Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Why is the western world turning to venture capitalists?

Why is the western world turning to venture capitalists?
I have previously pointed out that current economics is out-dated, much to the annoyance of economic graduates. The point is that accountants, economists and solicitors are society parasites. You need civil engineers(electrical, mechanical and 'civil'), theologians and philosophers to push society forwards. Why do we put up with a bunch of people who arte out fo themselves?
Economics - 4 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
greed
Answer 2 :
The credit crunch is proving that the banks loose loans and credit application approvals are coming back to bite them..
Answer 3 :
Nothing will be manufactured without money. Therefore the need for ventured capitalists.....no matter what you invent. If it isnt developed, manufactured and marketed, the greatest gizmo in the world is going sit there like a bump on a log.
Answer 4 :
But civil engineers and theologians rarely have the interest it takes, including self-interest to: find an idea to make money; assemble the resource owners , the capital owners , and the employees who are willing to join them in an enterprise that the latter groups think will maximize their satisfaction with their contributions. The people who contribute money or resources or labor face the loss of their investment if the venture fails. For employees that means they probably gave up a job to join the new venture and face unemployment as well as the benefits had they stayed where they were previously employed. Philosophers and theologians rarely like to take risks to see if their ideas have real world merit. And many engineers are venture capitalists or get help from venture capitalists. These bright engineers must be smart enough to need the help.

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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Is ACCA a 'Chartered Accountant"?

Is ACCA a 'Chartered Accountant"?
I have seen some answers referring to Privy council decision, but in their website / ACCA website, nowhere I found the clear statement about it. I am not expecting a ICAEW vs ACCA comparison, I just want to know Yes / No and a clear reference...as simple as that.
Other - Education - 2 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
A Chartered Accountant is a member of the ICAEW (or the ICAS or ICAI). A chartered certified accountant is a member of the ACCA.
Answer 2 :
Simple answer: yes. There are three main bodies awarding bodies for accounting exams: ACA/ICAEW, ICAS and ACCA. All three have been awarded royal charters by the Privy Council, so graduates from any may refer to themselves as Chartered Accountants. Before this ruling, only ICAS members could refer to themselves as chartered accountants, while ACA/ICAEW graduates were Associate Chartered Accountants. One of the biggest disagreements that stopped the two merging was that ICAS members did not want ACA members to use the CA status.

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

What are popular leisure activities favoured mainly by the British upper-middle class?

What are popular leisure activities favoured mainly by the British upper-middle class?
Remember, upper-middle-class is not the same as upper class or even middle-class. They are not the aristocracy nor are they school teachers, nurses and accountants. Typical upper-middle-class people hold prestigous professions or are top level managers. They are usually employed in such jobs as surgeons, barristers, university professors, bank managers and financiers, upper management in corporations, and high level stock traders in the City. In other words, while they might be seen as well off, they still must work for their money. They normally wouldn't have the kind of money to pursue the type of entertainment the aristocracy would pursue, but they are affluent enough to do things most people can't afford. 10 points to the best and most insightful answer. Thanks!
Other - Society & Culture - 10 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
This type usually engages in snobbery and heavy drinking.
Answer 2 :
Hunting and shooting, buying cases of wine and port, driving their 4x4's and going to charity functions at the school!
Answer 3 :
Boating, wether they own it or not. Horseracing, on big race days. Entertaining, at home or out. Golf, without a doubt.
Answer 4 :
I believe they spend most of their day balls deep in man hole
Answer 5 :
Oh! I like to play Golf and sometimes a little Croquet and Bridge. Things of that sort amuse me.
Answer 6 :
Topless Co-ed Pogo-stick racing
Answer 7 :
Leaving the children alone while carousing in a Tapas Bar.
Answer 8 :
i would say based on your criteria that i am upper middle class. i am also 26 years old, so that throws a bit of a different light on things i guess. i would say that i like doing the things that most 26 year olds do...clubbing, going to the beach, shopping, cinema, hanging out with friends...but then again my income means that i can afford to stay in nice hotels if i go away for a weekend, wear a designer wardrobe and take more exotic holidays than most of my friends (who, in your class system would not qualify as upper middle class!) oh, and boating and riding, which i guess are the only stereotypical upper middle class activites i enjoy
Answer 9 :
Taking potshots at the peasants, they are so uncouth. I've been told that when hit by buckshot they don't feel anything so it's not as though we're harming anyone!
Answer 10 :
Upper middle class aka working class done good,probably enjoy,mile high club,bit of skiing,sorry let's stop it right here. Its hard to distinguish between the classes these days as there are so many millionaires from all classes,which you'll find enjoy the same leisure activities pretty much like what everyone else does,ie gym,sports,shopping,dining out,movies,theatre,exotic holidays,horse riding,but costing top brass. As for aristocracy,they've usually got nothing but an inherited old estate that they can hardly afford to run.

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

What do i need to become a Qualified CISCO network operator?

What do i need to become a Qualified CISCO network operator?
Just a thought as to if i come out of Uni with an Accountants degree and want to switch to the IT field what qualification would i need to get a job in CISCO networking and where would i get it and how much would it cost?. Also would i get employed for the job and what is the starting salary?
Computer Networking - 4 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Google "CCNA Objectives" and study those.
Answer 2 :
to become a CISCO network admin is more complex than just learning Cisco, you need to know and certify in other network groups to understand the interaction of what travels in a network. It is a very crowded field as it was over populated a few years back with promises of CCIEE all making 100k plus. Never happens of course as the few paying that need years of experience. As you can see by any Job listing in IT the joke is 10 year + experience for the current OS that has been out for only a few years. Either the HR people do not know what they need or are filtering all the options out, including a need to know non related job requirements than networking. (look at programming needs and social skills) Still there are jobs out there for networking people at all different levels and pay. Go to Monster.com and input Cisco to see what is paying and the needs for your area. Go to Cisco.com and see what classes are listed and the going prices. Go luck and I hope it works out.
Answer 3 :
At the very least you will need a CCNA which to do properly is 200-500 hours work depending on your current level of experience and will probably cost you a couple of grand. That without experience will equip you for entry level positions - to go further you'll need experience and probably a higher certification under your belt. Gaining a higher certification at the outset is fairly pointless since anyone asking for those will also want experience. I suspect your earning potential for the next ten years at least will be higher leveraging your degree rather than making the switch into computer networking - only the very highest earners will rival what a chartered accountant makes. I left Uni just ten years ago this summer with a degree in Computer Science and a Masters in Electronics Engineering. I have various industry certs and a security clearance. I'm in a fairly desirable job (doing "cool" stuff) that pays reasonably well - more than most of the people know from Uni. I still earn less than most chartered accountants but have a lot more fun at work along the way.
Answer 4 :
Well it will be hard for you coz your degree is not IT nor ECE. But still you can study Cisco coz they teach starting from the basics. Now what you want to do is study Cisco courses. Find a Cisco Networking Academy near your place then enroll. It depends on the institution on how long each course would take. The course you want to go for is CCNA Exploration. This has 4 courses in the curriculum. It would normally take 1 year and 4 months to 2 years just for you to finish CCNA Exploration, but it really depends on the institution. After that, you are not ready to take a job yet. You want to review first then take your certification exam, pass that and get certified. The exam is 640-802 and the certification you'll get when you pass exam that is CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate). The exam is held on a Pearson Vue testing center. The cost for the training will also depend on the institution. You might also want to buy your own equipment and that will cost you more. Buying review and training materials will also add up to the costs. You can just check the price in pearson vue on how much the exam will be. With the cert, yes you can get employed. Average annual salary for a network admin/network engineer is 40-60k usd. After that, you may want to study more and get higher level of certification. That is if you want to go deeper.

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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Accountants: What is best software for business - Quickbooks, OOo, Excel - Other?

Accountants: What is best software for business - Quickbooks, OOo, Excel - Other?
I use Open office (OOo) but wondering about using Quickbooks - But can Quickbooks figures be handed over to accountant once business grows? Thanks in advance.
Small Business - 3 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
GnuCash is an excellent piece of software. And the best part is it's open source (free!) I really advise you try it out!
Answer 2 :
As an accountant of 30 years in public practice, I would answer your question with a simple yes, but I would suggest that you consider the following points before deciding. An accounting system is one of the most important tools available to you in assisting in running your business. Without it you will never know whether to declare yourself a millionaire or a bankrupt. You need to ensure what items you sell/do are profitable and what ones to keep away from, this is a constantly changing problem as prices/cost fluctuate on nearly a daily basis. See fuel this month as a prime example. Costs can often be taken for granted, with the idea, "well I have to have X" and just renew year upon year, Reviewing sources can save a fortune over time and also indicates to your service providers that you are not a soft touch who can be conned. I can hear you say " I have not time for this". Quite true, I am sure, but your package should highlight to you what needs checking thus minimising the time required. If you have employees or are registered for VAT you will be aware of the mounds of paperwork involved in keeping HMRC happy ( or is that possible!!) A good package needs the minimum of input and does most if not all of the boring tasks behind the scenes, thus freeing you to do what you do best, running your business. Most people ( thankfully) use an accountant to prepare, check and present their year end accounts, do their taxes and submit to HMRC. This is good as it allows a professional pair of eyes to take an independent view of your results and possibly advise on improvements where necessary. Also we are on call throughout the year if you need us, but invariably it costs you. In this credit crunch and indeed at any time you need to know how you are doing this year not last year, thats gone! If you drive a car, it will soon indicate if it is out of fuel, but by the time the red oil light comes on to show that the oil is low a lot of damage can already have been done! You need up to date information, each and every day, to guide you in increasing your profitability and protecting your assets. Simple things like customers taking longer than normal to pay, can indicate danger signs that you need to be aware of and act upon. If Joe Bloogs increases his purchases on credit from you, the initial reaction is to be grateful for the business, but maybe its time to check on Mr Bloogs. Is he buying more from you than usual because he has used up his lines of credit with other suppliers and is going down the tubes, clutching at straws. That is a customer that you can do without. The above are just a few examples of what a middle of the road software package can do for you with approx one hours committment from you on a weekly basis. I do not suggest spending a fortune, I would estimate that you could obtain a system for less than £200 inc VAT which will fulfil your needs for years to come. We deal with output and information from all systems, as do all accountants, but when asked for a recommendation for the small to medium sized business, I only recommend one. Naturally I cannot mention it on here because that would be considered advertising, but if you require further information or wish to discuss the merits of any system please feel free to e-mail me through Yahoo Questions
Answer 3 :
Hello! A friend of mine gave me a url link for a try, just great, take a look at http://www.binaryhouse.com - OrgFinances the program allows creating the database and events planned, all new versions of this program for free and for a lifetime.

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Does anyone know of any networking opportunities in the Reading area?

Does anyone know of any networking opportunities in the Reading area?
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant moving to the area looking for employment opportunities in the 2nd quarter of next year.
Careers & Employment - 3 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Try joining the local Freemasons Lodge.
Answer 2 :
we work a home based business that can involve networking to build a team if interested take a look at http://www.bluethundergroup.com
Answer 3 :
You may want to try looking here. Its FREE to register and you can view 1000s of profiles of like minded business people, all with business opportunities worldwide (Maybe even Reading). You can also post a profile of yourself explaining your interests and what you are looking for... good luck

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Sunday, November 7, 2010

Can someone help with a guarantor statement?

Can someone help with a guarantor statement?
I have employed an accountant and need a guarantor statement to be signed in the event that he absconds while indebted to the company.
Other - Business & Finance - 1 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Sounds like a good idea, I suggest you contact the Company lawyers to get this drafted ..

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