Management Skills that Drive Profitability

Management Skills that Drive ProfitabilityManagement Skills that Drive ProfitabilityManagement Skills that Drive Profitability Matuson The difference between a highly profitable business and one that is barely getting by is often the managerial skills of the companys leaders.Great managersare able to dramatically boost the performance of their team members, which in turn adds considerable dollars to the bottom line - while those who are lacking the necessary people management skills can be personally responsible for high levels of costly employee turnover.Here are some key managerial skills to look for when posting your next manager job description that will help maximize productivity.Employee selection and retention The ability to select top talent that will stick around is a skill that is vital to the success of any manager. After all, your company is only as good as the talent you keep.Look at a candidates history for hiring people who have remained with him or her for a long per iod of time. In the interview process, ask them to describe specifically what theyve done to attract and keep the best.Communication skills - By definition, a managers jobis to oversee the work of others. In order to do so successfully, leaders must possess strong communication skills.This includesThe ability to verbalize what is expectedProvide feedback on issues related to performanceKeep their own manager informed of their teams progress.The ability to effectively communicate as a managerin writing is also necessary, as managers are often required to correspond with customers, employees and company executives.Multi-tasking The days of being responsible for only one task or function ended the moment that the recession arrived.Managers today are overseeing multiple company functions and in many cases, employees who reside in more than one location.The fruchtwein successful managers are those who can handle multiple priorities and can shift from one project to another seamlessly. B efore you place someone into a management role, be sure they are up to the task of prioritizing whatever comes their way.Problem solving The ability to problem solve is a critical managerial skill for those in management. Companies count on their front-line managers to figure out how to correct situations that fall under the managers lines of responsibility. The ability to quickly assess and rectify situations and to involve ones employees in the process is vital.When interviewing, ask applicants to describe a time when they had a tough problem that needed immediate resolution. Follow up by asking the candidate to walk you through the process they used to resolve the issue.Competencies that you dont have in-house Patricia Hunt Sinacole, president of Hopkinton, Mass-based First Beacon Group LLC cautions business owners against hiring a mirror image of themselves.Ive seen business owners who are fascinated when a candidate answers a question the saatkorn way that they would or perhaps attended the same college as they did, notes Sinacole. In fact, sometimes this is a detriment because the business owner is hiring overlapping competencies. When hiring managers, look for those who can fill the gaps that exist in your organization.Mentoring Small business owners usually dont have the same budgets for salaries as larger organizations. As a result of this, they often hire less- experienced personnel. This hiring strategy can work if you hire managers who are experienced at mentoring those with potential.Planning and organization One of the top manager skills that small business owners seek when hiring managers is the ability to plan and organize the daily workload. Having someone in place that can oversee the implementation of daily tasks is critical for business success.Managers who are effective at planning and organizing provide business owners the time necessary to work on their business, rather than in their business.ermchtigung Nothing is more frustrating to an employee than working for a boss who is unable to delegate. We often call these types of managers micro managers.Micromanagement is about mistrust. In other words, the person who refuses to let go of the task does so because he or she does not believe that anyone else can do the work as well as they can.When looking at people management skills of candidates, be sure they are comfortable assigning tasks to others and then getting out of the way.When reference checking, make it a point to speak with former employees and ask them to describe their take on this persons managerial skills. If you need to be more direct, then do so. Ask them to rate on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being high, the candidates ability to delegate. Anything less than a 10 should be discussed further.Pull this list out and review the next time you are seeking to hire a manager who can help drive profitability.

Be a Curious Job Seeker to Land Your Next Gig

Be a Curious Job Seeker to Land Your Next GigBe a Curious Job Seeker to Land Your Next GigThe adage curiosity killed the cat might have some truth to it, but without curiosity humans will fail to evolve and improve their knowledge and intelligence levels. This also applies to job seeking. By being a curious job seeker and having a curiosity for learning, you are able to improve your chances of finding your next gig or full-time role. But, what if you feel you lack the curiosity personality trait? Through practice and awareness, you are able to develop your curiosity. Check out below how being a curious job seeker can help you find and land a job.Here are five tips to become a more curious job seeker and successful professionalLooking for a job? Browse flexible jobs in over 50 categories here1. Ask questions.Showing you are curious is a great asset to employers, and by asking questions, you can show them that you are curious about learning. However, when asking questions, make sure th e questions are relevant to the company or situation, and ensure the answers to your questions are not readily available on the companys website or social media pages.2. Stay current with industry news.Job seekers who want to stay ahead of the competition and make better impressions will be up to date with industry news, as well as the news in general. Being informed about industry happenings can help with targeting companies that are expanding. Additionally, being informed on global happenings creates the opportunity for more conversation with kompetenzprofil network connections.3. Challenge yourself.To grow and be curious about your potential, you must challenge yourself to explore the different areas where you have strengths and weaknesses. When you challenge yourself, you are able to look at the different areas of your career and personality to see where you can improve. This curiosity will help you to grow as a professional as you gain more experience, skills, and knowledge.4. Open your mind to other possibilities.When you have been following the same processes and schedules for months at a time, it is easy to fall into a rut where you simply dont see the other opportunities that are available to you. Become curious about what else is out there, such as searching for nationwide or global job opportunities, connecting with people in other industries, and seeking flexible work arrangements.5. Develop new skills.Showing initiative and developing new skills shows employers that you are curious about your potential and that you are willing to put in the work to grow. Not only does skill development show curiosity and initiative, but it also shows dedication and a desire to learn.Without curiosity, job seeking can be mundane and unsuccessful. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and start asking important questions. By developing your curiosity, you will improve your knowledge, abilities, and professional opportunities.Readers, are you a curious job seeker in terested in exploring and learning? What about being a curious job seeker has helped you be successful? Share with us below

Downloadable Job Offer Proposition Letter Sample

Downloadable Job Offer Proposition Letter SampleDownloadable Job Offer Proposition Letter SampleA job offer lettercan bean effective means of detailing the terms of employment for a job that is being offered toanapplicant. By putting the offer in writing and asking the applicant to sign the letter when accepting the position, there should be no questions or miscommunications about what is being offered or what is expected of the job candidate.A job offer letter can become a legally binding employment contract of sorts if an employee later disputes what you offered vs. what he or she actually received on the job. So, make sureyou can deliver what you offer in writing. Consult legal counselif you have any doubts about writing a job offer letter. Include as many details as practical in your job offer letter or as attachments or enclosures so that your applicanthas enough information to make an informed decision. Remember, candidates might receive other job offers. Consequently, you migh t be competing for their attention.This sample can be used as a template and as a source for ideas. Your own lettershould be specific to the job you are offering.Job Offer Letter SampleAcme Technical EnterprisesP.O. Box 123 Any City Any State 00000Phone 555-555-0000March 1, 20xxJohn Q. Public123 Any StreetAny City, 00000Dear John Q. PublicAcme Technical EnterprisesInc. is pleased to offer you a job as a senior engineer. We trust that your knowledge, skills, and experience will be among our most valuable assets. Should you accept this job offer, youll be eligible to receive the following beginning on your hire date.Salary Annual gross starting salary of $63,500, paid in biweekly installments by your choice of check or direct depositPerformance Bonuses Up to 3% of your annual gross salary, paid quarterly by your choice of check or direct depositStock Options 500 Acme stock options in your first year, fully vested in four years at the rate of 125 shares per yearBenefits Standard, Ac me-provided benefits for salaried-exempt employees, include the following401(k) retirement accountAnnual stock optionsChild day care assistanceEducation assistanceHealth, dental, life, and disability insuranceProfit sharingSick leaveVacation and personal daysTo accept this job offerSign and date this job offer letter where indicated below.Sign and date the enclosed Noncompete Agreement where indicated.Sign and date the enclosed Confidentiality Agreement where indicated.Sign and date the enclosed At-Will Employment Confirmation where indicated.Mail all pages of the signed and dated documents listed above back to us in the enclosed business-reply envelope, to arrive by Thursday, March 17, 20xx. A copy of each document is enclosed for your records.Attend new-hire orientation on Monday, March 21, 20xx, beginning at 8 a.m.To decline this job offerSign and date this job offer letter where indicated below.Mail all pages of this job offer letter back to us in the enclosed business-reply env elope, to arrive by Thursday, March 17, 20xx.If you accept this job offer, your hire date will be on the day that you attend new-hire orientation. Plan to work for the remainder of the business day after new-hire orientation ends. Please read the enclosed new-hire package for complete, new-hire instructions and more information about the benefits that Acme offers.We at Acme hope that youll accept this job offer and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Your immediate supervisor will be Jane Doe, engineering department manager. Feel free to call Jane or me if you have questions or concerns. Call the main number in the letterhead above during normal business hours and ask to speak to either of us.Sincerely,SignatureJohn SmithHiring Coordinator, Human ResourcesEnclosures 8Accept Job OfferBy signing and dating this letter below, I, John Q. Public, accept this job offer of senior engineer by Acme Technical Enterprises.Signature_________________________________ Date_____________Decline Jo b OfferBy signing and dating this letter below, I, John Q. Public, decline this job offer of senior engineer by Acme Technical Enterprises.Signature_________________________________ Date_____________

What Every Employee Needs to Know About the Future of Background Screening

What Every Employee Needs to Know About the Future of Background ScreeningWhat Every Employee Needs to Know About the Future of Background Screening Whether you are bewerbungsgesprching for full-time jobs or workers from the gig economy, there is a good chance hintergrund checks are going to figure into your professional future. Background screening - both as a pre-employment due diligence measure and a post-employment monitoring technique- is evolving fast.Being cognizant of the trends and changes in background screening will help you prepare for your next job interview and understand what your current employees are thinking. Here are four background check trends that every employee and prospective employee needs to know.For a long time, businesses used nontraditional methods to screen and vet nontraditional workers. Detailed background checks were essential for full-time workers, a little less common for part-timers, and virtually unheard of for contract employees. As the gig economy grows , this habit is dying out. Businesses are increasingly coming to terms with the importance of having freelancers on their teams. They are also starting to recognize that freelancers are still representatives and ambassadors for their brand- even if they are a little mora removed from the business than full-time workers.According to Intuit, gig workers are expected to make up 43 percent of the workforce by 2020. As the freelancing trend continues to spike, more and more employers are running full-fledged background checks on contract workers.Bottom line, if you are part of the gig economy, you should expect to submit to background screenings to land freelance jobs. These screenings could include anything from criminal history checks to educational verifications. They will likely get more detailed as the gig economy continues to grow.Depending on where you live, you may have already noticed this trend more and more employers are removing questions about c riminal history from job applications . Some companies are doing it voluntarily, but fruchtwein have been spurred by a legislative movement called ban the box. Ban the box policies are intended to reduce employment discrimination against ex-criminal offenders. By removing the criminal history question from job applications and delaying the background check until after a conditional offer has been made, these policies seek to help ex-offenders get a fair chance at employment.According to the National Employment Law Project, 29 states and more than 150 cities and counties have adopted ban the box policies . Some of these laws and ordinances only apply to public (i.e., government) jobs. Others, like a policy on the books in Los Angeles, apply to public and private employers alike.You can click here to find out whether your city, state, or county has a ban the box policy. Even if it doesnt, it will only be a matter of time before ban the box is the rule rather than the exception.Virtua lly all employers have adopted pre-employment background check policies. Companies are split when it comes to screening current personnel. Some require existing employees to update their background checks every five years or so. Others use continuous screening to get real-time alerts when a current employee is convicted of a crime.Over the next few years, its likely that employers are going to come to a consensus on how to screen existing employees. What that consensus will be remains to be seen it could be an every-five-years policy, an annual background check policy, a semi-annual policy, or a continuous real-time monitoring policy. In any case, job seekers and employees should know that what they do after they get hired is going to matter just as much as what they do before they get hired.Social media background checks are sketchy from an administrative standpoint. Employers like to look at Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to learn more about what their candidates a re like in real life. However, findings on these fronts are often misleading, out of context, and based on assumptions. Worse, social accounts can reveal personal, potentially bias-creating information- such as sexual orientation, gender identification, race, religion, nationality, and political affiliation- that employers cannot use in employment decisions.CareerBuilder statistics show that social media background checks are 500% more common than they were a decade ago. As there is still no law or EEOC/FCRA guideline that prohibits or restricts social media screenings, they are likely to remain common for the foreseeable future.Some employers are changing how they use social media screenings. Some use third-party businesses to do the social media search, requesting reports that exclude information that might create unintentional bias or discrimination. In other cases, a hiring manager might ask an employee or HR rep not involved with the hiring decision to do the social media check .Employees and job searchers should be aware that companies are looking at what they do online. Ramping up your privacy settings and thinking more critically about the things you post will help you avoid trouble. You may also want to go back through older posts and photographs and delete anything potential employers or current bosses might find objectionable.As you get ready to start your job search, know that employers arent changing their practices because of you. While three of the four trends listed above emphasize employers desire to learn more about their workers and candidates, those policy shifts arent personal. Instead, businesses are ramping up their employee screening strategies to safeguard their brands, their reputations, their existing employees, and their customer base.As a job seeker or employee, the best strategy is to be honest, forthright, and amenable to all employer requests. Many employers are willing to overlook past mistakes, but almost none will overlook dis honesty.Michael Klazema has been developing products for criminal background check and improving online customer experiences in the background screening industry since 2009. He is the lead author and editor for Backgroundchecks.com . He lives in Dallas, TX with his family and enjoys the rich culinary histories of various old and new world countries.

How to look professional and still be frugal with work wardobe

How to look professional and still be frugal with work wardobeHow to look professional and still be frugal with work wardobeThe workplace can be a tough space to express your sense of style when there are so many unspoken expectations about business-casual wardrobe. Todays modern office focuses less on dress codes and more on professionalism which can leave a glaring gray area for women trying to piece together appropriate ensembles.When youre not trying to break the bank but still want to look like yourmio dollar worth, handling professional attire can feel heavy on your wallet. With behauptung frugal business-casual wear tips, you can keep your budget in check while looking like the future CEO of your companyFollow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreKnow your StylesOne of the hardest parts about curating the perfect business-casual closet is the shopping. Not knowing what styles, cuts, patterns, shapes, or pieces youre after can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Treating every day like an interview willmake planning outfits easier.During your first interview, you put together an outfit that you believed would best represent who you are. They say first impressions are everything, which is why you put so much care into your first interview outfit. Keep that same balance of professionalism and individual spunk going by following that theme.Make sure you have these clothing staples hanging in your closet or folded up in your dresser.SlacksSweatersShort-sleeve blousesLong-sleeve button-downsPencil skirtBlazersKnee-length dressesPointed toe flats or heelsThrough colors, textures, and patterns, you can still express your individual style with these professional wardrobe staplesSet a budget per pieceIts a simple matter of fact within the fashion industry that some pieces of clothing cost more than others. Generally speaking, a pair of slacks will typically run you a higher f inal cost than a blouse. Setting a budget per piece may seem nit-picky, but it will ensure your budget is always in check.For example, limiting your blazer budget to $50 per blazer ensures that youre alwaysstaying within your financial means- no matter how tempting that designer blazer from Bergdorf Goodman isShop second-handBusiness-casual attire can be expensive. High-quality items come with price-tags that can rack up an intimidating bill, no matter what your annual salary is Rather than spending a day at the mall going from shop to shop, take your shopping list to a local thrift store.Second-hand clothing is every bit as good as new clothes. Thrift stores are chock-full of lightly-loved items that come with deeply discounted prices. You could get your hands on high-end designer pieces for under $10 or find some of thebest laptop bagsthat previous owners kicked to the curb after a single useTake your time to sift through the piles and piles of clothing, youre bound to find a num ber of hidden treasures that will match the exact professional look youre going forShop the clearance sectionThough it is a lot easier to choose from the clothing on display closer to the entrance of your favorite stores, venturing to the back and pillaging through theclearance sectioncould earn you some pretty sweet deals on newly discounted clothes.One of the best and worst things about todays fashion industry is the speed of seasonal cycles. The pace at which certain pieces go out of style is alarming, but typically works in the bargain-hunters favor. Slacks, blouses, blazers, and flats never go out of style in the workplace. Shopping the sale section should be number one on your list then next time your business-casual wardrobe needs a frugal upgrade.Got a favorite store for business-casual wear? Be sure to sign up for theire-mail newsletterso youre always in the know about when the next sale is happeningBe pickyOne of the fruchtwein common mistakes women make while shopping is buying clothing that theyre not in love with. Weve all been there- buying a shirt because it was only $5, or because it paired well with one specific purse. The reality of thoseimpulse-buy itemsis that they never see the light of day. And clothingconfined to closetsserves no one any good.Before swiping your card and walking away with a cart full of new tops and bottoms, sort through each piece and ask yourself just how much you love it. Any piece that is just eh will likely sit in your closet, untouched. Make your purchases meaningful and intentional so youre never wasting a dime.Frugal spending may be difficult at first, but with patience and practice, youll be well on your way toward a wardrobe full of exciting pieces that perfectly match your go-getter attitudeThis article originally appeared on Melissa Blevins.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons fr om Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Life, Death and Resume Templates Indesign

Life, Death and Resume Templates Indesign The Advantages of Resume Templates Indesign You are able to easily edit all the panels within the plan. This modern resume schablone is intended to make you stick out amongst the competition. This free timeline-based resume it was created by graphic designer Patryk Korycki. This free resume it features a simple and minimal design. Resume Templates Indesign Help Youre now able to earn a terrific first impact with professional styling and personalized appearance. The trendy and contemporary design is best to showcase any company Business, update colors and photos to fit your needs. The whole assortment of resume schablones is composed of an array of creative resume designs. Massive number of design style will guarantee you will locate a resume template that fits with your taste. These fonts have links that may be downloaded for free too. Be aware, however, that generally in regards to file format conversion, the outcome may leid be perfect and the caliber of your file may be affected. Light and airy, the Basic Resume template was made to make an effect on a reader with a couple of important specifics and easy-to-read text. You are going to learn how to make paragraph styles, how to decide on a baseline grid and the way to import and place images. The Resume Templates Indesign Game Employers receive thousands of resumes every day, use our new and innovative resume design to make certain to make an effect. In standard situations, they still prefer the traditional paper kind. Resume is the very first thing when employers get to understand about you. Prospective employers are aware of what they want and it might or might not be you. Business cards are also included to finish the look. Catalog printing is just one of the powerful ways of goods and services advertisement. Youre going to be taken to some other site at which you must put in your email to obtain access to the download. The above mention ed template is a multipurpose portfolio catalog that may be used for any use in the event you are searching for work and are stuck on developing a portfolio for the post. The Advantages of Resume Templates Indesign Presentation is the secret to success and lets the strong stand from the crowd. Skill is something you must possess for getting the most suitable job, and above thats how you are able to present yourself in the interview. Hard skills could be classified in several ways, dependent on your job title. Additional skills are hard to prove whenever you havent used them however. If youre not utilizing a grid, you run the danger of giving the impression which you dont have a comprehension of basic design principles, Olliekav warns us. Along with making sure you receive an expert CV, you must learn about the task component youre attempting to get along with also the company which youre moving into. Share your work as soon as youre completely pleased with your design and work, you can share it to the world via your social networking accounts, personal site, or many different different channels you might utilize. For instance, if you attempt to acquire a Chinese-English interpreting job, you ought to be fluent in both dialects otherwise you wouldnt truly be qualified for the positioning. The Ideal Approach for Resume Templates Indesign As you are aware that there are many CV templates can be found the net in various formats. The template is not hard to edit. It is available in PSD format. These templates are simple to edit, so you can work along with them effortlessly. If you wish to find some samples for your reference Best Templates supplies a large variety of resume templates out there for download. There are numerous InDesign brochure templates for you to check out online, so you will get a better idea on how to produce the right brochure in the event you are confused on which to choose from the lot. Resume Templates Indesign Fundamentals Explained CV is just a sheet of paper that may work like magic for you. Should you need a resume template which allows you to discuss your abilities and creative talents from a deep perspective, you will enjoy exactly what this template offers. Not to mention the simple fact our templates are professionally done from scratch so that youre able to personalize them according to your preference. A few of the templates are free while others cost a couple of dollars.

Employees May be Leaving the Job They Love

Employees May be Leaving the Job They Love Life is too short to hate your job. Thats what we were all told growing up and as a Millennial, we were programmed to believe we must love what we do in order to excel. Unfortunately, 60 percent of millennials are quitting the jobs they thought were the ones of their dreams. Even more, many are leaving their positions within the first three years or less. That turnover is costing companies money, time and confidence. With that stat in mind, what can be done to curb employees from leaving? First and foremost, consider your role in their career at your office.Employees Quit LeadersIn fact, 75 percent are quitting managers, not their job. Its not comfortable to think about, but it is true and something a company leader needs to know. Greg Savage, an established global leader of the recruitment industry, admits that in the beginning of his career as a leader, it was easy to point fingers. When an employee quits, the first response is to look for what is wrong with them or what they could be thinking.As a human, its okay to have those initial thoughts, but the next step is to learn from the loss.When they talk about morale, when they say, communication is poor, when they express frustration at the lack of clarity for their career progression they are telling you that its the leaders they are leaving. -Greg SavageIts Not Completely HopelessChances are there has been a time when personality is all that got in the way. You cant please everyone and thats just a life thing, but there if youre seeing a pattern in employees leaving for reasons similar to those above, you may need to consider some new habits.Be AuthenticNowadays, being genuine is a huge morale concern. Its become an increasingly bigger factor in the happiness a millennial has in the company. To be authentic is to be transparent to applicants, honest about problems with employee s and open to hearing the suggestions of both.Fortunately, this is something that a leader can change right away. In meetings, open the floor to comments and suggestions and ask how your team is doing on projects. For applicants, look at your job descriptions. Are you revealing enough about the position? There may be some things you arent able to divulge, but being honest will always help build the trustworthiness of the company.Encourage Success if You Want to See itWhen an employee enters the office, the last thing they want is to hate being there. Unfortunately, as numbers show, this may be the case a majority of the time. Fixing this feeling probably wont happen over night, but there are definitely some ways to go about encouraging a happier workplace.Again, the fastest way to get on the right track is to start with the leader. Check your attitude. Do you enter the office with a less than pleasant demeanor? Well, theres definitely been a case building for workplace optimism. Sim ply bringing your smile to the office can make a difference.You should also be communicating with your employees. Address the challenges your team is facing. That doesnt mean you need to divulge all problems and the little intricate pieces that you are working on (not right away at least). Think of your office as a little community and you are the public relations official, because honestly, in a time of hardship, thats exactly what you are.Being a leader is hard, but no one ever said it would be a walk in the park. As a leader, you have to wear many faces and, above all, realize that you are sometimes the problem. Improving yourself will improve your team.What do you do to keep your office running smoothly?

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)The Chartered Global Management Accountant designation is a recent joint offering of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Launched in January 2012, the CGMA is supposed to indicate expertise in the areas of management accounting and management reporting, which apply accounting expertise to activities such as Performance measurementManagement decision supportCorporate strategyIdentifying business opportunitiesMaking investment decisionsRisk managementAsset protection Management accounting involves the collection, maintenance, analysis and application of both financial and non-financial data and metrics. The Sales Pitch In an inaugural press release, the AICPA offered five reasons why a CPA should consider adding a CGMA designation. According to a survey by the AICPA and the CIMA, 80% of CEOs would prefer a job candidate with a CGMA designation to one without it. Additionally, 75% replied that they would like existing financial personnel to obtain a CGMA.Because management accountants have a broad skill set and are trained to use measures of performance beyond purely financial ones, they can add unique value in organizations decision-making processes.CGMAs have above-average agility and adaptability, key qualities in rapidly changing business environments. As a global designation, CGMAs have the mobility to move to other departments within a company and around the world.The CGMA creates a path to so-called C-Suite positionsbecause holders have the skills to participate in critical business decisions. Critiques of the Sales Pitch The AICPAs sales pitch for the CGMA is subject to a number of critiques. Here are some, keyed to the reasons listed above. CEOs are far removed from the hiring decisions that will affect the vast majority of CGMAs. Also, few have accounting credentials or expe rtise in the fieldand are unlikely even to have heard of the CGMA before being surveyed. As a result, the value of this survey is highly questionable.Just because a given functional area is important, it does not necessarily follow that a new credential related to it is either necessary or valuable in itself. Moreover, it has yet to be proven that holders of a CGMA are any mora skilled, on average than experienced management accountants without one. Again, the CGMA is too new for anyone to judge whether its holders are any better, on average than other people in the field without it.Once more, given that the CGMA is new and largely unknown, it has no track record in promoting mobility.Given the newness of the CGMA, this is yet another unsubstantiated prediction not supported by fact. Furthermore, it should be noted that neither a CPA nor an extensive background in accounting typically is necessary to enter the fields of management accounting or management reporting. Rather, as is tr ue of many business and financial disciplines, on the job training is often the key to building expertise in these areas. Qualifications In order to receive the CGMA designation, one must first be either a voting member in good standing of the AICPA (that is, a CPA) or a member of the CIMA. Additionally, one must have at least three years experience in management accounting. For a CPA, this means meeting one of these four sets of extremum requirements Three years of experience in financial accounting, internal audit or management accounting, either in business or in governmentTwo years of experience in financial accounting, internal audit or management accounting, plus one year in public accountingThree years of financial or management accounting experience on a consulting basisThree years in the internal management accounting function of an accounting firm Starting in January 2015, an examination began being administered to applicants for the CGMA. Someone who is not a CPA but who obtains the CGMA may not present himself or herself as a CPA, which must be earned separately. Cost Being designated as a CGMA is free for members of the CIMA. For members of the AICPA, becoming a CGMA costs $150 per year. For members of both the AICPA and a state CPA society member, the fee is $100 per year.

Career Overview of a Racetrack Outrider

Career Overview of a Racetrack OutriderCareer Overview of a Racetrack OutriderRacetrack outriders are responsible for maintaining a safe environment at the track during morning workouts and live racing. Duties An outrider is responsible for ensuring the safety of all horse racing participants (both human and equine) during training and live racing. Outriders generally use their own personal horses to carry out their duties, and many have multiple mounts available to use throughout the day. Outriders are responsible for opening and closing the track each day, and clearing equine traffic when necessary so that harrowing and maintenance can be performed at designated intervals. They catch loose horses on the track as quickly as possible, minimizing the chance of an injury or the need for a late scratch, and bring them to the on-track veterinarian for evaluation. They also help riders who are having trouble with difficult horses, particularly when a horse tries to run away with its r ider. On race days, an outrider leads the post parade and escorts the winning horse and rennreiter back to the winners circle. Outriders are also tasked with enforcing the rules of the track and documenting violations, injuries, or cases of individuals engaging in unsafe riding. They are required to report these incidents back to the racing stewards. They also must make sure that all required safety equipment is in use (i.e., helmets and vests) by riders at all times. Outriders anticipate potential problems, communicate with each other and racing officials via radio, summon the ambulance for fallen riders, and assist with loading injured horses into the equine ambulance. The exact number of outriders can vary from one track to the next, but most facilities have at least two outriders on hand during morning workouts, and three or more on duty during live racing. Training centers also may have one or more outriders present during training hours. One will act as the lead outrider and coordinate with the assistants. The team of outriders makes sure that they are strategically placed to provide coverage throughout the track, with at least one outrider taking a position behind the starting flugsteig and one in front of it to ensure a fast response to any incidents. Outriders regularly interact with exercise riders, jockeys, trainers, stewards, and other racing personnel. They also interact with children and fans on the rail, posing for photos and letting them pet their horses while waiting for the action to begin. Outriders work outdoors in widely varying temperatures and changing weather conditions. They commonly work 5 to 6 days per week, and these hours may include weekends, evenings, early mornings, and holidays. Career Options Outrider positions are most frequently found at Thoroughbred racetracks and training centers, but opportunities may also be found working at tracks that cater to other racing breeds such as Quarter Horses and Arabians. Outriders may transition to a wide variety of roles in the racing industry such as exercise rider, trainer, foreman, bloodstock agent, and many other positions (both mounted and non-mounted). Education While no formal degree or occupational training is necessary to become an outrider, tracks often require candidates to be at least 18 years of age and in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent GED. They must also be licensed to perform the duties of an outrider by the state racing commission. Licensing generally involves being fingerprinted and paying a licensing fee, which ranges from as little as $15 in Ohio to $100 in Kentucky. Most successful applicants for outrider positions have extensive experience working with horses, especially in the racetrack environment. They commonly start out as hot walkers, exercise riders, or pony-to-post riders before advancing to the outrider team. It is critical that outriders have expert riding skills and an excellent working relationship with the horse that they are riding while completing their duties. A strong knowledge of equine behavior is also necessary, as this allows an outrider to anticipate problems before they occur or to predict what a loose horse will do while attempting to evade capture. Salary Compensation for outriders can vary widely based on the individuals level of responsibility, years of experience, and the geographic location in which the position is located. Outriders are usually paid on a salary basis by the track. Job Outlook Due to the relatively static number of tracks and racehorses competing in the United States, there will not be much of an increase in demand for outriders over the next decade. Some turnover can be expected, however, as current outriders retire or seek other roles in the racetrack hierarchy.

Heres why insomnia gets worse this time of year

Heres why insomnia gets worse this time of yearHeres why insomnia gets worse this time of yearIf you find yurself feeling a little bit off this time of year, or maybe are tossing and turning in bed more than usual and then waking up groggy, youre leid alone. The lack of sunlight were getting during the winter can really mess with ur hormone levels, especiallymelatonin, the sleep regulator, and can cause a case of the winter blues (which can range from simply feeling a bit down to full-blownseasonal affective disorder).Thats right - the feeling is not just in your imagination, and the fluctuation in hormones can have a real impact on your sleeping habits and sense of calmness. We asked sleep and mental health experts to further explain the connection betweeninsomniaand the winter months and the effect sleep has on our overall mood and energy.Keep reading for the tips and tricks you need to keep yoursleep scheduleon track and your well-being in check during what should be the most pea ceful season.Why insomnia happensOur bodies are designed to wake with the sunlight, and when the sun rises later and sets earlier, our circadian rhythms (the body clock that regulates our sleeping and waking and can even affect things like our mood andmenstrual cycle) can get out of whack.In winter, waking up when it is dark prevents our wake cycle from starting. Sunlight essentially triggers our wakefulness, which needs to complete its cycle before hormones that induce sleep (such as melatonin) can be released, explainsKatharina Lederle, a London-based doctor of human sleep physiology.Melatonin imbalances can cause depressive symptoms as well too much melatonin may be one of the culprits of seasonal affective disorder, saysNada Milosavljevic, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and founder ofSage Tonic. While this may not cause insomnia, it may have similar after-effects a heavy layer of grogginess and the inability to engage with others as usual or stay energized throughout the day.On the opposite end of the spectrum, low melatonin levels are what can really keep you awake at night. And it may have something to do with all thatNetflixing and chillingyoure doing in bed during the chilly weather, multiple studies show. The blue, artificial light emitted from our favorite devices while binge-watching or scrolling through Instagram before going to sleep can really mess with our circadian rhythms, therefore disrupting disrupt our bodys sense of sleeping and waking, according to newresearch.More research has tied blue light even closer to insomnia. Researchers from theNational Sleep Foundationhave found that increased exposure toblue lightfrom people using electronic devices before bed causes a decrease in levels of melatonin in their bodies, making it harder to fall asleep and making them less alert in the morning, Milosavljevic says.However, melatonin isnt the only biological factor in sleep health during the winter. Because of the lack of sunlight, our v itamin D levels are also low this time of year, which can mess with sleep quality and quantity. Low levels of vitamin D are connected to lower sleep efficiency scores, saysCarolyn Dean, a medical doctor, naturopath, and member of the Medical Advisory Board for theNutritional Magnesium Association.This can mean it takes a long time to fall asleep or that sleep is restless and disrupted with many awakenings in the night, Dean says. Its important not to let your health fall by the wayside this time of year, especially when it comes to vital vitamins and minerals.The mineralmagnesiumis also crucial to sleep because it helps the body process both vitamin D and melatonin correctly. Magnesium also relieves the muscle tension that can prevent restful sleep, says Dean.Then, there are the usual winter habits you have, like bundling up in heavy pajamas and blankets and cranking up the heat in your home. This can actually disrupt your sleep, says Tara Youngblood, co-founder and Chief Scientist atKryo Inc.If our bodies are unable to lower our core temperature, as they are naturally programmed to do, we are unable to reach optimized Slow Wave Sleep and get the benefits of more deep sleep and better sleep density, she explains.Dont forget the poor diet and exercise habits you may have from the influx ofholiday partiesyoure attending, and the shopping, baking, and wrapping too. You may be feeling too sluggish to hit the gym when its cold and pitch-dark in the morning, but your eating habits play a major part also.Holiday foods are chock-full of sugar, dense carbohydrates, and fattening ingredients. Not only can these foods affect your appetite and metabolism, but they can also interfere with the balance of a hormone called leptin, which is known to influence our sleep cycle, Youngblood says. And, Youngblood adds, its high time for colds and the flu, which often cause sleep to be restless and interrupted.Dont blame sleeplessness on a stuffy nose or too many sugar cookies - yo u cant discount the stress of the holiday season or pressure to keep your list of resolutions either.It is likely that insomnia is further exacerbated by the financial, social, and familial stresses that often occur during and immediately after the festive period, Lederle adds. All the more reason to step back and give yourself the gift ofself-carethis time of year, no matter how many people are on your shopping list.How to fix your sleep habitsTo get yourself back on track after a stretch of insomnia, start by regulating your bedtime and wake up calls. Its best if your phone, alarm clock, or other blue light-filled devices are nowhere near your bed, Milosavljevic says. It may seem like the oldest trick in the book, but stashing electronics and alarm clocks across the room from where you sleep can force you up and out of bed to start the day.Sleeping habits can also improve when you take stock of the amount of vitamins and minerals youre putting into your body. Try a vitamin D and a magnesium supplement like magnesium citrate if youre struggling with sleep.Magnesium citrate powder is a highly absorbable form that can be mixed with hot or cold water and sipped in the evening and throughout the day for deep, restful sleep, Dean says.For more help drifting off to sleep, Youngblood says sleeping in cooler temperatures may help you fall asleep faster and can even give your metabolism a boost.Many other natural remedies can help prep the body to relax and wind down one of the bodys most instinctive is exercise. Even a moderate bedtimeyoga flowcan help your mind and body ease into sleep mode.A simple pose like childs pose can relax the body, ease muscle tension, and clear the mind from daily stresses that can impact a restful nights sleep, says Milosavljevic.To go along with that childs pose, use somelavender essential oilor sip on anherbal tea, particularly one containing lavender, valerian root, and dandelion root, all geared toward combatting sleeplessness and enc ouraging the body to rest, she adds. If you really need some coaching, ameditation appcan help, or some background sounds of white noise or nature sounds will have you in dreamland in no time.This article was originally published on Brit + Co.