What’s Next? Infrastructure Bill News

What’s Next? Infrastructure Bill News

If you’re in construction, you know our roads and bridges are in dire need of some major TLC, and not just here at home in New York State, but all across the country. In an effort to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, the Senate overwhelmingly approved the $1 trillion infrastructure bill earlier this summer. Since then? Not much has happened, but on Friday, the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) affirmed the chamber will vote on the Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill on Sept. 27, even though the larger $3.5 trillion bill to invest in social safety net programs still faces tough hurdles.

Did you know, that every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Report Card for America’s Infrastructure describes the condition and performance of American infrastructure in the familiar form of a school report card? It assigns letter grades based on the physical condition and needed investments for improvement.

While the nation’s infrastructure earned a C- in the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card (ouch), New York faces its own unique infrastructure challenges. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in New York costs each driver $625 per year, and 9.9% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in New York are an estimated $22.8 billion. 424 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $2.91 billion. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes New York’s ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. In summary, our infrastructure is in desperate need of help. But while the looming September date weighs heavy on the minds of many who are anxious to learn what will happen next, it seems not everyone in the House is convinced a resolution will be coming any time in the immediate future.

Appearing on “Fox News Sunday,” on September 19, Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.), the House budget chair, said that the passage of the infrastructure bill may not be doable in the time frame since the reconciliation package won’t be done by that time. Yarmuth noted that passing the social spending priorities wouldn’t be possible before the vote set for the physical infrastructure package, which has bipartisan support.

“I would say we’re probably going to slip past the Sept. 27 date, sometime into early October would be my best guess,” said Yarmuth. “These are not frivolous matters. If we have a desperate deficiency in social infrastructure in this country, access to affordable child care, the absence of early childhood education, the infrastructure for senior care,” Yarmuth said. “I think that’s what we need to focus on, not the money.”

Multiple tricky policy disputes remain unresolved, including lifting the cap on the state and local tax deduction and empowering Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Which states are going to come out on top if the bill makes its way to President Joe Biden’s desk? California, Texas, and New York will likely cash in big. The administration said Californians should plan for at least $44.56 billion in infrastructure funds, the biggest sum for any state. Texas came in at number two with an estimated allocation of $35.44 billion, between $26.9 billion in estimated highway funds and $3.3 billion in estimated public transit funds. New York, in third, is projected to receive $26.92 billion. Time will tell what direction the infrastructure bill is headed, the outcome of which will inevitably have huge long-term impacts on not only the construction industry but New York’s economic recovery, post-pandemic.

Whatever the future holds, we understand that construction projects are complicated undertakings that require an especially disciplined and attentive approach to accounting. RBT CPAs, LLP has the necessary experience to manage cash flows for projects both large and small. If you want streamlined construction accounting in Mid Hudson Valley, NY, please contact our professional team, today.

Sources: The Hill, Politico, The White House, Infrastructure Report Card

Tools You Need to Celebrate Manufacturing Day 2021

Tools You Need to Celebrate Manufacturing Day 2021

Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is sneaking up on us.

Are you prepared to show students, parents, and prospective employees what modern manufacturing is all about at your company? If you haven’t considered celebrating this special day yet, mark your calendar and gather some company leaders to create a plan of action. We have some tips to help, too.

Each year, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is held on the first Friday in October in order to educate the public on how modern manufacturing practices are rapidly changing our world. It likely comes as no surprise to you that new advanced manufacturing technologies bring about whole new careers, requiring a skilled workforce interested in pursuing them. The issue? Attracting and retaining quality employees. A survey from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) released in September noted that while U.S. manufacturing activity unexpectedly picked up in August amid strong order growth, a measure of factory employment dropped to a nine-month low, likely as workers remained scarce. The labor shortages led to a building up of the backlog of uncompleted work at factories in August.

This MFG Day, it’s important to stand out so your company can get noticed and attract talent. From bioengineers to data analysts to robotics technicians, and all of the operations in between, there is a place for everyone in manufacturing, but many are lacking the introduction they need to find their place within the field.

Use the hashtag #MFGDay21 or #CreatorsWanted on social media channels like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to mark the event and tag @MFGDAY in your posts. Encourage current employees to share their career success stories on social channels to give prospective hires insight into your company culture. Together with the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute, MEP Centers, and federal agency partners, your company can celebrate the manufacturers who make the products that keep us safe, enrich our lives, strengthen our economic and national security, and provide countless opportunities for our communities and workforce. Host or find an event and get involved. You can also check out this helpful resource page to find MFG Day marketing toolkits, surveys, and host information.

How can you stand out?

Develop a unique plan that you know your team will be on board with and follow through on. This means something actionable, that won’t pull resources away from current projects but will attract attention to your brand. To mark MFG Day in the past, some companies and educational institutions have opted to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders to showcase modern manufacturing. Perhaps you can highlight how diverse initiatives help your company to stand out. Do you specifically support women, veterans, students or other workers through skills training programs, or community building opportunities? Focus on how your company is advancing manufacturing careers. Looking for statistics to share? The U.S. Census Bureau joined other agencies by posting important manufacturing content on the Manufacturing Day webpage throughout the week.

Use this day to empower your employees, and future hires.

As manufacturers seek to fill 4 million high-skill, high-tech, and high-paying jobs over the next decade, MFG Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive. This year, MFG Day also includes a strong emphasis on engaging digital and virtual events throughout the country. With manufacturing careers at the heart of some of the most impactful work being done in response to the pandemic, get excited about shining a spotlight on manufacturing careers.

Gearing up for this MFG Day and beyond, whatever the size of your venture, our dedicated RBT team can help you meet your goals, now and in the future. In addition to an array of financial reporting (Audit and Accounting Services) and tax compliance services (Tax Services), our Manufacturing Group offers personalized, innovative strategies to help clients increase profitability. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your team to thrive for years to come.

Five Steps to Find Your Next Financial Officer

Five Steps to Find Your Next Financial Officer

If you are actively seeking a motivated, team-oriented financial professional who is inspired by public service to serve as your next Chief Financial Officer, there’s a lot of work you need to do to create a pool of qualified applicants. Follow our five-step guide below to successfully add the right person to your team.

  1. Refine Your Job Description

To attract the right talent, you need to get specific about exactly what you’re looking for in a prospective team member. How many years of budgeting, administration, financial management, or equivalent experience are you looking for a candidate to have? Is the ability to independently perform budget analysis and compare historical and financial data to improve budget forecasting at the top of your to-do list? Or maybe a collaborative team player who genuinely values others’ ideas and expertise is what you are seeking, to achieve organizational goals. Refine your description to narrow the eligible and interested applicants. You’ll be boosting your efficiency, and ensuring that your goals are aligned with the right person for the job.

  1. Check References

Check references, and then check them again. People are making things up on resumes and if you aren’t doing the due diligence, expect trouble. This step will save you two of the most valuable aspects of running a smooth organization: time and money. Job applicants may attempt to enhance their chances of obtaining a job offer by distorting their training and work history information. While résumés summarize what applicants claim to have accomplished, reference checking is meant to assess how well those claims are backed up by others. Verifying critical employment information can significantly cut down on selection errors. Information provided by former peers, direct reports, and supervisors can also be used to forecast how applicants will perform in the job being filled.

  1. Offer Continued Training

Hopefully, you are already able to offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package including comprehensive family health insurance, dental, vision, vacation, sick, and holiday leave package. But one thing that will set your team apart in the eyes of a financial officer, is continued training opportunities. If you are not already familiar with various government-specific financial training programs, now is the time to research and determine what your budget can cover. While there is a variety of options available to select, you may be interested in investing in courses for your new hire that focus on financial planning and budgeting, capital planning and forecasting, financial management, government accounting, or financial reporting and auditing. Setting your new hire up for success ultimately means securing a clear pathway for each of your respective departments, and your community as a whole.

  1. Create a Talent Pipeline

It is important to hire employees that can perform well, but looking at the talent you already have on staff can really expand your budget and promote a collaborative environment. We are not suggesting that you cross-train current employees to avoid adding crucial staff. However, it is beneficial to cross-train employees on certain financial officer responsibilities so that team members can operate more efficiently. Another benefit? Your workplace will ultimately become more sustainable, especially during times of transition.

  1. Prepare for the Interview

It may sound counterintuitive to talk about the employer focusing time and energy on preparing for an interview, but it can mean the difference between a qualified candidate committing to your team or walking away with a bad taste in their mouth. Interviewing is a two-way street: While you are evaluating candidates, they will also be evaluating you. Creating a positive atmosphere for candidates helps candidates to relax, encourages them to reveal more, and promotes a positive image of your organization. Ensure the interviewer reviews the job’s tasks and responsibilities (and the competencies necessary to perform them) before they sit down with a candidate. Your team should be organized and prepared for every interview, which means dressing professionally, staying engaged as active listeners, and creating a comfortable interview location.

We understand that governmental entities face enormous hiring challenges ranging from the decreasing of already tight federal and state funding budgets, to regulatory compliance, and the constant pressure of public scrutiny. Our team is experienced with handling those pressures, and we encourage you to contact us if you’d like to further discuss your specific needs or concerns.

Source: U.S. OPM

The Harsh Reality Facing Healthcare Workers and Vaccination Mandates

The Harsh Reality Facing Healthcare Workers and Vaccination Mandates

It feels like bad déjà vu, but the reality is that once again the majority of New York healthcare systems are battling the perfect storm of challenges amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases statewide. The rising risk of the delta variant, combined with staffing shortages, and mounting mandate pressure to get vaccinations in the arms of more staff members are creating a mess for officials. Over 450,000 New York hospital workers became eligible for vaccination under Phase 1A of New York’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Hospital worker vaccination progress is self-reported by individual hospital facilities weekly via the New York State Department of Health’s HERDS survey. Currently, 79% of Mid-Hudson area hospital workers have received a complete vaccine series, with the highest percentage reported in Westchester County (85%) and the lowest (55%) reported in Putnam County. With so much information constantly fluctuating, what do you need to know about state and federal vaccination mandates, and what are the financial implications for your healthcare system?

New York State’s public health and health planning council approved emergency regulations on August 26 requiring that hospital workers be vaccinated for COVID-19, while removing religious exemptions. Vanessa Murphy, a DOH attorney said they are not constitutionally obligated to provide a religious exemption, which is also the case for the Measles and Mumps vaccine. This will be in effect for 90 days before it’s either renewed or expires.

So, what is a valid medical reason to make an accommodation for a medical worker?

For a valid medical exemption, a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner must certify that immunization with a COVID-19 vaccination is detrimental to the health of a member of a covered entity’s personnel, based upon a preexisting health condition, and ceases to be effective if it is later found that vaccination would not be detrimental to that personnel member’s health. The nature and duration of the medical exemption must be documented in the personnel file of the member of the organization in accordance with the same timeline for the vaccination requirements, along with documentation of whatever reasonable accommodations are granted in conjunction with the exemption.

What entities does this apply to in New York State?

The requirement approved by the public health and health planning council applies to hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, adult care facilities, certified home health agencies, hospices, long-term home health care programs, AIDS home care programs, licensed home care service agencies and limited licensed home care service agencies. So, who falls under New York State’s definition of health care “personnel” in the new regulation requirements? It’s pretty all-encompassing, covering employees, students, volunteers, and any other affiliates of the organization who “engage in such activities such that if they were infected with COVID-19, they could potentially expose other covered personnel, patients or residents to the disease.” According to the state health department, these institutions are tasked with developing a plan for implementation of the mandate and any actions it will take regarding non-compliant employees. This could include firing non-compliant workers.

What’s the COVID-19 vaccination deadline for staff?

Healthcare workers at hospitals and nursing homes must receive their first vaccine dose by Sept. 27. Workers at additional entities covered by the mandate, including diagnostic and treatment centers, home health agencies, long-term home health care programs, school-based clinics, and hospice care programs, must have at least one dose by Oct. 7. Documentation of proof of vaccination must be maintained in the personnel files of each employee/affiliate of the organization.

What about federal updates?

In a bold move, President Joe Biden announced in August that he is directing all nursing homes to require their staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to continue receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding. Over 130,000 nursing home residents and 2,000 employees died due to COVID-19, according to the most recent CDC data. However, vaccination rates among nursing home workers remain low. As of mid-August, about 60% of staff per facility were vaccinated, compared to 82.8% of residents per facility.

What are the financial and emotional consequences your system could face?

Here at home, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, a three-hospital system in the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, laid off an undisclosed number of workers on June 14, according to the Daily Freeman. This is just one local example of shrinking medical staff at a time when facilities are overloaded with cases and patients. Tension is running high for medical professionals on both sides of the issue. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) representing more than 42,000 members in New York State, last issued a statement in mid-August. “Overall, we are seeing a crisis in hospital emergency departments that indicates a general lack of preparedness. The DOH should listen to the frontline this time not just hospital CEOs. Our healthcare workers are exhausted and traumatized. Their voices should be heard – not denied or characterized as vectors of infection- which is exactly what we are trying to avoid. When healthcare workers document what they are experiencing they must be believed. Hospitals must also ensure that new mandates do not contribute to already problematic staffing shortages. We do not want a situation where patient care is compromised because the pool of nurses and other healthcare workers continues to shrink.” Only time will tell whether or not our care system can sustain itself if healthcare organizations continue to face the arduous task of firing staff for vaccination refusal.

Sources: Daily Freeman, CDC, Health.ny.gov

Time is Running Out for this Local Grant Opportunity!

Time is Running Out for this Local Grant Opportunity!

School is in session! We know teachers across Hudson Valley have been busy preparing for the fall season and adapting to changing state and local guidance. As some students refill hallways and others opt for virtual courses, kids are busy navigating new classes, and teachers are settling into their new routines. While we know that the start of the school year often brings a lot of excitement, organizing, and well – work – for teachers, so we’d like to highlight the Fund for Excellence in Education Teacher Grants which closes in just a month. The purpose of these grants is to recognize the important contributions that teachers make in our community, offering Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster County classroom teachers funding opportunities to support special classroom projects or professional development for teachers. Grants awarded will have a direct benefit to classroom learning and support the achievement of educational outcomes, so don’t miss out on these unique local funding opportunities. Read on to learn more about the available grants and the rules to apply before time runs out.

Who is this grant program open to?

Teachers in grades Pre-K – 12 in public, private/independent, or parochial schools in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties may apply for support from the program with the exception of specific grants open to public schools only. Proposals from Teaching Assistants will be considered only if they are submitted jointly with the classroom teacher.

Is this grant money off-limits for any specific uses?

Yes. Grant funding is not to be used for field trips or after-school activities.

What can grant recipients expect to receive?

Grants made through this program will not exceed $2,500 with the average awards ranging from $1,000 – $1,500. In previous years, grant money from this program has resulted in exciting enhancements to various school districts. One Putman County school used their grant funding to purchase a Little Tikes Picture Communication Symbol (PCS) panel for the school playground to help students with severe communication difficulties express their wants and needs. An Ulster County school applied its funds to materials and training to support the Diversity, Cultural Competency, and Social Justice Education program, bringing diverse stories to life within the library, classrooms, and school.

When is the deadline?

The fall online application opened up on July 1, 2021 and the application deadline closes on October 15, 2021. That leaves just one month left for you to take advantage of this financial opportunity!

Can I apply for all of the grants?

While there is no rule prohibiting you from applying for multiple grants, not all grants will be a good fit for your school. Below, please review the variety of available grants to make the best selection possible:

General Grants: Teachers may apply for grants that fulfill one or both of these criteria:

  • Support for classroom projects/initiatives which will improve learning opportunities for students
  • Support for the personal and professional enhancement of teachers (not to fulfill Master’s Program or certification requirements)

Writing Grant(s): A grant will be awarded to K-12 teachers for either professional development in the field of teaching writing or for a specific program designed to enhance the writing abilities of students.

Grants Available to Public Schools Only:

Marionette/Puppet Grant(s): Grants will be awarded to public school teachers for projects which incorporate student and/or teacher-made marionettes and puppets in the curricula. Preference will be given to multi-cultural or multi-disciplinary projects.

Dutchess County – Community Service Grant(s): Dutchess County United Teachers’ Community Service Grants will be awarded to Dutchess County public school teachers for projects involving their students in community service. These community service awards are made from the Dennis Markle Memorial Community Fund. Examples of the type of projects which would be considered for these grants are projects involving senior citizens, Veterans, hospice, daycare, disadvantaged populations, community beautification projects, etc.

So, how can I apply?

To access the grant portal, click here. All applications will be reviewed by the Fund for Excellence in Education Committee of the Community Foundations. All recommendations are reviewed, approved, or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations. Recipients will be notified of their award status during the fall of 2021. Our team wishes you the best of luck and a successful academic year. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have, or to schedule a brief appointment with one of our dedicated professionals.

Understanding Facial Recognition in Your Own Backyard

Understanding Facial Recognition in Your Own Backyard

If you’re not familiar with facial recognition (FTR), it’s time to learn the basics.

The reality is, it’s already playing a part in your life whether you know it or not. FTR is a type of biometric technology that mimics how people identify or verify others by examining faces. Recent advancements have increased the accuracy of automated FRT. The result? More communities are adopting it than ever before across a range of applications, but the technology is still far from perfect.

Critics like civil liberties groups argue facial recognition contributes to privacy erosion and reinforces biases.

Despite concerns, the use of FRT continues to explode, so it’s increasingly important to understand its use in government. That’s why GAO recently conducted a survey to learn how federal governments are implementing this technology. Currently, most state legislatures – including New York – have rejected bans and severe restrictions on facial recognition. So what does this mean for the future of public safety in your community?

GAO’s report surveyed 24 federal agencies about their use of FTR:

  • 16 reported using it for digital access/cybersecurity, such as allowing employees to unlock agency smartphones with it
  • 6 reported using it to generate leads in criminal investigations
  • 5 reported using it for physical security, such as controlling access to a building/facility
  • 10 said they planned to expand its use through fiscal year 2023. For example, an agency plans to pilot the use of FRT to automate the identity verification process for airports travelers

At the municipal level, the number of localities considering broad bans on facial recognition has been limited in 2021 to just three.

Minneapolis and King County, Washington, passed bans on government use, while the Baltimore City Council recently approved the most expansive ban so far that also restricts personal and business use, joining Portland, Oregon, as one of the only two local jurisdictions out of 18 moving to restrict private-sector applications in addition to banning local government use.

So, how does the public feel about FTR?

Every community is different, so the residents in your community may be more supportive, or perhaps more skeptical than the survey results we’re about to share. Insight platform Piplsay polled 31,184 Americans this August to understand people’s views on the uses of facial recognition technology in public spaces. The poll respondents were told that some major U.S. retailers like Macy’s and Lowes have been using facial recognition to help to better detect organized retail theft. Forty percent of people surveyed were unaware of this fact and while 42 percent of people said they did not mind this, 38 percent did not support the use of the technology.

Many Americans surveyed on the subject agree that facial recognition is a helpful tool to crack down on fraud and crime, but the major concern seems to be a lack of transparency about the tech and the personal data being collected. The takeaway? If localities opt to simply disclose the use of the technology to the general public, it would likely garner more widespread support. The best gauge would of course be to start an open dialogue at your next in-person, or virtual community meeting.

What’s the latest here in New York?

New York City is the latest U.S. city to enact a biometric privacy law. Effective July 2021, the law puts new limits on what businesses can do with the biometric customer data, giving New Yorkers greater protections over how their data is collected and used. Businesses that collect biometric information — most commonly in the form of facial recognition and fingerprints — are required to post notices and signs at their doors explaining how customer data will be collected. The ordinance applies to a wide range of businesses — retailers, stores, restaurants, and theaters, to name a few — which are also barred from selling, sharing, or otherwise profiting from the biometric information that they collect. Businesses can face stiff penalties for violating the law but can escape fines if they fix the violation quickly. While your locality hasn’t yet adopted any specific biometrics or facial recognition laws, it’s bound to remain a hot button topic for years to come. It’s a good idea to keep this growing tech on your radar and check in with local leaders and constituents to gauge their perspectives. At RBT, we understand that governmental entities face enormous challenges every day and that it can be difficult to keep up with ever-evolving policies and technology. Please reach out to our trusted team if you have questions and feel free to schedule a consultation.

Sources: Biometric Update, Security Info Watch, GAO

New Lease Accounting Changes Your Company Needs to Know

New Lease Accounting Changes Your Company Needs to Know

As a part of daily operations, most contractors have leased vehicles, buildings, trucks, construction equipment or other items to keep costs down and business running smoothly. Did you know that, in a matter of months, your leases will be accounted for differently due to the new lease accounting standard? While previously only capital leases were recorded on the balance sheet, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, all leases will be on the balance sheet. That translates to January 1, 2022 for calendar year entities, and fiscal 2023 for non-calendar year end entities. What does this mean moving forward? It means contractors need to make sure they have a thorough handle on all of their leases. Now is the time to review and evaluate contracts.

The new definition of a lease under ASC 842:

“a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration.” This slight change means that all contracts should be evaluated to determine if they fall within the scope of this new criteria. Contracts that were previously considered leases may no longer meet the lease criteria and vice versa. Be mindful of lease language when you are reviewing your contracts.

There will still be two categories of leases.

The leases formerly known as capital will now be called finance leases. The classification criteria remain essentially the same as under the existing standard; the only major difference is the elimination of the bright-line percentages.  All leases that do not meet one of those criteria will be classified as operating.

If a lease contract includes a non-lease element, that non-lease component must be accounted for as a separate contract distinct from the lease itself. For example, the cost of an equipment lease that includes a maintenance contract must be allocated between the two elements and accounted for separately.

Lease liabilities for operating and finance leases will all be accounted for in the liability section the same way capital leases currently are: split between current and long-term. The offset to the liability will be a right of use (ROU) asset. There will be two lines: a ROU asset – operating lease line, and a ROU asset – finance lease line. These ROU assets are all long-term.

The new standard was designed so that there should be minimal impact to your income statement.

Operating leases will continue to be recognized as a straight-line expense over the life of the lease. Finance leases will continue to be frontend loaded because the interest is higher at the beginning of the lease than at the end.

The most significant impact will be on the company’s current ratio.

Because the ROU assets are all long-term but the lease liability is split between current and long-term, the current ratio will be negatively impacted. This change will be particularly important for entities with debt covenants that reference the current ratio. If you have significant operating leases that may create an issue with your debt covenants, connect with your bankers now and make sure that they are aware of the new standard.

Ultimately, it’s important that both the borrower and the lender understand that this is a reporting change, not a change in a company’s financial situation.

Having this conversation early on instead of waiting until the last minute will avoid confusion, and a lot of headaches. If you’d like to get a head start so you aren’t scrambling to figure out the logistics once January arrives, the time to act is now.

Need to Know: Biggest Blockchain Benefits

Need to Know: Biggest Blockchain Benefits

To stay competitive and successful, New York manufacturers need to embrace the latest innovations.

In recent years, manufacturers around the world are becoming increasingly interrelated using blockchain technology. How popular is the technology? Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for blockchain in manufacturing was estimated at $32.6 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $980 million by 2026 according to a new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA).

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the supply chain by automating processes and making it virtually impossible for someone to make unauthorized changes. It can streamline the supply chain, improve transparency, facilitate auditing and reduce costs. So, how can you maximize the benefits of this technology?

Wait, What Is Blockchain?

First, let’s make sure you know what blockchain is, and we’ll go from there. Blockchain is a database that relies on a chain of data blocks and is linked by cryptography. It’s designed to deter data modification. Instead, once the data is recorded, it can’t be altered retroactively, making it difficult for a single user to gain control of the system.

One of the main differences between blockchain and a typical database using tables is the inherent structure. With blockchain technology, the information is stored in the blocks holding various sets of information. When the block is filled, it’s added to the existing chain. Any new data that’s compiled is stored in a new block that can be subsequently added to the chain. If you’re still struggling to understand this technology, here is a helpful short video you can watch to illustrate it further.

Blockchain Benefits?

Blockchain technology offers enhanced visibility across the entire manufacturing process, including operations at supplier warehouses, on the plant floor and all along the supply chain. As participation grows, users can benefit from the ledger structure to improve efficiency. Blockchain technology may help improve the following aspects of the manufacturing process:

  • Identification of problems in products
  • Product designs
  • Identity management
  • Asset and procedures tracking
  • Quality assurance
  • Compliance with regulations
  • Overall efficiency

Which Operational Aspects Are Improved?

Part of manufacturing is constantly improving your operation to boost efficiency. The main areas blockchain can help manufacturers in is improved performance and product quality. Ultimately, this leads to increased revenue and profits. Manufacturers who use blockchain typically see results in the following four areas of day-to-day business operations:

  1. Quality control. Besides in-depth tracking up and down the supply chain, blockchain creates definitive documentation of quality checks and production data. Significantly, the database tags each product and automatically records each transaction, including quality checks and updates.

In addition, the system may be set up to provide automated quality checks that generate and write measures directly to the blockchain. This eliminates the need for other traditional checks for quality control involving suppliers. It may also reduce the number of audits required for verification of quality controls.

  1. Tracking and tracing.Data is more transparent and accessible through blockchain technology. The system provides a permanent digital record of materials, parts and products, creating a single “voice of authority” for all participants.
  2. Better maintenance.Blockchain creates the potential to support maintenance improvements, such as automated service agreements that can accommodate the influx of new types of machinery. With blockchain, machines can easily be scheduled for maintenance and serviced with greater speed and efficiency. For instance, a request for machine maintenance or a replacement part may be automatically triggered. After the procedure is performed, payment processing is instantly implemented. In addition, blockchain keeps track of maintenance records. These procedures are currently still in the development phase, but they’re widely viewed as an important component of the system.
  3. Intellectual property protection.Don’t ignore the role that blockchain can play in protecting intellectual property and deciding whether to produce parts in-house or with an outside supplier. The blockchain data may create a virtual certificate of authenticity, helping prove that property is owned in the event of a patent dispute.

What’s Next?

Blockchain technology may result in a new business model for manufacturers to achieve competitive advantages in 2021 and beyond. Wondering if this technology is right for you? Contact RBT’s team of dedicated professionals now to discuss whether this approach should be a part of your long-term strategy.

Sources: GIA, © 2020, Powered by Thomson Reuters Checkpoint, Lucas Mostazo,

Understand the Reporting Change to Leases Before 2021 Ends

General Contractors Face New Liability Scrutiny for Wage Theft by Subcontractors

As a part of daily operations, most contractors have leased vehicles, buildings, trucks, construction equipment or other items to keep costs down and business running smoothly.

Did you know that, in a matter of months, your leases will be accounted for differently due to the new lease accounting standard?

 

While previously only capital leases were recorded on the balance sheet, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, all leases will be on the balance sheet. That translates to January 1, 2022 for calendar year entities, and fiscal 2023 for non-calendar year end entities. What does this mean moving forward? It means contractors need to make sure they have a thorough handle on all of their leases. Now is the time to review and evaluate contracts. 

New definition of a lease

The new definition under ASC 842 says, “a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration.” This slight change means that all contracts should be evaluated to determine if they fall within the scope of this new criteria. Contracts that were previously considered leases may no longer meet the lease criteria and vice versa. Be mindful of lease language when you are reviewing your contracts. 

Two categories of leases

The leases formerly known as capital will now be called finance leases. The classification criteria remain essentially the same as under the existing standard; the only major difference is the elimination of the bright-line percentages. All leases that do not meet one of those criteria will be classified as operating.

If a lease contract includes a non-lease element, that non-lease component must be accounted for as a separate contract distinct from the lease itself. For example, the cost of an equipment lease that includes a maintenance contract must be allocated between the two elements and accounted for separately.

Lease liabilities for operating and finance leases will all be accounted for in the liability section the same way capital leases currently are: split between current and long-term. The offset to the liability will be a right of use (ROU) asset. There will be two lines: a ROU asset – operating lease line, and a ROU asset – finance lease line. These ROU assets are all long-term. 

The new standard was designed so that there should be minimal impact to your income statement. Operating leases will continue to be recognized as a straight-line expense over the life of the lease. Finance leases will continue to be frontend loaded because the interest is higher at the beginning of the lease than at the end. 

Important impact

The most significant impact will be on the company’s current ratio. Because the ROU assets are all long-term but the lease liability is split between current and long-term, the current ratio will be negatively impacted. This change will be particularly important for entities with debt covenants that reference the current ratio. If you have significant operating leases that may create an issue with your debt covenants, connect with your bankers now and make sure that they are aware of the new standard. 

Key to know

Ultimately, it’s important that both the borrower and the lender understand that this is a reporting change, not a change in a company’s financial situation. Having this conversation early on instead of waiting until the last minute will avoid confusion, and a lot of headaches. If you’d like to get a head start so you aren’t scrambling to figure out the logistics once January arrives, the time to act is now.

Change Ahead for Governmental Lease Accounting

Change Ahead for Governmental Lease Accounting

Did you know that, in a matter of months, your leases will be accounted for differently due to the new lease accounting standard?

While previously only capital leases were capitalized, effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2021, all leases will be capitalized. That translates to January 1, 2022 for calendar year entities, and June 1, 2022/July 1, 2022 for May 31 and June 30 year end entities.  What does this mean moving forward? It means entities need to make sure they have a thorough handle on all of their leases. Now is the time to review and evaluate contracts.

The new definition of a lease under GASB 87:

“a contract that conveys control of the right to use another entity’s nonfinancial asset (the underlying asset) as specified in the contract for a period of time in an exchange or exchange-like transaction.” This definition change means that all contracts should be evaluated to determine if they fall within the scope of this new criteria. Contracts that were previously considered leases may no longer meet the lease criteria and vice versa.

Although “all” leases that meet the definition will be capitalized, there are a couple of important exceptions.  First, a lease that, at inception, has a maximum possible term of twelve months (including options), is classified as a short-term lease and will not be capitalized.  Second, a contract that transfers ownership of the underlying asset and does not contain termination options is recorded as a financed purchase, not as a lease, regardless of what the arrangement is called in the contract.

If your lease contract includes a non-lease element, that non-lease component must be accounted for as a separate contract distinct from the lease itself. For example, the cost of an equipment lease that includes a maintenance contract must be allocated between the two elements and accounted for separately.

Unlike the new FASB lease standard that retains the concept of an operating lease, all leases that meet the above criteria will be accounted for as finance leases under the GASB standard.  Lessors will record a lease receivable and a deferred inflow of resources. Lessees will record a lease liability and a right-to-use lease asset. These right-to-use assets are classified as intangibles.

The goal of the standard is to increase the usefulness of government financial statements by reporting lessee lease liabilities that are not currently reported.  Financial statements should also be more comparable because lessees and lessors will follow a single model, meaning that, if a lease is reported as a lease receivable by the lessor, there will also be a lease liability reported by the lessee.

Ultimately, it’s important that governments evaluate all contracts to determine whether they contain a leasing element, either from the lessee or the lessor side.  If you’d like to get a head start so you aren’t scrambling to figure out the logistics once 2022 arrives, the time to act is now. Don’t hesitate to contact our team of trusted RBT professionals to schedule a phone call or in-person visit at one of our four convenient locations.