Happy New Year's Eve, capital market helpers. To quote another, "Everyone sober? Close enough."
We figured it was about time we dug up some stories from the past year that we, the Going Concern staff, found enjoyable. We have been slaving over a hot blog the entire year just for you and now we're going to reacquaint you some stories that you may have forgotten.
Enjoy and have a safe and happy New Year!
What if a Big 4 Firm Counted the Votes for the Papal Conclave?
The Time Person of the Year was none other than Pope Francis, but before the world knew that we were getting the first Jesuit Pope, celibate dudes sporting funny hats from all over the world got together to choose the next Chief Padre through an anceint process called the Papal Conclave.
At the time I thought it might be fun to cook up some scenarios that would result if Big 4 firms were tasked with overseeing the Conclave's voting. And now that many of these very firms are helping the Vatican sort out its finances, the possibilty seems slightly less crazy.
PwC's stunt with the Best Picture Academy Award Envelope
When the Best Picture envelope wound up at the White House rather than the Dolby Theatre, it got me wondering what could have gone wrong with the process. And if you read the actual account of the logistics involved, you learn that quite a bit could've gone wrong!
The whole thing went off without a hitch, but had something gone awry, I tried to imagine how PwC's role would have played out.
This discussion from back in February was one of the most honest and encouraging from the past year.
If you're out and working in public accounting you need to read it.
Oh no, Mr. and Mrs. Joe!
Houses, amirite?
Deloitte CEO Joe Echevarria and his wife Ana had a bit of a spat with their real estate broker back in May and it DID NOT work out in the their favor.
Lists of Best Accounting Firms to Work For Are the Worst
Greg Kyte kicked off 2013 by explaining why. Seems like a perfect time for a reminder.
Oregon Man Seduced by IRS Agent
It stands to reason that the facts from this story have been used for the plot of a porno, but if not, there's a real opportunity here.
The Complaint Against Scott London
If you've been giving serious thought to forming an insider trading conspiracy, I advise you to read the details behind the scheme put together by ex-KPMG Scott London and his former golfing buddy Bryan Shaw. It'll be useful in determining what exactly NOT to do.
The Great CPA Exam Score Release Delay of 2013
WE WILL NOT FORGET!
This is why Twitter was invented, my friends — pure, unhinged, overreactions from CPA exam candidates. And it went on for days. DAYS! Since then, NASBA and the AICPA seem to have the score releases on lockdown, but rest easy, we'll be on guard for future #CPAexam #freakouts.
Hug it out, KlynveldiansWe all know that there's nothing quite like a good squeeze from a colleague to lift your spirits during the throes of busy season. It just so happens that no one took the time to turn it into a company-wide effort.
That ended last February when we learned about KPMG's Kuddling Kampaign. Of course it's important to remember that this is not a green light for anyone to make awkward advances on a comely co-worker.
Look, you guys. I know that companies have to occasionally rebrand themselves to keep pace with the competition, showcase their hipness to clients, and try convincing employees that their company is cool, but when taking on a project like this, there's no margin for error.
Ernst & Young was transforming into EY, they were marching out a new CEO, they had a new tagline, all kinds of work and late nights and Chinese takeout was involved here.
And yet, somehow the Google Image results for "EY" were overlooked.
I don't know how something like this happens, but for us, it doesn't matter. We're just glad that it did.
Dishonorable Mentions
So many to name, but here are a few:
- That Deloitte study that found white guys trying not to be white guys.
- I made the case that PwC and Deloitte don't care about losing audit clients.
- "Beyonce wins and now that I'm out of here, I win too!!! #doingtheharlemshakeasitype"
- Auditors doing the Harlem Shake including a baby in a pumpkin costume and one enthusiastic Luigi.
- An intern with a "highly condensed schedule of errands."
Hope you enjoyed 2013 as much as we did. See you in 2014.
