickBooks,Consolidated Client Task List and Save and Make Money. Mac Users : Mac users can simply enter employees’ hours and with just a few clicks, Intuit Online Payroll automatically calculates earnings, payroll taxes and deductions.
Instantly Pay Payroll Taxes: Intuit Online Payroll instantly calculates federal and state payroll taxes for the user.
Confidently Handle Tax Forms: Intuit Online Payroll automatically fills in the latest federal and many state payroll tax forms a user need just print, sign and mail, or E-File select state forms at no additional cost.
Banks and Credit Unions: Intuit will also empower financial institutions to provide small business payroll services as a key component of their online banking offering.
In my opinion, this software is a huge success. it is convenient,easy, fast and affordable.
http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Press/PressDocView.aspx?docid=10702

CISA

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is an audit professional certification sponsored by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Candidates for the certification must meet requirements set by ISACA.
Candidates for a CISA certification must pass the examination, agree to adhere to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics, submit evidence of a minimum of five years of professional IS auditing, control, or security work, and abide by a program of continuing professional education.
It was established for the following reasons:
1)Develop and maintain a tool that could be used to evaluate an individuals' competency in conducting information system audits.
2)Provide a motivational tool for information systems auditors to maintain their skills, and monitor the success of the maintenance programs.
3)Provide criteria to help aid management in the selection of personnel and development.
The first CISA examination was administered in 1981, and registration numbers have grown each year. Over 60,000 candidates have earned the CISA designation.
I think CISA is definitely helpful especially for managers as it can help them choose the best resources.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Information_System_Auditor