To offset the effects of a sagging economy, companies are taking steps to boost employee morale, a new survey finds. Nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said they are implementing strategies to buoy the mood of their teams. However, not all employers have jumped on the bandwagon - more than one in four (26 percent) executives said their firms aren't doing anything to improve morale.The most common way businesses are attempting to raise workplace morale is through increased and improved communication, cited by 37 percent of respondents.

Executives may be spending more of their golden years on the job than on the golf course, a new study suggests. In fact, more than half (52 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) surveyed recently stated that they are delaying or reconsidering their retirement plans. The majority (62 percent) who intend to extend their working years attribute the change in plans to the economy.The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources.

The bailout bill, officially titled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a moving target which includes a long list of tax implications including nearly $275 billion in tax relief. A few days ago, the total was $825 billion and is now $819 billion. One key element is a proposed tax credit of $500 per taxpayer or $1,000 per couple, with phase-outs for couples earning $200,000 per year.While a recent Rasmussen poll says that 42 percent of Americans oppose the bailout, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B.

While the employment picture is the bleakest it's been in decades, accounting professionals should have a glimmer of hope in 2009.According to staffing firm Robert Half International, which produces an annual salary guide, researchers are predicting a 3.4 percent salary increase for finance and accounting staff. Not surprisingly, most in demand are professionals who can help companies reduce inefficiencies and increase profits.Robert Half also suggests that this year may be a good time to consider temporary project work.

Point-CounterpointSee Also:What advice are retailers getting in tough times? Keep Going!Looking for a job title that sounds secure in these troubled economic times? How about Retail Distress Expert? That's Marti Kopacz, of Grant Thornton. With this week's news from the Commerce Department, her services may be even more in demand soon.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced an expedited process that will make it easier for financially distressed homeowners to avoid having a federal tax lien block refinancing of mortgages or the sale of a home.If taxpayers are trying to refinance or sell a home and there is a federal tax lien filed, there are options. Taxpayers or their representatives, such as their lenders, may request that the IRS make a tax lien secondary to the lien by the lending institution that is refinancing or restructuring a loan.

The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) donated 100 piggy banks to Toys for Tots, teaching children to use money, make change, and accrue savings this holiday season. If you would like the lessons your children learn to last longer than the toys they receive, Virginia CPAs recommend giving gifts that teach financial concepts this holiday season.In addition to the piggy banks donation, VSCPA chapters statewide participated in a toy drive to collect money-minded toys.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a series of measures to increase transparency and accountability at credit rating agencies, and ensure that firms provide more meaningful ratings and greater disclosure to investors.The new measures impose additional requirements on credit rating agencies, whose ratings of residential mortgage-backed securities backed by subprime mortgage loans and of collateralized debt obligations linked to subprime loans contributed to the recent turmoil in the credit markets.

Nobody wants the magic of the season to turn into a nightmare when the bills arrive. Yet even with the current poor economy, you can still capture the holiday spirit if you plan ahead and shop smart. The Illinois CPA Society offers these tips for saving money on your holiday spending: Establish a budget and stick to it.