Debits and Credits Podcast

In this episode of Debits & Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA, discusses compensation strategies that can help businesses attract, motivate, and retain top talent while remaining financially responsible.
Learn the key components of a competitive compensation package, including base salary, commissions, signing bonuses, retention bonuses, performance incentives, and employee benefits. Michael also shares practical considerations for creating compensation plans that align with your company's goals and support long-term employee success.
Subscribe to Debits & Credits for practical guidance on accounting, taxes, escrow, and business finance from Haas & Dawe, An Accountancy Corporation.
#EscrowOfficer #EscrowCompany #TitleCompany #EmployeeCompensation #Hiring #Retention #BusinessManagement #Payroll #Accounting #CPA #SmallBusiness #DebitsAndCredits

Accurate bookkeeping is the foundation of every successful business. In this episode of Debits & Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA, shares practical bookkeeping and accounting best practices that can help small business owners stay organized, make informed financial decisions, and avoid costly mistakes.
Michael discusses the importance of maintaining accurate financial records, selecting the right accounting software for your business, and implementing proper internal controls through the segregation of duties. These best practices can improve efficiency, strengthen financial oversight, and support long-term business growth.
Subscribe to Debits & Credits for practical guidance on accounting, taxes, escrow, and business finance from Haas & Dawe, An Accountancy Corporation.
#Bookkeeping #SmallBusiness #Accounting #AccountingSoftware #BusinessFinance #FinancialManagement #InternalControls #CPA #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessGrowth #DebitsAndCredits

Ep. 27: Company Credit Cards: Best Practices
Company credit cards can simplify business spending but without the right policies and controls, they can also create unnecessary financial and compliance risks.
In this episode of Debits & Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA, discusses best practices for managing company credit cards, including employee reimbursement procedures, keeping  all receipts in order, establishing clear company credit card policies, and maintaining compliance with California Financial Code Section 17210.
Subscribe to Debits & Credits for expert insights on accounting, taxes, escrow, and business finance from Haas & Dawe, An Accountancy Corporation.
#CompanyCreditCards #BusinessFinance #ExpenseManagement #InternalControls #EscrowCompany #TitleCompany #CPA #AccountingTips #BusinessCompliance #FinancialManagement #DebitsAndCredits

Hiring the right type of worker is an important decision for any business. In this episode of Debits & Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA, explains the key differences between 1099 independent contractors and W-2 employees, and why proper worker classification matters.
 
Learn how each classification affects taxes, payroll, workers' compensation, benefits, and IRS compliance. Misclassifying workers can lead to costly penalties, so understanding the rules can help protect your business and keep you compliant.
Subscribe to Debits & Credits for practical insights on accounting, taxes, escrow, and business finance from Haas & Dawe, An Accountancy Corporation.
#1099 #W2 #IndependentContractor #SmallBusiness #Payroll #BusinessTaxes #IRS #WorkerClassification #Accounting #CPA  #DebitsAndCredits

Understanding where your money is going is essential to running a profitable escrow or title company.
In this episode of Debits & Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA, explains how escrow and title companies can analyze their operating expenses, identify unnecessary costs, and better understand what is affecting the bottom line.
The discussion includes common business expenses such as payroll, occupancy costs, insurance, technology, professional services, and other overhead expenses. Michael also shares why reviewing expenses regularly can help business owners improve budgeting, control costs, and make more informed financial decisions.
Subscribe to Debits & Credits for more practical accounting, tax, escrow, and business financial guidance from Haas & Dawe, An Accountancy Corporation.
#EscrowCompany #TitleCompany #BusinessExpenses #ExpenseManagement #AccountingTips #EscrowAccounting #TitleIndustry #BusinessFinance #CostControl #Profitability #CPAAdvice #DebitsAndCredits

In this episode of Debits and Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA discusses the importance of internal audits and how they help escrow companies maintain accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Michael explains how regular internal reviews can identify errors, improve operational processes, and provide valuable training opportunities for escrow officers and staff. He also shares best practices for maintaining high standards of quality, protecting client funds, and preparing for regulatory examinations.
#InternalAudit #Escrow #Compliance #RiskManagement #InternalControls #QualityAssurance #EscrowIndustry  #CPA #BusinessOperations #RegulatoryCompliance #DebitsAndCreditsPodcast
 

In this episode of Debits and Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA explores the current real estate economic forecast and the key trends shaping today's housing market. From interest rates and inflation to inventory levels, lending conditions, and market activity, Michael discusses the economic factors influencing buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals.
#haasanddawe #realestate #escrow #housingmarket #CPA

In this episode of Debits and Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA walks through the key steps to starting your own escrow company. From business formation and licensing requirements to obtaining an EIN, securing a surety bond, fidelity coverage, Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, and meeting California regulatory requirements, Michael provides a practical roadmap for launching an independent escrow business.
Whether you're considering opening an escrow company or simply want to understand what's involved, this episode offers valuable insight into the planning, compliance, and financial safeguards needed to get started.
#haasanddawe #Escrow #EscrowBusiness #DFPI #SuretyBond #EAFC #EOInsurance  #CaliforniaEscrow #CPA #EscrowIndustry #DebitsAndCreditsPodcast

In this episode of Debits and Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA discusses how escrow companies can effectively work with outside regulators and why preparation is essential for maintaining compliance. Michael explains the roles of agencies such as the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Department of Real Estate (DRE), and the California Department of Insurance (CDI), and shares how trusted advisors can help companies navigate audits, examinations, and regulatory inquiries.
From record keeping and compliance procedures to responding to requests from regulators, this episode provides practical guidance for escrow professionals seeking to build confidence and maintain strong relationships with oversight agencies.
​#HaasandDawe #DFPI #DRE #DepartmentOfInsurance #Compliance #RegulatoryAudit #Escrow ​#CPA #DebitsAndCreditsPodcast #FinancialRegulation #ConsumerProtection​
 

In this episode of Debits and Credits, Michael C. Haas, CPA takes an in-depth look at DFPI Regulatory Audits and what licensed California escrow companies should expect during a regulatory examination.
Michael discusses the role of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), audit procedures, trust account reconciliation requirements under CCR § 1732.2, and financial responsibility standards under California Financial Code § 17210. He also explains how proper recordkeeping, internal controls, and compliance with state regulations help escrow companies successfully navigate audits and protect client funds.
Whether you're an escrow officer, manager, owner, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insight into maintaining compliance and preparing for a DFPI examination.
#DFPI #RegulatoryAudits #Escrow #CaliforniaEscrow #Compliance #TrustAccounting  #EscrowIndustry #CPA #InternalControls #DebitsAndCreditsPodcast