Thursday, August 27, 2015

Thank you for making our Soft Skill Development for the Woman Business Leader Seminar a Success!

Thank you to all of our attendees at our "Soft Skill Development for the Woman Business Leader" breakfast seminar yesterday!  We had our best turnout ever and look forward to keeping this great event going for years to come!

A very special thank you to our wonderful speakers!  Their knowledge and insight proved invaluable and I know everyone walked away with many thoughts and ideas.

Our speakers included:
Paulette Janus, Janus Behavioral Health Services
Beth F. McCormack, Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP
Lauren Silvers, Akina Corporation
Alyssa Peterson, Cashmere & Wit


Thursday, August 20, 2015

Changes in Accepting Credit Card Payments Effective 10/1/15



In the past merchants that accept payments on counterfeit credit cards would not bear the losses created through the use of these cards, that burden rested on the credit card companies.  Recently the credit card processing world has started shifting to credit cards that use EMV technology to reduce the risk of counterfeit and fraudulent transactions.  EMV is a technical standard for smart payment cards and for payment terminals and automated teller machines that can accept them.  EMV capable cards and readers contain unique chip technology that will make counterfeiting credit cards much more difficult.

Starting on October 1st, merchants that have not upgraded their terminals to the new EMV technology will now be liable for losses incurred by accepting counterfeit cards for payment.  This can be devastating to a small business owner that is expecting the cash from these credit card transactions to cover the costs of products and services used and can lead to lost profits.  Losses incurred by merchants using the EMV technology from counterfeit cards will still be incurred by the credit card companies.

If you currently accept credit cards and have not upgraded your credit card terminals to be EMV compliant, consider weighing the costs of upgrading terminals in your organization against the risk of bearing the loss from a customer using a counterfeit credit card.  Consider reaching out to your bank or credit card processor for more information about EMV and the shift of liabilities on 10/1/15.


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Looking for a new challenge or know someone that might be?



KOS is Hiring!

KOS is a place where you can build a career that incorporates interesting assignments, training for new skill sets, a great company culture, and a reasonable balance between working and down-time.

Our firm is currently seeking talented, entrepreneurial-minded, advancement-oriented individuals for the following openings: Staff Accountant, Accounting Senior, Accounting Supervisor, Accounting Manager, Tax Staff, and Human Resources Manager. 

We offer a flexible work environment, good benefits and competitive compensation. If you or anyone you know may be interested, please visit www.koscpa.com/careers for more information.



Monday, August 10, 2015

Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) and Leadership Skills

Today's blog is by Paulette Janus, founder of Janus Behavioral Health Services.  
She is one of our featured speakers at our breakfast workshop on August 26th entitled 
"Soft Skill Development for the Woman Business Leader."


You have most likely heard that someone is a “born leader.” Yet, what makes someone a leader versus a follower, an employee, a boss, or a manager? And what differentiates a leader from a great leader? Research has shown that one factor that distinguishes the most effective leaders is their level of Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ). 
EQ is defined, not by what you know, but by the ability to understand and manage your emotions and those around you. This quality encompasses a variety of skills, such as the ability to manage relationships, navigate social networks, and influence and inspire others.
While your technical skills may get your foot in the door, your people skills are what enable you to walk through that door. Your work ethic, your attitude, your communication skills, your emotional regulation, and a whole host of other personal attributes are the soft skills that are crucial for career success. Think about which assistant you are likely to promote: the one whose attitude is positive and upbeat, and who is always willing to help or the one who is inflexible, barely smiles, and appears defensive?

EQ encompasses:
  1. Self-Awareness: Having an honest and realistic understanding of your emotions, values, goals, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
  2. Self-Regulation: Managing and controlling your emotions and impulses, particularly frustration, anger, and fear, and even channeling them in a positive direction.
  3. Motivation: Being driven by the desire to achieve beyond expectations for the sake of achievement.
  4. Empathy: Recognizing and considering the feelings, motivations, values, strengths, and weaknesses of others when making decisions.
  5. Social Skills: Being friendly, finding common ground, and building rapport with a purpose of moving others in the direction you desire.

Every individual possesses these skills to a certain degree yet they are not static traits. They are characteristics that can be developed and honed. Do you want to learn how to enhance your EQ and be a standout leader? Join KOS on Wednesday August 26th for a breakfast workshop "Soft Skill Development for the Woman Business Leader." Please RSVP to Kristin Kentra at kkentra@koscpa.com.


Paulette Janus, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Janus Behavioral Health Services. Paulette has over 15 years experience providing individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, specializing in children, teens, and families. She is also trained in and provides alternative dispute resolution interventions including family/divorce mediation, collaborative divorce coaching and child specialist services, and co-parent coaching. Paulette received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Northwestern University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois Chicago. www.janusbhs.com