Todd J. Lifson Receives International Financial Reporting Standards Certificate

Online, August 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Todd J. Lifson, a partner in Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP, a Minneapolis-based audit, tax and consulting firm, has received an International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) certificate from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The AICPA IFRS Certificate Program is a comprehensive, integrated curriculum of 25 courses developed by subject matter experts from around the world.

The AICPA has been a leader in helping CPAs and other financial professionals prepare for incorporating IFRS into the US financial reporting system (US GAAP). The IFRS Certificate Program is the AICPA's latest and most comprehensive initiative to date. The program provides skills in international accounting standards necessary in today's global business environment. "The Securities Exchange Commission is continuing its assessment of the decision to incorporate IFRS into the US financial reporting system," says Lifson. "Once the timing of the decision is made, companies affected by the integration of IFRS will need to plan their transition for compliance in a timely manner; hence the AICPA's emphasis on preparing its members to assist right out of the chute."

Lifson is a partner in the Accounting and Auditing Division of Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. He focuses in business consulting for complex audit, tax, merger and acquisition, and litigation support engagements. Lifson has significant experience with privately held mid-market and publicly held (SEC) businesses encompassing a broad range of industries. Lifson joined the firm in May 2001 after 13 years of broad-based client experience with a global public accounting firm.

Lifson's professional affiliations include the AICPA and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA). In addition to being certified in IFRS, Lifson is a Certified Franchise Executive. He is the Chairman of the Phillips Eye Institute Foundation and a past president of an assisted living and nursing home facility. Lifson is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP, is a leading Twin Cities CPA firm providing audit, tax and consulting services to companies and individuals. Founded in 1940, the firm today has 130 employees. The firm ranks among the nation's 100 largest CPA firms (source: Accounting Today). Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company is a founding member of the Leading Edge Alliance, the second largest international association of independent CPA firms with more than 180 firms in 100 countries.