MACPA Statement // April 2013

MACPA’S

STATEMENT April 2013 | Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Inc.

Social Networking: The risks and rewards of an interactive presence.

PAGE 7

TECHNOLOGY PLANNING: GETTING A GRIP ON THE FUTURE PAGE 26

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800.782.2036 | May 17th | Martin’s West | Event ID: 191008

macpa.org/2013summit Sponsored by:

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MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF CPAS

CONTENTS January 2013 | Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Inc.

CHAIR’S COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FEATURES

4

Social Networking: The risks and rewards of an interactive presence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Technology planning: Getting a grip on the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

DEPARTMENTS News & Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Practice Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Business & Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 High Tech Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

MEMBER NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 NYPN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

ADMINISTRATION

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Amy Stumme amy@macpa.org

Akesha Brown akesha@macpa.org

Becky Conley becky@macpa.org

Debbie Zizwarek debbie@macpa.org

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Doug Shaner doug@macpa.org

MaryBeth Halpern marybeth@macpa.org

COMMUNICATIONS

Cora Edwards cora@macpa.org

Amy Moran amym@macpa.org Bill Sheridan bill@macpa.org FINANCE Margaret DeRoose margaret@macpa.org Laura Swann, CPA lauras@macpa.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dee Sullivan dee@macpa.org Pamela C. Devine pam@macpa.org Chris Dougherty chrisd@macpa.org

Rebekah Brown rebekah@macpa.org Donna Lewis donna@macpa.org

DIRECTORS Samantha Bowling, CPA Lisa Cines, CPA

Ryan Wey ryan@macpa.org

Shane Grady, CPA

Amy Puente amyp@macpa.org

Michael Manspeaker, CPA

Paige Sawicki paige@macpa.org

Amy Myers, CPA

Kara King Bess, CPA Joselin R. Martin, CPA

Meredith Senio meredith@macpa.org

Robert Tarola, CPA

Laura Dorsey-Shaner laura@macpa.org

SENIOR STAFF

Andrew Hood andrew@macpa.org

2012-2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

See below to submit content Bill Sheridan MACPA Dulaney Center II 901 Dulaney Valley Road Suite 710 Towson, MD 21204 For content submission: bill@macpa.org feedback@macpa.org P: 410.296.6250 F: 410.296.8713 Toll free: 800.782.2036

MACPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR J. Thomas Hood III, CPA tom@macpa.org MACPA DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OFFICERS

MEMBER SERVICES

MaryBeth Drusano marybethd@macpa.org

Anoop N. Mehta, CPA, Chair

Julianne Part julianne@macpa.org

Jared Feinstein jared@macpa.org

Jacqueline E. G. Brown jackie@macpa.org

Byron K. Patrick, CPA.CITP, MCSE, Incoming Chair

Jeannie Richardson jeannie@macpa.org

Megan Gratz megan@macpa.org

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Marianela del Pino-Rivera, CPA, Secretary/Treasurer

Ashlee Stem ashlee@macpa.org

Emily Trott emily@macpa.org

Skip Falatko, CPA skip@macpa.org

Allen P. DeLeon, CPA, PFS, Immediate Past Chair

APRIL 2013

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

The MACPA reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammatical style and / or length.

Statement of fact and opinion are made by the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or members of MACPA. The Statement is published four times a year by the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. Bill Sheridan, Editor Amy Moran, Advertising Sales

3

CHAIR’S COLUMN ‘PERFECT STORM’ OF POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY SHOULD BE A CALL TO ARMS FOR CPAS

BY ANOOP N. MEHTA, CPA, CGMA VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO, SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.

Sequester? What sequester?

million.

With more than $85 billion in automatic

• About $9 million in funding for

federal spending cuts – known

demolition projects and air craft depot

throughout the land as “sequestration” –

maintenance at Patuxent River could be

bearing down on us, our political leaders

cancelled, as could Blue Angels shows

in Washington spent the first two months

at Patuxent River, Annapolis, and Ocean

of 2013 sounding absolutely panicked.

City.

The cuts, they said, would be ruinous to a fragile U.S. economy that was gamely trying to claw its way out of the muck and

In fact, defense-related expenditures make up 9.8 percent of Maryland’s gross

back to respectability.

domestic product. That ties Maryland with

And when the March 1 sequestration

third-highest defense price tag in nation.

deadline arrived with no deal in place,

Only Hawaii and Alaska spend more on

just how bad did things get? Four days

defense.

after the deadline, the Dow Jones industrial average crushed its all-time record of 14,164.53, then kept climbing, ending the week at nearly 14,400. A week after the deadline, the Labor Department released a report that showed employers added 236,000 jobs in February – many more than predicted – and that the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent.

Granted, those labor numbers were compiled during the month before the sequester hit. Still, the message seemed clear: The economy was intent on chugging along toward recovery, sequester be damned.

Virginia and Washington, D.C., for the

“The District of Columbia along with its neighboring suburbs in Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland are particularly vulnerable due to the multitude of defense agencies and contractors located in the region,” Wells Fargo economists Mark Vitner and Michael A. Brown wrote in a recent report.

Add to the mix the ongoing negotiations over the federal debt ceiling and the debate over whether to enact a “continuing resolution” – which would fund the federal government and allow for the reallocation of certain defense funds through the end of the fiscal year

In the world of federal contractors,

– and you’ve got a “perfect storm” of

though, the picture isn’t nearly as rosy.

economic smoke and mirrors that does

According to federal projections:

little to ease the concerns of Maryland

Now, we’ve the got sequester / debt ceiling / continuing resolution mess to deal with. It seems lately that Congress is just making the rules up as they go along. That’s left CPAs hustling to stay on top of the constantly shifting economic landscape.

Most CPAs didn’t bank on “political activism” being one of their core competencies, but increasingly, that seems to be the case, doesn’t it? The complexity and uncertainty that permeate Washington and Annapolis directly impact our clients.

We need to stay on top of them as well, so we can continue to be our clients’ most trusted business advisor.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article titled “Accountants Will Save the World,” author Peter Bakker suggested that in a world where corporate responsibility and sustainability are playing increasingly important roles, CPAs “need to ensure that corporate reporting makes clear how a company is making its money, not just how much money it has made.”

I’d suggest that CPAs also need to play an increasing role in holding our elected officials accountable for producing fiscally responsible policies. That’s a huge part of what the MACPA does.

We need you to do your part as well.

CPAs and their defense-contractor clients.

Stay aware. Stay vigilant. Stay active.

furlough up to 46,000 civilian employees

First, we were given the entire “fiscal

consider writing a few letters or making a

in Maryland alone, resulting in a savings

cliff” fiasco, the uncertainty of which

few phone calls.

of about $353.7 million in gross pay.

made it nearly impossible for tax

• The Department of Defense could

preparers to help their clients plan for the • Funding for Army base operations in

filing season. The IRS itself didn’t finish

Maryland could be cut by about $95

updating all its forms and tax processing

million.

systems until early March, forcing CPAs

• Air Force funding for Maryland operations could be slashed by $10

4

When the MACPA issues a call to arms,

Given the track record of our current crop of political leaders, doing so might be more important than ever – for our clients as well as our profession.

to scramble to meet deadlines and giving new meaning to the phrase “busy season.”

STATEMENT

If values aren’t shared, they aren’t lived.

For 140 years, BB&T has never taken a relationship for granted. We set out to earn your business each and every day.

Our strong value system helps us determine what is right and reasonable. We think things through, debate them and ultimately follow what our heads and instincts tell us. We believe if something sounds right, you should think about doing it. We believe if something feels wrong, you should walk away. It’s simple logic, but it works well in a complicated financial world. Find out how the values that drive us can help you move your business forward. BBT.com

B A N K I N G

.

I N S U R A N C E

.

I N V E S T M E N T S

Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. © 2013, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

?*

LEADERSHIP for all seasons 2013

Business & Industry C O N F E R E N C E April 19 Turf Valley Resort & Conference Center | Event ID:121011

macpa.org/businessindustry2013 Sponsored by:

Social Networking: The risks and rewards of an interactive presence.

Editor’s note: The following article is available for access at www.cpai.com. Copyright 2012 Continental Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Social media is everywhere, but does anyone really know what it is?

social media presents and suggest

the authors of the material, as well as

guidelines for mitigating this exposure.

interacting with one another. As a result,

Social media differs from traditional

everyone becomes a commentator.

media. Historically, media was one-sided.

How much is social media used? Queen

The “press” reported what it believed

Elizabeth II has Twitter and Flickr accounts,

Social media outlets are easily named

was important. Common characteristics of

a Facebook page, a YouTube channel,

– blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,

social media include allowing members

and her own website. Facebook’s 1 billion

YouTube – but has anyone considered the

to construct a personal profile, creating

users are more than three times greater

potential liability and risks associated with

a list of connections, and being able to

than the U.S. population of 315 million.

its use?

communicate with all of the connections

Clients, employees and competitors also

at one time. The connections or followers

are engaged in using social media, so its

can interact immediately and directly with

CONT’D ON PAGE 9

This article will review some of the risks

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8

Merrick School of Business

STATEMENT

use has proliferated exponentially.

Social media provides accounting firms with numerous opportunities for marketing to clients and recruiting employees. One firm’s “Flash Mob to Party Rock Anthem” generated a response that increased its presence throughout New Jersey with clients, prospective employees, and the general public.

How else can social media be used? For example, if a potential client is referred to three CPAs, the prospective client is likely to access LinkedIn for areas of expertise and references.

as someone approaches? Social media

sites, and also address the potential

provides employees (and partners) with

consequences of violating employer

unlimited opportunities to expend their

policies.

time on personal social media sites, while continuing to engage in billing clients.

One study showed that the average Facebook user spends 55 minutes per day on social networking sites. How much of that time is time spent at work?

That data may never be available, but it represents critical time diverted from client engagements.

EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS Is a prospective employee’s Facebook account examined before hiring? If so,

Do partners or senior managers “friend” subordinates? If so, the individual in a position of authority may be subjected to allegations of favoritism, discrimination or even retaliation if they “unfriend” a subordinate who engaged in protected activity, such as filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”).

REPUTATIONAL HARM The reputation of an accounting firm may be jeopardized where clients present their

Social media’s interactive element

the firm may discover information that

also creates an opportunity to foster

it otherwise would not know, such as a

relationships with clients and potential

candidate’s age or religious beliefs. If the

clients. As market differentiation offers the

firm becomes aware that an applicant

ability to distinguish firms and the unique

is a member of a protected class under

services they provide, many accounting

state and federal legal and regulatory

firms have successfully embraced social

requirements, the firm must ensure

media to pursue business development

that this information is not used in its

activities.

employment decision-making process.

Notwithstanding the benefits, accounting

Obtaining information through social

firms must be cautious about social

media which employers are prohibited

media. The instantaneous feedback

from requesting directly may place the

can be both negative and positive. For

firm in the difficult position of proving a

example, an April 2009 video was filmed

negative – that the firm did not use the

by two employees of a national pizza

information in arriving at its employment

chain in the act of “tainting” a sandwich

decisions.

is that the client failed to provide the

As there are other issues that may arise

work. Unfortunately, the firm was unable

when a firm uses social media in the

to inform a potential client who read the

hiring process, it is recommended that

tweet of this information. The potential

an employment attorney be consulted

client’s decision to use another accounting

to assist with drafting policies specifying

firm appeared to be influenced by this

permitted use of social media in the hiring

unilateral information.

as an attempt at humor. While the YouTube post recorded over 1 million viewers, within 48 hours, the reputation of the pizza chain was severely damaged.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS? The risks of social media can be classified into the following vulnerabilities, each of

process.

which will be discussed briefly:

Is an employee harassing someone

• Decreased productivity

online? It should be noted that social

• Employment claims • Reputational harm

media merely represents another medium through which harassment or discrimination may occur. Anti-harassment

• Professional liability exposure

and anti-discrimination policies should be

DECREASED PRODUCTIVITY

developed to address unacceptable use

Do employees quickly change screens

APRIL 2013

of social media, prohibit harassing and/ or discriminating postings on social media

views of a firm, which could represent false or misleading statements. Moreover, the firm may be unable to respond due to confidentiality requirements.

In the absence of employee training on social media protocols, inappropriate use of social networking sites could have a detrimental impact upon your firm.

Consider the following scenario: A disgruntled former client of an accounting firm tweeted about the poor services and billings for work that wasn’t performed. What wasn’t tweeted information required to perform the

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY EXPOSURE Breaches of confidentiality, whether intentional or inadvertent, may implicate federal and state laws and regulations, as well as ethical guidelines of the profession. Consider the following: An expert who deals exclusively CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

9

in mergers and acquisitions posts

managed, primarily by creating a written

• content that violates laws and

“unexpected meeting at ABC client

social media policy for all personnel and

regulations;

equals lots of opportunities in the next

monitoring usage.

• content that would constitute a violation

in a claim alleging that the expert

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES

of other firm policies, rules, standards of

accidentally disclosed that ABC client was

Accounting firms should establish a social

in the midst of acquisition discussions. If

media policy after evaluating the firm’s

employees; and

the transaction failed to materialize, the

risk tolerance. In addition, training should

firm could potentially be sued for the

be provided to all employees regarding

negotiated selling price at the time of the

what constitutes proper and improper use

post due to the breach of confidential

of social media.

two weeks.” Such a posting may result

information.

In order to develop an effective policy, the

In another scenario, a firm may be

firm’s goals and objectives of social media

involved in litigation related to an audit

use should be explained, and guidance

of a client that declared bankruptcy nine

should be provided regarding what is

months after the audit report was issued.

and what is not acceptable use of social

In the litigation, opposing counsel may

media.

introduce a social networking post by a discontented staff member commenting that, “The partner only showed up to

While no two social media policies are likely to be the same, an effective social

sign the report.” This posting may be

media policy should address:

admissible and ultimately detrimental to

• use of company assets for social

defense of a claim alleging inadequate

networking;

employee supervision.

conduct or requirements applicable to • consequences of violating the employer’s policies.

The policy also should encourage employees to carefully consider and review anything they have written prior to posting it online. The caveat remains that information released in the electronic universe can be permanent. In other words, use common sense.

Your social media policy should not be so broad that it prohibits conduct that is protected by federal and state laws. Some states, such as New York, have enacted statutes that prohibit an employer from taking action against an applicant or employee for engaging in legal off-duty

• access to social networking sites from

conduct. In states with such laws, an

A LinkedIn discussion related to the

the office;

employer may be unable to take action

technical aspects of a current tax strategy

• disclosure of client or firm information;

MORE ON SOCIAL MEDIA The MACPA is committed to engaging with members via social media. This means that you can expect high-level content reaching you through the channels that you use and enjoy.

against an employee who posts pictures of himself drinking or smoking.

In addition, the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”) prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee for engaging in certain concerted activity.

Our goal as an organization is to have strong relationships with our members and for our members to have strong relationships among themselves. This drives our commitment to social media and emerging technology.

This prohibition applies even when the

Find out more and follow us at MACPA.org/Content/social-media.aspx.

address wages and/or working conditions,

could be misconstrued as tax advice and give rise to a malpractice claim. Litigation also may arise if copyrighted material is

violate the NLRA. In these situations,

• use of the firm’s intellectual property;

consultation with an employment attorney

attribution.

interests or reputation (potential

address this exposure.

disciplinary action taken by an employer against the participating employees may

• statements affecting the company’s

to purchase media liability coverage to

Where employees’ social media postings

• “friend-ing” subordinates;

utilized without authorized permission and

Organizations should consider the need

employees are not members of a union.

allegations of “improper advertising” may arise if an employee makes positive statements about the firm but does not disclose its relationship to the firm);

is recommended, as the law is evolving in this area.

MONITORING USAGE CPA firms should consult with attorneys who specialize in employment and privacy law about the legal ramifications

MANAGING SOCIAL MEDIA RISKS

• defamatory, harassing or discriminatory

of monitoring employee usage of social

language;

media. For instance, the Federal Wiretap

While many risks associated with social

• use of information obtained from social

Act and Electronic Communications

media cannot be avoided, they can be

media in employment decisions;

Privacy Act of 1986, amending the CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Earbuds at work?

GEN Y: Duh. GEN X: Whatever.

BOOMERS: Never.

MATURES: Earbud?

J OIN U S AT THE

generational symposium 4.26.2013 • 8:30 A.M. TO 12 P.M. • ID: 140009 TURF VALLEY RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER

MACPA.ORG/4GENSYMP

Hosted By:

SPRING TOWN HALLS

CPAs in Maryland find these personal sessions with Tom Hood to be invaluable to understanding our always-changing profession.

As the CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs, Tom is uniquely qualified to help us navigate the now. Now is change. Now is tough. Now is when CPAs must thrive – not just for us, but for the good of our whole economy.

with Tom Hood, CPA

In this season’s series, Tom will cover breaking issues like cloud computing, private company financial reporting, the fiscal cliff, generational challenges, and the latest developments in legislation from Washington to Annapolis.

Attendees will come away with a personalized action plan to ride the waves of change.

Space is limited.

How CPAs Navigate the “C’s”: • Change • Complexity • Compliance • Convergence • Competition

ST

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CP

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APR

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17

macpa.org/townhalls 4 hours of CPE per Town Hall Meeting (*max 8 hrs/yr: 4 Spring, 4 Fall)

Rockville - JHU Montgomery

A new series for financial professionals in Business & Industry

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL

FROM TECHNICAL EXPERT TO FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP May 14, 2013 // Alan Patterson // Event ID: 171039 CHANGE EFFORTS THAT STICK Aug 29, 2013 // Gretchen Pisano // Event ID: 170000 CHALLENGES FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS Nov 21, 2013 // Francis X. Ryan // Event ID: 170001 MACGYVERING: THE ART OF BEING RESOURCEFUL IN A CRISIS Feb 27, 2014 // Greg Conderacci // Event ID: 170002

LEADERS

FORUM Sha pe your orga niza t io n f or better resu l t s .

Federal Wiretap Act of 1968, imposes criminal and civil penalties against anyone who intentionally intercepts an electronic communication. However, the law contains exceptions, including an “ordinary course of business” exception.

SMARTER DECISION-MAKING May 22, 2014 // Jennifer Elder // Event ID 170003 4 hours of CPE each quarter to share and learn with other experienced financial leaders.

AGENDA: 8-11 am – topical instruction, 11-12 noon – lunch and facilitated discussion LOCATION: Towson Training Center PRICING: Members: $175/forum • Non-Members: $225/forum

SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING AVAILABLE THROUGH BLI The MACPA offers a variety programs designed to help CPAs learn the basics of social media. Some of programs available include:

social media site.

CONCLUSION Social media is here to stay, so embrace it … with caution. Employing a comprehensive social media strategy can

• Blog 101: First Steps to Stardom (one-hour webcast)

assist accounting firms in managing the

• Brand You: How to Be a Leader and Boost Your Career - With a Little Help From Social Media (one-hour webcast)

An experienced employment/labor law

employees.

• CPAs and Social Media: Passing Fad or Valuable Tool? (two-hour webcast)

defending social media policies should be

For example, in one case, employees of a

• LinkedIn 101: The Basics - and Beyond (one-hour webcast)

Employer monitoring should conform to both federal and state laws and regulations to minimize the risk of invasion of privacy claims which can be asserted by

restaurant created a password-protected MySpace page on which employees

risks related to social media.

attorney with expertise in drafting and consulted to ensure that the policy is not overly broad and that it is in compliance with federal and/or state laws, such as the

posted complaints. After management

• Twitter 101: Changing Your World 140 Characters at a Time (one-hour webcast)

learned about the page, an employee

• Web 2.0: Less Hype, More Help

Appropriate employee use of social media

was pressured to reveal the password.

To learn more about these and other BLI programs, visit MACPA.org/Content/BLICourses.aspx.

can produce many benefits, and the

Shortly thereafter, two employees were terminated for unprofessional conduct based upon the web page posting. The company was held to have violated the employees’ reasonable expectation of privacy because the site was password protected.

Moreover, the supervisor’s access of APRIL 2013

the webpage was unauthorized as the employee testified that she felt “coerced” into providing the password to her supervisor. Therefore, employers should consider the implications of being deemed an unauthorized user of a private

NLRA.

implementation of policies and training can help to avoid the potentially serious ramifications that may arise from improper usage.

Burrus sat down with me for a one-on-one interview before his CCH keynote. Watch the interview online at cpa.tc/burrus. Bill Sheridan is the MACPA’s chief communications officer.

13

NEWS & VIEWS NEWS & VIEWS Collaboration is the key. MACPA Groups is the answer B Y B I L L S H E RIDA N

MACPA LAUNCHES PRIVATE SOCIAL COMMUNITY FOR MEMBERS. Even if you’re not a social media power

The Maryland Association of CPAs

Affordable Care Act? We’ve got a group

user – and if you’re a CPA, odds are

launched Groups this week. It’s a

for that, too.

you’re not – you can’t ignore the impact

community that connects CPAs to the

the social movement has had on all facets

people, information and resources that

of our professional lives.

will help them get things done.

are already available, and the best part

• Good leaders today don’t command,

• Interested in tax issues? Join our State

your unique needs, you can create one.

they collaborate.

and Federal Tax Groups, where you’ll get

MACPA Groups is designed with niches

Those are just a few of the groups that is, if we don’t have a group that meets

and specialization

• Good learners

in mind. We’re all

don’t sit in a

experts at something,

classroom and

and now we have a

take notes. They’re social learners.

They ask their networks for help, then put those answers to work.

• Good businesses

tool that lets us share

groups

that expertise and grow it by learning from others.

Where members connect

social strategies into their DNA so that everything they do is part of an effort to become more social, more human.

In short, the key to everything we do today is people – more specifically, connecting with people who will add value to our lives. Our ability to collaborate, build trusted relationships, and learn constantly will define us going forward.

check out MACPA. org/groups, update

don’t do social media. They bake

We invite you to

your profile, then the answers you need to best serve your

start building your network and exploring

clients during Busy Season.

Groups.

• Working in public practice or industry?

In our fast-changing, social world, it could

Our Practitioners Group will connect you with CPAs and resources that focus on public practice issues, and our Business and Industry Group will connect you with

just be a life-saver.

Find out more about MACPA Groups at MACPA.org/Groups.

corporate influencers.

• Need advice or opinions about the

That brings us to MACPA Groups.

14

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NEWS & VIEWS NEWS & VIEWS The best lessons aren’t found in a book UB accounting students gain first-hand experience in the profession at CPA Day in Annapolis B Y B I L L S H E R IDA N What’s more amazing than a bunch of

type of learning for one day.”

CPAs ditching work during tax season to

need a CPA’s professional opinion on how proposed legislation will impact the

fight for their profession?

Williams and Dalton Tong, director of

How about a bunch of accounting

been exposing their students to the world

“There’s only so much you can learn in the

students fighting for a profession they

outside of the accounting classroom for

classroom,” said Stacey Morris, “but by

don’t even belong to yet?

some time now. They’ve taken students

going out into the community and talking

to the offices of the AICPA, KPMG, the

to people about real issues that affect us,

Securities and Exchange Commission, and

you learn so much more and you can see

UB’s Accounting Honors Program, have

Bear with me here while I revisit CPA Day in Annapolis. A record number of CPAs turned out in January for the annual

economy and our profession.”

the Financial Accounting Standards Board. the big picture.”

event, which brings MACPA members and

This year, they took aim at Maryland

“You have to get out there and apply

their legislators face to face to talk about

legislation.

what you’ve learned,” added Elsie Davies.

the issues of the day.

“It was a great opportunity for them to

“You can read and study all you want, but

six University of Baltimore accounting

if you don’t apply it, it doesn’t become network with accounting professionals, but effective.” it also showed them the impact CPAs can

students, eager to get out of the

have in the legislative process,” Williams

Morris even saw her future as she walked

classroom and get their hands dirty in the

said. “Plus, it lets them know that once

the halls of the General Assembly. “I’ll be

real world.

they graduate and enter the profession,

entering law school next fall and I want to

they won’t just be sitting behind a desk

study tax law, so I hope to be right in the

doing accounting.”

middle of this in a few years,” she said.

There in the middle of all of them were

“They loved it,” said Dr. Jan Williams, an associate professor of accounting at UB. “They were excited about the

That message came across loud and clear.

networking opportunities, the people they

Here’s what the students had to say about

met, and the opportunity to apply what

the event:

We’ve been pleading with CPAs for years to take a more active role in the legislative process. The message boils down to this: Do you want to create the profession’s future, or do you want to let politicians create it for you?

UB STUDENTS AT CPA DAY From left: Front row -- Elsie Davies, Stacey Morris and Danielle Sadowski. Back row -Ryan Dempsey, George Wisniewski Jr., and Colin Rau.

Six UB students understand that better than most CPAs, and all it took was a trip to Annapolis.

That tells me two things: (1) The future of the profession is in good hands, and (2) our best accounting students are doing more than learning how to become CPAs.

they’ve learned in the classroom to what

“It’s been great seeing how (CPAs) can

accountants do and how the profession is

work to influence legislation that is

impacted. We teach them this information

going to impact the profession,” said

in the classroom but they’re often not sure

Colin Rau. “It gives you that feeling that

how it’s applied. This is an experiential

you can make a difference. Legislators

APRIL 2013

They’re teaching us how to be CPAs, too.

Bill Sheridan is editor of The Statement and chief communications officer for the MACPA.

17

PRACTICE NEWS & VIEWS MANAGEMENT National MAP Survey: A benchmark for growing firms F RO M TH E A I CPA

CPA firms continue to successfully navigate the recession.

qualified staff was the top priority for CPA

can ensure a firm’s survival or smooth

firms. That shifted in recent years, when

transition to new ownership if a sole

even the best people were more likely to

owner dies or is disabled, so failure to

stick with good jobs rather than jumping

have one could create serious challenges.

ship in the midst of the recession.

(No more than 4 percent of these firms

That’s one of the key findings of the 2012

had formal, signed succession plans of

PCPS / TSCPA National Management

The 2012 survey includes some indications

of an Accounting Practice (MAP)

that staffing issues may soon become a

Survey, developed by the AICPA Private

challenge for firms once again. Notably,

For more perspective on this area,

Companies Practice Section and the Texas

voluntary turnover – when staff members

practitioners have free access to the

Society of CPAs.

choose to leave – is up: 9 percent in 2012

commentaries on the 2012 PCPS

any kind.)

versus 7 percent in 2010. Involuntary

Succession Survey (http://cpa.tc/276),

In fact, two-thirds of survey participants

turnover – when they are let go – is down:

which review the findings and offer

reported at least some growth in client

3 percent in 2012 versus 7 percent in

practical advice. There is one commentary

fees over the past year, an increase of

2010. After letting go of underperforming

for sole practitioners and one for multi-

11 percent points over 2010, when the

staff in the midst of the recession, firms

owner firms.

survey was last taken. Practices have yet

seem to be hanging on to more people as

to rebound fully back to pre-recession

work begins coming back in the door.

FIRMS ARE EXPANDING THEIR TECHNOLOGY HORIZONS

steadily gaining momentum. Forty-two

The larger firms in particular appear to be

percent experienced modest fee increases

taking succession concerns more seriously,

In virtually every category – from multiple

of 1 to 9 percent, while a little more than

but there’s still work to be done

levels, but there are signs that they are

a third saw a decrease or no change.

The smallest firms – those with less than $200,000 in annual revenues – were more than twice as likely as others to see an increase in client fees of 30 percent or more.

GETTING THE MESSAGE The survey provides unique information that practitioners can use to benchmark their own financial data and firm policies and identify areas in need of improvement.

Overall client fees went up at many firms, but per-partner fees dropped. This may be due to the addition of new partners, particularly at larger firms, in anticipation of the pending retirement of partners from the Baby Boom generation.

The number of firms with client portals was up 14 percentage points from 2010 to 42 percent. The percentage involved in social media rose 11 percentage points to 25 percent, and the number that were

The survey indicated that more firms need

every two years by the AICPA’s Private

key messages:

especially the smallest ones. A paltry 7

18

than in 2010.

paperless spiked 9 percentage points to

to initiate formal succession planning,

For many years, attracting and retaining

blogs – more firms were involved in 2012

SOLE PRACTITIONERS IN PARTICULAR HAVE SOME CATCHING UP TO DO WHEN IT COMES TO SUCCESSION PLANNING

Here are just a few of the survey’s other

STAFFING MAY EMERGE ONCE AGAIN AS A CONCERN

monitors to social media, from websites to

percent of firms with less than $500,000 in revenues had practice continuation agreements; that figure has changed much from 2010. These agreements

61 percent.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL MAP SURVEY The survey, which is jointly conducted Companies Practice Section and the Texas Society of CPAs, is the largest practice management benchmarking poll available.

Almost 2,400 CPA firms across the country took part this year.

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The Hesekiel Jenkins Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney can complement the intricate tax strategies you provide to clients with wealth management advice and investment knowledge.

An alliance with our team will allow you to meet the investment needs of your clients without taking on the risk, cost and time required to provide in-house wealth management strategies.

By creating an alliance with The Hesekiel Jenkins Group, your clients will gain access to comprehensive and expansive investment strategies. In addition, you will be able to: • Increase the potential profitability of your CPA practice

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Good compensation governance pays off F RO M D AV E RYA N , CPA , CCP, JD Compensation governance is the end-to-

compensation governance when you

well-managed compensation programs

end process used by a company to pay

discuss the division of profits with your

are important to every company’s

for work performed. By its very nature,

business partners, give or receive a pay

success. All companies face challenges

compensating employees demands use of

raise, participate in an incentive plan,

like competition for critical talent, rapid

a system and process to get employees

approve the pay of the executive director

changes in the business environment,

paid. Thus, whether intentionally or by

of a not-for-profit, or vote your shares in

and increasing investor, legislative, or

default, every company that pays an

a publicly traded company for or against

regulatory requirements. Likewise, all

employee already uses some informal

the compensation of top executives.

companies can tailor compensation

or formal compensation governance

programs and processes to fit their unique

processes.

Based upon the type of company, the

As with most business processes, a

fascinating array of stakeholders can be

compensation governance process

part of the process. The stakeholder list

In my experience working with a broad

should fit the needs, capabilities, and

can include business owners, outside

range of companies and process

culture of a business. This is not a one-

investors, charitable donors, boards of

stakeholders, improving or enhancing

size-fits-all proposition. Essential parts of

directors, senior executives, managers,

compensation governance practice

the process include determining the key

employees, and payroll administrators.

pays off. The benefits that I’ve seen

factors for decision making, targeting the

It can also extend to include regulatory

include increased productivity and

appropriate amount and mix of base pay

bodies such as the Internal Revenue

competitiveness, improved operational

and incentive opportunities, establishing

Service, the Defense Contract Audit

effectiveness, and risk mitigation. Specific

and communicating goals that align with

Administration, the Securities and

examples of these benefits include:

and support key business objectives,

Exchange Commission, various stock

evaluating performance against goals,

exchanges, unions, and other interested

communicating the results, and delivering

parties, including lawyers, accountants

the pay.

and other external consultants.

GOOD COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE BENEFITS MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS.

Compensation can be a challenging

People frequently associate

and passionately to questions about the

“compensation governance” with boards of directors and executive compensation at publicly traded companies. In my experience, some form of a compensation governance process is in play any time at least two people are involved in an employment relationship. In fact, in our various roles as employees, managers, investors, owners, or board members, we all participate in several aspects of

industry and other circumstances, a

and, many times, a hot-button issue.

Stakeholders often react instinctively fairness of compensation. Depending on their values or interests, different process stakeholders may bring different definitions of fairness and reasonableness to the table, and may place more or less value on certain aspects of fairness. Thus, although key process stakeholders are all essentially concerned with compensation fairness or reasonableness, they come to the question with differing interests and

compensation governance.

perspectives.

For example, you participate in

Given the important and sensitive nature

22

of compensation, I believe credible and

culture, specific needs and circumstances to help meet their challenges.

• Improved ability to attract and retain talent through a properly positioned pay program that includes appropriate pay levels and upside earning opportunities.

• Increased productivity. A credible compensation process improves employee perceptions of pay fairness, and positively affects employee behaviors.

Employee engagement, absenteeism, and turnover are favorably affected by the perceived fairness of the rewards they and others receive, by the perceived fairness of the process used to determine rewards, and by the clarity and truthfulness of the communication of the compensation decisions.

• Improved alignment of jobs and their compensation with company growth objectives by determining whether compensation practices, cash, and STATEMENT

incentives are within market practices

compensation packages.

and support productivity and achievement

and support focus on critical company

• Risk mitigation. Compensation

of organizational objectives by adopting,

objectives.

• Improved oversight by compensation committees. They have emerged as a critical board committee focused on key compensation processes. Increased focus on director independence and improved processes assist compensation committees in fulfilling their duty to set reasonable compensation for executives based on company performance.

Strategy reviews and goal-setting support increased performance and predictability for business planning.

• More effective decision-making. This includes improved flow of information

approaches and levels that are consistent with regulatory guidance, increased transparency and better documentation of decision criteria and processes, and improved processes and internal controls for compensation processes help meet Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements.

• Better expense control, resulting in more predictable and lower compensation costs – leveraging of purchasing power and market intelligence.

• Improved data reliability, logistical

policies and processes.

In addition, they can help ensure consistency and continuity in addressing compensation design elements such as target pay levels, compensation mix and upside opportunities, performance metrics and evaluation, implementation, communication and administration.

Prudent companies should explore the possible payoffs of good compensation governance.

support and accountabilities for effective

Dave Ryan, CPA, CCP, JD, is managing

compensation plan implementation.

director of CompensationGPS, which

throughout organizations, decisions made

In essence, the payoffs of good

at appropriate levels, appropriate setting

compensation governance derive

of expectations leading to increased

from creating an environment in which

trust, better use of performance tracking

companies can realize the strategic

and metrics, and expanded focus on

advantages that compensation programs

understanding all elements of total

can provide. Companies can mitigate risks

APRIL 2013

documenting, and implementing key

aligns pay with company performance and develops methods to attract, retain and motivate the right employees. He can be reached at (443) 377-3166 or Dave@ CompensationGPS.

23

The CPA profession is built on ethics.

Without ethics, we would have no clout and no professional purpose.

What you need to know: Maryland CPAs are required to take 4 hours of ethics as part of the minimum 80 hours to qualify for license renewal. This is the only subject requirement for CPE. No carryover is allowed. The ethics CPE requirement does not apply to inactive licenses. The requirement for new licensees begins in the first two-year license term after initial renewal.

ethics training

Resources

UPCOMING SCHEDULED ETHICS COURSES APR

16

ETHICS: IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU DO, BUT HOW YOU DO IT!

Online Webcast, Internet • ID: 17W614 http://cpa.tc/28j

MAY

3

BLI’S ETHICS UPDATE FOR CPAS IN BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Johns Hopkins University - Montgomery, Rockville • ID: 171081 • http://cpa.tc/28i

MAY

18

MAY

22

ETHICS, LEADERSHIP AND THE ROLE OF THE FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL

Sheraton Columbia Hotel, Columbia • ID: 171054 • http://cpa.tc/28l

JUN

10

ETHICS AND THE ATTEST FUNCTION: A PRACTICAL UPDATE FOR CPAS IN PUBLIC PRACTICE

TBD• ID: 171085 • http://cpa.tc/28m

JUN

19

ETHICS, LEADERSHIP AND THE ROLE OF THE FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL

Crowne Plaza, Timonium • ID: 171055 http://cpa.tc/28n

JULY

5

BEACH RETREAT: ETHICS: PRINCIPLES, CASE STUDIES AND FRAUD

Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel, Ocean City • ID: 111124 • http://cpa.tc/28o

ETHICS, LEADERSHIP AND THE ROLE OF THE FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL

Online Webcast, Internet • ID: 17W433 http://cpa.tc/28k

ON-DEMAND ETHICS COURSES 24/7

CAESAR’S WIFE: TIPPING THE DELICATE BALANCE OF LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS

http://cpa.tc/28f

24/7

ETHICS: IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU DO, BUT HOW YOU DO IT!

http://cpa.tc/28g

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR ON-SITE TRAINING ALL OF OUR ETHICS PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ON-SITE TRAINING. CONTACT PAM DEVINE AT 443.632.2321 OR EMAIL PAM@MACPA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BLI’s Ethics Update for CPAs in Business & Industry: 2013 Edition Ethics Can Be Habit-Forming: Bad Habits, Good Habits and Turning One into the Other Ethics for People Who Don’t Like Surprises: Why We Don’t See It Coming Until It’s Too Darn Late Ethics: Caesar’s Wife: Tipping the Delicate Balance of Leadership and Ethics (Also available as a 4-hour Webcast) Ethics: Confronting the Challenge of Integrity Ethics: Why We Stray: A Different Look at Ethical Decision-Making A Matter of Integrity Applying Ethics in the Real World Ethics: It’s Not Just What You Do, but How You Do It! Ethics Principles and Applications (Also available as a 4-hour Webcast) Ethics, Leadership and the Role of the CPA (Also available as a 4-hour Webcast) Ethics, Leadership and the Role of the Financial Professional (Also a 4-hour Webcast) Ethics in Accounting Ethics Update for CPAs in Public Practice: 2013 Edition

macpa.org/ethics

HIGH TECH SOLUTIONS

EWS & VIEWS

Technology planning: Getting a grip on the future B Y E R I C B E NSON I’ve written in the past about how

1. Discuss the idea of building a strong

complete. For smaller firms, this will only

technology professionals are in the midst

direction with the right people in your

take a few weeks. For larger firms, this

of a transition from hardware maintenance

firm. Build the team and get commitment.

may be a long term committee. In either

to service delivery. This shift is happening

2. Create a physical and visual inventory

case, get commitment.

of the state of technology in your firm.

2. CREATE A PHYSICAL AND VISUAL INVENTORY OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIRM

faster in certain areas of firms than others, but there is no denying that the shift is in place and accelerating.

3. Collect and distribute any current project plans, budgets, assessments, and

However, there are a few things that won’t

methods of project approval.

change. I imagine most people reading

4. Survey key leaders in the firm regarding

spreadsheet of servers, capacities and

both high priority projects for the firm and

other data. There may be software in

for technology.

place to track inventory as well. These are

this article will immediately think of the computer, tablet, phone or other device you are reading this on. Information that

The typical technology inventory is a

very helpful, but sit down and figure out

is delivered to these screens is not going

1. BUILD A TEAM

away.

Even in smaller firms, the typical reaction

This may require people from other offices

to creating an IT plan or direction is to sit

to help. Get the team to help distribute

down and ask the IT leader what he or she

the work.

Information and technology professionals might jump to their data center (or private cloud, depending on how trendy you are). Again, this is important and the mechanics of delivery are often unknown or mystifying to the firm as a whole.

Finally, strategy and effective governance will never go away. In fact, I believe technology professionals will need to establish a strong strategic role in the firm to ensure continued value and employment in the firm.

wants to do. The discussion may never even happen due to lack of understanding

what is not on the list and document it.

A second piece that is crucial is a visual

on the part of leadership or technology.

inventory. Take pictures of server closets

To get around this hurdle, start small.

standard workstation layouts. If there are

The partner in charge of technology (or

no standards, document this in pictures.

equivalent professional) should sit down

Take pictures of every primary location

with the IT leader and discuss who should

that technology exists. Add in notes of

be on the team. Brainstorm. Pick from a

where the picture was taken, and ask for

mix of firm members, from partner down

comments as you do.

to newer staff members. Find people who are vocal in the technology area (good

or data centers. Take pictures of the

The visual inventory will highlight inconsistencies and places where the

This article is the first in a series on

or bad) as well as technologically savvy

building an effective strategic direction

people in the firm.

technology is hidden with good reason.

Invite these people to a meeting and

picture of where you are. It will give you a

discuss the role of the team. The goal

visual indicator of progress as you move

is to solidify a direction for technology,

through a strategic technology plan to

provide firm-wide perspective and look at

address any issues that are uncovered.

and budget for technology. We’ll focus on creating basic alignment between firm leadership and technology, resulting in a starting point.

GETTING A GOOD PICTURE OF WHERE YOU ARE This article will cover four strategies for getting a good baseline:

the whole picture. Having a wide range of people will bring up issues that others may not know about.

Agree to meet weekly until the project is

This is not a place to judge; this is a

3. COLLECT AND DISTRIBUTE OTHER TECHNOLOGY DOCUMENTS AND PROCEDURES Besides the typical IT inventory, there is CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

26

STATEMENT

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HIGH TECH SOLUTIONS often a project plan or project list. Find

and IT leader in the firm fill out this

this and any other documents used to run

survey independently. If they are in close

the IT department.

alignment, then your firm is ahead and

Also, look at help desk ticketing systems and pull out basic statistics. Don’t overkill on the data. Collect the IT budget,

the rest of the planning should go well.

If not, now is the time to know that you have alignment issues.

even if it is the expenses for the year

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

(or last year) from the controller or CFO.

This information should provide a very

The procedure IT goes through to get approval for projects is also a key piece to collect here. Are decisions made and then reapproved at time of purchase? What kind of autonomy is available to IT with regard to spending?

In addition, collect key firm strategic documents. Collect the firm’s strategic plan, and if possible, collect the budget for the year.

The idea is to collect what you have. You may find that the pieces of successful IT governance are already in place but poorly organized, or that much of the work is done on an as-needed basis.

good picture of where you are. There will be obvious gaps that should be filled – like a project plan but no formal IT budget. List these. Also, list the strengths you see. This should not be all about the negatives.

The next few articles will establish additional stages for successful IT planning: • Charting the destination point for this year, and hopefully many years in the future.

• Building a plan and budget to fulfill getting to the destination point.

Realize this is a baseline. Having others

• Building accountability and tracking

look at the work will help provide insight.

progress towards these goals.

There may be other tools in the firm that could be used in the technology area. The

Once through this process, you should be

opposite may be true as well.

on your way to effective technology use

4. SURVEY KEY LEADERS IN THE FIRM REGARDING HIGH PRIORITY PROJECTS

Planning is only as good as the ability to

This exercise will be very insightful for the technology planning committee.

Key players in the firm should fill out this simple survey: 1. What are the five top priorities or projects for the firm this year?

2. What are the five top technology priorities for the firm?

Have the managing partner, IT supervisor

APRIL 2013

and improved value to the firm as while. follow up, so we will spend quite a bit of time on accountability at the end.

If you do take this path, I cannot state strongly enough that you are setting up a baseline. There will always be room for improvement. Realize where you are for what it really is – an exercise to improve firm performance and overall revenue.

We’ll discuss improvements and direction after this point, not during.

Enjoy the process!

29

IF ONLY VALUATION WAS THIS S I M P L E .

2013 Business Valuation Conference Join us for the Business Valuation Conference on May 10, 2013.

FULL LIST OF TOPICS COVERED: The State of Profession for Litigation Support & Business Valuation (Panel Session) CPAs’ Role in Litigation Services The Cost of Capital Court Case Updates Update on Fair Value Developments in Financial Reporting Personal vs. Enterprise Goodwill Expert Testimony: Traps for the Unwary Fair Value in Testing Goodwill (& Other Identified Assets) for Impairment The Layman’s Use of Regress Analysis for Business Valuation

COST

For more information, or to register, call the Member Service Center at 800.782.2036.

MACPA Members Non-Members

$279

$379

EVENT ID

121013

CPE

8 hrs.

Register Here: macpa.org/businessvaluation2013 Early Bird Discount: ($50) April 10, 2013

MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF CPAs

MEMBER NEWS & VIEWSNOTES Jill L. Bachtell, an MACPA CPA Candidate

Mary Brown, CPA, has been promoted to

member, has been promoted from senior

principal at Ellin & Tucker, Chartered. She is a

associate to supervisor in the Audit Department

graduate of Loyola University and Stevenson

in the Hagerstown office of Smith Elliott Kearns &

University.

Company, LLC.

Rebecca Buker has been promoted to senior

William Streett Baldwin, CPA, a director in the Audit,

auditor with DeLeon & Stang. She is an MACPA

Accounting, and Consulting Department at Ellin & Tucker,

CPA Candidate member.

Chartered, has been elected to the Board of Directors of BV Financial, Inc. BV Financial is the holding company for BayVanguard Federal Savings Bank, a community bank serving the

Daniel Dellon, CPA, ABV, CFF, has joined the team at DeLeon &

Baltimore-metropolitan area since 1873.

Stang. As the newest senior tax manager of the tax department, he is responsible for assisting clients with their tax compliance

Stephen K. Ball, CPA, CVA, CCIFP, a partner with Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A., has published an article in Construction Accounting & Taxation, a national construction industry trade journal. The article, “Why Construction Employees Really Leave,” helps construction business owners understand what makes employee tick, and how they can make adjustments to improve employee retention at their construction contracting

and accounting needs.

Three Bond Beebe principals participated in the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ 58th annual Employee Benefits Conference, which took place Nov. 11-14, 2012 in San Diego. David P. Dorsey, CPA, Scott M. Price, CPA, and Lawrence R. Beebe, CPA, each participated in separate speaking engagements during the program.

companies.

Aileen Eskildsen, CPA, has been promoted to director at Ellin & Tucker, Chartered. She is a

Jeffrey N. Berman, CPA, managing partner at Kahn, Berman,

1995 graduate of Towson University and currently

Solomon, Taibel & Mogol, P.A. in Timonium, was one of the

serves on the Accounting Advisory Board of both

eight top CPAs featured in the Baltimore Smart SEO February

Towson University and Loyola University.

2013 article, “Focus on Accounting.”

Dina S. Bernstein, CPA, a manager with KatzAbosch, has been promoted to principal. This promotion rewards managers who go above and beyond standard expectations.

Nemetschek Vectorworks, a provider of CAD and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solutions, has promoted Maria Bible, CPA, to chief financial officer. Bible assumed her role in September 2012, following six successful years as the company’s controller.

Jodi M. Blair, CPA, has been elected an associate member of Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC. She joined the firm in 1997 after graduating magna cum laude from Frostburg State University.

Ms. Blair’s primary focus is providing clients with accounting and tax services in estate, fiduciary tax compliance and probate administration.

Brent Friedman, CFP, has been promoted to senior accountant at DeLeon & Stang. He is an MACPA CPA Candidate member.

Sharon B. Gubinsky, CPA, CFE, has become a principal with Santos, Postal & Company, P.C. Victoria Hitchcock, CPA, has been promoted to senior staff accountant at Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, P.A. She was formerly a staff accountant and has more than five years of experience as an auditing and tax professional at a certified public accounting firm.

DeLeon & Stang is pleased to welcome Brad Hoffman, CPA, to its team. He joins the firm as a senior manager. In this role, he will provide tax and consulting services to a variety of clients, including those associated with trade contractors, restaurants, service businesses, consulting contractors, rental properties, investment properties, business acquisitions and start-ups.

Robert Hollasch, CPA, CFE has been promoted from associate to senior associate with Weil, Akman, Baylin, & Coleman, P.A.

APRIL 2013

31

NEWS & VIEWSNOTES MEMBER David K. Holmes, CPA, JD, has become a principal with Santos,

Firm Conference held at the BWI Hilton in Linthicum Heights,

Postal & Company, P.C.

Maryland. Mr. Manekin’s program, “Business Aspects of Starting

Carl Kampel, CPA, director at Ellin & Tucker, has authored an article entitled “Why Privately Held and Family Owned Businesses Should Have Independent Boards of Directors” in the Financial Executive, an award-winning flagship publication for Financial Executives International. He works in the firm’s Baltimore office and lives in Columbia.

a Solo Practice,” was presented to association members. Mr. Manekin also has been named one of Baltimore’s 2013 FIVE STAR Wealth Managers in the Business Planning/Tax Advisor category by Five Star Professional in a special edition of Baltimore Magazine’s February 2013 issue.

Steven Manekin, CPA, Alan Brickel, CPA, and Carly Bock, a director, manager and staff accountant, respectively, in the

Michael E. Kipe, CPA, has been promoted from

Audit, Accounting, and Consulting Department at Ellin & Tucker,

supervisor to manager with Smith Elliott Kearns &

Chartered, were featured speakers at the D.C. Bar Association’s

Company, LLC. He joined the firm in 2002 and is

Business Law Training Series held at the Law Offices of Winston &

primarily focused in the Audit Department of the

Strawn, LLP in Washington, D.C. Their program, “Accounting and

firm’s Hagerstown office.

Steven Kurinsky, CPA, an accountant in the tax and business services department at DeLeon & Stang, CPAs and Advisors, and

Fiscal Controls,” was presented to small, closely held business owners from the Washington metropolitan area and was one of eight sessions offered in the training series.

Ryan Crabbs, CPA, an in-charge accountant with the firm, have

Scott T. Mattingly, CPA, CFP, CRPS, a manager

obtained their licenses as Certified Public Accountants.

with KatzAbosch, has been promoted to principal.

David Leipnik, CPA, a senior accountant in the tax department at Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, has earned a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Baltimore.

Kelli L. Miller, CPA, has been named principal at Weyrich, Cronin

M. Gerald Loubier, CPA, has become a principal at Hertzbach &

& Sorra. A graduate of Mount Union College, Miller has been a

Company, P.A. Mr. Loubier has more than 35 years of accounting

senior manager with the firm for the past five years, concentrating

and business consulting experience and specializes in auditing,

her practice in the Non-Profit Division.

tax, and acquisitions.

Whit MacCuaig, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the Audit, Accounting, and Consulting Department at Ellin & Tucker. He works in the Baltimore office and is a graduate of the University of Baltimore.

Kevin Madden, CPA, has been promoted to audit supervisor with DeLeon & Stang. He is responsible for overseeing audit fieldwork, drafting and reviewing financial statements and audits, and conducting compliance examinations.

Anthony G. Orsborne, CPA, has become a partner with Santos, Postal & Company, P.C. Dustin Page, CPA, CVA, has been promoted from senior accountant to supervisor with Weil, Akman, Baylin, & Coleman, P.A. He is an active volunteer in his community and is a CVA in WABC’s Valuation Practice.

Timothy E. Peters, CPA, has been elected an associate member of Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC.

Patricia Mager, CPA, president of WHBG, Inc., has joined the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Community Partnerships. Board members are selected based on their passion for making a difference in the community, and demonstrating leadership and influence in both their business and communities.

Zachary C. Reichenbach, CPA/ABV, has been promoted to senior associate in Ellin & Tucker’s Forensic and Valuation Services Group. His experience includes providing valuation and litigation services ranging from simple contact disputes involving thousands

Steven Manekin, CPA, a director in the Audit,

of dollars to complex litigation, where the claims being sought

Accounting, and Consulting Department at Ellin &

are in the millions of dollars.

Tucker, Chartered, was a featured speaker at the Maryland State Bar Association’s Solo and Small

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NEWS & VIEWSNOTES MEMBER Lutamila Sallu, CPA, CMA, CFM, CFE, CIA, FRM, has been

Trevor Williams, CPA, of Gelman, Rosenberg &

promoted to senior manager with DeLeon & Stang.

Freedman CPAs, was promoted from non-profit audit manager to non-profit audit principal.

Chad J. Seifert, CPA, a manager at KatzAbosch, has been promoted to principal. This promotion rewards managers who go above and beyond

Trisha Whitacre, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the

standard expectations.

Audit, Accounting, and Consulting Department of Ellin & Tucker, Chartered.

Jean Hooke Sewell, CPA, CGMA, CFMP, has joined Shore Bank as senior vice president and director of marketing. She is a graduate of the Maryland Bankers Association Advanced School

Jennifer R. Wilcox, an MACPA CPA Candidate member, has been promoted to senior accountant with DeLeon & Stang, CPAs and Advisors.

Kimberly J. Wines, SPHR, AAAPM, firm

of Bank Management and the American Bankers

administrator / director of HR with Smith Elliott

Association School of Bank Marketing and Management.

Kearns & Company, LLC, has been awarded the Association-certified Accredited Administrator in

Roman Sherbakov, CPA, has joined Berman, Goldman & Ribakow, LLP, as audit manager.

Accounting Practice Management (AAAPM) by the Association for Accounting Administration (AAA).

Steve Wolf, CPA, a partner with Berman, Erin Shoop, CPA, has been promoted from

Goldman & Ribakow, LLP, has been appointed

staff associate to senior associate in the Audit

to the Howard County Chamber of Commerce

Department in the Hagerstown office of Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC.

Board of Directors. With his financial background, Mr. Wolf will serve on the Financial Committee for the Chamber.

David E. St. Clair, CPA, has been promoted from supervisor to manager in the Hagerstown office of Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC.

Kevin B. Stouffer, CPA, has been promoted from supervisor to manager with Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC.

Ryan D. Sturm, CPA, has been promoted from manager to principal with KatzAbosch. This promotion rewards managers who go above and beyond standard expectations.

Allison Waite, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the Tax Department of Ellin & Tucker, Chartered.

34

STATEMENT

NEWS & NOTES VIEWS FIRM Calibre CPA Group, PLLC has announced its merger with

Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A., has announced its

Levinson Simon Hein & Bilkey, P.C. The merger will bring

merger with Cox Ferber & Associates LLC, a Cockeysville-

together the commitment to continue providing world-class

based CPA and consulting firm. The merger took effect Jan. 1,

professional services while making additional resources available

2013. The merger results in the founding partner, George Cox,

to our clients.

CPA, and six staff members joining Gross Mendelsohn’s team.

Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. has launched a strategic

Hertzbach & Company, P.A., has announced its merger with

rebranding initiative under the new name of Cherry Bekaert

Connor & Loubier, CPAs, LLC. The combined firm, with a staff

LLP, in order to better align with growing middle-market

of more than 120 professionals, will conduct business under the

companies.

name of Hertzbach & Company, P.A.

The Baltimore office of CohnReznick LLP has been honored

Hertzbach & Company, P.A., has been named a Future50

as one of The Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplaces. CohnReznick’s

winner by SmartCEO magazine for the second year in a row. This

commitment to client service, the Baltimore community, and

award celebrates the regions fastest-growing companies based

office initiatives that promote high employee morale, all led to

on employee revenue and growth over the past three years.

its recognition as a Top Workplace.

The firm also has been named one of the 2012 Best Accounting

DeLeon & Stang Certified Public Accountants and Advisors has opened a new Leesburg, VA., office. Adding a new office location will not only allow the firm to keep growing and building a team of established professionals, but it will allow DeLeon & Stang to more effectively serve as a trusted advisor to clients.

Ellin & Tucker, Chartered, in conjunction with their Giving Back Committee, recently sponsored a “fiesta” in order to raise funds for United Way of Central Maryland, while providing a fun firm activity during the current tax season. Firm professionals were invited, for a $10 donation, to attend a luncheon that included

Firms to Work For. The annual list of “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” was created by Accounting Today Magazine and Best Companies Group. Hertzbach & Company also has been named one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Baltimore Business Journal (fourth year in a row) and Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplaces (second year in a row).

IN MEMORIAM Terry Musika, CPA, co-founder of Invotex, was a legal economics expert in lawsuits and testified in numerous Baltimore cases. He passed away on Dec. 18, 2012 at the age of 64.

tacos, refried beans, chips and queso, fresh guacamole and

F. Morton Isaac, CPA, passed away peacefully in his home

sweet corn cake. A total of $500 was raised.

surrounded by family on Oct. 25, 2012 at the age of 84. He was a partner with his late brother, Sylvan Isaac, at the accounting firm Isaac & Isaac.

MOUNTAIN RETREAT Coming back September 23-24, 2013.

MEMBER SERVICES WELCOME, NEW & REINSTATED MACPA MEMBERS! ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

MARIA G. CIPRIANO, CPA

BORNSTEIN, CPA, ESQ.

ARICHARD L. FARGNOLI, CPA

GEMMA N. CORONADO, CPA

BARBARA E. BRADLEY, CPA

JESSICA A. JOHNSON, CPA

SAMUEL L. DICKEY, CPA

NATASHA Y. BROWN, CPA

KAITLIN L. MASON, CPA

GREGORY ECK, CPA

ERIC R. CHEEK, CPA

KEVIN E. NIEMEYER, CPA

JOSEPH E. GILLEN, CPA

DOUGLAS T. COATS, CPA, JD

ANGELIA M. SIMMERMAN, CPA

AMIR H. HAMIDZADEH, CPA

ARMANDO M. CUNHA JR, CPA

CINDYMARIE WILLIAMS, CPA CAPITAL AREA CHAPTER AYODELE O. ADENUGA, CPA JEAN PIERRE BASSI BIKAI, CPA WILLIAM G. BLUMENAUER, CPA MELISSA E. BROOKS, CPA H BURKS, CPA JESSICA CHANG, CPA JINGJING CHEN, CPA

BILLY T. JOHNSON, CPA JENNIFER C. LEE, CPA SEEMA A. OWEN, CPA BIT PARK, CPA CLEOPATRA A. WHITE, CPA CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER LINDA M. ADKINS, CPA MARIA C. BIBLE, CPA TODD J.

SHYMAINE D. DAVIS, CPA SARAH E. EDWARDS, CPA TIMOTHY T. HARRISON SR., CPA

CPA

EASTERN SHORE

LINDSAY M. KOSTELNIK, CPA

LISSE B. HALL, CPA

LAWRENCE D. MOORE, CPA, MBA, CFP

MID-MARYLAND CHAPTER

GERALD OMARI, CPA

TROY E. BROGDEN, CPA

DAVID H. PROPPER, CPA

HONORA COLLACOTT, CPA

DENNIS M. VIA, CPA

JOHN B. LITTLETON JR, CPA NICHOL M. MOELLER, CPA WILLIAM C. ODONNELL, CPA MICHAEL E. O’HEIR, CPA CHRISTOPHER J. OSHEA, CPA DEIRDRE L. PERKINS, CPA JARED M. SCOTT, CPA SHARON A. SLIVECKY, CPA

BARBARA L. CRAIG, CPA DAVID E. HAISLIP, CPA BRADLEY HOFFMAN, CPA MICHELE E. HOLSINGER, CPA JOHN D. SLOUGH, CPA

WILLIAM K. HILER, CPA, MSF

MARTHA L. STANLEY, CPA

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

VICTORIA M. HITCHCOCK, CPA

MARTIN R. SZCZEPANIK, CPA

VANESSA H. MCCOLLUM, CPA

JUSTIN J. HUOVINEN, CPA

SUZANNE A. TAYLOR, CPA

DEBORAH B. MUMMAUGH, CPA

CHRISTINE A. JANOFSKY, CPA

GREGORY S. WILL, CPA

JACQUELINE M. SNELL, CPA

PATRICK KING, CPA

EMILY A. ZEMANEK, CPA

OUT OF STATE

LORIEN KIRSCH,

ROBERT K. HERSH, CPA, CFE, MBA, JD

WELCOME, NEW CPA CANDIDATE MEMBERS! ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

PETER NJINYI

SANDRA M. LEDDON

CYNTHIA J. BUCCI

SARA F. SACKVILLE

SARAH TRAUTMAN

KEVIN SCHLOSSER

MAKENNA D. MCGLASSON

RICHARD F. LEWANDOWSK

CAPITAL AREA CHAPTER

ZACHARY J. WEEDEN

VERELYN V. NEWTON-PRIDGEN

OUT OF STATE

MARTHE AMOUSSOU

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER

MICHAEL PIERSON

DIANE BECK

MEGHAN L. BESCHE

CUIJUAN HE

JOHN F. BRETHAUER

CAROLINE M. HINCH

PAMELA L. CONNELL

JOHN A. KOUTSOTHODOROS

ALAN N. GOODE

BRANDON S. LAYO ALBERT R. LEECH

36

CLARISSA M. GREEN LINDSEY HILL

ASHLEI POPE PAUL M. SMITH JR BRENDAN TULLY LISA D. WOOD

AVI ADELSBERG DANIEL M. DRVAR CHARMAINE A. EVANS WESTON B. MCDONALD III

HAIFENG ZHAO SOUTHERN MARYLAND

STATEMENT

SHARPEN UP.

2013 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN CONFERENCE May 6 | Sheraton Columbia Hotel | macpa.org/employeebenefit2013

Join us at the 2013 Employee Benefit Plan Conference to learn how to perform at the highest level.

Below are a few topics to be covered: * Keynote - Department of Labor Update * Audit Clarity Standards

* Basic Audit Workshop series * “Ask the Expert” Panel session

COST

For questions or more information, please call our Member Service Center at 800.782.2036. You can also register at macpa.org/employeebenefitconf2013.

MACPA Members Non-Members

$300

$400

EVENT ID

CPE

121012

8 hrs.

Register Here: macpa.org/employeebenefitconf2013

Early Bird Discount: ($25) April 6th

Sponsored by:

NYPN NEWS As we approach the end of Tax Season, the New / Young

educating local students. E-mail nypn@macpa.org to be added to

Professionals Network is gearing up for its spring events. First, here

the volunteer list.

is an update on NYPN’s winter activities.

On April 26, NYPN will host a generational symposium at Turf

MACPA members were in full force at this year’s CPA Day on Jan.

Valley. We invite you to join MACPA CEO Tom Hood for an

16. In addition to receiving an update on the legislative process and

interactive conversation on topics ranging from differences in

upcoming issues, our members met with Maryland legislators in an

communication and learning styles to flex time, social media and

effort to make a difference and help protect the profession. You can

ear buds in the office. This program is open to members of all ages.

read more about this important day at MACPA’s blog, CPA Success.

MACPA’s Spring Leadership Academy 2013 will be held May 6

NYPN held two winter happy hours in January. Members met on

through 8. This two and a half day training workshop will equip

Jan. 10 at the Blue Sage Café and Wine Bar in Baltimore and on

participants to be leaders in their profession. Attendees will learn

Jan. 17 at the Greene Turtle in Gambrills. Thank you to all that

about strategic thinking, strength-based leadership and network

attended.

leadership. Applications are due April 1 and can be found on

This spring we will hold a variety of happy hours (details below)

macpa.org/leadershipacademy.

and events to attend throughout Maryland. On May 14, NYPN

If you are interested in joining the NYPN Roadshow team, we are

will be in Owings Mills for JA BizTown. This program specializes

looking for presenters. Our Roadshow presentation details the

in teaching financial literacy to fourth- and fifth-grade students.

benefits of joining a professional association and helps educate

Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization that provides a

young CPA professionals, CPA candidates, and firm leadership

series of business, economics, and life-skills programs to enhance

about NYPN and MACPA. If your company would like to request a

the education of young students. Through the BizTown program,

Roadshow presentation, contact us at nypn@macpa.org.

students learn first-hand what it takes to create and operate a business, and to earn and manage money. As promoting financial literacy is a big part of being a CPA, help us lead the way in

NYPN is on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. Stay tuned for updates by joining the NYPN Committee and going to the MACPA’s NYPN page at MACPA.org/NYPN.

you’re invited UPCOMING EVENTS

APR

SPRING HAPPY HOUR, BETHESDA

26

25

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery 7900 Norfolk Ave, Bethesda • ID: 191039 5:30 – 8 p.m. • Free for MACPA members

MAY

SPRING HAPPY HOUR, FREDERICK

Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery 124 North Market Street, Frederick • ID: 191040 5:30 – 8 p.m. • Free for MACPA members

30

SPRING HAPPY HOUR, BALTIMORE

Nick’s Fish House and Grill 2600 Insulator Drive, Baltimore • ID: 191041 5:30 – 8 p.m. • Free for MACPA members

Generational Symposium, hosted by NYPN

Turf Valley, Ellicott City • Event ID: 140009 $50 for members, $75 for non-members 8:30 a.m. – noon • (4 CPE)

MAY

6-8

16

MAY

APR

MACPA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2013

Crowne Plaza, Timonium • $1,100 (20 CPE) macpa.org/leadershipacademy

what is NYPN? NYPN is an organization committed to connecting new / young professionals to the MACPA, protecting the integrity of the profession, and helping new CPAs and CPA candidates achieve their goals. NYPN is a place where new CPA professionals can make contacts in the profession, get involved in the community and get the support they need to be successful. The requirements to be a part of NYPN are CPA candidates (working on or having achieved the 150-hour threshold) or current CPAs under the age of 40 and/ or licensed for fewer than five years.

TOP 10 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED: 1. Camaraderie 2. Insight

3. Professionalism 4. Development 5. Growth

6. Commitment 7. Charity 8. Community 9. Responsibility 10. FUN!

get involved GET TO KNOW OUR NYPN ADVISORY BOARD AND FIND OUT FIRST-HAND WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT: Chair: Jeff Klima, SC&H: jkilma@scandh.com Vice chair / chair-elect: Nick Hollander, L&H Business Consulting: nhollander@lhbusinessconsulting.com Secretary / treasurer: Debra Hale, Stoy, Malone & Company: Dhale@stoycpa.com Past chair: Diana Scatliffe, CohnReznick Group: Diana.Scatliffe@cohnreznick.com

LEADERSHIP BOARD Activities / Professional development chair: Stephen Hohne, Hertzbach & Company: shohne@hertzbach.com Public relations / outreach chair: Jennie Hammett, Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn: jhammett@gsg-cpa.com At-large member: Eric Nigro, GSE Systems, Inc.: Eric.Nigro@gses.com At-large member: Barrett Young, The Green Abacus: barrett@thegreenabacus.com

APRIL 2013

39

CLASSIFIEDS office space

mergers & acquisitions QUALITY CPA FIRM WISHES TO ACQUIRE PRACTICE OR ACCOUNTS in Baltimore/Washington/

EXECUTIVE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

Annapolis area, or possible association with retirement-minded

center provides a professional environment, features well-

practitioner. “Top Dollar Paid.� Reply in strictest confidence to 410.539.7100, or File No. 63-87.

with multiple amenities and free parking. Our business appointed reception areas, offices and conference facilities.

Enhanced communication and administrative support services

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PRACTICE? Accounting Practice Sales is the leading marketer of accounting

are also available. For terms and availability, please call us at 301.263.8519 or e-mail Steeley.Associates@gmail.com.

Location zip is 20817.

and tax practices in North America. We have a large pool of buyers, both individuals and firms, looking for practices now. We also have the experience needed to help you find the right fit for your firm and to negotiate the best price and terms. To learn about our risk-free and confidential services, call Bradley Holmes at 1.800.397.0249 or email bradley@accountingpracticesales. com.

STEELEY & ASSOCIATES is a diversified service provider operating in the Maryland and DC areas. We seek to offer succession and continuity solutions by partnering with retirement-minded CPAs. Transitions of 1-5 years are preferred, though immediate or longer time frames will be considered. If you are a CPA considering retirement, or simply transitioning to other lines of work, please call (301) 263-8519, or email info@steeley.com. All conversations will be kept confidential.

INTERESTED IN BUYING A PRACTICE?

See

local and nationwide listings at www.accountingpracticesales. com, and register for free email updates, or call us at 800-3970249.

peer review Do you need an Engagement, System, or Pre/Post Issuance Peer Review? We are experienced and up-to-date on the latest regulations. Call us today to perform your review professionally and efficiently. Charles Coker, CPA. 703.931.3290 x 108 or email

WANT TO SUBMIT A CLASSIFIED AD? To submit a classified ad, please visit http://www. macpa.org/classifieds/public/search.aspx, or contact Amy Moran at 443.632.2319, or by email amym@macpa.org.

CONFIDENTIAL ADS: Replies to confidential ads will be addressed to the file number in care of: Amy Moran MACPA 901 Dulaney Valley Road, Suite 710 Towson, MD 21204 Properly addressed replies will be forwarded to the advertiser unopened. Replies that are not properly addressed will be opened only to determine contents and then forwarded to the advertiser.

Charles.coker@cpa-coker.com.

40

STATEMENT

Attention CPAs:

Whether A Decision Maker Looking To Upgrade Your Talent, Or A CPA Looking to Upgrade Yourself/Your Skills, Ask Yourself: Who really chose who in joining your company?

Are you/your professional staff really at the right level where you should be/you need them to be?

Are you/your staff in a position that truly suits your/their personality, values, and professional and personal needs?

Why leave your future to chance?

If you’re seriously interested in making the “right” move for your next hire, I can help you.

I am an actively licensed CPA in Maryland and Virginia with over 20 years of experience including public accounting (E&Y) and consulting (KPMG), financial accounting (American Cancer Society), internal audit (Moneyline Telerate), and recruiting (Acsys, formerly Don Richards). As a networker who truly enjoys helping others and sharing my career experiences to guide fellow professionals, here is how I can help you: Decision Makers:  Ask you questions, and most likely ask many more questions than other recruiters about your company, duties involved, skills required, corporate culture and more  Work with you on finding the “right” professional that is the “right fit”  Provide you with valuable information about the professionals I work with, the marketplace, what your competitors pay, and more Career Seekers:  Guide you on career paths available in public accounting and industry  Enable you to capitalize on your strengths  Coach you on how to put your best foot forward to find the “right fit”  Advise you when to stay in your current position if that is the right move If you’re interested in working with a recruiter who understands your background, skills, and is genuinely interested in helping you find the “right fit”, then I welcome meeting you!

BETH A. BERK, CPA, CGMA

Independent Recruiter

Phone: 301-767-0670 Email: BethABerk@msn.com

Specializing in CPA Firm, Accounting & Finance Positions in Metropolitan DC & Nearby Suburbs/Baltimore/Richmond/Tidewater

Connecting You To Your Next Hire

TM

Contingency & Retained Staffing Solutions

matching skills, experience & values with needs CPA Ambassador for the state of Maryland, sponsored by the AICPA and Ethics Instructor for VSCPA

Serving clients and professionals as an Independent Recruiter since March 2005

MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Dulaney Center II | 901 Dulaney Valley Road, Suite 710 Towson, MD 21204 | www.macpa.org 410. 296.6250 | Fax: 410.296.8713

SAVE 2013 SEP 16-17

44TH ANNUAL CHESAPEAKE TAX CONFERENCE

Martins’ West • ID: 221000

SEP

23

2013 GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS’ CONFERENCE

Greenbelt Marriott Hotel • ID: 121008

SEP 23-24

2013 MOUNTAIN RETREAT

OCT

21

2013 TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

Martin’s West, Baltimore • ID: 121009 macpa.org/TechConf

OCT

22

2013 PRACTITIONERS’ CONFERENCE

Martin’s West, Baltimore • ID: 121010 macpa.org/practitioner

DATE

Upcoming Events OCT

25

28TH ANNUAL ADVANCED PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING CONFERENCE

Martin’s West, Baltimore • ID: 121007 macpa.org/PFP

NOV

1

DON FARMER’S 2013 CORPORATE/BUSINESS INCOME TAX WORKSHOP

Martin’s West • ID: 111000 macpa.org/DonFarmerCorporate

NOV

4

Wisp Ski Resort, Deep Creek, MD Accounting & Auditing Track • Tax Track

THE

CELEBRATE THE PROFESSION - NEW CPA SWEARING IN CEREMONY

Hilton BWI Airport • ID: 191030 macpa.org/SwearingIn

NOV 14-15

DON FARMER’S 2013 INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX WORKSHOP

Martin’s West • ID: 211000 macpa.org/DonFarmerIndiv

NOV

18-21

2013 ADVANCED TAX INSTITUTE

Martin’s West • ID: 121002, 121003, 121004, 121005

NOV 19-20

4 FOR FALL

MACPA Columbia • ID: TDB Accounting & Auditing Track • Tax Track

DEC

3-4

MACPA’S 1040 FAST TRACK - A COMPREHENSIVE INDIVIDUAL TAX SEMINAR

Hunt Valley Inn Baltimore • ID: 211001 macpa.org/1040FTdec

DEC

13

DON FARMER’S 2013 TAX UPDATE

Martin’s West • ID: 111001 macpa.org/DonFarmerTax

JAN

7-8

2014 MACPA’S 1040 FAST TRACK - A COMPREHENSIVE INDIVIDUAL TAX SEMINAR

Martin’s West • ID: 211002 macpa.org/1040FTjan

TBD

2014 ACCOUNTING EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Holiday Inn Columbia/Jessup • ID: 121001 macpa.org/AccountingEd