Ernst & Young Monthly News September 2008
Events
September 2008
(HTML, German)
September 8/9, 2008; Lausanne
Based on the latest developments in legislation, court practice, literature and administrative policy, this seminar focuses in depth on the main problems
regarding taxation of private investments, namely investments in securities, real estate and in the context of retirement.
(HTML, German)
September 8–10, 2008; Ermatingen
September 10–12, 2008; Ermatingen
The seminars organized by the KGP (Konferenz der Geschäftsführer von Personalvorsorgeeinrichtungen) primarily target members of ASIP (Schweizerische
Pensionskassenverband) whose fields of activity are directly related to occupational pensions. We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that
these seminars benefit greatly from the experiences shared among their participants. Alongside the opportunity to update your specialist knowledge,
therefore, great importance is placed on the group discussions. Exchanging practical suggestions for solving upcoming challenges in occupational pensions
therefore requires a certain level of familiarity with the subject. We would ask you to bear this in mind when registering for these seminars.
(HTML, German)
September 9, 2008; Zurich
Topic: VAT in the financial sector
(HTML, German, French)
September 9, 2008; Zurich
This one-day workshop is particularly aimed at beginners in the field of Global Investment Performance Standards
(GIPS) for banks and asset managers. Introductory presentations by proven experts, together with practical exercises
with case studies will provide the participants with the necessary basics in the core areas of GIPS standards in a
concise format.
(HTML, French)
September 9, 2008; Lausanne
Human Resources assumes the dual roles of collector and forwarder of information from and to shareholders. Ideally located at the intersection between
company departments, HR has an enormous amount of information at its disposal in relation to the strength of corporate culture, employee motivation
and skill set reserves.
(HTML, French)
September 10, 2008; Lugano (in Italian)
Topic: VAT and public institutions
(PDF, German, 490 kB)
September 12, 2008; Zurich
The existential importance of effective risk management for companies is in the spotlight again, this time because of the
credit crisis. In addition, new statutory provisions in Switzerland require, as of this year, that the notes to annual
financial statements of public limited companies contain a report on risk assessment. The following topics will be discussed:
- What are the minimum risk assessment and risk management requirements with which all Swiss companies must comply?
- What issues require particular attention when managing certain risk categories such as financial or tax risks?
- How can risk management be effectively implemented in companies?
(HTML, French)
September 15–19, 2008; Leysin
The seminars will provide an insight into the following topics:
- Overview of labor laws
- Subjects related to current developments in pensions, investments and accounting
- Case law of the Federal Supreme Court
(HTML, French)
September 16, 2008; Geneva
VAT in the financial sector
(HTML, German)
September 16, 2008; Wiesbaden
Information event entitled "Business Opportunities in Switzerland" conducted by LOCATION Switzerland – Zurich with specialists from the Ernst & Young Germany/Switzerland
Competence Center.
(HTML, German)
September 17–19, 2008; Zurich
In-depth discussion on all audit-related topics, including limited and regular audits, auditing standards, ICS, audit
planning, conducting audits, documentation, reporting, statements on excess debt, etc.
(PDF, French, 307 kB)
September 18, 2008; Geneva
The current financial crisis has yet again demonstrated the importance of liquidity to the functioning of financial
markets and the banking system. It has shown how rapidly liquidity can evaporate and, above all, for how long its absence
can persist. We will be looking not only at the regulatory aspect of liquidity risk management, but also at the steps
that have to be taken to set it up properly: identification, suitable measures and relevant indicators, the analysis
of various probable scenarios and backtesting. We have identified the questions that risk managers and management in
general have to ask themselves in this new situation.
(HTML, German)
September 23, 2008; Zurich
Main topics:
- Current economic developments
- Asset liability management – investment strategy
- Several firsthand reports from important providers and responsible companies
- Risk assessment and pension security
- Pension fund governance
- Association and federal perspective
(HTML, German)
September 23, 2008; Zurich
The rising standards for financial reporting present a big challenge for publicly-traded companies. On the agenda are the
most important developments in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): business combinations, pension accounting
and financial instruments disclosures.
(HTML, German)
September 23, 2008; Zurich
Presentations and panel discussion. Participants will receive detailed seminar documentation on the day of the seminar itself.
(HTML, German)
September 24, 2008; Berne
Topic: VAT in real estate/construction
(HTML, French)
September 24, 2008; Lausanne
VAT in Europe, import/export
(HTML, German)
September 25, 2008; Berne
Topic: VAT and services
(HTML, French)
September 29 until October 3, 2008; Leysin
The seminars will provide an insight into the following topics:
- Overview of labor laws
- Subjects related to current developments in pensions, investments and accounting
- Case law of the Federal Supreme Court
(HTML, French)
September 30, 2008; Geneva
VAT in national and international corporate groups
October 2008
(HTML, German)
October 2, 2008; Zurich
Information on planned amendments to the Code of Obligations.
(HTML, French)
October 2, 2008; Prangins
The seminar will deal with various problems relating to the expatriation of employees.
(HTML, German)
October 8, 2008; Zurich
Topic: VAT in the EU/import/export part II including Customs
(HTML, German)
October 21/22, 2008; Pfäffikon SZ
By attending the refresher course you will have all the latest information and will receive practical instruction about the most important changes
to revised publications.
(HTML, German)
October 21–24, 2008; Zurich
The language of the company is the figures relating to financial and operational accounting. With increasing responsibility
for the performance of independent business areas or whole units of companies, it is becoming more and more important for
managers to recognize the financial and operational interconnections and to understand this language.
(HTML, German)
October 22, 2008; Zurich
This seminar is geared toward auditors, appraisal experts, and accounting and controlling officers of real estate companies or
companies with real estate investments. The topics discussed will include:
- Overview of the status of IFRS at European real estate companies
- Developments in IFRS and Swiss GAAP ARR accounting; particular focus on the changes to IFRS due to be introduced on
January 1, 2009
- Real estate valuation methods according to IFRS and Swiss GAAP ARR
- New developments in the way real estate and real estate companies are taxed (current and deferred taxes)
- International acquisition structures
(HTML, German)
October 28, 2008; Berlin
Information event entitled "Business Opportunities in Switzerland" conducted by LOCATION Switzerland – Zurich with specialists from the Ernst & Young Germany/Switzerland
Competence Center.
(HTML, German)
October 29–31, 2008; Zurich
The majority of companies listed on the Swiss stock exchange currently use International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Since January 1, 2005,
all companies listed on an EU exchange have been obliged to draw up their balance sheets in accordance with IFRS. However, even mid-sized companies who are
not listed on any stock exchange but are looking for investors, require credit or work with international corporate groups are coming under pressure to change
over to IFRS.
(HTML, English)
October 31, 2008; Zurich
The valuation of a business or certain assets thereof is a core competency of all Corporate Finance Departments or Business
Development Divisions. This conference covers the procedures and methodologies used in the valuation of companies. The
application of illustrative examples throughout this seminar will further deepen your knowledge in valuing a business.
(HTML, German)
October 31, 2008; Zurich
Current topics in auditing – presented by renowned audit experts.
November 2008
(HTML, German)
November 4, 2008; Zurich
VPS Impulses is a series of seminars organized by the VPS Verlag. These events always take place at the beginning of November. They focus on current
issues and questions posed by practitioners and provide ideas for implementation. Run by the VPS Verlag, the “VPS Impulses” series of seminars is
designed to support understanding of individual responsibility for occupational pensions. This seminar is aimed at pension fund managers, auditors,
pension fund experts, actuaries and all other individuals who support trustees and heads of pension funds in the execution of their management
responsibilities.
(HTML, German)
November 12, 2008; Zurich
The ZKB Training Cycle for Pension Funds includes a basic seminar, a more in-depth seminar, and a practical seminar. The modular
structure of our courses enables you to select the elements relevant to you from all our training schemes and to find the best way of
structuring your own training program.
(HTML, French)
November 12, 2008; Lugano (in Italian)
VAT and services
(HTML, German)
November 13/14, 2008; Lucerne
By attending the refresher course you will have all the latest information and will receive practical instruction about the most important changes to
revised publications.
(HTML, English)
November 14, 2008; Zurich
IFRS and US GAAP rules increasing require that fair market values be ascertained using recognized valuation methods. Topics
of the seminar are the procedure and valuation methods used to carry out purchase price allocation. In addition, a focus will
be a discussion of reforms under the revised IFRS 3. The most important elements of impairment testing will also be discussed.
(HTML, German)
November 18/19, 2008; Pfäffikon SZ
Tax havens have come under heavy fire from critics and are under pressure due to the tax structuring opportunities they offer. At this seminar you can
find out about the latest developments regarding global tax havens and learn the correct and sensible way to set up and use offshore structures.
(HTML, German)
November 20, 2008; Zurich
This seminar aims to use practical issues and current topics from the auditing and advisory field in relation to occupational pension
schemes as means of deepening the knowledge of those who audit them and to enable us to establish a common position on major accounting,
auditing and reporting issues. The topics will be addressed in presentations and discussions, with reference to current practice.
(PDF, German, 195 kB)
November 27, 2008; Zurich
The seminar will provide an overview of the theoretical reforms relating to audits that will come about for the practice
of regular audits as a result of the implementation of the new legislation on audits.
(HTML, French)
November 27, 2008; Geneva
VAT and Customs (training in English)
(HTML, German)
November 27, 2008; Munich
Information event entitled "Business Opportunities in Switzerland" conducted by LOCATION Switzerland – Zurich with specialists from the Ernst & Young Germany/Switzerland
Competence Center.
(HTML, English)
November 28, 2008; Basle
The valuation of a business or certain assets thereof is a core competency of all Corporate Finance Departments or Business
Development Divisions. This conference covers the procedures and methodologies used in the valuation of companies. The
application of illustrative examples throughout this seminar will further deepen your knowledge in valuing a business.
December 2008
(PDF, German, 195 kB)
December 4, 2008; Zurich
When it comes into force, the new legislation on audits will affect the practise of regular audits; this seminar will
provide an overview of the ways in which it reforms audit theory.
2009
(HTML, German)
January 6/7 and 8/9, 2009; Lucerne
Rekrutierungscamp für Studentinnen und Studenten, die einen optimalen Berufseinstieg in die Wirtschaftsprüfung suchen.
(HTML, German)
March 3/4, 2009; Pfäffikon SZ
The dynamic nature of the markets and tax burdens mean that company structures need to be optimized and adjusted on a continual basis. Holding companies
currently offer the greatest flexibility for efficient corporate structuring, particularly for companies that operate at an international level. Holding
structures are suited both to large and mid-sized organizations.
(HTML, English)
March 13, 2009; Geneva
The valuation of a business or certain assets thereof is a core competency of all Corporate Finance Departments or Business
Development Divisions. This conference covers the procedures and methodologies used in the valuation of companies. The
application of illustrative examples throughout this seminar will further deepen your knowledge in valuing a business.
(HTML, English)
March 27, 2009; Zurich
The focus of the seminar will be on special issues relating to valuation. Practical real-life examples will be used to help
eliminate weak areas in valuation and to show any potential room for interpretation.
(HTML, English)
April 17, 2009; Zurich
How can financial and simulation models be structured so as to be clear, concise, and able to best support any business decisions?
During this day-long course, an integrated case study from the corporate valuation area will be used to provide the methodical
basics which are highly useful for structuring and reviewing financial models.