Billings Books

A very good book that covers most of the power converter architectures. An excellent addition to your personal library.

The book is so clearly written you can open it practically anywhere and read just the items of interest.

Concepts are supported by properly simplified schematics.

All the math needed for your own designs is shown and explained, but in such a way, that if you do not need the math right now, you can skip it.

Half the reason I bought this book was to learn to build switching power supplies, the other half was to learn analog design in general. The book is excellent for both purposes.

I recently graduated from Virginia Tech (undergrad), and I had only two classes that focused on power supply design/analysis. As an extension to what I learned in those classes (basics about buck/boost/flyback design and fabrication), this book is fantastic.

The book assumes you have a basic knowledge of EE principles, but nearly everything is explained in great detail. Topologies are examined one by one, and the author includes ALL of the derivations that lead to his design equations, which leaves very little room for misunderstanding. Each section contains pros/cons to using that particular topology, how to remedy common problems, and even talks a little about component selection (although since this book is years old, there are probably better components out there).

I haven't spent much time looking at the magnetics design section; however, it seems as though it would be useful. The chapter on loop compensation is excellent as well, offering a complete refresher of control theory and the design/analysis/use of Type 2 and 3 controllers. As I said before, the author assumes you're starting with very minimal knowledge of power supplies, so every equation and assumption is clearly justified in writing.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this text to anyone who is interested in power supply design or has to gain a quick understanding of something in the workplace since it not only includes the "quick and easy" design equations but also how to get there if you really care to know.

If you're an avid electronics enthusiast, you've more than likely had to build some power supplies. The days of building simple linear supplies are over. If you need various voltages that are carefully controlled and/or just want to build efficient supplies, you need to build a switchmode power supply. This handbook will take you through the major topologies, explaining them all in detail, along with the necessary math to choose the proper components, and the theory of how it's done - and how to choose the proper topology in the first place. The book is well-written and stuffed full of very useful information. Power Factor Correction is also covered, with examples, chips, and theory to build PFC circuits, along with transformer design and theory as well. This book is a great book to buy with "Switchmode Power Supply Handbook", by Keith Billings. Keith's book presents additional information and transformer design mock-ups, along with additional ways to calculate and pick components. Used together, you have the information you need to build a working switching supply with a minimum of hassle. Of course, this assumes that you're already famaliar with electronics and magnetism, and have a good working knowledge of algebra and basic trig. These books are not meant for beginners by any means. I am one happy customer to have found such a good reference for an art that seems to only be known by a few anymore, and other reference materials do not even begin to go into the depth that this book does.
The only shortcoming is that Pulse Width Modulation power supply chips are not covered much, but this book cannot be expected to keep up with the latest PWM chips used in switchmode supplies. This problem is easily resolved by going to National Semiconductor's website and getting current datasheets on PWM chips for standalone, voltage-controlled or current-mode designs, of which they have many. Motorola also has reference materials available on PWM offerings that they carry.

Although a good primer on the basic switching topologies, with an excellent chapter on inductor and transformer design, I couldn't help but feel that this book is more than a little outdated (which it is, at nine years old). There was no mention of synchronous or polyphase switchers, inductorless converters, charge pumps, high-frequency designs...and the section on MOSFETs left out what I feel was a great deal of information about paralleling and load sharing. Many of Linear Technology's app notes go above and beyond the material presented in this book...and they're free.

I am a Civil War reenactor, and this book has been an excellent source of ideas for first person scenarios and ideas for living history. It is an insightful, unique record of the soldier's life for living historians or students of history. I would highly recommend this engaging book.

This is the best book on the life of the Civil War soldier. The other reviews attest to this, so here is something different.
Charles W. Reed, the illustrator, was ALSO a Civil War veteran.
He served in the Ninth Massachusetts Battery and won the Medal of Honor at Gettysburg for saving his commanding officer, Captain
John Bigelow, who had been seriously wounded in the fight at the
Trostle Farm on 2 July 1863.
My favorite chapter was the one on the army mule.
Buy, read & enjoy this book!

Hardtack and Coffee provides an excellent picture of Army life in the mid-nineteenth century. The sketches illustrate the text superbly. This is a useful handbook for students and teachers as well as an intriguing introduction to the Civil War.

This engaging book fills the void that other Civil War histories leave, and that is an understanding of the everyday experiences of the foot soldier. "Hardtack and Coffee or the Unwritten Story of Army Life" by John D. Billings is an exhaustive and fascinating look back at the flesh, bones, and blood of those lines and arrows on the maps of Civil War battle strategies.

The book is filled with anecdotes, observations, and songs arising from the era. (I very much appreciated the introduction which details the election of 1860 and started the whole terrible tragedy that ensued over the next half decade.) The generous amount of illustration truly helps evoke the period. "Hardtack and Coffee" is a perfect companion to Bell Irvin Wiley's "Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union" and "The Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacy". And it is a perfect part of anyone's Civil War/American History library.

Rocco Dormarunno, author of THE FIVE POINTS

I'm one of those men with the "Civil War Itch" who can't get enough reading, can't get enough time on the battlefields. This book is hands-down one of my favorites in my extensive collection, re-read several times and dog-eared. It's something I always put in my bag for air-travel reading, because you can pick it up and put it down when you need to...the author and the illustrator both were participants in the Conflict, so you know it's accurate. The content is educational but not stuffy, since it was written to explain to soldiers' families what exactly Union Army life was like...and the humor still carries through to this day. After you've read the historical studies or walked a battlefield, THIS is the book you want to read to put yourself in the shoes of the everyday soldier--and it's easy to do with the author's skills. For me, the best chuckles are the chapters "Jonahs and Beats", and "The Army Mule". A must-read for those wanting more than just a general's biography or an order of battle.

This is the best book available on making diversity work!

Dr. Michael Beitler
Author of "Strategic Organizational Change"

Each chapter begins with a question: "What is diversity in the workplace?", "How do I begin to improve my understanding of people different from me?", "In today's environment of political correctness, it's too difficult to know what to do. Isn't it easier just to treat everybody the same?" After every heartened answer, she ends the chapter with practical tips.

I recommend this to everyone migrating or moving into North America.

I just read The Diversity Advantage. It was packed full of great ideas and easy to read. In a short time I gained useful knowledge and ideas for diversity training activities.

A short and concise guide to learning about the diversity that makes the United States the richest country in the world in more ways than monetarily. The excercises help to learn about diversity. Enjoyed the chance to read it.

This book represents a conversational approach to sharing critical information. Common sense steps to digging into our head regarding the value of tolerance and inclusiveness. I had the feeling of "being there" in a true teaching session. The analogy of The Wizard of OZ was delightful. The exercises are thought out and well organized. Thank you for providing steps on "how to make a difference"!

This book seemed a bit pricey for a paperback until I saw the sample pages on their web site. If you're interested, I recommend you check it out.(...)

It shows sample pages from this book and the activity sheets that they sell to go with it. Really great illustrations and fun borders. My kids dove right into it, and it made them feel extra smart because even the little one could read it quickly... which he did over and over again.

The activity sheets are a real bargin. There are tons of games, and things to keep kids busy in the summer. This isn't like those give-away booklets at restaurants. These activity pages are really well done (better than anything my 1st grader has brought home from school)! And there are somthing like 45 pages of things for kids to do. I copied the sheets so both of my sons can do the projects.

Both the book and activity pages are well worth the money. I'm really glad I got these for my kids.

Great pen and ink-style drawings that remind me of the books I loved when I was younger - Mulligan's Steam Shovel, Make Way for Ducklings, etc. Writing is for very young children - story is actually a song, but also great for reading out loud. The repetitive verses have been helpful for my five year old who is learning to read - he's been recognizing some of the words as we read.

Only complaint? This book would be great for little hands in a hardcover version, however, as my youngest son already gave the front cover a good rip.

This book is truly a treasure - a gem among the new tradition of children's books that look at all different types of families. I ordered this book based upon the reviews of other parents who bought it for their families, and I was even more thrilled with it then expected!

The book is for very young children, I'd say ages 6 and under, and gives kids a simple explanation and basic understanding of why we have work to do, but that we all have time for fun as well. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!!

I found it SO easy to teach my 2.5 and 4 year old the days of the week with this book. There is a little song that goes with it, and the kids love it.

I am a single mother, and I love that this book shows all different kinds of family units, not just 2 parents and 2.5 kids. It shows mothers working, and playing with the kids, as well as fathers and grandparents. In this day and age, it is a delight to see a book address the modern, as well as traditional family. Work-A-Day Week also shows people of different races.

It is beautifully illustrated, and has really cool borders. My kids and I went through naming all the cool pictures related to the different jobs. Great for vocabulary building.

I also recommend the Work-A-Day Week activity sheets. There are about 50 pages of games, paper dolls, projects, mobiles. We just got started on it, but the kids want to do it every day. They even printed these pages in black and white on single sheets, so they are easy to copy and use over and over. They kids can color and cut the copies out, so ... oh, I guess I should write this review for that book.

Buy them both! You won't regret it, if you have kids under the age of 8.

I just wrote a longer review under the matching activity book for Work-A-Day Week, but just wanted to write and say how wonderful this book has been for my children and I. I was a stay-at-home mom for eight years, and returned to work this fall. My three childre, ages 3,5, and 8 were having a tough time with the change... but this book helped to explain to them that all parents, grandparents, and even kids have work that they must do... but that there's also time for fun.

My kids love this book - the 5 year old is already reading parts of it, due in part to the poetic and repetitive nature of the story. The illustrated borders on each page are stunning - my kids like to all look for things hidden in the borders together. My 3 year-old wants to read it every night before bed - and this book is so refreshing that I actually don't mind!

I highly recomment purchasing this book, and the matching activity pages. I purchased an activity set for each of my children!

This is an outstanding thriller about a young, out-of-work executive who loses his wife to cancer. He goes to Oregon to live and work with his inlaws, only to find out that a serial killer has victimized the town for 18 years. In this complex and weirdly scary story, our hero must uncover the killer in order to clear himself of a recent murder. This is a great story, full of texture and local color

After promising his late wife's charge not to involve their two children with her pernicious family in Oregon, irrevocable events herd Peter Cochran and his family in New York right smack into the web of his in-law's aesthetically deceptive lair! One would yell, phone, or E-mail "DON'T GO!", but contemplating intervention only affirms Andrew Billings literary excellence!

I liked this one a lot. The hero must not only find a serial killer, but also keep the parents of his dead wife from wooing his two kids away from him. The scary thing is that something like this could really happen

This is a excellent psychothriller. When Pete Cochran decides to move his family to the small mining town of Buckthorn,Oregon. Cochran will soon regret it. The town has been terrorized for almost two decades by a sadistic serial killer who has been targeting the young men in town.This novel has great plot twists,terror, and a truly chilling surprise ending.If you like psychological thrillers with some nasty twists, violent shocking conclusion you will enjoy this shocker.

Tainted Blood has all the elements of a first-rate thiller and then some. When Pete Cochran's wife dies, he and his two children move to Buckthorn, Oregon to live with his in-laws. Something his wife made him promise not to do. What Pete does not know is that for the past eighteen years, Buckthorn has been troubled by the brutal slaying of young men. With his over zealous in-laws, a nephew who is diagnosed as the "stuff made of monsters," and a lover that looks remarkably like his wife, Pete has to leave town before becoming the killer's next victim. Tainted Blood is one heart pounding, in-your-face of a thriller. Just when you think you've figured out what happens next, the unexpected happens.

I thought that this book was very interesting. I never knew the special kinship that twins have and this book brought it all to light. I now look at twins differently, also it gave me a new awareness of siblings and sibling rivalry. I really did enjoy this book, I had not read anything by Kendra Norman-Bellamy or Maxine Billings previously but now I am looking for some more of their works to read and enjoy. I was already familiar with Linda Hudson-Smith and she held true to her style of writing. Congratulations to all three authors for a work well done.

Kendra has done it again! I am consistently amazed at how "complete" Kendra's stories are; reaching so far beyond the surface every single time. I love her stories and the way that she ministers through them. Kendra has a way of telling you a good story and in the midst of it, she gives you something solid to walk away with. It is clear that this talented author is also a talented minister - because that what her stories do, minister to you! Wow what an awesome gift.

The stories in this novel were very emotional and inspirational! Great read for all!

My book club members are big fans of Kendra Norman Bellamy so we took a cue from "Three Fifty-Seven A.M." and determined that any book that she was a part of, whether she was the sole writer or not, would be worth the read. We were not disappointed with "Thicker Than Water." Perhaps we are bias, but all of our favorite story in the anthology was "A Gracious Thanksgiving," which was the story that Kendra wrote. But each of us enjoyed all of the stories represented in this book. There are few bonds that are stronger than that of siblings and when they are twins, that just makes it more secure. These three stories deal in the lives of twins who are facing issues that can make or break them for life. All of the stories offered a different message and that was what made this book so thoroughly entertaining. We highly recommend it.

Sheila Givens
Two Tons O'Fun Book Club
"Big Girls Just Do It Better"

Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Tsunamis. The tragic events of September 11, 2001. These are all disasters, natural and man-made, that have devastated our country, our nation, our families, and our lives the past few years. It's at times like these that the importance of family becomes even more profound.

In the newly released anthology THICKER THAN WATER, authors Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Maxine Billings and Linda Hudson Smith introduce us to three sets of twins who are facing some personal trials that could affect the rest of their lives. Even though their issues aren't of the magnitude of the disasters mentioned above, their issues force them to confront past demons and put them to rest, which in turn make them realize the importance of forgiveness and the importance of family.

I really enjoyed this anthology. Each story was heartfelt and dealt with issues that were real, and ones that we may have personally faced at one time or another, or know someone who has. If you're looking for a heartwarming read this holiday season, be sure and pick up a copy of THICKER THAN WATER. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
TRR Guest Reviewer

I'm a massage therapist and used part of this book to study for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). This book is really helpful for showing you how to take a client history. This book is needed because it shows you the legalities and proper way to run a massage business. Documenation protects you in cases of audits and also is a source for assessing the client's progress and contraindications. I also studied the following for the National Certification Exam:
The Ultimate Study Guide for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Key Review Questions and Answers (Volume 1), (Volume 2), and (Volume 3)
(Author: Patrick Leonardi)
The last 3 books helped me to prepare for the type of questions encountered on the national certification examination. I highly recommend all 4 books. I passed the first time with the help of these books

Very thoroughly explains why to document manual therapies, professionalism, and how to document effectively. Diana Thompson has lots of experience and know-how to share!

I've watched this book evolve over a number of versions. Each one gets better and better. Yes, at times Dianna Thompson appears obsessive but on the other hand, that's what makes it great. Recently I was asked to write a detailed case summary that will be used as evidence in a lawsuit for a client I saw over a year ago. My SOAP notes are what saved the day for me. Thanks Diana. This book is essential for anyone working in a therapeutic environment.

Her first edition of "Hands Heal" was a collection of forms used for charting massage therapy sessions. When I saw the new book on the shelf being three times as thick as the first I thought "Oh my what more can be done with charting!" I now understand her obsession with charting. It is not just charting your sessions, but learning to communicate what you do, so the medical community and the public will begin to understand massage therapy as a healing modality. Communication starts with the therapeutic relationship with the client. Healing begins when the client becomes involved in the process. Then you can pass the information along to all parties involved - the lawyers, the doctors, whoever. If you document every treatment, you will be able to find out what is working and what is not with each individual. Documentation can assist you in builing your practice and support the massage profession as a whole. I particularly liked the section on ethics as she supports the idea of peer groups, mentoring and supervision as a means of development for the practitioner. I believe the future of the profession lies in those areas.
If you are a massage therapist in any state, this will guide you to a successful practice whether you are involved in billing insurance companies or not.

The Hill is a true story of two men whose fates were laid out to be very different, and how their paths crossed during a confusing and brutal time in their village.

As history and war stories go, this is an easy to read, simply told, very personal story that highlights the World War II experiences of these men in a way that puts you there. Getting to know each of the characters and their own personal travails makes the ensuing violence and cruelty more shocking.

This book, written in plain language that could have been lifted from the pages of a news magazine, is powerful simply because of its simplicity. Taking turns showing perspectives of various characters with very different lives, gives the story its strength.

The two main characters were in very different stations in life, and because of the mandate to kill all Jews, one lives and one dies. The older family man who is the highly educated, compassionate doctor of the town, is also a Jew. The town lets him live even as they follow Nazi orders to eliminate Jews all the way down to the last Jewish family, that of the doctor. But by the end of the story, the majority rules, and the last "Yid" must go.

The story opens from the eyes of a child who had heard and seen how the war affected his town, from the disappointment of the wealthy whose lives have been disrupted to the horrific stories of the ghosts of the Jews recently murdered in the woods. It is apparent that the lives and psyches of every character is changed.

This book is translated from the original Lithuanian version, and clearly has been done so as simply and plainly as possible. In that, lies its ability to offer something profound about the human condition for all.

Antanas Jonynas's "The Hill" may be a quick read and few in pages, but it is far from insignificant. This account, which describes true events, follows shepherd boy Joe Martinkus as he experiences life on a farm after the German takeover of Lithuania. After a serious accident, he is aided by the only Jewish male still alive in town, Dr. Schmidt. The story shifts from Joe's perspective to describe Dr. Schmidt's psychological state leading up to his inevitable end at the hands of his own neighbors.

Jonynas draws the reader into the story through vivid description, creating multidimensional, intriguing characters and images of rural simplicity. Many characters enter this 92-page story, but after initial introductions, it is not difficult for the reader to remember each character. Especially notable is mysterious and strong farmhand Alex Girnius, who responds to Joe Martinkus's accident with surprising expediency and leadership.

"The Hill" tells a unique and atypical story of World War II, the sort of anecdote that could be passed over in history in favor of gruesome descriptions of concentration camps and Nazi cruelty. The story is not without its share of cruelty, but it is described in a realistic and frank way, not meant to purposely shock or manipulate the reader. Emotion and messages are not lost in translation in this book; a reader might even assume that the story was written in English originally.

The story also distinguishes itself by focusing on a little-mentioned country, Lithuania. The preface brings the country's suffering during the war to light: "94 percent of the Lithuanian Jews (222,000 individuals) were murdered, the highest percentage for any Nazi-occupied country in Europe."

This seemingly simple but multifaceted work is all the more remarkable when the reader remembers that this is a true story. Through realistic storytelling, the reader is left with a compelling, moving, and affecting account of this horrendous period in history.

I found this short book difficult to put down. What appears to be a simple story about two people during the German occupation of Lithuania, reveals itself to be a complex statement about courage and bravery in the face of adversity. These themes are elegantly presented in a style that is accessible to both young and mature readers.

The story begins with little Joe Martinkus, a young shepherd, whose interest in the surrounding war is only observational. Dr. Schmidt enters the story midway, but has a tremendous impact on Martinkus. When Joe seriously injures himself, he requires immediate medical attention, and the only doctor available to him is Dr. Schmidt. Two other characters, Nakutis and Meldutis, are also interested in Dr. Schmidt. They believe that their problems will be solved when the Jews are removed from their village once and for all. Dr. Schmidt, a Jew and the only doctor in the small town, is the last remaining target in their community, and they are determined to end their troubles.

It can often be difficult to translate a story from one language to another without losing the emotions that made the original story so compelling. This story has been translated from its original language forty years after the original publication, but it is still just as effective today as it was at the time of publication. The story itself is both stirring and disturbing, and the themes explored in the novel are universal to the human condition.

This story is not a typical war story. Unlike other books in the genre, it is not graphically violent. There are no flashy battles or rallying troops. Instead, the actions are more subtle, which renders them more effective. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction and true stories about everyday heroes.

Now at long last, "The Hill" is available in English and Jonynas' story is just as shocking now as it was when it was first published. The translation is smooth and the story runs just as fluently as the original Lithuanian version. Lirov perfectly captures the tone and style of Jonynas' book and words it in a way that is easy for English speaking readers to relate to. Because of Lirov's fantastic translation, readers can be sure that they are getting the story as it was meant to be told.

"The Hill" is a true story that takes place during World War II at a time when the Holocaust was at its worst. All of the Jewish citizens in the town have been killed except for Dr. Schmidt and his family. Though nobody is happy about having a Jewish physician, they realize that they have to let him live because the town and adjacent villages cannot survive without a doctor.

This becomes especially apparent when young Joe is fatally injured from an explosion. Even though he is in dire need of medical help, there is still some controversy as to whether or not it would be permissible for a Jewish man to treat him. As Jonynas eloquently explains, "The new rules were strict and made no sense. You could not sell medications to a Jew, and you could not treat a Jew, but you could probably call a Jewish doctor for help." Under that line of thinking, Dr. Schmidt is called and he manages to save Joe's life. Unfortunately, Dr. Schmidt will not find a savior of his own. Shortly after he saves Joe, Dr. Schmidt and his entire family are killed by the Lithuanian residents and his neighbors - all because of their Jewish heritage.

While the story of Joe and Dr. Schmidt is not completely unheard of due to the violence of that era, the way that this story came about is extremely unique. Unlike most Holocaust survivor stories, this one is not told by Jews because there were none left to tell the tale. The bulk of this story is told by Lithuanian Joe. For the events that Joe was not privy to, Jonynas had to locate other participants and witnesses to put the whole story together. His literary talent jumps off the pages while you read his portrayal of how the doctor felt when all of his friends and relatives were murdered before his eyes.

Though this book focuses on an extremely violent event and era, it is written in a manner that will make it as addictive for children as it is for adults. Consider this book as a history lesson that every person should learn no matter what their age. Whether you are 10 or 100, you will still be able to appreciate this story and the devastating time that it represents.

I have read a lot of books that chronicle events of the Holocaust and I can honestly say that this is one of the best books on the subject. Between Jonynas' enthralling storytelling, Lirov's perfect translation, and the heartbreaking story itself, "The Hill" is a phenomenal book. If you are interested in historical fiction, world history, the Holocaust, or the human condition in general, I strongly recommend that you read this book. I promise you won't be sorry.

I wish this book existed during the turbulent 80's and early 90's. Outmoded accounting system's, corporate reorganizations, high employee turnover, pressure to do more, faster with fewer resources. As a Controller, most of my biggest headaches involved the amount of time required to close the books. The original closing schedule was 10 days into the new period. Then it was 8 days. Then 5, then 4 days.

I can't even guess at the time I could have saved had I known the techniques the author demonstrates in Just-In-Time Accounting.

This is not your usual accounting tome, based on statistics and theory. This is real stuff. Built out of scar tissue, experience and real world solutions. They are not necessarily easy solutions but lasting solutions worth the effort to implement.

The content deals with streamlining some basic areas:

Cash - How to speed up the process but still keep control. Some very interesting ideas about corporate credit cards, using your bank and lock boxes to save time and money.

Sales & Accounts Receivable - Some good ideas about redundant approvals, and minimizing paper.

Inventory - With hundreds of physical inventories under my belt I can vouch for the absolutely necessity of doing what the author recommends. This area was one of my great bugaboo's. Nothing affects the balance sheet like an inventory error. This involves bills of material, suppliers, production records, and computer system's. This is a whole world in itself but the problem(s) and solutions are concisely described here. Get your inventory under control and the rest is cake.

Accounts Payable - Good stuff that took me a long time to discover on my own.

Cost Accounting - Mostly about why you need it and how it allows you to spot P&L problems before the month ends. This is one of the critical areas to review since it is necessary for faster closes. Get the major variances identified early in the month instead of wasting time digging it up 4 or 5 weeks after the events occurred. One comment I have is the need for weekly staff meetings to review what happened last week, how will it affect this week and what is being done about it. These meeting will point out problem areas for the controller to preempt delusional variance explanations after monthend.

Payroll - Many good ideas that work. I have used the barcode system's.

The Budget - You probably know about these already but there are some time-saving techniques to minimize constant re-casting and interations.

EDI - I'm not too familiar with this.

The Quick Close - It can be done. This tells you how and I can vouch for the soundness of the concept. I actually set a corporate-wide benchmark of 1-1/2 days using these techniques. In my view that is the real payoff since it is the realization and payoff of all the other hard work. Gives you more time to do yet another iteration of the budget.

Some of the examples apply to huge corporations but most of the principles are universal. I really can't find fault in this book. It tells the controller, in the real world, how to get your system(s) sorted out. I have seen many "instant pudding" or fad of the month cause real damage if it didn't really work. There is no downside to these techniques. This is motherhood and apple pie. You can't go wrong trying.

A great reference on aspects of operational accounting -- easy to read and use format.

This book is the best in the market so far for accounting process improvements. The author did a great job in outlining the traditional and revised accounting procedures. Lots of opportunities available to streamline the work process and enhance the information flow. There are lots of useful flowcharts and tables that you can apply to your company right away.

I wish this book existed during the turbulent 80's and early 90's. Outmoded accounting system's, corporate reorganizations, high employee turnover, pressure to do more, faster with fewer resources. As a Controller, most of my biggest headaches involved the amount of time required to close the books. The original closing schedule was 10 days into the new period. Then it was 8 days. Then 5, then 4 days.

I can't even guess at the time I could have saved had I known the techniques the author demonstrates in Just-In-Time Accounting.

This is not your usual accounting tome, based on statistics and theory. This is real stuff. Built out of scar tissue, experience and real world solutions. They are not necessarily easy solutions but lasting solutions worth the effort to implement.

The content deals with streamlining some basic areas:

Cash - How to speed up the process but still keep control. Some very interesting ideas about corporate credit cards, using your bank and lock boxes to save time and money.

Sales & Accounts Receivable - Some good ideas about redundant approvals, and minimizing paper.

Inventory - With hundreds of physical inventories under my belt I can vouch for the absolutely necessity of doing what the author recommends. This area was one of my great bugaboo's. Nothing affects the balance sheet like an inventory error. This involves bills of material, suppliers, production records, and computer system's. This is a whole world in itself but the problem(s) and solutions are concisely described here. Get your inventory under control and the rest is cake.

Accounts Payable - Good stuff that took me a long time to discover on my own.

Cost Accounting - Mostly about why you need it and how it allows you to spot P&L problems before the month ends. This is one of the critical areas to review since it is necessary for faster closes. Get the major variances identified early in the month instead of wasting time digging it up 4 or 5 weeks after the events occurred. One comment I have is the need for weekly staff meetings to review what happened last week, how will it affect this week and what is being done about it. These meeting will point out problem areas for the controller to preempt delusional variance explanations after monthend.

Payroll - Many good ideas that work. I have used the barcode system's.

The Budget - You probably know about these already but there are some time-saving techniques to minimize constant re-casting and interations.

EDI - I'm not too familiar with this.

The Quick Close - It can be done. This tells you how and I can vouch for the soundness of the concept. I actually set a corporate-wide benchmark of 1-1/2 days using these techniques. In my view that is the real payoff since it is the realization and payoff of all the other hard work. Gives you more time to do yet another iteration of the budget.

Some of the examples apply to huge corporations but most of the principles are universal. I really can't find fault in this book. It tells the controller, in the real world, how to get your system(s) sorted out. I have seen many "instant pudding" or fad of the month cause real damage if it didn't really work. There is no downside to these techniques. This is motherhood and apple pie. You can't go wrong trying

A great book, filled with pertinent information. It is exactly what I need to get started.

Highly Recommend!

Extremely well written and very helpful! It's obvious that Ms. Sinclair knows every aspect of the Medical Billing field. As a beginner, I found this text book to be easily understood with examples of forms, charts and everything needed to be successful.

This author really knows medical billing. The book is full of information!!! It's easy to read, provides the details needed and samples of the forms to be used. Anyone interested in getting into the Medical Billing field should DEFINTELY get this book!!!

I have been filing medical insurance for several years for an employer. This book is just waht i needed to help me do it on my own.