|
Accountants Give "Assurance"
a Whole New Meaning
|
|
|
When most people think about accountants, they think of taxes and audits. Yes, much of our work at Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co. LLP is around taxes and audits, whether that’s for companies, government entities, not-for-profits or for individuals and their families.
A lesser-known service we provide is something called “assurance services.” Assurance services encompass a wide range of activities, from providing a company with audited financial statements to helping an organization set up or refine their financial internal controls.
|
|
|
|
Financial assurance services can include the review of any kind of financial document or transaction such as a loan, a contract, internal financial projections and/or due diligence proceedings. These services often involve evaluating existing information and, if needed, providing context about that information to clients. Accountants also assess and report the relevance of the financial information so that clients can make good decisions.
Non-financial assurance services can be just as valuable. CPA firms provide assurance services consulting on everything from greenhouse gas emissions information and geriatric care to the lottery and, infamously, the Academy Awards. [The 2017 Oscar® debacle was a lesson to the accounting industry—and everyone else—that tweeting and assurance services don’t mix!]
|
|
|
|
|
Our firm has a breadth of experience in assurance services. For example, we have performed auto inventory audits, something that’s required by an auto dealership’s banking institutions. We also have counted ballots for clients, providing assurance services to the process of determining election results. We haven’t been contacted to help with the Academy Awards, but if they ask us, we’ll be ready.
|
|
|
Providing clients with assurance services helps add credibility to the organizations’ data and helps them safeguard their reputations. The result is we help our clients build trust with their stakeholders and, ultimately, we help clients make decisions that can improve their financial or operational performance. If you would like to learn more about assurance services, just let us know. We would be happy to discuss with you how assurance services might fit for you and your firm. Please contact us at 630-653-1616 or email
info@mmaadvisors.com.
|
|
|
Our People Make a Difference
|
|
|
Gina Kelly from our accounting services staff
and her family--Kevin, Ryan, Justin and Frances--participated in a 5K run/walk on August 5 in honor of
Philip Lutzenkirchen, the son of family friends whose legacy is remembered through the
Lutzie 43 Foundation. Running as "virtual runners" at the Danada Forest Preserve, the Kelly family and 50 other friends supported the race held in Marietta, GA.
|
|
|
|
The proceeds from the race support the foundation which "aims to develop the character of young people and their influencers by focusing on leadership, charity, compassion, mentorship, hard work, honesty and faith through education and real world application.” Philip, who died at 23 in a car accident, was known not only for his star power as a football player at Auburn University but for his kindness and character.
Click here to learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation.
|
|
|
|
|
Staff Spotlight: Focus on Laura O'Malley
|
|
Laura O’Malley became our “Ambassador of First Impressions” three years ago this November. Her duties include greeting visitors as well as fielding telephone calls and supporting the team. As Administrative Assistant for Client Relations, Laura serves as a resource not only to our clients but also internally to the staff, and she’s especially helpful during our busy seasons. We caught Laura between calls recently to learn more about her:
|
|
|
What was your first job?
“I became a busgirl and hostess at a steakhouse as soon as I turned 16.”
What is your favorite part of your job?
“I enjoy meeting our clients and providing them the assistance they need to complete their tasks at hand.”
What do you think people don’t know about accounting firms that you’d like them to know?
“Working at an accounting firm has made me aware that accounting firms such as Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co. do more than just prepare tax returns. Our office is busy year-round, providing a variety of services such as payroll, bookkeeping, and attestation services, just to name a few.”
When you aren’t helping our clients here at MMA & Co, what do you like to do?
“When I’m not at work I enjoy outdoor concerts, disc golf and volunteering for Garden Center Services. They are a very caring organization that provides services to adults with developmental disabilities.”
[Insider tip: Laura is also a diehard Blackhawks fan who holds her own against the ruthless Red Wings and Blues fans in the office.]
|
|
|
Welcome to the World, Baby Leighton!
|
|
Miss
Leighton Elizabeth Mathieson was welcomed into the world on June 19 by her family, big sister
Lyla, big brother
Logan and parents
Brett and Betsy Mathieson.
Congratulations to the Mathieson family!
|
|
|
|
It's back-to-school time! We hope you are enjoying these last days of summer and you've had a chance to rest and relax while getting ready for the new year ahead. Here at Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co. we are working on school board audits as well as upcoming tax deadlines. We continue to work hard to help you, your families, your companies and your organizations reach your own financial goals. Please let us know if there's anything else we can do to be of service.
|
|
|
Mike Moyski, CPA
Ron Austin, CPA
Brett Mathieson, CPA
Brian Eisenmenger, CPA
John Straus, CPA
(630) 653-1616
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
