Your PROTECT.GuideandValue,Member-ExclusiveAll-Inclusive,SavingsBenefitstoFICPAPROMOTE. EDUCATE. INNOVATE.
ADVOCACY DAYS
JUSTIN THAMES Director of Governmental Affairs | Justin@ficpa.org
LEARN MORE AT WWW.FICPA.ORG/ADVOCACY MAKE
ADVOCACY UPDATE
successful.FICPAadvocacy impacts all accounting professionals and addresses matters important to public accounting and industry CPAs alike. The benefit of FICPA’s advocacy is realized by all.The FICPA is the only entity advocating on behalf of the CPA license in Florida. Our strong relationships with lawmakers and support from our members makes certain that CPAs count in the legislative and political arenas. YOUR VOICE HEARD
TONY ARGIZ South Florida Managing Partner, BDO
During each Legislative Session, the FICPA works with our CPA Lawmakers to drive legislation that benefits our members. Last year, we saw our hard work rewarded, when our Public Accountancy bill was signed into law, ensuring the state’s Ethics class focused on Florida, improving CPA mobility in our state, and preventing the unintended application of licensure-by-endorsement.
ADVOCACY
Our CPA license is stronger because of FICPA’s advocacy in Tallahassee. Protecting the profession and our industry is a team effort. Doing our part by being a member and staying involved is how we will continue to be
CPA / PAC Donating to the Florida CPA/PAC is the most effective way to ensure you have a voice in the political process. Your donations go directly towards vetting, educating and electing pro-CPA, pro-business candidates who understand the issues affecting our profession.
Our regular Advocacy Updates bring you the latest news from the state capitol and keep you in the know during each Legislative Session. You’ll get an inside look at the legislation most important to CPAs as it moves through the Florida House and Senate. This is the news you need, delivered straight to your inbox.
Powerful Political Presence — Your Voice in Tallahassee
We’re stronger together! As a member of the FICPA, you’ll have up-close, exclusive access to our state’s political leaders during annual events like Virtual Advocacy Day and Hike the Hill.
The FICPA’s Governmental Affairs team works closely with the Board of Accountancy and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to represent the best interests of CPAs in Florida. We track legislation, lobby key lawmakers, and educate our members on the political process.
ANNE MARIE HICKS Controller, CAE USA Inc.
PRO-CPA LEGISLATION
PROTECTING THE CPA LICENSE. PROMOTING THE PROFESSION.
BRING YOUR “A” GAME AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY LEARNING CPAs need to fulfill their credit hours, and we offer myriad ways for our members to stay on the cutting edge of the profession. From in-person events and virtual conferences to personal firm visits and on-demand courses, there’s something for everyone. IN-PERSON EVENTS & SIGNATURE CONFERENCES LEARNING & EVENTS MIA THOMAS Senior Director of Learning | Mia@ficpa.org
The
FICPA is proud to offer you the very best continuing professional education to expand your skill set and energize your career. This is CPE that suits your needs and fits your schedule! FICPA conferences are premier annual events bringing together our community for collaborative learning, networking opportunities and invaluable thoughtKathrynleadership.Horton, President, Kathryn K. Horton Our marquee and industry-specific conferences provide you the CPE and connections you need to reach the next level of your career. Join us at events around the state, including our MEGA Conference, Florida CPA Summit, Health Care Conference, CIRA Conference and more. You’ll hear from nationally renowned thought leaders and rub elbows with some of the most influential CPAs in our state. ONLINE LEARNING Our online webcasts allow you to complete all your CPE on your schedule. Whether you’re at home, the office, or even the coffee shop, you’re always connected to best-in-class CPE. ON-SITE TRAINING We’ll even come to you! The FICPA will craft a custom curriculum that will serve your team’s specific needs and offer in-house CPE right in your office. CPE INCLUDED RoboticFinanceDataCybersecurityAnalyticsERMTransformationInternationalTaxProcessAutomationSingleAuditandmore The Power of the FICPA in the Palm of Your Hand 20+ hours of CPE each year, which pays for membership. Take and easily track the CPE that will drive you to be a better CPA! The 24/7 Learning Library is your anytime, anywhere access to affordablehigh-quality,CPE. integrationSeamless of these courses with SystemsManagementLearning(LMS). FLORIDAGETETHICS - a requirementCPE + P w erPass CPE ON DEMAND + CPE TRACKER Find in the app store
2 FLORIDA CPA TODAY | [ISSUE YEAR] MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND SAVINGS Our FICPA staff is always working to deliver the real-time updates, insightful communications and exclusive benefits that drive up the value of your membership. BENEFITS, PERKS & PUBLICATIONS FLORIDA CPA TODAY Our member-only magazine is the premier print publication for CPAs, accountants and financial professionals in the state. You’ll find recurring columns from FICPA leadership, in-depth technical articles from expert authors, the latest CPAs in the Spotlight, our annual Governmental Affairs Legislative Report, our annual CPE catalog and more! GET A CAREER EDGE - WHAT TO EXPECT Each week, you’ll receive our Member Newsletter, keeping you up to date with all things FICPA, Premier CPE, an in-depth look at all our upcoming courses and conferences, and a plethora of information specific to Florida. You’ll also enjoy access to our FICPA Blog and our completely FREE Knowledge Hub. Finally, you can customize communications based on what is most relevant to you through the Email Preference Center. MEMBER SAVINGS Members have access to exclusive savings from our partnered vendors. Use your membership to save on travel, dining, entertainment, theme park tickets, CPA Exam preparation and more! We’re also proud to offer access to health and other insurance programs, retirement plans and technology services that give you assurance and advantage. LEAH PRITCHETT Director of Marketing and Communications | LeahPritchett@ficpa.org We provide our members with high-quality content that is both timely and valuable. We are here to help steer them toward success. Stay connected to the relevant resources that matter most. Visit FICPA.org to update your email preferences. FOLLOW FICPA ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY TUNED ON THE LATEST CPA HAPPENINGS! youtube.com/FICPAFL@FloridaInstituteofCPAs@FICPA@FICPAFloridaInstituteofCPAsFICPA.org/blog DELIVERED WEEKLY TIME AND MONEY ... SAVE BOTH IN THE VENDOR MARKETPLACE! Expert downloadable content : white papers, product guides, case studies and industry analysis. Knowledge Hub PAGE Avoiding DeadlocksManagementInvolvingLimitedLiabilityCompaniesBONUS INSERT: Our FICPA2020-21ScholarshipFoundationAnnualReport PAGE 14 Business Sales Option Income Tax Savings and the Reduction of PAGE 20 LIBOR Ending: Why Do care? FALL 2021 VOLUME 37, NUMBER 4 FICPA and DBPR: Better Together Hear from Secretary Julie Brown and FICPA’s Shelly Weir and Kristin Bivona on Page 10 THOUGHTFLORIDA-CENTRICLEADERSHIP
withNOTICEDGETplacementinourMemberDirectoryandFirm/CompanyListings! For Employers • Find top talent • Save on headhunters and job postings • Recruit from within the trusted FICPA network • Post internships for FREE For Job Seekers • FREE resume review • Upload your resume and be found • Be the first to apply for top jobs with alerts! FICPA Career Center
[ISSUE YEAR] | FLORIDA CPA TODAY 3 CAREER CONNECTIONS
We
CAREERS.FICPA.ORG
There’s no better way to strengthen CPA pipeline than to engage with college students and faculty. offer free webinars, resume reviews, mentoring, Meet the Firm field days, scholarships and the latest updates on CPA Evolution. CPAs who become Student Ambassadors can take a leading role in the profession before they pass their exam!
Future
our
JENNIFER ALLEN Director of Career Development Jennifer@ficpa.org
STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS
our
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
19,500 professional peers. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY YOUNG CPAS Our
From early-career advice and exam prep to professional development and leadership opportunities, the FICPA will guide you every step of the way on your path to partner.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION FICPA members range from students and newly certified CPAs to industry veterans and retirees. They come from every background and life experience imaginable. We love all our members, and we believe deeply in “Accounting for Everyone.”
The FICPA is at its best when its members come together with CPAs age 35 and under are constantly on the move, organizing local YCPA Meetups and volunteering their time at CPA Days of Service.
These bright young stars are the future of the profession. Our highly selective Leadership Academy is an immersive, executive-development experience that drives participants the extra mile, accelerating their careers.
Each year, FICPA visits 20-plus Florida schools, reaching more than 700 accountingvirtuallystudentsandinperson.
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4 FLORIDA CPA TODAY | [ISSUE YEAR] WAYS TO GET INVOLVED LEADERSHIP, SERVICE & CONNECTIONS Sign up today! Deadline Friday, April 23 www.ficpa.org/Committees Sign up today! Deadline Friday, April 23 www.ficpa.org/Committees FICPA COMMITTEES 2021-22 Sign up today! Deadline Friday, April 23 www.ficpa.org/Committees BRINGINTHEOUTYOU! LEADER Our members point us in the right direction and drive us forward. It’s the time, energy and commitment of volunteer leaders that gets all of us where we need to go. LOCAL CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED Chapters are your place to connect with your professional peers locally and regionally for camaraderie, social gatherings, CPE, training opportunities, roundtables and networking to build your referral base. Our chapters are spread out across the state, and involvement in your local chapter is a proven path to future success inside and outside the FICPA! FICPA CONNECT - PEER-TO-PEER KNOWLEDGE SHARING Our online message board is like Reddit for CPAs! This is where FICPA members go for coordinating, collaborating, consulting their colleagues on complex questions and crowdsourcing combined experience. WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Our Women in Leadership Committee strives to promote growth, advancement and recognition of women in accounting through professional development, mentoring and recognition. The FICPA’s Women’s Leadership Summit and Women to Watch Awards are annual highlights. FICPA REGIONAL DIRECTORS OF MEMBERSHIP MANDIE MCKENZIE North MandieM@ficpa.orgFlorida GERALDINE GRADY Southwest Florida, GeraldineG@ficpa.orgTampa KATHRYN HERNANDEZ South Florida , KatH@ficpa.orgMiami KAREN DOW South Florida, Broward/Palm Beach KarenD@ficpa.org Membership really is the heart of the FICPA. We love connecting with our members, learning about their unique needs and supporting them on their professional journey. Scan this code to review our full list of committee options, check your eligibility status and find out how and when to apply! COMMITTEES The FICPA has more than 30 committees for you to serve, engage with and lead. Whether you’re looking to plan an event, offer expert insight or contribute to Florida CPA Today magazine, there’s an opportunity for you!
SCHOLARSHIPS73AWARDED
GETFICPAscholarshipfoundation.orgINVOLVED YOU MAKE IT POSSIBLE, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL! My FICPA Scholarship allows me to focus solely on the CPA exam, rather than its expense. The Foundation has been a blessing for me and my family.
Our annual golf outings are wonderful opportunities for you to enjoy time on the course with your friends, colleagues and clients, all in support of a great cause. Support the future of our profession and work on your game all at once! We are thrilled to be able to support the FICPA Scholarship Foundation. Our next generation of CPAs is so very critical to the long-term viability of the profession.
LAURA CUTCHENS Scholarship Foundation Director | Laura@ficpa.org I thank you for your passion and dedication in assisting and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
David Long, Bethune-Cookman University OUTINGS
SCHOLARSHIP NIGHTS
[ISSUE YEAR] | FLORIDA CPA TODAY 5 THE FUTURE OF OUR PROFESSION FICPA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Our Scholarship Nights celebrate, honor and recognize the best and the brightest accounting students in the state of Florida. These are our biggest fundraising events that allow for our firms, companies and members to network and get to know our scholars. The future is bright for these dynamic, young individuals, who are all eager to be a part of this amazing profession. Sponsor or attend to make sure you don’t miss out on these highly anticipated nights.
The FICPA Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to fourthand fifth-year accounting students across the state, assisting in their education today to strengthen our profession tomorrow. In 2021, the Foundation awarded more than $185,000 in scholarship funds to 73 scholars with a combined GPA of 3.75! These young people are the future of the CPA profession, and it’s our Foundation –supported by our members and sponsors – that drives our profession forward.
Donate, mentor, sponsor, volunteer and join us throughout the year at these great events. Your investment pays big dividends in the talent pipeline.
GOLF
Larry Chastang, Chastang & Partners LLC
The ContactFinancialAccountantsNetworkLargestofCPAs,andProfessionalsintheSunshineStateourMemberServiceCenter msc@ficpa.org850.224.2727or 800.342.3197 www.ficpa.orgIVEY ROSE SMITH Vice President of Membership and Corporate Relations | Ivey@ficpa.org Please know that we’re always here for you, advocating on your behalf, protecting your license and driving our profession forward. Partners in the profession for more than 115 years. MEMBERS19,500 We’retogether!stronger