Janet Sammons- Director of Bank Tax Services

When I was a kid, multi-tasking meant trying to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time. Some of my friends could do it, but a lot of us ended up rubbing our heads on occasion. So, can you? Most of us can perform one routine task while we also do another. Can you read and watch TV? Can you talk on the phone and email? Can you text and drive? Sure, you say, and maybe that is true, but are you doing your best when you do? How many times do we see the driver in front of us begin to slow down and shift across the lane, and then we notice they have a phone at their ear? Or, who hasn’t been nearly knocked down by a passerby who is texting or reading messages while they walk down the street? When we multi-task, are we really saving time by doing two things at once - or do both tasks take longer because they lack focus?

I believe it is time to take a different approach to being connected. Let’s be connected to what we are doing - do it well - and then move on. If something is important, focus on the task that needs to be done. Give it proper attention and do your best. I believe it will ultimately take less time to get everything done. By trying to do several things at once we sometimes create confusion and fail to properly complete tasks. There is an old adage that there may not be enough time to do things right, but there is always time to do them over.

Technology has brought us many new conveniences and opportunities. However it has also brought the expectation that everyone is available all the time. If we try to be all things to all people, we are sure to leave someone unsatisfied with our support. Be sure that you manage your time so that there is a balance in what you do and when you do it. Take care of the big projects by focusing on them completely. Then, unplug, turn off the apps, give your brain a break and do something that allows you to rest. Allowing your brain and body some down time is a great way to better health and happiness. Instead of multi-tasking all the time, try “no-tasking” for a while.

Jim Rumph- Systems Senior

As I am a Systems Auditor, or IT Auditor, some people sometimes ask me various technical questions such as help with Excel or how to make a computer run faster. And, while I may know the answer to it, I try to explain that that is not exactly in my job description. One of my first points to make is that we are still auditors, in that we spend a lot of time examining processes, not looking at bits and bytes.

Since virtually all companies use a computer system for some purpose, a Systems Auditor examines what information systems companies are using to achieve their business objectives, such as producing financials or providing a service. Next, we assist them in determining if they are adequately maintaining the systems, since information systems are only as good and accurate as the people programming, configuring and using them. We then help management ensure that processes are in effect so that can have confidence in their systems.

This process is evident in many of our projects including SAS70 engagements (where we provide an opinion of control effectiveness for a service provider) and SOX 404 work (testing internal controls as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act). Also, a good thing about these types of engagements is that we can do it for all types of companies, since everybody has information systems, so we get a good opportunity to learn how different industries work!

In short, as technology advances, more and more companies have begun to rely on it and must make sure that they have proper controls in place—this is where we come into play. So, next time you get a virus, “No, I can’t necessarily fix your computer.”

Chris Bowler - Systems Manager

As you approach the end your college days and begin to embark your accounting career, your learning environment and opportunities are about to change. So here is what you can expect. There are generally two areas in the accounting profession’s post-graduate learning environment: professional certification and continuing professional education (CPE). The certification testing is very similar to your college learning environment; very prescriptive, structured, and stressful (for me personally, anyway) with a bright line with a passing grade. Once you get past your certification exams you enter into the CPE phase of your professional development. This area is a much more self-directed learning environment. There are certainly general skills to be covered; however, you also have the opportunity to dive deep into a particular area of interest to really develop your personal skills and tools. If you have some natural curiosity, it can actually be pretty fun! You might even find yourself quoted in some professional journals or industry trade magazines as subject matter expert.

College was all about getting the basics covered as a student. Now is your chance to distinguish yourself as a professional, so good luck!

Dawn Davis- Audit Consultant

I worked for PKM after graduating from college for approximately 4.5 years and loved every minute of it. My husband’s company then decided to transfer him away from Atlanta, but I continued to service my clients. Shortly after our move, I became pregnant with our first child and became a “Stay-at-Home Mom.”

Of course, I stayed in touch with PKM during those six years and was able to keep my CPA license active. I also wondered on more than one occasion what it would be like to be employed there once again! After my youngest entered Pre-K, I felt I was ready to rejoin the workforce. Naturally, the first place I thought about was PKM. I set up a lunch appointment with one of the partners and we discussed the possibility of potentially beginning to work again on a part-time basis. I am very thankful that PKM and I have remained connected over the years. I am also thankful that they were willing to take a chance and let a Stay-at-Home mom rejoin the workforce after so many years. The most shocking part of my first day back was all the familiar faces…faces that were employed at PKM when I had left there 6 years before!

The one thing that I have learned through this entire experience is that you never know what life may throw your way. Many women in the field of Accounting begin their career as Ms. Corporate America and then elect to exit the workforce and later are confronted out of necessity or otherwise with the dilemma of re-entering the workforce. My advice would be to keep up your CPA license, try to stay current regarding what is going on in the accounting industry, and lastly search diligently for a company like PKM who will partner with you through every season of life.

Leslie Holley- Tax Manager

On my first day at PKM, almost five years ago, I worried a bit about the usual things-how to use the copier, where to find pens, how the coffee machine worked, where was my desk and how files were stored, but my main concern was lunch. Did I have to ask permission to go to lunch? Did I punch in and punch out on a time machine like my days as a T.J. Maxx floor associate? Would I have anyone to sit with? Did we have to eat at a certain time each day like in high school?

These thoughts might sound silly to some but lunch is an important and sacred event for me! As you enter the work world you might have the same question. Well the good news is PKM has no rules when it comes to lunch time. Here is a brief list of our lunchers various styles:

Early bird socials-like true accountants this group leaves promptly at 11:30 a.m. and heads downstairs to the food court area to either purchase a meal at the various restaurants or eat their packed lunches with others. This group packs and buys but likes to eat in a different atmosphere away from the office.

Early bird break roomers-this group packs or buys from the food court but likes to consume their meals in the break room. This group socializes, reads the paper or watches Family Feud during lunch.

Deskers-this group values their web based news and likes to view CNN, New York Times or People.com to get their daily fill of information. This group uses lunch as a time to unwind alone and relax.

Multi-taskers-this group uses their time to pick up dry cleaning, go to Trader Joes, work out, drop by the post office or shop at some of the stores in the mall of our office building. Some of the men even use their lunch time to get a quick hair cut.

Adventurers-this group likes to gather a group and carpool to new lunch spots around downtown or walk to Centennial Olympic Park in the warm months to enjoy the free concert lunch series. Starting in April, Centennial Park has local artists performing a variety of live music including jazz, reggae and R&B at noon. The concert is free so many of us will grab a sack lunch and take a midday break.

Employees hop from group to group each day so no matter your lunch style, PKM has one for you.

Randall Cabezas- IT Network Administrator

When I was younger I remember my sister and I used to call ourselves “Nerds” all the time. “Hey Nerd!” is what I would hear every time I answered my sister’s phone calls, and this was almost 20 years after we started this ritual. One day, I was helping a younger friend fix a computer problem and suddenly I became the “Computer Nerd” to him. I was amused and felt honored by the nickname he had given me.

Now why is it that I love being called a “Nerd” or even a “Geek?”

First, it’s because I just love calling myself by those names. Those who know me can confirm I call myself a “Geek” at heart, a “Nerd” by trade and a “caffeine-addict” for sure. It’s also because when someone calls me a “Nerd” or a “Geek” I know it’s because I put a smile on their face or because I did something they considered extraordinary. My “Geek” side comes from all the computer and electronic projects that I get into. I just love what I do so much that I am a “Geek” at it.

Out of all the things that keep me happy at PKM, one of them is knowing that at least someone thinks I am a Nerd. If there is one thing to remember it is “always have fun with who you are, what you do and with those who surround you.”

So, never be offended if someone calls you a Geek- it just may mean they think you’re smart!

Abby Davis- Tax Associate

During busy season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the all the projects that are assigned to you. You don’t know which way is up! But, one thing I have learned is that you should not be afraid to ask for help. Most likely, there are other co-workers who are more than willing to help you. I have found that asking for help can really help to manage your time when it may seem nearly impossible.

First, prioritize! Make a list of your work by due date or by client expectations. That way, you can focus on projects that need to be completed by upcoming deadlines. Discuss your projects with your in-charge, they can help when you’re not sure what is of a higher priority. Also, let someone know when and if you ever become “overloaded.” They can help reassign the project. Who knows, there may be someone else in need of work. It can save everyone time, and help you feel a lot less stressed.

So, even though busy season can be overwhelming at times, if you aren’t afraid to ask for help when you need it, it can go by much smoother. Take it from me!

Mickie Huneycutt- Tax Manager

In October, my husband and I learned that we were expecting a baby in June. We were beside ourselves with joy! My second thought? I have to make it through busy season pregnant!? Oh no! Most new moms dread those hot summer months, but in my world, January to April are much worse.

I am a tax manager, so I am usually in the PKM office instead of client sites. This year however, I took on some new projects which involved a bit of traveling. How was I going to do that with visions of “pink or blue” constantly dancing in my head, not to mention, the fatigue, morning sickness, and weight gain that are about to come my way?

Luckily, I did not fall victim to morning sickness. At least there’s one worry off my list. Fatigue? Of course. But I think that comes with the territory. I’m not getting too much sympathy for that. I did experience major swelling on the flight to a client in Florida. But I got to spend three days in lovely Naples, which more than made up for a little water retention.

Being pregnant during busy season does have its perks. For one, I’m more conscience about what I eat. Most busy seasons, if the tax department is ordering pizza, I am in, and I want mine with extra pepperoni. I’d worry about shedding those tax season pounds after April 15th. But, since I’m trying to start my unborn child off right - I eat lots of protein, fruit, and veggies. I pack the right snacks - so I don’t get overly hungry and fuel my brain all day. Don’t get me wrong, I do indulge in the Friday doughnuts on occasion, but that’s another perk to being pregnant during busy season… this year, the weight gain is legit!

My body needs its sleep now more than ever, which is hard to come by this time of year. To ensure I’m giving my body the rest it needs, I’ve been staying on top of my clients to get their information to us so we can work on it now instead of pulling an all-nighter on April 14th. It’s amazing when you tell people you are pregnant, how understanding and timely they become. (Maybe I should tell my clients I’m pregnant every year?!)

An added bonus of being pregnant during busy season - is that my pregnancy has gone by much faster. My days are - indeed - busy. I don’t have time to sit around and complain about my pregnancy woes or speculate if I am going to have a son or a daughter. Will the baby have my husband’s eyes? My nose? It’s all going to be a big surprise in June! And this tax mama can’t wait!

Warren Puy Arena- Director of Information Systems

No other time in recent history, since the great depression, has been more challenging to our personal finances than the one in which we live. A combination of slow economic grow, high unemployment, combined real estate and financial assets deflation, and the essential “meltdown” of our nation’s financial system have made a big dent to our retirement accounts and changed people’s perception about their retirement. As in any previous downturn, an increasing number of people are unhappy with the available retirement investment options and the institutions in charge of managing their retirement funds.

While older generations have had the greatest negative impact on their retirement accounts, successful Gen Xers and older investors recognize the value of long term investment strategies they applied when they were the same age as the current Gen Yers.

Here are some tips:

Start saving for retirement as early as possible. The earlier you begin the easier it will be to achieve your financial goals disregarding the ups and downs, boom/bust cycles of the economy. Let the power of compounding work magic on your retirement account. Start saving the moment you receive your first paycheck!!

Pay yourself first. Put money away for your retirement and other financial goals (emergency fund, house down payment, etc.) before you pay anything else. The best way to do this is to have the money deducted automatically from your account as soon as it is deposited by your employer.

Maximize your savings. Aim to save 20% of your income but no less than 10%. Gradually increase this percentage as you get older. Contribute the maximum allowed to your employee sponsored retirement plan. Especially at companies such as PKM where there is a matching contribution to the plan.

Diversify. Not only diversify across the different asset classes (stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, etc.) but also diversify your investments inside each class (e.g. make sure you own domestic large, mid and small cap stocks as well as international stocks in your portfolio). You should also protect your retirement from potentially higher taxes in the future by contributing to a Roth plan. This is especially attractive to the younger investor as his/her investments will grow “tax-free” for a longer period of time without having to pay taxes on the principal and earnings during retirement. PKM offers a Roth version of its 401K plan.

In short, if you are part of the millennial generation and have not yet started to save for retirement, you may want to consider doing so now. Today’s investment options allow you to achieve a high degree of diversification and, first and foremost, “time is on your side”.

Alison Derringer- Tax Staff

Over the last year I’ve learned that working in the tax department at a CPA firm usually means I have a regular routine, and I’ve become accustomed to this routine. I know each morning where I will be working and that everything I need will be right there at my desk. However, this busy season has provided me with new opportunities to travel to more client locations and provide our tax services.

Here are a few things I have learned this busy season about being at a client site:

• You need to make sure you have all the supplies that you might need to work. Notepads, pens, ten key, power adapter for the computer, internet cord, white out, and any other supplies you might be accustomed to having at your fingertips. You still might forget something, but usually you can find ways to get by without it.

• Always check with your manager as to what the dress code is, directions, and what time to arrive. Working in the office provides more flexibility as to when you get into work; however, the client might not open until 8:30 am and you cannot access the building before then. Working in the field means taking into account the environment of the client’s workplace.

• You will go out for lunch. When I am in the office I frequently pack my lunch, but out at the client I can always count on grabbing something for lunch with co-workers. This is nice because during the hectic time of the year that we are in, it allows for an opportunity to catch up with friends.

This busy season has taken me out of my comfort zone of my office routine and allowed for me to have different experiences and variety in my daily routine. I have definitely gained a new appreciation for auditors and all the travel that they do. Traveling at work allows for new opportunities and a change of pace; however, I will always enjoy the extra monitors, snacks, and coffee that come with working in our office!

Kevin McCreary- Systems Senior

Whenever you take a position that provides consulting and assurance services to companies across the region, be sure to sign up for all the points and benefits that you can relating to travel. I would start off by getting a credit card that provides you additional points or miles. I would recommend talking to your fellow co-workers prior to choosing a card to find out what hotels and airlines the individuals you work with typically use for business travel. Next you need to begin signing up for the benefits. Visit the websites of each of your travel partners and create a profile. If you have done any personal travel in which you have not obtained points for, at this time you can request that those stays or flights be added to your current profile. Also be sure to sign up for all of the emails that send specials and deals. These emails provide deals that can sometimes double the amount of points or miles you obtain during your travel.

When using points, evaluate your status and position; as your status moves up with each travel partner, so do the perks!! You can receive up to 100% in additional points and miles based on your status. For example, I once took a flight at the end of the year just to get additional miles in order to move me up to the next status level. This is because the extra status level allowed me to receive a 100% bonus miles on all flights that I take during the next calendar year. Hotel status can provide certain perks like free breakfasts, drink coupons, and suite upgrades. I haven’t paid for a hotel on personal travel for the last two years and I have known individuals that have had their honeymoons paid for using sky-miles and hotel points so be sure to get all you can out of the time that you travel.

So remember to get the most out of your work travel and instead of seeing it as a hassle, just think about all of the potential benefits down the line!

Mike Morris- Systems Principal

If you were testing the security of a house, you might walk around the perimeter of the house checking the doors and windows to see if they were unlocked. You might also look under the doormat for a hidden key. In theory, testing a company’s network is not much different. However, instead of physically walking around the house, you assess the points of entry using the same scanning tools and techniques that hackers might use.

PKM’s Systems group performs network vulnerability assessments (NVAs) for our clients to assist them in identifying internal and external weaknesses in their network security. As a part of this service, we scan the internal and external networks, review network device configurations and test user security awareness. The Systems group’s team members are provided hands on training in the field as well as continuing professional education (CPE) in network security.

So, as you can see, working for a CPA firm isn’t always number crunching. Sometimes we even get to play the role of detective and help our clients mitigate security threats.