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Feature Story

Cloud Computing: Behind the Buzz

Real payoffs for A/P go right to the bottom line

by Chris Siemasko, Vice President of Product Development
and Strategy APEX Analytix, Inc.

You cannot seem to read anything about computing or information technology these days without coming across the term "cloud computing." Trouble is, everyone seems to have a different definition and, when it comes to bottom-line payoffs, there's plenty of "blue sky" marketing hype. Read more ...

Editorial Corner

Cloud computing ... When the cat is away ... Potential for fraud

Seems like everywhere you look, "cloud computing" is getting a lot of buzz and media attention. What's all the shouting about? What are the pros and cons? And what does this new technology mean for accounts payable? Those questions and more are at the heart of this month's feature article. APEX Analytix expert Chris Siemasko de-mystifies the cloud and outlines the potential payoffs.

In our last issue, a frustrated A/P manager asked for help to handle a "mouse who plays when the boss is away," because the behavior drains away morale and productivity. See how readers address this dilemma. Their real-world suggestions run the gamut from implementing a time-reporting policy to giving "the mouse" projects to do in your absence.

In this issue, an A/P manager at a company that treats everyone "like family" is worried about that employees trust each other too much and verify too little. She's worried about the potential for fraud. How would you address a situation like this? Please share your thoughts. You could win a 256 MB MP3 player, just like Erich Heneke, supervisor of audit/controls - supply chain at the Mayo Clinic. Congratulations, Erich!

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Publications

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Associations

IAPP - International Accounts Payable Professionals

FMI - Food Marketing Institute

NAPP - National Association of Purchasing and Payables

IQPC - International Quality and Productivity Center

VCF - Vendor Compliance Federation

IOMA - Institute of Management and Administration

ACFE - Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

FEI - Financial Executives International

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Accounts Payable Best Practices
Retail Recovery Audit Best Practices

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Archive

November 2010
Issue 4.4

August 2010
Issue 4.3

[More...]

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Recovery Audit and Overpayment Detection

How Best Practices in Accounts Payable Can Boost Your Profitability

This white paper outlines a three-stage process for using recovery audit best practices to evolve your A/P operations and deliver strategic benefit to your business.

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What's Your Best Advice?

Previous Issue's Dilemma:

When the boss is away, one mouse plays

My employees have been complaining about a coworker who takes long lunches whenever I am out of the office for a meeting or vacation. The employee doesn't report the time in our time tracking system. I've talked to her about the situation, and she says she doesn't do that.

Last time I was out of the office, it happened again. Several employees complained, and they're frustrated. Obviously, this isn't good for team morale. I'd love to stay in my office at all times, but I need to do business offsite. What is the best way to address this when I'm not there to see it happen? When it's her word against her coworkers', how can I ensure she is productive?

-- A/P Manager, Pittsburgh, PA Read what others had to say.

This Issue's Dilemma:

What will stop a case of the jitters?

We have the kind of corporate culture where it's "one big happy family." Some people at all levels of the organization have been here for years and seem to trust everyone. I have no evidence that anything has gone wrong, or anyone has done anything unethical. But at the same time, I'm always reading about fraud and how you should "trust but verify." Am I just being overly paranoid, or are these fears justified? What can I do about them, and where do I start? What are other companies doing about segregation of duties, for example? -- Sleepless in Seattle

Can you help? Share your experience. You could win a 256 MB MP3 player.

Your Personal Balance Sheet : Do more in less time

Are You the Boss You Need to Be?
And other critical questions to ask yourself
by Linda Hill & Kent Lineback - Harvard Business Review

Five Ways to Become the Employee No One Can Afford to Lose
Hint: Focus on the core mission of the business
by Selena Dehne - Career Builder

Create the Change : Effective processes for staff management

Making Change Stick
Start by thinking of yourself as chief change officer
by Michelle LaBrosse - My Article Archive

Change Management -- Five Colossal Mistakes to Avoid
And five ways to get it right
by Ann Latham - CEO Refresher

The Numbers Game : Accounting and people management

Beware Online Banking Thieves
Latest wrinkle: Bogus wire transfers
by John Hintze - Treasury & Risk

Does Climate Change Pose a Business Risk?
The SEC thinks so, and issues new guidance
by James M. Fornaro, CPA, DPS - Journal of Accountancy

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