Fall 2014 CPA2b

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FALL 2014 | VOL. 10, NO. 1

Climbing the

CORPORATE

PLUS...

Move

FROM GRADUATE TO Gainfully

Employed DITCH YOUR

PUBLIC SPEAKING

JITTERS a day in the life

of a CPA 800-772-6939

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GRADUATING? Take your WICPA membership with you! As you begin your accounting career, stay connected to your most valuable resource – the WICPA. Log in to www.wicpa.org/graduate to verify and update your member profile.

Affiliate membership is your next step to career success. Make sure you’re on the right path!

To make your DIÀOLDWH PHPEHUVKLS official, contact Jessica Murphy at jessica@wicpa.org. 2

CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

Fall 2014 | Vol. 10, No. 1 A publication of the WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. | www.wicpa.org

Table of Contents 5 b recognized | ăǜˁƞƬȭǜ ɡʁɁǞ ǚƬ Twitter status: Climbing the corporate jungle gym Sydney Nelson, MPA, a UW-Whitewater graduate, shares her adventures as an accounting student and as a leader within the National Association of Black Accountants. By Sydney Nelson

features 8 b hired | Interview tips 10 tips to move from graduate to gainfully employed Explore 10 strategies for networking with potential employers. By Kristin Kallies, PHR

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b prepared | CPA exam Winds of change: Wisconsin adopts new CPA Exam education requirements Learn how the 120-hour education requirement impacts you. By Robert A. Gruber, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA and Dennis F. Tomorsky, CPA, J.D., CGMA

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b prepared | Public speaking No fear necessary: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety Get advice for alleviating your public speaking jitters. By Robert Half

departments ʯ b in the know | Editor’s message 10 b social | Events calendar 11 b educated | Conferences ǚǔŘǜƬƞ | Welcome new members 28 b ŘǓ

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b rewarded | Scholarship spotlight Kelly Emmer, CPA shares her journey from classroom to career Prepare for a dynamic career in accounting. By Kelly Emmer, CPA

21 b digital | ďƬƋǒȭɁǚɁǷ˿ ʊɁǢ ˹ŘʁƬ ÏǓ ƋƬ ʹ̋ɍʯƕ ,ɁȭʊǔƞƬʁ ɡʁɁƞˁƋǜǔ˸ǔǜ˿ tools to get great results in less time +PZJV]LY OV^ 6MÄ JL JHU THRL `V\ TVYL LMÄ JPLU[ By Cindy Prindle, MCAS, MEPD

24 b versatile | Communication skills FǏ ƬƋǜǔ˸Ƭ ƋɁȧȧˁȭǔƋŘǜǔɁȭ ɡʁɁȧɁǜƬʊ professional success Communication skills are key to your future success as a CPA. By Jessica B. Gatzke, CPA, MST

CPA2b survey winners announced! As a thank you for taking our CPA2b survey, the following student and professor were entered into a random drawing and selected to receive an iPad mini and $25 iTunes gift card:

ŘȧƬʊ ŎŘǓ ȭɁ, student, UW-Whitewater Brian Daugherty, professor, UW-Milwaukee 800-772-6939

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2014-2015 WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors: President Renee M. Johnson, CPA Secretary/Treasurer Michelle M. Hicks-Tobias, CPA Director Dorothy Conduah, CPA Director Michael E. Friedman, CPA, J.D. Director Kevin M. Heil, CPA Director John R. Heindel, CPA Director Diana L. Henke, CPA Director Debra L. Lenz, CPA, MBA, CIA, CRMA, CGMA Director Darci L. Middaugh, CPA Director Randall J. Wichinski, CPA, MBA Director Boula Xiong

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Editorial Team: Editor & Vice President of Communications Amy E. Gaeth – amy@wicpa.org Vice President of Membership & Marketing Barb Gamez – barb@wicpa.org

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Design & Layout Krista Streuly, KS Creative, LLC Advertising Manager Ellen Engel – ellen@wicpa.org Copy Editor Joan Bahr Printing Special Editions

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

,ñÄʹŽ ǔʊ Ř ŽǔŘȭȭˁŘǚ ɡˁŽǚǔƋŘǜǔɁȭ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ĶǔʊƋɁȭʊǔȭ ȭʊǜǔǜˁǜƬ Ɂnj ,ƬʁǜǔǞ Ƭƞ ñˁŽǚǔƋ ÄƋƋɁˁȭǜŘȭǜʊƖ ,ǒŘȭǷƬ Ɂnj ŘƞƞʁƬʊʊ ʊǒɁˁǚƞ ŽƬ ʊƬȭǜ ǜɁƕ ÀƬȧŽƬʁʊǒǔɡƙ ĶʹʯʯÂʹ̋ƶ̋ õǔƞǷƬ˸ǔƬ˹ ñŘʁǘ˹Ř˿ƙ ăˁǔǜƬ ʹ̋ɍƙ ĶŘˁǘƬʊǒŘƙ Ķ ǣʯɍƶƶʒ ñǒɁȭƬƕ ʹȴʹȊʕƶǣȊ̋ǮǮǣʒ hŘ˾ƕ ʹȴʹȊʕƶǣȊ̋ƶʯƶʒ ƬȧŘǔǚƕ ǖƬʊʊǔƋŘź˹ǔƋɡŘƖɁʁǷƖ ăǜŘǜƬȧƬȭǜʊ Ɂʁ ɁɡǔȭǔɁȭʊ Ƭ˾ɡʁƬʊʊƬƞ ŘʁƬ ǜǒɁʊƬ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ŘˁǜǒɁʁʊ Řȭƞ ȭɁǜ ȭƬƋƬʊʊŘʁǔǚ˿ ǜǒɁʊƬ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ Ķ ,ñÄƖ ñˁŽǚǔƋŘǜǔɁȭ Ɂnj Řȭ Řƞ˸ƬʁǜǔʊƬȧƬȭǜ ƞɁƬʊ ȭɁǜ ƋɁȭʊǜǔǜˁǜƬ Řȭ ƬȭƞɁʁʊƬȧƬȭǜ Ɂnj Ř ɡʁɁƞˁƋǜ Ɂʁ ʊƬʁ˸ǔƋƬ Ž˿ ,ñÄʹŽ Ɂʁ ǜǒƬ Ķ ,ñÄƖ ÄʁǜǔƋǚƬʊ ȧŘ˿ ŽƬ ʁƬɡʁɁƞˁƋƬƞ ˹ǔǜǒ ɡƬʁȧǔʊʊǔɁȭƖ ƛ ,Ɂɡ˿ʁǔǷǒǜ ʹ̋ɍǮ ,ñÄʹŽƖ

in the know | Editor’s message

Welcome to the new and improved CPA2bNJ ďǒƬ Ǟ ʁʊǜȊƬ˸Ƭʁƙ njˁǚǚȊƋɁǚɁʁ ƞǔǷǔǜŘǚ ɡˁŽǚǔƋŘǜǔɁȭ ƞƬŽˁǜʊ ǜǒǔʊ ȧɁȭǜǒƖ Ķǒ˿ ǒŘ˸Ƭ ˹Ƭ ǷɁȭƬ ƞǔǷǔǜŘǚɵ ȭ hƬŽʁˁŘʁ˿ƙ ˹Ƭ surveyed students like you to gauge how we could enhance CPA2bƙ Řȭƞ many of you responded. We listened! Now we’re offering two digital issues each year that will feature vibrant high-resolution images. Each digital publication will be password protected, allowing only members like you exclusive HJJLZZ [V [OPZ ]HS\HISL TLTILY ILULÄ [ @V\ JHU HSZV download a PDF of the publication, and print or email it. Other features will allow you to zoom in to see larger type to online links. Watch for an email containing a link to the new digital issue on >LKULZKH` :LW[

If you’re currently not a member and would like to receive the publication digitally, join the WICPA today. Visit wicpa.org/join

Perhaps some of you reading this column are thinking, “What’s happening to the publication?” Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the printed version of the publication that you always have. Whether you choose to read this publication in print or digital format, you can still access relevant news and career resource information. Each issue, the cover feature will showcase a student who’s actively involved both in and out of the classroom in pursuit of an accounting career. A new expanded table of contents will serve as an editorial summary of the insightful articles found in each issue. In fact, there will be at least six features in each issue, covering topics like the CPA Exam, jobs and internships, networking and organizations, professional updates, resumes and interviewing, scholarships, soft skills and technology. These [OLTLK HYLHZ ^PSS IL PKLU[PÄ LK ^P[O JYLH[P]L OLHKLYZ such as b prepared (for the CPA Exam), b hired (resumes and interviews), b digital (technology)

and b versatile (soft skills). In addition, there’s b connected, a special section featuring WICPA educational opportunities and young professional networking events. Furthermore, this new publication features Firm Spotlight, a new career resource that provides a link to potential employers. Also explore -LH[\YLK -PYTZ ^OPJO WYVÄ SLZ [OL ZWLJPHS[` HYLHZ VM OPNOSPNO[LK Ä YTZ This issue of CPA2b is jam-packed with valuable career tips. First, you can read about the 120-hour education requirement and learn how it impacts you. @V\ JHU HSZV L_WSVYL OV^ [V JVUULJ[ ^P[O M\[\YL employers, discover the importance of having good oral and written communication skills, and learn tips for overcoming public speaking anxiety. Furthermore, `V\ JHU SLHYU HIV\[ ZP_ MLH[\YLZ VM 4PJYVZVM[ 6MÄ JL Word, Excel & PowerPoint that will get you better results in less time. In closing, I would like to thank those of you who participated in our recent survey. I appreciate your time and feedback. As always, I invite you to share your input. Give me a call or send me an email with your story ideas. Amy Gaeth is vice president of Communications at the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs. Contact Amy at 262-785-0445 ext. 4515 or amy@wicpa.org.

800-772-6939

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Whether you’re looking for a new career or a new employee, the WICPA’s enhanced Career Center can help you make the most of your search.

You’ll find: ( ( (

Modern layout. Better organized content. Easy access to find or post jobs.

(

Optimal mobile viewing experience.

Sign in today to post your resume or job and find useful resources to help you with your search.

www.wicpa.org/careercenter

at the NEW WICPA CAREER CENTER

FIND A JOB POST A JOB

recognized | ăǜˁƞƬȭǜ ɡʁɁǞ ǚƬ

Twitter status: Climbing the corporate jungle gym *˿ ă˿ƞȭƬ˿ ÂƬǚʊɁȭƙ ÀñÄ <Ƭ˸ƬǚɁɡǔȭǷ ǔȭǜɁ Ř ˿ɁˁȭǷ ɡʁɁnjƬʊʊǔɁȭŘǚƙ ǔǜ ˹Řʊ ƋʁˁƋǔŘǚ ǜǒŘǜ ȧ˿ ɁȭǚǔȭƬ ɡʁƬʊƬȭƋƬ ǒŘƞ Ř ɡɁʊǔǜǔ˸Ƭ ʁƬǡ ƬƋǜǔɁȭƖ ďǒǔʊ ǜǔȧƬƙ ȧ˿ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭ ʁƬŘƞƙ “At the Top of the Corporate Ladder.” >>

800-772-6939

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Magnificent Mentor – Sydney Nelson mentors students about career opportunities in accounting as co-coordinator of the NABA high school component called the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) program. Pictured l-r are: Jason Boothe, a senior at Dominican High School; Chue Feng Yang, a junior at Rufus King High School; Sydney Nelson; Keilah Noid-Binns, a junior at Milwaukee Collegiate Academy; and Semetria Jackson, a sophomore at West Allis Central High School.

ǚǔǘƬ ǜɁ ǜ˹ƬƬǜƖ hʁɁȧ ʊǒŘʁǔȭǷ ǖɁǘƬʊ ˹ǔǜǒ ȧ˿ njƬǚǚɁ˹ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ Ɂnj ĶǔʊƋɁȭʊǔȭȊ ĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ɤĘĶȊĶɦ ƋǚŘʊʊȧŘǜƬʊ ǜɁ ǚǔ˸Ƭ ǜ˹ƬƬǜǔȭǷ ˹ǔǜǒ ǜǒƬ ɼăƋŘȭƞŘǚɾ ƋŘʊǜ Řȭƞ njŘȭʊƙ ď˹ǔǜǜƬʁ ǒŘʊ ŽƬƋɁȧƬ Ř ʊɁƋǔŘǚ ȧƬƞǔŘ ɡǚŘǜnjɁʁȧ ǜǒŘǜ ǒŘʊ ɡʁɁ˸ǔƞƬƞ ƋɁȧǔƋ ʁƬǚǔƬnj from studying accounting. Other than discovering creative ways to shorten my usual long-winded sentence ideas to less than 140 characters, another area to showcase my ǔȭƞǔ˸ǔƞˁŘǚǔǜ˿ ˹Řʊ ǜǒƬ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭ ǞƬǚƞƖ If you think along the same lines as me, when asked njɁʁ ˿Ɂˁʁ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭƙ ˿Ɂˁ ˹Ɂˁǚƞ ǜ˿ɡƬ ˿Ɂˁʁ ɡǒ˿ʊǔƋŘǚ ɁȭƬƖ ďǒŘǜɻʊ ˹ǒ˿ ǚǔʊǜƬƞ ɼÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬƙ ĶǔʊƋɁȭʊǔȭƖɾ *Ɂʁȭ Řȭƞ raised, I grew up in a two-parent household with a younger brother who never listened to me and a cat ˹ǒɁ njɁˁȭƞ ǜʁɁˁŽǚƬ Ƭ˸Ƭʁ˿˹ǒƬʁƬƖ Ä ɡʁɁˁƞ *ʁɁ˹ȭ <ƬƬʁ High School alumna, my secondary education was ǞʁʊǜȊʁŘǜƬ ˹ǒƬʁƬ ˹Řʊ ʊˁʁʁɁˁȭƞƬƞ Ž˿ ǜƬŘƋǒƬʁʊ ˹ǒɁ cared, coaches who inspired, and friends who ȧŘǜǜƬʁƬƞƖ

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

Once I began at UW-W, I updated my location to ɼĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁƙ ĶǔʊƋɁȭʊǔȭƖɾ ʁŘƞˁŘǜǔȭǷ ˹ǔǜǒ Ř **Ä ǔȭ ÄƋƋɁˁȭǜǔȭǷƙ ˹Řʊ ʊƬǚƬƋǜƬƞ Řʊ ǜǒƬ ʊɡʁǔȭǷ ʹ̋ɍʯ ˁȭƞƬʁǷʁŘƞˁŘǜƬ ƋɁȧȧƬȭƋƬȧƬȭǜ ʊǜˁƞƬȭǜ ʊɡƬŘǘƬʁƖ ƞƬƋǔƞƬƞ ǜɁ ƋɁȭǜǔȭˁƬ Ɂȭ njɁʁ Ř ǞǢǒ ˿ƬŘʁ ǜɁ ɡˁʁʊˁƬ Ř ÀŘʊǜƬʁ Ɂnj ñʁɁnjƬʊʊǔɁȭŘǚ ÄƋƋɁˁȭǜŘȭƋ˿Ɩ ÏǜǒƬʁ ǜǒŘȭ guest speakers leaving us in awe with jaw-dropping ŘȭƬƋƞɁǜƬʊ ǔȭ hɁʁƬȭʊǔƋ ÄƋƋɁˁȭǜǔȭǷ ǜɁ ŘƋǜˁŘǚǚ˿ enjoying Corporate Taxation, graduate school was ǔȭǜƬȭʊƬƖ hɁʁǜˁȭŘǜƬǚ˿ƙ ƬǚƬƋǜǔ˸Ƭʊ ˹ƬʁƬ Žˁǔǚǜ ǔȭǜɁ ǜǒƬ ÀŘʊǜƬʁɻʊ ɡʁɁǷʁŘȧƖ <ƬŽŘǜǔȭǷ ǜǒƬ ƬǏƬƋǜǔ˸ƬȭƬʊʊ Ɂnj leadership styles comparing Mother Teresa to Fidel ,ŘʊǜʁɁ ǔȭ ³ƬŘƞƬʁʊǒǔɡ <Ƭ˸ƬǚɁɡȧƬȭǜ Řȭƞ ǚƬŘʁȭǔȭǷ about the importance of relationships within Ecuador during International Management, these elective courses allowed me to continue building ȧ˿ ŽˁʊǔȭƬʊʊ njɁˁȭƞŘǜǔɁȭƖ

recognized | ăǜˁƞƬȭǜ ɡʁɁǞ ǚƬ

Early in my collegiate journey, I assumed leadership roles that allowed me to shape my identity. <Ƭ˸ƬǚɁɡǔȭǷ ǔȭǜɁ Ř ˿ɁˁȭǷ ɡʁɁnjƬʊʊǔɁȭŘǚƙ ǔǜ ˹Řʊ ƋʁˁƋǔŘǚ ǜǒŘǜ ȧ˿ ɁȭǚǔȭƬ ɡʁƬʊƬȭƋƬ ǒŘƞ Ř ɡɁʊǔǜǔ˸Ƭ ʁƬǡ ƬƋǜǔɁȭƖ ďǒǔʊ ǜǔȧƬƙ ȧ˿ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭ ʁƬŘƞƙ ɼÄǜ ǜǒƬ ďɁɡ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ,ɁʁɡɁʁŘǜƬ ³ŘƞƞƬʁƖɾ Ä ǚŘƞƞƬʁ ƞƬɡǔƋǜƬƞ ȧ˿ ǖɁˁʁȭƬ˿ƙ ˹ǒƬʁƬ ƬŘƋǒ rung represented an experience that became a part Ɂnj ȧƬƖ ĶǒƬǜǒƬʁ ǔǜ ˹Řʊ Ƿǔ˸ǔȭǷ Ř Ǟ Ǣ ǒȊǷʁŘƞƬ ƋǚŘʊʊ Ř ǜɁˁʁ as a campus assistant, reading the book, “ÂɁƙ <Ř˸ǔƞƙɾ repetitively, to my four-year-olds as a teacher’s assistant, or being elected president of the UW-W ,ǒŘɡǜƬʁ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ÂŘǜǔɁȭŘǚ ÄʊʊɁƋǔŘǜǔɁȭ Ɂnj *ǚŘƋǘ ÄƋƋɁˁȭǜŘȭǜʊ ȭƋƖ ɤÂÄ*Äɦƙ ƬŘƋǒ ʁˁȭǷ ˹Řʊ ʊǜʁŘǜƬǷǔƋŘǚǚ˿ ɡǚŘƋƬƞƖ Ï˸Ƭʁ ǜǒƬ ˿ƬŘʁʊƙ ŘƋƋˁȧˁǚŘǜƬƞ ȧŘȭ˿ ʊǘǔǚǚʊ ǜǒŘǜ allowed me to be the best leader for our chapter and ensure that the members were continuously ɡʁɁǷʁƬʊʊǔȭǷ ǔȭ ǜǒƬ ŘʁƬŘ Ɂnj ɡʁɁnjƬʊʊǔɁȭŘǚ ƞƬ˸ƬǚɁɡȧƬȭǜƖ Moving forward, I have assumed the role as a ƋɁȊƋɁɁʁƞǔȭŘǜɁʁ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ÂÄ*Ä ǒǔǷǒ ʊƋǒɁɁǚ ƋɁȧɡɁȭƬȭǜ ɤłɁˁȭǷ FȭǜʁƬɡʁƬȭƬˁʁǔŘǚ ăƋǒɁǚŘʁʊ ɡʁɁǷʁŘȧɦƙ ŽʁŘȭƋǒƬƞ ɁǏ ǜǒƬ Àǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ ñʁɁnjƬʊʊǔɁȭŘǚ ,ǒŘɡǜƬʁƙ ǔȭ ƋɁǚǚŘŽɁʁŘǜǔɁȭ ˹ǔǜǒ ǜǒƬ Ķ ,ñÄƙ ,ɁǚƬȧŘȭ ū ĶǔǚǚǔŘȧʊ ³ǜƞƖƙ Ř njƬ˹ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ Ɂnj ĶǔʊƋɁȭʊǔȭ ă˿ʊǜƬȧ universities, and a host of Milwaukee-area ƋɁʁɡɁʁŘǜǔɁȭʊƖ

“As I began to see that my Twitter followers were ŘƞƞǔȭǷ Řȭ ɁˁȭƋƬ Ɂnj ƋʁƬŘǜǔ˸ǔǜ˿ ǜɁ ǜǒƬǔʁ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭ Ǟ Ƭǚƞʊƙ I decided to up my game.” *ƬǔȭǷ Ř njŘȭ Ɂnj Ɩ°Ɩ õɁ˹ǚǔȭǷƙ ȧ˿ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭ ˹Řʊ ƋǒŘȭǷƬƞ ǜɁ ɼďǒƬ ,ˁɡŽɁŘʁƞ ĘȭƞƬʁ ǜǒƬ ăǜŘǔʁʊƙɾ ǜǒƬ ʁɁɁȧ ˹ǒƬʁƬ young Harry lived before departing for Hogwarts ăƋǒɁɁǚ Ɂnj ĶǔǜƋǒƋʁŘǢ ū Ķǔ˘Řʁƞʁ˿Ɩ ȭ ŘƞƞǔǜǔɁȭ ǜɁ ǜǒƬ Harry Potter series, I read many self-help books and professional development guides, with the occasional ʁɁȧŘȭƋƬ ȭɁ˸ƬǚƖ ăǔǢ ǔȭǷ ǜǒʁɁˁǷǒ ʊɁȧƬ Ɂnj ȧ˿ ŽɁɁǘʊƙ the titles read “ÂǔƋƬ ǔʁǚʊ <Ɂȭɻǜ Ƭǜ ǜǒƬ ,ɁʁȭƬʁ ÏǓ ƋƬƕ 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careersƙɾ Ž˿ <ʁƖ ³Ɂǔʊ hʁŘȭǘƬǚƙ Řȭƞ “³ƬŘȭ ȭƕ ĶɁȧƬȭƙ ĶɁʁǘ Řȭƞ ǜǒƬ Ķǔǚǚ ǜɁ ³ƬŘƞƙɾ Ž˿ ăǒƬʁ˿ǚ ăŘȭƞŽƬʁǷƖ ǜƬȭƞ ǜɁ ǜŘǘƬ ǚǔǜǜǚƬ ǜǔƞŽǔǜʊ ǜǒŘǜ ǒŘ˸Ƭ ʁƬŘƞ Řȭƞ Řɡɡǚ˿ ǜǒƬȧ ǜɁ ȧ˿ ǚǔnjƬƖ nj ǔǜ ˹Ɂʁǘʊƙ ʊǒŘʁƬ ǔǜ ˹ǔǜǒ ɁǜǒƬʁʊƖ ďǒƬʊƬ ǜǔƞŽǔǜʊ ǒŘ˸Ƭ ŘǚǚɁ˹Ƭƞ ȧƬ ǜɁ ŽƬ ʊˁƋƋƬʊʊnjˁǚ ǔȭ ȧ˿ ɡʁǔɁʁ ǔȭǜƬʁȭʊǒǔɡʊƖ ÄǢ Ƭʁ ʊǜŘʁǜǔȭǷ Ɂˁǜ ˹ǔǜǒ ɁǒȭʊɁȭ ,ɁȭǜʁɁǚʊ ȭƋƖ ǔȭ ǒǔǷǒ school, then completing a two-year stint with hʁɁƬƞǜƬʁǜ ɁʊɡǔǜŘǚƙ ǜǒŘȭǘʊ ǜɁ ÂÄ*Ä Řȭƞ ǜǒɁʊƬ ɡʁǔɁʁ experiences, I secured a multi summer internship ˹ǔǜǒ ñʁǔƋƬ˹ŘǜƬʁǒɁˁʊƬ,ɁɁɡƬʁʊ ³³ñ ɤñ˹,ɦ Řȭƞ ǒŘƞ ǜǒƬ opportunity to intern at the Querétaro, México, ɁǓ ƋƬ ƞˁʁǔȭǷ Ř ʊƬȧƬʊǜƬʁ ŘŽʁɁŘƞƖ ³ŘǜƬʁƙ ɡŘʁǜǔƋǔɡŘǜƬƞ ǔȭ ǜǒƬ ĘĶȊĶ ÄƋƋɁˁȭǜǔȭǷ hɁʁȧŘǚ ăɡʁǔȭǷ ȭǜƬʁȭʊǒǔɡƙ ˹ǒƬʁƬ ˹Řʊ ȧŘǜƋǒƬƞ ˹ǔǜǒ Fʁȭʊǜ ū łɁˁȭǷƖ ÂƬ˾ǜ ˁɡƙ ˹ǔǚǚ ŽƬ ʊǜŘʁǜǔȭǷ njˁǚǚȊǜǔȧƬ Řǜ ñ˹, ³³ñƖ

Looks like whoever told me to go “to the top of the ƋɁʁɡɁʁŘǜƬ ǚŘƞƞƬʁɾ ˹Řʊ ǔȭʊɡǔʁŘǜǔɁȭŘǚ Řǜ ǜǒƬ ǜǔȧƬƖ *ˁǜ now, the tidbit I will share comes from Sandberg’s ŽɁɁǘ ˹ǔǜǒ Ř ǚǔǜǜǚƬ ǜ˹ǔʊǜ ŘƞƞƬƞƖ nj ˿Ɂˁ ǒŘ˸Ƭȭɻǜ ʁƬŘǚǔ˘Ƭƞ already, it is time to stop climbing ladders and move on to jungle gyms! ˁʊǜ ʁƬȧƬȧŽƬʁƙ ǔȭʊǜƬŘƞ Ɂnj njɁǚǚɁ˹ǔȭǷ Ř ɡʁƬʊƬǜ ɡŘǜǒ ǜɁ ǜǒƬ ǜɁɡ ɤǔƖƬƖ Ɂȭ Ř ǚŘƞƞƬʁɦƙ ˿Ɂˁ ǒŘ˸Ƭ ǜǒƬ njʁƬƬƞɁȧ of exploration on jungle gyms. Today you could swing on the monkey bars, tomorrow you could take the stairs, or if you are Ř ʁǔʊǘȊǜŘǘƬʁƙ ȭƬ˾ǜ ˹ƬƬǘƙ ˿Ɂˁ ƋɁˁǚƞ ƋǚǔȧŽ Ęñ ǜǒƬ ʊǚǔƞƬƖ ďǒˁʊƙ Ǟ ȭŘǚǚ˿ ǷɁǜ ȧ˿ ď˹ǔǜǜƬʁ ǚɁƋŘǜǔɁȭ ǜɁ ˹ǒƬʁƬ ǔǜ ȭƬƬƞʊ ǜɁ ŽƬƙ ɼďɁɡ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ,ɁʁɡɁʁŘǜƬ ˁȭǷǚƬ ˿ȧNJɾ Sydney Nelson, MPA, a UW-Whitewater graduate, started her career at PwC in August. She serves on the WICPA’s Accounting Careers Awareness Committee, is past president of the UW-Whitewater chapter of NABA and was co-coordinator of the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) program. Contact Sydney at 414-940-8544 or NelsonSN25@uww.edu.

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GRADUATE – TO –

GAINFULLY EMPLOYED *˿ °ʁǔʊǜǔȭ °ŘǚǚǔƬʊƙ ñ õ

Whether you’re a recent graduate in pursuit of an entry-level position ˹ǔǜǒ Řȭ ŘƋƋɁˁȭǜǔȭǷ Ǟ ʁȧƙ Ɂʁ Řȭ ˁȭƞƬʁƋǚŘʊʊȧŘȭ ʊƬƬǘǔȭǷ Ř ˸ŘǚˁŘŽǚƬ ǔȭǜƬʁȭʊǒǔɡ experience, these 10 tips can help you rise to the top and remain top of mind with recruiters.

(Z H JHTW\Z YLJY\P[LY 0 TLL[ HUK PU[LY]PL^ [OV\ZHUKZ VM Z[\KLU[Z LHJO `LHY [V Ä SS H Ä UP[L U\TILY VM UL^ WVZP[PVUZ ^P[OPU V\Y Ä YT -YVT HTVUN [OL JVWPV\Z YHURZ VM LHNLY NYHK\H[LZ ^L JV\SK VUS` JOVVZL [HSLU[LK Z[\KLU[Z [V Ä SS VWLUPUNZ SHZ[ `LHY So, how can you break away from the masses to become one of the chosen few? /V^ KV `V\ SHUK [OH[ Ä YZ[ WYVMLZZPVUHS VWWVY[\UP[`&

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

hired | Interview tips

hɁǚǚɁ˹ ǜǒƬʊƬ ɍ̋ ʊˁǷǷƬʊǜǔɁȭʊƙ Řȭƞ ˿Ɂˁɻǚǚ ʊǜŘȭƞ Ɂˁǜ Řȭƞ ŘɡŘʁǜ njʁɁȧ ǜǒƬ ʁƬʊǜƙ ˹ǒǔǚƬ ŘǚʊɁ ʊǜŘȭƞǔȭǷ ǜǒƬ ŽƬʊǜ ƋǒŘȭƋƬ Ɂnj ǚŘˁȭƋǒǔȭǷ ˿Ɂˁʁ successful career. 1. Develop your personal brand. @V\Y personal brand is how you present yourself to the marketplace, but more importantly, it’s how you’re perceived in the marketplace. By developing your unique and authentic personal brand, you decide how you want people to feel and think about you and help create the lasting impression you want to make in people’s minds. @V\Y WLYZVUHS IYHUK HSZV ZLY]LZ [V KPMMLYLU[PH[L you from everyone else. Develop your personal brand, and then develop a consistent and compelling way to talk about your brand–be it in your résumé, during interviews, [OYV\NOV\[ `V\Y VUSPUL WYVÄSL HUK ^P[O LHJO HUK every touch point. Remember, you’re the head THYRL[LY MVY [OL IYHUK JHSSLK @6<

2. Market your experiences, no matter how unimportant you feel they are. Students tend to downplay any work experience that includes part-time or minimum wage positions. In actuality, such experiences can give potential employers additional insights into your character, capabilities and creativity. Try translating those workplace responsibilities into meaningful business or accounting experiences. Did you work at a local sandwich shop? Why not emphasize the daily inventory counts you managed as a way to reinforce your love of numbers.

ʯƖ õƬʊƬŘʁƋǒ ɡʁɁʊɡƬƋǜǔ˸Ƭ ƬȧɡǚɁ˿Ƭʁʊƙ then THRL [OL ÄUKPUNZ YLSL]HU[ +VPUN OVTL^VYR VU H ÄYT PZ LZZLU[PHS I\[ PU[LYWYL[PUN ^OH[ `V\ SLHYU as it relates to your career objectives or values is IL`VUK IL[[LY 0UZ[LHK VM YLJVNUPaPUN [OH[ >PWÅP LLP specializes in helping clients across eight key industries (an easily culled fact from our ^LIZP[L `V\ JV\SK [HSR TVYL ZWLJPÄJHSS` HIV\[ [OL ÄYT»Z L_WLY[PZL ^P[O OLHS[O JHYL JSPLU[Z MVY example and your passion for that industry, along with your knowledge of the industry’s challenges. Make your research resonate.

4. Network to the max. @V\»YL SVVRPUN MVY HU opportunity, and opportunities primarily come by way of people. The more people you know, [OL NYLH[LY `V\Y JOHUJLZ VM ÄUKPUN `V\Y ILZ[ opportunity. Perhaps no other time in your life will you have exposure to so many different WLVWSL HUK HJJLZZ [V ZV THU` ÄYTZ HUK PUK\Z[Y` leaders. Therefore, there’s no better time than now to proactively build up your social networks. Leverage LinkedIn, and reach out to your parents’ networks, your professors’ networks, the networks of your classmates, and to every HJJV\U[PUN ÄYT JVUULJ[PVU `V\ THRL ;HRL full advantage of each encounter. Doing so will establish valuable groundwork for the rest of your career. After all, you never know where you’ll end up farther down the career path. It’s why relationships and connections matter, not just now but also later.

ǣƖ õăĴñƿ Řǚ˹Ř˿ʊNJ Even in our instantcommunication world, students many times simply don’t communicate. Each time you YLJLP]L H ÄYT»Z PU]P[H[PVU [V H[[LUK HU VU JHTW\Z L]LU[ VY TLL[PUN YLZWVUK 4HU` ÄYTZ ^PSS [YHJR and monitor how often invitations are extended and whether or not you respond to them. If you OH]L H JVUÅPJ[ ZPTWS` KLJSPUL [OL PU]P[H[PVU ^P[O a brief note of thanks. Otherwise, a pattern of no response clearly says, “I’m not interested in working for your organization.” 6. Treat every encounter as an interview. Whether it’s job shadowing or an after-hours social, consider every event an interview and always err on the side of professionalism and formality. If you’re unsure of the dress code MVY HU VMÄJL `V\»YL ]PZP[PUN VY HU L]LU[ `V\»YL attending, it’s always best to be overdressed. Rest assured you are constantly being evaluated; be punctual and conduct yourself with proper etiquette. ʕƖ ³Ƭ˸ƬʁŘǷƬ ʊǜŘǓȭǷ Ǟʁȧʊ ǜɁ ǜǒƬ njˁǚǚƬʊǜƖ An employment agency can offer more than just resources for job openings. Use agencies as a way to practice and perfect your interview skills. ;OL TVYL `V\ PU[LY]PL^ [OL TVYL JVUÄKLU[ `V\ become. >>

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hired | Interview tips

8. Conduct informational calls. Informational calls or interviews are a great networking technique that also helps build your JVUÄ KLUJL SL]LSZ HUK NP]LZ `V\ L_WVZ\YL [V various industries. A word of caution: Never use informational interviews to ask for a job! Instead use the interviews to gain good insights and afterward leverage the interviewees as contacts. 9. Articulate your matriculation milestones. For many students, actual graduation day is not the end of their higher education journeys. Some accounting students may still be actively acquiring advanced credits and degrees or W\YZ\PUN JLY[PÄ JH[PVUZ

It’s important to let potential employers know where you are in completing your educational endeavors. Be clear with interviewers about where you stand as a candidate for the CPA exam or what your efforts are to secure other HJHKLTPJ KLNYLLZ SPJLUZLZ VY JLY[PÄ JH[PVUZ 10. Go beyond your résumé. @V\Y YtZ\Tt is only one tool in your job search toolbox. Supplement it with a series of success stories from school, work or volunteering that show how you solved a real problem, accomplished a goal, executed plans, or generated results—anything that highlights your skillsets and best attributes. Kristin Kallies, PHR is manager of campus recruitment at >PWÅ P 337 PU 4HKPZVU *VU[HJ[ OLY H[ VY RRHSSPLZ'^PWÅ P JVT

social

Start building

your professional network Attend a WICPA event!

September 16 – Madison Mix & Mingle

September 19 – Gathering on the Green Golf Outing

December TBD Milwaukee Mix & Jingle

For details on all events planned by the WICPA Young Professionals Committee, visit www.wicpa.org/YPevents

10

CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

educated

CPAs in Industry Spring

Don’t forge t to save t hese

2014 conf erence l Financia ions Institut

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Thur., M ay 29

Tax Thur., No v. 6 & Fri., N ov. 7

School Distric t Audit

Wed., M ay 28

Tue., March 18

School District Audit

dates!

CPAs in Industry Fall

1RW IRU 3UR¿ W & Health Care Tue., Sept. 30

Tue., Sept. 23

ing, Account & Auditing l Financia ment Manage

Technology Thur., Dec. 4 & Fri., Dec. 5

ov. 19 Wed., N

Mark your calendars! Connect with peers for face-to-face interaction and idea sharing. Maintain your expertise with updates on the latest issues and trends. +HDU ¿ UVWKDQG IURP highly rated experts and thought leaders.

Registrati on will op en approxima tely eight weeks pri or to e conferenc ach e. To learn m ore, visit www

.wicpa.org /CPE.

prepared | CPA Exam

REG Regulation

Auditing AUD

BEC

CP

Business Environment and Concep

macroeconomics

WINDS OF CHANGE

WISCONSIN ADOPTS NEW CPA EXAM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS *Ëż ĂľÉ Ĺ˝ĆŹĘ Çœ Ă„Ć– Ę Ë Ĺ˝ĆŹĘ Ć™ ùǒƖ<Ć–Ć™ ,ùÄƙ , ÀÄ Ĺ˜Č­Ćž <Əȭȭǔʊ hĆ– Ä?É Č§É Ę ĘŠÇ˜ËżĆ™ ,ùÄƙ •Ɩ<Ć–Ć™ , ÀÄ

Ă?Č­ Ă„ÉĄĘ Ç”Çš Ɯƙ ʚ̋É?ÇŽĆ™ É Ë¸Ć– ÄƒĆ‹É ÇœÇœ ÄśĹ˜ÇšÇ˜ĆŹĘ ĘŠÇ”ǡȭƏĆž Ç”Č­ÇœÉ ÇšĹ˜Ëš Ĺ˜ Ć‹Ç’Ĺ˜ȭǡƏ ÇœÉ ÄśÇ”ĘŠĆ‹É Č­ĘŠÇ”Č­ ,ùÄ FËžĹ˜ȧ ĆŹĆžË Ć‹Ĺ˜ÇœÇ”É Č­ requirements. The change allows candidates to take the CPA Exam once they complete the 120 semester hours with an accounting concentration. However, they will still not be licensed as a CPA in Wisconsin until they complete 150 hours and receive a bachelor’s or higher degree. Background (ZZLTIS` HUK :LUH[L IPSSZ ^LYL PU[YVK\JLK PU 6J[VILY [V Z[YLHTSPUL [OL PZZ\HUJL VM SPJLUZLZ I` LSPTPUH[PUN SPJLUZL L_HT education requirements. This would allow individuals to enter the workforce sooner. The bills proceeded swiftly through the 3LNPZSH[\YL HUK ILJHTL SH^ >PZJVUZPU (J[ PU SH[L +LJLTILY ;OL >0*7( ^HZ HTVUN [OL ML^ VYNHUPaH[PVUZ [V express opposition to this provision.

12

CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

corporate finance

PA EXAM

pts

FAR

Financial Accounting and Reporting

Students and employers must be aware of the requirements to take the CPA Exam and subsequent licensure requirements in their respective Ç–Ë Ę Ç”ĘŠĆžÇ”Ć‹ÇœÇ”É Č­ĘŠĆ– hÉ Ę ÇœË Č­Ĺ˜ÇœĆŹÇšËżĆ™ ÇœÇ’ĆŹĘ ĆŹ Ĺ˜Ę ĆŹ ÉĄÇšĆŹČ­ÇœËż É ÇŒ Ç’Ç”ǡÇ’ČŠÉ´Ë Ĺ˜ÇšÇ”ÇœËż Ĺ˜Č­Ćž ĆŹĹ˜ĘŠÇ”ÇšËż accessible resources available.

Shortly after enactment of the new law in +LJLTILY [OL >0*7( TL[ ^P[O SLNPZSH[VYZ and representatives from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Accounting ,_HTPUPUN )VHYK (,) HUK NV]LYUVYÂťZ VMĂ„ JL [V encourage prompt reinstatement of a CPA Exam education requirement to avoid losing the CPA Exam in Wisconsin, which the AICPA and NASBA stated would be a strong possibility without a statutory CPA Exam education requirement.

Since Assembly Rep. Howard Marklein, CPA had PU[YVK\JLK () [V YLĂ… LJ[ [LJOUPJHS \WKH[LZ [V Wisconsin accountancy regulations, an amendment to this bill was introduced reinstating a CPA Exam education requirement. Due to expressed opposition from some legislators to the 150-hour CPA Exam education requirement, the amendment compromised with a 120-hour requirement. AB669 unanimously passed the Assembly on Feb. 11 and the Senate on March 18, and was signed into law by Gov. Walker on April 8. >> 800-772-6939

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prepared | CPA Exam

ĂľĆŹÉ´Ë Ç”Ę ĆŹČ§ĆŹČ­ÇœĘŠ ÇœÉ ÇœĹ˜Ç˜ĆŹ ÇœÇ’ĆŹ ,ùÄ FËžĹ˜ȧ (J[ HUK () HSZV IYPUN [V SPNO[ [OL ZPTWSL fact there is little jurisdictional uniformity when it comes to the Uniform CPA Exam. In fact, the only thing that is the same across all 55 jurisdictions is the requirement that all candidates pass the CPA Exam. The AICPA and NASBA have worked hard over the past decade to make the rules for obtaining a CPA license uniform over all jurisdictions. But each jurisdiction has its own state board of accounting, which sets the accounting rules and regulations on its own and based on the characteristics of its own constituents.

“ȭ ÇˇĆŹČ­ĆŹĘ Ĺ˜ÇšĆ™ Ĺ˜ÇšÇš Ç–Ë Ę Ç”ĘŠĆžÇ”Ć‹ÇœÇ”É Č­ĘŠ use the following 3E’s: ĆŠ FĆžË Ć‹Ĺ˜ÇœÇ”É Č­Ć• <ĆŹÇˇĘ ĆŹĆŹĆ™ É Ę Ç”ÇœĘŠ ĆŹÉ´Ë Ç”˸Ĺ˜ÇšĆŹČ­Çœ in accounting ĆŠ FËžĹ˜ȧĆ• hÉ Ë Ę ĘŠĆŹĆ‹ÇœÇ”É Č­ĘŠ É ÇŒ ,ùÄ FËžĹ˜ȧ ĆŠ FËžÉĄĆŹĘ Ç”ĆŹČ­Ć‹ĆŹĆ• þƏÇšƏ˸Ĺ˜Č­Çœ ËšÉ Ę Ç˜ ĘŠË ÉĄĆŹĘ Ë¸Ç”ĘŠĆŹĆž Ĺ˜Č­Ćž Ë¸ĆŹĘ Ç”ÇžĆŹĆž Ž˿ Ĺ˜ ,ùÄ

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*Ë Çœ É Č­ĆŹ ĘŠÇ”ǡȭÇ”ÇžĆ‹Ĺ˜Č­Çœ ƞǔÇ?ĆŹĘ ĆŹČ­Ć‹ĆŹ ǔʊ ÇœÇ’ĆŹ number of hours required to take the CPA Exam. ĆŠ ĘŻÇŽ Ç–Ë Ę Ç”ĘŠĆžÇ”Ć‹ÇœÇ”É Č­ĘŠ Ę ĆŹÉ´Ë Ç”Ę ĆŹ É?ʚ̋ Ç’É Ë Ę ĘŠ (e.g., Iowa and Minnesota). Wisconsin is the newest member of this group. - Most jurisdictions don’t allow candidates to start early (before completing 120 hours). - Most also specify the time period in which a candidate must apply for licensure or risk starting the CPA Exam process anew. ĆŠ É?Ęš Ç–Ë Ę Ç”ĘŠĆžÇ”Ć‹ÇœÇ”É Č­ĘŠ Ę ĆŹÉ´Ë Ç”Ę ĆŹ É?ÇŁĚ‹ Ç’É Ë Ę ĘŠĆ– - Some allow candidates to begin taking the *7( ,_HT ^P[OPU H ZWLJPĂ„LK WLYPVK ILMVYL completing 150 hours. - A few require that 150 hours be completed before candidates can start taking the CPA Exam (e.g., Illinois). Other CPA Exam requirements that differ include requiring state citizenship (four), requiring state residency (16), and providing Social Security U\TILYZ :[PSS V[OLY KPMMLYLUJLZ L_PZ[ MVY the required hours in accounting, experience requirement for licensure and the nature of the required ethics exam component.

The following table summarizes most of the requirements for Wisconsin and its three closest neighbors. Requirement

WISCONSIN

ILLINOIS

IOWA

MINNESOTA

Age

18

18

None

None

Citizen of State

No

No

No

No

Resident of State

No

No

No

No

Social Security Number

No

Optional

Yes

Yes

Exam Sitting

120 hours completed

150 hours completed

Bachelor’s degree or within 120 days of bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree or within 120 days of bachelor’s degree

Accounting Courses Experience

Complete and detailed listing available via NASBA’s website. Wisconsin requires either: (1) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business courses or (2) a graduate degree with either 24 undergraduate hours in accounting or 15 graduate hours in accounting. One year experience One year general in public accounting or experience in governits equivalent ment, industry academia or public practice

One year experience in more than one employment situation (includes internships) in government industry, academia or public accounting.

One year experience in public practice, government, industry or academia.

Two years experience for attest CPA which includes one year of attest and one year of general experience.

Ethics Exam

Wisconsin online ethics exam

AICPA Professional Ethics Exam

AICPA Professional Ethics Exam

AICPA Professional Ethics Exam

Conclusion ;OL Q\YPZKPJ[PVUHS *7( ,_HT YLX\PYLTLU[Z ^LYL JSLHYS` \UKLYZJVYLK I` >PZJVUZPU (J[ HUK AB669. Students and employers must be aware of the requirements to take the CPA Exam and subsequent licensure requirements in their respective jurisdictions. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality and easily accessible resources available, particularly via the AICPA at O[[W! [PU`\YS JVT Z[H[LJWH and NASBA at O[[W! [PU`\YS JVT UHZIHL_HT „ Robert A. Gruber, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA is a professor and Master of Professional Accountancy program coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Contact him at 262-472-5463 or gruberr@uww.edu.

Dennis F. Tomorsky, CPA, J.D., CGMA is president & CEO of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs. Contact him at 262-785-0445 ext. 4519 or dennis@wicpa.org.

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No fear necessary: TIPS FOR OVERCOMING PRESENTATION ANXIETY *˿ õɁŽƬʁǜ Řǚnj

łɁˁ ȧŘ˿ ǜǒǔȭǘ ǜǒŘǜ Řʊ Ř Ǟ ȭŘȭƋƬ ȧŘǖɁʁƙ ˿Ɂˁɻǚǚ ȧŘǔȭǚ˿ ŽƬ ˹ɁʁǘǔȭǷ ˹ǔǜǒ ȭˁȧŽƬʁʊ Řȭƞ won’t have to get up in front of a crowd. But accountants in today’s workplaces are no longer siloed in their own departments; they are an important part of companywide decision-making processes, which require them to present data, proposals and solutions to a range of colleagues and shareholders.

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prepared | Public speaking Everyone’s probably heard the oft-quoted statistic about Americans fearing public speaking more than dying. But getting up in front of a group need not be a near-death experience. Whether you’re giving an in-class talk or a speech at a conference, here are some tips for public speaking that can help you conquer stage fright and present like a pro.

Practice makes perfect. ¸>PUNPUN P[¹ PZ H Z\YL ÄYL ^H` [V OH]L H scary presentation experience. Thorough preparation is key for calming fears and W\TWPUN \W `V\Y JVUÄKLUJL 7\[ [PTL PU[V ^YP[PUN HUK revising your talk. Then practice out loud, including PU MYVU[ VM H TPYYVY 0M JLY[HPU ZLU[LUJLZ KVU»[ ÅV^ ^LSS or if any phrases trip you up, rewrite them until they sound better. To see and hear how you appear to an audience, set up your smartphone, and videotape yourself giving the presentation. When playing it back, listen for vocal tics—“um,” “you know,” throat clearing —and see how often you look up from your notes and make eye contact. Listen to the pitch of your voice: If it sounds rushed, moderate your pace. If too shrill, learn to speak from your chest instead of using a “head voice.”

Prepare to engage. Public speaking is so much more than reading a text verbatim. In fact, just reading your notes is the quickest way to turn off an audience. Even if you’re speaking about accounting best practices or changing tax laws, add a personal touch. People like to hear stories, so try to include a few anecdotes, especially at the beginning and/or end. And while you shouldn’t use PowerPoint or Prezi as a crutch, visuals help increase comprehension and interest—as long as you don’t bore people with dense and incomprehensible slides. Another plus of using presentation software is that audience members can shift their gaze between you and the screen, which takes some focus off you and can make you feel more at ease. Using accounting humor is another good way to engage the audience. And if they’re laughing, you’re more likely to relax. But don’t overdo the funny stuff. An overly comedic presentation is inappropriate in TVZ[ ÄUHUJL ZL[[PUNZ

Get feedback. You don’t have to go it alone. Think about your peers and professors. If there are one or two people whose speaking styles you admire, ask them if they would listen to your delivery. They can tell you what works ^LSS ^OH[ MHSSZ ÅH[ HUK ^OLYL `V\ ULLK TVYL WVSPZOPUN

ăƋɁˁǜ Ɂˁǜ ǜǒƬ ǚɁƋŘǚƬƖ A day or so before the presentation, visit the venue where you’ll be speaking. See what the setup is like, stand at the lectern, adjust the microphone (if there is one) and look out at the empty seats. The more familiar you are with the room, the more comfortable you’ll be on the day of the speech. Also, be sure to arrive at least an hour before the presentation so you can hook up your computer to the projector (if you’re using one) and make sure everything is working well.

Do some A.M. prep work. The morning of your big presentation, get in a good workout. Not only can you mentally go over your notes as you run laps or complete the circuit, but exercising releases endorphins (“happy hormones”), which can help you feel upbeat about the task ahead. Also do some positive thinking and get psyched up. Voiceover talent Lora Cain advises that as you brush your teeth in the morning, look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I deserve to be heard.”

Embrace the nerves. 0[»Z 62 [V OH]L I\[[LYÅPLZ PU `V\Y Z[VTHJO when you get up in front of a group. What’s more, you can harness that nervous energy. Nerves are the result of adrenaline, so make it work for you. For example, walk around the stage and use your arms to gesture, both of which use up energy and can lessen your presentation anxiety.

Don’t forget the Q&A! Most talks conclude with a question-andanswer session. And if you’re defending a thesis, your committee will be asking questions. For the most part, this aspect of public speaking can be the most fraught with anxiety because of its \UWYLKPJ[HISL UH[\YL @L[ [OLYL HYL H ML^ [OPUNZ `V\ can do. As you prepare, put yourself in the audience’s shoes, and brainstorm some questions they might ask, and then write out the answers. If you rehearse in front of friends, role-play the Q&A portion. But the best way [V IL HISL [V HUZ^LY X\LZ[PVUZ JVUÄKLU[S` HUK spontaneously is to be thoroughly immersed in the subject matter.

ÀŘʊǜƬʁǔȭǷ ɡˁŽǚǔƋ ʊɡƬŘǘǔȭǷ ǔʊ Řȭ ǔȧɡɁʁǜŘȭǜ ɡŘʁǜ Ɂnj ŽˁǔǚƞǔȭǷ ƋɁȧȧˁȭǔƋŘǜǔɁȭ ʊǘǔǚǚʊƙ Ř ƋɁʁƬ competency that will take you far in your accounting career. This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half, parent company of Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & (JJV\U[PUN HUK 9VILY[ /HSM 4HUHNLTLU[ 9LZV\YJLZ 9VILY[ /HSM PZ [OL ^VYSK»Z ÄYZ[ HUK SHYNLZ[ ZWLJPHSPaLK Z[HMÄUN ÄYT WSHJPUN HJJV\U[PUN HUK ÄUHUJL WYVMLZZPVUHSZ VU H [LTWVYHY` M\SS [PTL HUK WYVQLJ[ IHZPZ

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Kelly Emmer, CPA

Shares Her Journey FROM CLASSROOM

TO CAREER BY KELLY EMMER, CPA

I BECAME A CPA BECAUSE …

it was the next logical and progressive step in my education and career. With a double THQVY PU HJJV\U[PUN HUK ÄUHUJL 0 KLJPKLK [V JVU[PU\L MVY H ÄM[O `LHY VM LK\JH[PVU to attain a master’s degree, so I would have enough credits to take the CPA Exam. I realized that becoming a CPA would provide me with an advanced skill set that would serve me well by equipping me with the tools for a varied and diverse career.

RECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE WICPA WAS …

H NYLH[ OVUVY ;OL H^HYK IVSZ[LYLK T` JVUÄKLUJL HUK LU[O\ZPHZT [V JVU[PU\L ^VYRPUN OHYK [OYV\NO T` ÄM[O `LHY (KKP[PVUHSS` [OL ZJOVSHYZOPW NH]L TL [OL ÄUHUJPHS Z[HIPSP[` [V MVJ\Z VU T` NYHK\H[L Z[\KPLZ HUK WHZZPUN [OL *7( ,_HT

MY EXPERIENCE TAKING THE CPA EXAM WAS …

long, nerve-wracking, and full of studying. While you are in the midst of studying the journey seems long and hard, but the ends justify the means. Passing the CPA Exam PZ HU HJJVTWSPZOTLU[ [OH[ ^PSS ZLY]L TL [OL YLZ[ VM T` SPML HUK IVVZ[LK T` JVUÄKLUJL in my knowledge and abilities.

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

rewarded | Scholarship spotlight

ALONG MY CAREER PATH …

I was fortunate to have internships with Robert W. Baird and KPMG before I graduated. After graduating with my master’s degree and passing the CPA Exam, I delved straight into public accounting at KPMG. It’s here that I aim to continue developing tax skills as a CPA and see where the road takes me.

A DAY IN MY LIFE AS A CPA INVOLVES … being prepared for a variety of work. My work involves many different activities and no two days are exactly the same. Some days I spend researching and responding to notices, others preparing tax work papers and returns, while still others participating in research and development interviews with client engineers and writing detailed narratives.

IF I HAD TO DESCRIBE WHAT I DO IN JUST THREE WORDS, I WOULD SAY… analyze, calculate, document.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT MY CAREER IS …

the variety of activities and projects in which I get to participate. Besides working with numbers, I am involved in analysis and writing. I also enjoy working with intelligent and successful people.

IN MY POSITION AT THE KPMG MILWAUKEE OFFICE …

I work as a federal tax associate. Working in a small VMÄJL 0 OH]L ILLU HMMVYKLK ZL]LYHS VWWVY[\UP[PLZ For example, I split my time between working on compliance projects and research and development projects with the Accounting Methods and Credit Services team. On the compliance side, I prepare federal and state tax returns for investment trusts, partnerships, and S-corporations, in addition to helping with tax provisions, performing research, and responding to notices. My work on research and development projects has helped me develop additional skill sets because I participate in technical interviews, perform special calculations and engage in lots of writing.

“ANALYZE, CALCULATE, DOCUMENT.” I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT…

my family, my friends, and balancing hard work with supporting others and giving back to lead a satisfying HUK M\SÄSSPUN SPML

MY ADVICE TO ASPIRING ACCOUNTING MAJORS IS …

work hard, ask for help when you need it, and be open about your goals and aspirations. Seek opportunities to learn new things, build your skill set and expose yourself to areas outside of your given position.

WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I WISH I KNEW BACK IN COLLEGE IS …

college is full of new opportunities and experiences. Take advantage of them. It is one of the best periods in your life. It’s a tremendous time for learning, self growth and freedom.

PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT…

the average person does not know that accounting is about so much more than math. Almost without fail when I am in a social setting and I mention that I’m H *7( 0 NL[ [OL YLZWVUZL [OH[ 0 T\Z[ SPRL TH[O @LZ accountants use math, but so do a multitude of other professions. Accounting is about research, analytics and storytelling. Accountants use numbers as puzzle pieces to tell a story about business performance. >>

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rewarded | Scholarship spotlight

Kelly’s

Fun Facts

MY FAVORITE MOVIE IS …

“Pride & Prejudice” (Keira Knightley version)

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I ENJOY… traveling, reading, cooking and discovering new activities and restaurants in Milwaukee.

MY FAVORITE BOOK IS …

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell

I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… my cell phone? This is likely the most obvious answer, but it’s the only thing I can think of.

THIS SUMMER, I …

am taking a road trip to Nashville, Memphis and St. Louis.

Kelly Emmer, CPA is a federal tax associate at KPMG in Milwaukee. Contact her at 414-276-4200 or kelemmer@gmail.com.

Invest one year to complete your

MS-ACCOUNTANCY degree and you’ll be qualified to sit for the CPA exam.

Free money for college 5th year accounting students can apply for $2,500. Deadline is Feb. 27, 2015.

Available online or in the classroom. Visit connect.edgewood.edu, call 608.663.4299, or email gps@edgewood.edu today. Apply free! Use the fee waiver code 262.

Madison, WI Connecting Learning, Beliefs and Actions

The School of Business at Edgewood College is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Edgewood College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University,” among “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes, and a “Best in the Midwest College” by Princeton Review.

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For more information, visit

www.wicpa.org/efscholarships.

digital | Technology

2ɚ ७७FH७ఀ௾௿ఁఈ७७७

Consider productivity tools to get great results in less time *˿ ,ǔȭƞ˿ ñʁǔȭƞǚƬƙ À,Äăƙ ÀFñ<

ÂƬŘʁǚ˿ Ƭ˸Ƭʁ˿ ʊǜˁƞƬȭǜ ˁʊƬʊ ÀǔƋʁɁʊɁǢ ÏǓ ƋƬ ĶɁʁƞƙ F˾ƋƬǚ Řȭƞ ñɁ˹ƬʁñɁǔȭǜ ǜɁ ˸Řʁ˿ǔȭǷ degrees. Yet, some are self-taught in these applications and, therefore, likely remain unaware of key productivity-enhancing tools in each of these applications. >>

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21

digital | Technology

Word

In this article, you will learn about six features found in these three applications and how to use them to get better results in less time.

ȭ ĶɁʁƞƙ ǜ˹Ɂ ˁʊƬnjˁǚ njƬŘǜˁʁƬʊ njɁʁ ʊǜˁƞƬȭǜʊ ŘʁƬ ʁƬnjƬʁƬȭƋƬʊ ǜɁɁǚʊ Řȭƞ ǜǒƬ ǜǒƬʊŘˁʁˁʊƖ >YP[PUN LZZH`Z HUK YLZLHYJO WHWLYZ JHU IL V]LY^OLSTPUN LZWLJPHSS` ^OLU `V\ T\Z[ MVSSV^ H ZWLJPÄJ ^YP[PUN Z[`SL such as American Psychological Association, Modern Language Association, Chicago or others while in certain disciplines or classes. To complicate matters further, there are many different editions for each of the writing styles. @V\ UV[ VUS` ULLK [V JVUJLYU `V\YZLSM ^P[O [OL HWWYVWYPH[L JVU[LU[ I\[ `V\ T\Z[ HSZV RUV^ HUK MVSSV^ HSS VM [OL Y\SLZ HZ KPJ[H[LK I` [OL JVYYLJ[ LKP[PVU VM [OL ZWLJPÄJ ^YP[PUN Z[`SL ,HJO ^YP[PUN Z[`SL MVSSV^Z KPMMLYLU[ Y\SLZ Z\JO HZ OV^ [V JP[L YLMLYLUJLZ HUK ^OH[ ÄLSKZ [V PUJS\KL ^P[O [OL KPMMLYLU[ [`WLZ VM ZV\YJLZ QV\YUHSZ IVVRZ ^LIZP[LZ HY[PJSLZ L[J OV^ [V JYLH[L HUK MVYTH[ H IPISPVNYHWO` VY H ^VYRZ JP[LK WHNL ZWLJPÄJ ÄLSKZ [OH[ ULLK [V IL PUJS\KLK ^P[O LHJO [`WL of source, and how all this information is organized.

õƬnjƬʁƬȭƋƬʊ ďɁɁǚʊ

The references tools in Word can make the whole process much easier by providing a list of the most common writing styles. These tools can be found in the references ribbon within the citations and bibliography group. Simply click the down-arrow in the Style box to select the writing style and edition that you are required to follow. This automatically formats the structure of all citations and the bibliography to comply with the standards for the selected writing style.

Once all sources have been entered and your citations in place, one click on the bibliography button will create the bibliography or works cited page structured in the proper format as dictated by the writing style.

Thesaurus

Once a paper is complete, you should always proof it for typos, mistakes and structure. One tool that is as valuable as spell check is the thesaurus. It comes in OHUK` ^OLU `V\ ÄUK [OL ZHTL ^VYK V]LYS` \ZLK

To add citations, click on the insert citation button to view a list of your current citations or add a new source to create an inline citation in your essay. By JOVVZPUN [OL [`WL VM ZV\YJL VUL ^PSS ÄUK [OH[ [OL ULJLZZHY` ÄLSKZ ^PSS HWWLHY ^P[OPU [OL KPHSVN IV_ Once the data has been entered into the new citation, it is stored and inserted in the document with the appropriate punctuation for the selected writing style. In the event that you need to edit or manage any of the sources previously entered, click on the manage sources button. All writing styles require you to create a list of all sources in alphabetical order on the last page of the paper. Some styles refer to this as a bibliography while others refer to it as works cited.

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

An easy way to display the thesaurus is to right-click on any word to display the shortcut menu, and then point to synonyms. The Synonyms sub-menu will show a list of words that have the same meaning. Click on any of the words in the sub-menu, and it will automatically replace the original word with the new one.

Excel

ȭ F˾ƋƬǚƙ ǜ˹Ɂ Ɂnj ǜǒƬ ȧɁʊǜ ɡɁ˹Ƭʁnjˁǚ njƬŘǜˁʁƬʊ ŘʁƬ ɴˁǔƋǘ ŘȭŘǚ˿ʊǔʊ Řȭƞ ʁƬƋɁȧȧƬȭƞƬƞ ƋǒŘʁǜʊƖ

Quick Analysis

Analyzing data in Excel has never been easier if `V\ [HRL HK]HU[HNL VM »Z UL^ X\PJR HUHS`ZPZ feature. All you need to do is select the data and make a choice of the type of analysis you wish to perform by clicking on the small icon that appears. When you point to the options in the analysis pane, Excel displays a preview of how it will look. The analysis options include formatting (conditional), charts, totals, [HISLZ ZWHYRSPULZ HUK TVYL ^P[O H [HW VM H ÄUNLY

Charts

Excel has long supported a variety of charts for WYLZLU[PUN KH[H 4HU` \ZLYZ OH]L KPMÄJ\S[` JOVVZPUN the best chart to effectively convey relevant information for a given data set. A wrong choice can make the end result unclear or misleading.

PowerPoint

The new recommended charts tool automatically analyzes your data and suggests a suitable chart type for the type of data that you have selected. To insert a recommended chart, select the data that you want to use in the chart, click the insert tab, and then click recommended charts button from the charts group.

ȭ ñɁ˹ƬʁñɁǔȭǜƙ ǜǒƬ ŽǔǷǷƬʊǜ ȧǔʊǜŘǘƬ ǜǒŘǜ ʊǜˁƞƬȭǜʊ ȧŘǘƬ ǔʊ ǔȭƋǚˁƞǔȭǷ ǜɁɁ ȧˁƋǒ information on a slide. Too many words, graphics, animations, busy designs, and multimedia can actually sabotage your WYLZLU[H[PVU @V\Y H\KPLUJL TH` NL[ KPZ[YHJ[LK HUK miss your message. Stay consistent with the 7 X 7 rule (no more than seven words per line and no more than seven lines on a slide). Include your main points on each slide, and then elaborate on those points when you present. ;V RLLW [OL WYLZLU[H[PVU JVUZPZ[LU[ HUK [HZ[LM\S \ZL VUL VM [OL THU` WYVMLZZPVUHS [OLTLZ SVJH[LK PU [OL KLZPNU YPIIVU 0U 7V^LY7VPU[ `V\ JHU M\Y[OLY J\Z[VTPaL your design by selecting theme variants. Find some pre-set variants or choose from other options in the areas of color, fonts, effects, and background

styles. Once you have selected an appropriate design theme and variant, PowerPoint will automatically apply it to all slides. Cindy Prindle is an educator representing The Training Center at Hawkins Ash CPAs. Contact The Training Center at 1-800-658-9077 or Info@hawkinsashcpas.com.

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION — PROMOTES —

PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS *˿ ƬʊʊǔƋŘ *Ɩ Řǜ˘ǘƬƙ ,ñÄƙ Àăď

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

versatile | Communication skills

Written and oral communication skills are critical to your future success as Ř ,ñÄƖ ăƬƬǘ ǜɁ ƋɁȭǜǔȭˁɁˁʊǚ˿ ǔȧɡʁɁ˸Ƭ ǜǒƬʊƬ ʊǘǔǚǚʊ ǜǒʁɁˁǷǒɁˁǜ ˿Ɂˁʁ ƋŘʁƬƬʁ ǜɁ attain your maximum potential. (Z 0 ^YV[L [OPZ HY[PJSL 0 YLÅ LJ[LK VU [OL LHYSPLZ[ years in my career. I remember repeating that I was never good in English class but loved math and science. Now, I realize how critical my English classes were and wish that I could master the written word. Although I still have the writing guide provided by my high school English teacher in my VMÄ JL OL SPRLS` ^V\SK OH]L ZL]LYHS JVYYLJ[PVUZ [V this article. Having said all of this, my goal is not to prove how good or bad I am at writing. My goal is to explain how critical effective communication is in the accounting industry. Written communication involves the presentation of an idea or data in a formal letter or formal email. This form of communication can also be informal: Think email or text messaging. The type of written communication used will vary widely depending on the formality of the situation, the formality of the relationship between you and the recipient and the underlying topic. On any given day, I will text with friends and family, and I will write a formal letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Of utmost importance is the ability to determine the most effective and appropriate method of written communication for the given situation. Oral communication involves the presentation of an idea or data using the spoken word and could involve formal or informal speaking engagements and formal or informal communications with co-workers and friends. Just as I use varying levels of written communication throughout the day, I do the same with any oral communications. I will have an informal conversation with a family member, a teaching opportunity with my son or a formal phone conversation with a client or government agent.

Why is communication critical to your success? ĶǒƬǜǒƬʁ ˿Ɂˁ ƋǒɁɁʊƬ Řˁƞǔǜƙ ǜŘ˾ŘǜǔɁȭ Ɂʁ ɡʁǔ˸ŘǜƬ ŘƋƋɁˁȭǜǔȭǷƙ ˿Ɂˁ ŘʁƬ ˹ɁʁǘǔȭǷ ˹ǔǜǒ highly technical information. This information is often confusing and complex for individuals outside the accounting, Ä UHUJL VY I\ZPULZZ PUK\Z[YPLZ >L VM[LU ULLK [V synthesize our conclusions and data in a clear and concise format so the recipient of the information understands what we are saying. This is where your strength in communication can shine. Good communication skills will bring clarity to these confusing communications and will set your co-workers and/or clients at ease. Poor communication skills will further puzzle your associates and might frustrate your clients. ,ɁȧȧˁȭǔƋŘǜǔȭǷ ƬǏ ƬƋǜǔ˸Ƭǚ˿ ˹ǔǜǒ governmental agencies can become a large part of your career. It can take several months to resolve an issue in writing and wait times can be long when making a phone call. Therefore, providing clear, concise HUK HJJ\YH[L PUMVYTH[PVU [OL Ä YZ[ [PTL PZ PTWVY[HU[ Otherwise, the resolution may be unnecessarily delayed. We have been incredibly successful in resolving disputes with the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue with well-written correspondence. We have also seen success in getting correct answers from these agencies PU [OL Ä YZ[ WOVUL JHSS ILJH\ZL VM [OL [YHPUPUN ^L have done with staff in communicating effectively. Ineffective or poor communication will cost you additional time that could be spent working on more projects that are challenging. Nothing works better than picking up the phone when a quick decision needs to be made. I get more done more quickly when I pick up the phone and call my clients or contacts. Too often emails are traded throughout the day when a quick phone call will resolve an issue. Picking up the phone when discussing sensitive matters will also avoid potential miscommunication that can result when the written word won’t be precise enough. 9LTLTILY [VUL PZ KPMÄ J\S[ [V JVU]L` [OYV\NO email or text messaging. >> 800-772-6939

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versatile | Communication skills

Ă?Ë¸ĆŹĘ Ĺ˜ÇšÇšĆ™ ÉĄĆŹĘ Ć‹ĆŹÉĄÇœÇ”É Č­ ǔʊ Ę ĆŹĹ˜ÇšÇ”ÇœËżĆ™ ĘŠÉ Ć‹É Č§Č§Ë Č­Ç”Ć‹Ĺ˜ÇœÇ”ȭǡ ĆŹÇ?ĆŹĆ‹ÇœÇ”˸Əǚ˿ ˚ǔǚǚ ĆŹČ­ĘŠË Ę ĆŹ that you are perceived in the intended reality that you desire to create. It is important to get out of your chair Ĺ˜Č­Ćž ÇœĹ˜ÇšÇ˜ ˚ǔǜǒ ËżÉ Ë Ę Ĺ˝É ĘŠĘŠ É Ę Ć‹É ČŠËšÉ Ę Ç˜ĆŹĘ ĘŠĆ– Nothing has helped my career more than meeting in person with supervisors, the company owners and my co-workers. We frequently share ideas and discuss opportunities for growth. We clarify goals and determine the best course of action for each client. By communicating in person, instead of by email, we can engage in thoughtful conversations that won’t be limited by the JVUĂ„ULZ VM HU LTHPS Ă?Č­Ć‹ĆŹ É Ë Ę ĘŠÇœĹ˜Ç? Č§ĆŹČ§Ĺ˝ĆŹĘ ĘŠ Ç’Ĺ˜˸Ə ĆžĆŹČ§É Č­ĘŠÇœĘ Ĺ˜ÇœĆŹĆž ÇœÇ’ĆŹ Ĺ˜Ĺ˝Ç”ÇšÇ”ÇœËż ÇœÉ Ć‹É Č§Č§Ë Č­Ç”Ć‹Ĺ˜ÇœĆŹ ĆŹÇ?ĆŹĆ‹ÇœÇ”˸Əǚ˿ ǔȭ ËšĘ Ç”ÇœÇ”ȭǡ Ĺ˜Č­Ćž ǔȭ ÉĄĆŹĘ ĘŠÉ Č­Ć™ ˚Ə Ĺ˜ÇšÇšÉ Ëš ǜǒƏȧ ÇœÉ Ĺ˝ĆŹ in charge of client engagements. Individuals with strong communication skills get in front of more clients and have more opportunities to establish their network and demonstrate their talents. This can lead to greater challenges both inside and outside the organizations that you may work. This likely will lead to promotions faster than peers with poor communication skills.

Ă„ĘŠ ËżÉ Ë ÇˇĘ É Ëš Ç”Č­ÇœÉ Ĺ˜ ÉĄÉ ĘŠÇ”ÇœÇ”É Č­ É ÇŒ Ĺ˜Ë ÇœÇ’É Ę Ç”ÇœËżĆ™ it will be important to rely on your communication skills as you provide reviews and evaluations of your peers and direct reports. Just as you will take opportunities to communicate and grow your career, your future reports will look to you for insight on [OLPY V^U NYV^[O HUK KL]LSVWTLU[ @V\ ULLK [V be able to provide thoughtful written evaluations as well as constructive verbal feedback to be seen asstrong and unbiased. The best mentors and supervisors I have had are open, thoughtful and challenging. Timeliness in communication will increase the ĆŹÇ?ĆŹĆ‹ÇœÇ”˸ƏȭƏĘŠĘŠ É ÇŒ Ć‹É Č§Č§Ë Č­Ç”Ć‹Ĺ˜ÇœÇ”É Č­Ć– The more quickly a resolution or response can be received, the better off your client, your company and your cohorts. Delays in communication cause unrest and distrust. Try to avoid unnecessary delays whenever possible. Overall, perception is reality, so communicating effectively will ensure that you are perceived in the intended reality that you desire to create. „

Jessica B. Gatzke, CPA, MST is senior manager at Scribner Cohen and Co., SC in Milwaukee. *VU[HJ[ 1LZZPJH H[ VY QINJWH'ZJYPIULYJVOLU JVT

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Welcome new members ,Ɂǚǚǔȭ <Ɩ ÄǚƬ˾ŘȭƞƬʁƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ŘȧƬʊ ÄǚƬ˾ŘȭƞƬʁƙ ď˹ǔȭ ³ŘǘƬʊ Ɂ˸Řȭȭǔ Äȭ˘Řǚƞǔƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ÄǚƬƋ ďƖ *ŘƬǜƬȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ Fȧǔǚ˿ *ŘˁȧǷŘʁǜȭƬʁƙ ďǒƬ ÀŘʁƋˁʊ ,ɁʁɡƖ F˘ƬɴˁǔƬǚ *ŘˁǜǔʊǜŘƙ ʁƖƙ Racine ÀɁȭǔɴˁƬ ďƖ *ƬʁǷɁǚƞƙ Àǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ °Řǚ˿ȭ *ɁŽɁǚ˘ƙ ŘȭƬʊ˸ǔǚǚƬ õɁŽƬʁǜ *ɁǒȭƬʁǜƙ ÀɁ˿ƙ *ɁʁƋǒƬʁǜƙ FʁŽʊ ū ÄʊʊɁƋǔŘǜƬʊƙ ³³ñ ÂǔƋǒɁǚŘʊ *ɁʁƞƬȭƙ ,ɁȭƋɁʁƞǔŘ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ ăˁ˘ŘȭȭƬ *ʁǔƋǘʊɁȭƙ ĶǔȭɁȭŘ ăǜŘǜƬ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ ÀƬǚǔʊʊŘ *ʁǔǷǷʊƙ ĘĶȊFŘˁ ,ǚŘǔʁƬ Fǚǚ˿ȭ *ʁɁŘƞƞʁǔƋǘƙ ĶŘˁ˹ŘǜɁʊŘ ăŘʁŘǒ *ʁɁ˹ȭƙ ĘĶȊÀŘƞǔʊɁȭ ñƬǜƬʁ ,ŘƞƞƬǚǚƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ɁʊǒˁŘ Ɩ ,ŘʁȧǔƋǒŘƬǚƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ƬǏ Ƭʁ˿ Ɩ <ƬŽŽǔȭǘƙ ,ɁȭƋɁʁƞǔŘ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ łˁƞǔ <ɁǷʁŘƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ³ŘˁʁƬȭ FʁʁǔƋǒǔƬǚǚɁƙ ,ŘʁʁɁǚǚ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ ɁʊƬɡǒ ĶƖ hɁȭǜŘȭآ˘Řƙ ĘĶȊ³Ř ,ʁɁʊʊƬ ƬŘǜǒƬʁ ³Ɩ ŘʁƞȭƬʁƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ *ʁǔŘȭ Ɩ Ƭˁʁǜʊƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ÀŘǜǜǒƬ˹ ǔǚʊɁȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ăŘȭƞʁŘ ʁŘȧ˘ƙ ÀŘʁɴˁƬǜǜƬ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ ÀŘǚƬȭ ,Ɩ ˁȭƞƬʁʊɁȭƙ ĘĶȊ ʁƬƬȭ *Ř˿ *ŘǔǚƬ˿ Řȭȭƙ ĘĶȊÀŘƞǔʊɁȭ ƬŘǜǒƬʁ õƖ ŘȭʊɁȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ÄȭȭŘ ÀƖ ŘʁǷŘȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ,ǚŘʁŘ ŘʁǷŘʁǜƬȭƙ Clinton ďǔȧ ƬȭǘƬƙ ,ŘʁƞǔȭŘǚ ăǜʁǔǜƋǒ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ Ɂǒȭ ǔȭǘƬʊƙ ĘĶȊÀŘƞǔʊɁȭ <Ř˸ǔƞ Ɩ ɁƞɁʁɁ˹ʊǘǔƙ ,ɁȭƋɁʁƞǔŘ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ Katie Hollar, ÀɁ˿ƙ *ɁʁƋǒƬʁǜƙ FʁŽʊ ū ÄʊʊɁƋǔŘǜƬʊƙ ³³ñ ŘǘƬ Ɂ˹Řʁƞƙ ,ŘǚƬƞɁȭǔŘ ÀƬǷŘȭ Ɂ˹Ƭȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ FȧǔǘɁ ȭɁˁƬƙ À*Äƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ Valerie Jach, ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ °ŘǜǒǚƬƬȭ ³Ɩ °ŘȭƬƙ ĘĶȊ ʁƬƬȭ *Ř˿ 28

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ƬʊʊǔƋŘ °ƬȭƞŘǚǚƙ ʁƬƬȭƞŘǚƬ ÄǚƬ˾ŘȭƞƬʁ °ƬʁɡŘȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ³Ƭ˸ǔ °ǔƬʁʊǜ˿ȭƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ƬȭȭŘ °ǚƬʁȧˁȭƞƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ William Klumb, ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ *Ƭȭ °ˁǒȭǘƬƙ ʁƬƬȭƞŘǚƬ <ƬʊǔʁƬƬ ³ƬȭǔƋǘȊñƬȭŘƙ ď˹ǔȭ ³ŘǘƬʊ ŘǘƬ ³ǔɡʊƋɁȧŽƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ,Ɂʁ˿ ³ɁɡɡȭɁ˹ƙ ŘȭȭʊƬȭ ū ,ɁƖƙ ă, ďɁƞƞ ³ɁˁʁǔǷŘȭƙ ĘȭǔɁȭ ʁɁ˸Ƭ *ƬȭǖŘȧǔȭ ÀŘŘʊƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ Mitchell Marohl, ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ *ʁɁƋǘ ÀŘʊƋǒǔȭǷƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ Ķ˿Řǜǜ ÀŘǜǒƬʁƙ ʁƬƬȭƞŘǚƬ ,ǒǚɁƬ Ɩ ÀŘ˿Ƭʁƙ ĘĶȊ³Ř ,ʁɁʊʊƬ ŘȧƬʊ ÀƋ ˁǔȭȭƬʊʊƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ Jenna McMillan, ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ÄǚǚǔʊɁȭ ³Ɩ ÀƬȭŘǘɁƙ ÀˁʊǘƬǷɁ *ʁ˿ƋƬ ÀƬ˿Ƭʁʊƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ Philip Miron, ʁƬƬȭƞŘǚƬ Caitlin Multerer, ÀƬɴˁɁȭ ÄǚǔƋǔŘ ÀˁʁʁɁƋǘƙ Clinton ,ŘʁǚǜɁȭ FƖ ÂƞɁȭƙ ĶŘˁ˹ŘǜɁʊŘ ĶŘƞƬ ďƖ ÂƬǚʊɁȭƙ ĘĶȊ³Ř ,ʁɁʊʊƬ °˿ǚƬ Âǔ˾Ɂȭƙ ƬȭɁŘ ,ǔǜ˿ ³ŘˁʁǔƬ ³Ɩ ÏǜǜɁƙ ĘĶȊ ʁƬƬȭ *Ř˿ Michael Pachol, ďʁƬ˸Ɂʁ <ŘȭǔƬǚ ñŘʁǘƙ ÀŘʁɴˁƬǜǜƬ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ °ŘǜƬ˿ ñŘʊɴˁŘǚǔȭǔƙ õǔǜ˘ ɁǚȧŘȭ ,ñÄʊ ÀŘƋ˿ ñƬǜƬʁʊɁȭƙ Clinton ³ɁǷŘȭ ñƬǜʁƬƬƙ ³Ř ,ʁɁʊʊƬ ŎŘƋǒŘʁ˿ ³Ɩ ñǔƋǘȭƬǚǚƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ɁʊƬɡǒ ñɁƋ˘ǘŘǚʊǘǔƙ *ˁʁǚǔȭǷǜɁȭ ÂǔƋɁǚƬ FƖ ñʁɁƋǒȭɁ˹ƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ ³ŘƋƬ˿ ÀƖ ñˁǚʊƙ ăȧǔǜǒ ū ƬʊǜƬǚŘȭƞ ³³ñ ³ɁǷŘȭ Ɩ õǔǜƋǒǔƬƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ Jessica Robinson, ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ÀƬǷŘȭ õɁǒƞƬƙ ĘĶȊÀŘƞǔʊɁȭ ƬȭȭǔnjƬʁ ÄƖ õɁȧƬʁɁƙ Àǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ ,Ɂˁȭǜ˿ ɁʁƞŘȭ õɁʊʊƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ ÀŘǜǜǒƬ˹ õɁʊǜɁǚǚŘȭƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ

ÄǚƬ˾ŘȭƞƬʁ õˁʊʊɁƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ÄȭǜǒɁȭ˿ õˁʊʊɁƙ ÂɁʁǜǒƬʁȭ ǚǚǔȭɁǔʊ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ ,ǒʁǔʊǜǔȭƬ ÀƖ õˁǜǒƙ ,ɁʁƬ ,ʁƬŘǜǔ˸Ƭƙ ȭƋƖ ,Ɂʁ˿ ăŘǚ˘ȧŘȭȭƙ ăȧǔǜǒ ū ƬʊǜƬǚŘȭƞ ³³ñ *ʁŘȭƞɁȭ ăƋǒŘǜǜȭƬʁƙ ď˹ǔȭ ³ŘǘƬʊ ŘǷƬ ăƋǒǔȭƬƙ ÂɁʁǜǒƬʁȭ ǚǚǔȭɁǔʊ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ õŘƋǒƬǚ ăƋǒȧƬǚǔȭǷƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ÄǚǚǔʊɁȭ ăƋǒˁǚǜ˘ƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ˁʊǜǔȭ ăƋɁǜǜƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ ,ǒŘƞ ăƬǔǜ˘ƙ ³Ř ,ʁɁʊʊƬ *ʁǔǜǜǔȭǔ ăǒŘʁɡƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ŘƋɁŽ ăǒɁʁƬƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ÄʁǔƬǚǚƬ ÄƖ ăǔȧȧɁȭʊƙ Àǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬƬ °ǔȭǷʊǚƬ˿ ăǔʁǔŽɁˁʁƙ ³ŘǘƬǚŘȭƞ ,ɁǚǚƬǷƬ °Řǜǒʁ˿ȭ ăǜƬ˸ƬȭʊɁȭƙ MenomoneƬ hŘǚǚʊ ăƬŘȭ ăǜƬ˹Řʁǜƙ ďʁƬ˸Ɂʁ ,˿ƞȭƬ˿ ă˹ŘȭʊɁȭƙ ď˹ǔȭ ³ŘǘƬʊ ÄʊǚŘȧ Ɩ ďŘǖǔȧƙ À*Äƙ hǚɁʁǔƞŘ ȭǜƬʁȭŘǜǔɁȭŘǚ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ ŘƋɁŽ ďŘ˿ǚɁʁƙ Clinton Nathan Theriault, ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ăɡƬȭƋƬʁ ďǔƬǚƬȭʊƙ ÀŘʁɴˁƬǜǜƬ Ęȭǔ˸Ƭʁʊǔǜ˿ Kate Tolmie, ĘĶȊ³Ř ,ʁɁʊʊƬ ÄƞŘȧ ÀƖ ĘɡƞǔǘƬƙ õǔǜ˘ ɁǚȧŘȭ ,ñÄʊ *ʁŘȭƞɁȭ ,Ɩ ĘɡǜɁȭƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ ÄƞŘȧ ĴƬƋǒŘʁǜƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ ÀŘǜǜǒƬ˹ ĶŘǚǜƬʁƙ ĘĶȊĶǒǔǜƬ˹ŘǜƬʁ Fǚǔ˘ŘŽƬǜǒ ĶŘȭ˘Ƭʁƙ ÀƬȭɁȧɁȭƬƬ hŘǚǚʊ °˿ǚƬ ĶŘˁǘɁƋ˘Ƭ˹ʊǘǔƙ ÀˁʊǘƬǷɁ ÀɁǚǚǔƬ Ɩ ĶƬŘ˸Ƭʁƙ ĘĶȊÀǔǚ˹ŘˁǘƬe ăƬǜǒ ĶƬǚǚʊƙ ³ŘǘƬ Àǔǚǚʊ ³ˁǘƬ ĶɁǚƋǒˁǘƙ ,ŘʁǜǒŘǷƬ ,ɁǚǚƬǷƬ õƬŽƬƋǘŘ łŘƬǷƬʁƙ *Ɂ˿ƋƬ˸ǔǚǚƬ ŘǘƬ Ŏ˿˹ǔƋǘǔƙ ʁƬƬȭƞŘǚƬ

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PwC www.pwc.com Contact: Kelly A. Neumann, Campus Recruiting Manager, 414-212-1868

HAWKINS ASH CPAS www.hawkinsashcpas.com Contact: Jessica Zych, Human Resources Manager, 608-784-7737 MEICHER CPAS, LLP www.meichercpa.com Contact: Michael Kaebisch, Firm Administrator, 608-826-1900

STROHM BALLWEG LLP www.strohmballweg.com Contact: Gary Strohm, CPA, Managing Partner, and Renee Vedvig, Firm Administrator 608-821-0600

SATTELL, JOHNSON, APPEL & CO. SC www.sattell.com Contacts: Leanne Buttke, CPA, and Barry S. Sattell, CPA, PFS, Shareholders, 414-273-0500

SVA CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SC www.sva.com Contact: Sherry Gustafson, Human Resources Director, 608-826-2108

REILLY PENNER & BENTON LLP www.rpb.biz Contacts: Brian Mechenich, Partner and Laurie Olson, HR Manager, 414-271-7800

SCHENCK SC www.schencksc.com Contact: Jill Dequaine, PHR, Human Resources Manager, jill.dequaine@schencksc.com

WINTER, KLOMAN, MOTER & REPP SC www.wkmr.com Contact: Julia Geerdts, Firm Administrator 262-797-9050

RITZHOLMAN CPAS www.ritzholman.com Contact: Brian Wilson, CPA, Manager, brianw@ritzholman.com

SIKICH LLP www.sikich.com Contact: Josh Combs, Talent Acquisition Manager, resumes@sikich.com

WIPFLI LLP www.wipfli.com Contact: Kristin Kallies, PHR, Manager, Campus Recruiting, kkallies@wipfli.com

FEATURED FIRMS

www.komisarbrady.com

www.sgcpa.com

www.wegnercpas.com

Bryan Tomczak, Supervisor, 414-271-3966

Angela Hildestad, PHR, HR Manager, 608-836-7500

Kari Nichols, HR Manager, 608-274-4020

KB&Co. has grown because of the collaborative efforts of our entire team providing extraordinary service to our clients. At KB&Co. you have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in our continued growth, as well as yours. You will find the challenges you need to grow and the support you need to excel.

Smith & Gesteland, LLP is a local CPA firm who was voted #1 accounting firm by Madison business leaders! We value life/work balance and provide a culture and environment where people want to stay. People stay because they feel appreciated, are challenged and know they are the future leaders of our firm.

Wegner CPAs is about people – our clients, our community, and our staff. Each day we strive to put our people first and encourage intelligent growth. Our goal is to foster employees who are passionate about and confident in the work they do which inspires their colleagues and clients.

IF YOUR FIRM WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT ELLEN ENGEL AT 262-785-0445 EXT. 4513 OR ELLEN@WICPA.ORG.

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