The baby boomer generation is retiring at a record pace and business owners are looking for succession planning options that can help them transition their business to new ownership. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) represent a compelling succession planning alternative.

Katz, Sapper & Miller is excited to participate as the independent accounting firm to manage the voting process and report the results of the FreightWaves Research Institute’s inaugural Shipper of Choice award. The award, presented in partnership with Convoy, is intended to recognize shippers that promote a healthy freight community through their actions and interactions with carriers on a daily basis.

KSM directors Ashley Christie and Justin Hayes have been recognized as up-and-coming leaders in the accounting profession and the Indianapolis community.

KSM is pleased to announce Zach Sauder has joined the firm as the newest director in its Fort Wayne office. In this role, Sauder brings an impressive combination of accounting and consulting experience to the firm’s growing Fort Wayne team.

David Blish, director of healthcare consulting in Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Healthcare Resources Group, will present at the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives’ (AAOE) 2019 Annual Conference. Taking place May 5-8 in Nashville, TN, the conference brings together orthopedic hospital and practice administrators, managing physicians, educators, and industry partners for meaningful discussion and education about practice management, strategic initiatives, and the latest industry trends.

Katz, Sapper & Miller will again be part of McLeod Software’s third annual Accounting and Finance Conference (formerly the McLeod CFO Conference). Taking place May 14 at McLeod’s new corporate headquarters in Birmingham, AL, the conference brings together financial professionals from trucking and brokerage/3PL companies to network and discuss industry issues and best practices.

Kerry Dunn has joined KSM as the firm’s chief financial officer, a newly created role. As CFO, Dunn will oversee KSM’s financial systems and processes, including financial reporting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and budgeting. Additionally, he will play a key role in the firm’s financial strategy, including acquisitions and leveraging data to make sound business decisions.

It’s rare for a Supreme Court tax case to make headlines in the mainstream media, but that’s just what happened last year when the court announced its decision in the case of South Dakota v. Wayfair (Wayfair). What most folks “learned” from the coverage was actually full of half-truths and myths, the biggest one being that Internet retailers like Amazon would have to start “charging customers” state sales tax on their purchases. As with most news reports about taxes, reporters did their best to summarize a complex issue, but many taxpayers were left confused about how the change affects them. This confusion is now playing out in the day-to-day operations of businesses across the country, leaving many out of compliance when they otherwise thought they were.

The transportation industry thrived in 2018. While signs point to some correction in 2019, the state of the market is currently strong, bank capital is readily available, and private equity firms are eager to get into the industry. These factors and more make this an appealing time for some owners to consider selling. Others are looking closely at growth opportunities such as investment in new technology and equipment.

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued Statement No. 87, Leases, in an effort to provide information that is more relevant and consistent related to the reporting of leases by governments. Effective for reporting periods after Dec. 15, 2019, this statement requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-to-use asset for all leases regardless of classification. It also requires a lessor to recognize a lease receivable and a deferred inflow of resources.