January-February 2008 — PRINT EDITION             Salary success If there was ever any question of how employers value chartered accountants, let there be no doubt as to the respect industry has for CAs. The average compensation for CAs is up, way up. The 2007 Compensation Survey shows salaries have risen 13% to $186,544 as compared with $164,396 in 2005 A decent proposal The request for proposal method has long been touted as a way for buyers to objectively evaluate and select from multiple professional service providers while keeping a lid on costs. But does the RFP process accomplish this? The evidence says no     People Adam Shell was a typical Canadian boy, with dreams of a future in hockey. Well, he might just be on his way, as the 27-year-old CA is the head coach of the Royal Military College hockey team. And this may just be his calling card to move up to the NHL     News and trends   •  Business surveys share your views   •  News from the profession     Numbers game       Ask an expert I hear a lot about phishing schemes. What are they, and am I at risk?     Bits & Bites   •  Won't stop 'til they drop   •  Accounting is where it's at   •  Depressing news   •  Microsoft's new math   •  MVPs are prompt, pleasant     Value added   •  Accountants weigh in on audit committees The number of audit committee chairpersons who are accountants has risen dramatically in the US.   •  Finalizing revenue numbers on time     Findings CA execs add value     Going concern Jamie Baillie, CA, President & CEO, Credit Union Atlantic       Taxation — small business For SMEs, managing tax risks doesn’t mean the end of disputes, but it can help avoid surprises     People management An organization with a well-defined culture can achieve higher profitability     Taxation The limited partnership structure may soon be here     Assurance New standards make room for interpretation, which means more detailed documentation     Practice management The wide spectrum of Canadian CA firms ensures that there’s one to fit the needs of all types of businesses By Stephen Rosenhek     Technology The latest Windows version was much heralded, but now the dilemma is whether to upgrade or not     Letters to the editor From the editor Bravos and kudos Netwatch Here we are now, entertain us Top 10 implementation mistakes The software selection process is riddled with pitfalls. But don’t expect implementation to be any easier. Outlook Welcome letter