The WashingtonCPA by Washington Society of CPAs

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CPA May/June 2011

Volume 53, Number 6

Transitions Preparing for Success

Success Beyond Public Accounting Networking Works: And It Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Have to Be Old School! The Trick to Maximizing Client Business and Service

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Contents

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CPA www.wscpa.org • memberservices@wscpa.org Tel (425) 644-4800 • Toll free in WA (800) 272-8273 Fax (425) 562-8853 902 140th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98005-3480 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James R. Ladd Chair Mark A. Hugh Vice Chair David E. Katri Secretary Mary D. Marino Treasurer Carmen J. Aguiar Immediate Past Chair Richard E. Jones President & CEO

Robert M. Cole, Jr. Jolene G. Cox Peter E. Doubleday Joyce G. Etheridge Michelle H. Gretsch Susan E. Legel Lucy L. Liu Nerelys M. Ortiz

Russell D. Price Thomas A. Pucci Lisa J. Sunderman David E. Trujillo Randy L. Wells William L. Wells Glenn G. Wisegarver

CHAPTER BOARD CHAIRS Bryce Hansen Bellevue Area Joseph Crowther Central Joseph M. Reid Central — North Seattle Richard E. Helke, II Northwest Vicki Dixon Olympia — Peninsula — Pierce County Amanda J. Goodman Sammamish Valley Connie L. Griffith Seattle Court Carter Snohomish County Michael K. Briggs South King County John Vogel South Sound Industry Trayson J. Harmon Southwest Shaun W. Johnson Spokane — Wenatchee Katrina L. Cantu Yakima Jeanette Kebede

Editor

The WashingtonCPA is published by the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants for its members. Views and opinions appearing in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the WSCPA. The products and services advertised in The Washington CPA have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, its board of directors or staff. The WashingtonCPA (USPS 009754) is published six times annually by the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, 902 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005-3480. $12 of members’ annual dues goes toward a subscription to The WashingtonCPA. Periodicals postage paid at Bellevue, Washington and additional mailing offices.

Transitions 7 8

Are You Lucky or Smart? Success Beyond Public Accounting: Making the Transition of New Generation CPAs into Private Industry a Win-win Proposition 13 Networking Works: And It Doesn’t Have to Be Old School! 5

Something New for CPAs in Business and Industry

18 You’re Invited: Annual Meeting with Professional Issues Update 19

A CPA’s Ethical Responsibility to Return Client Records

20 The Trick to Maximizing Client Business and Client Service 21 AP Accounting Course for High School? A Work in Progress 22 Technology Tip: Getting More Than Just Sums with Excel’s AutoSum Tool Departments 5

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WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Leadership lens

Something New for CPAs in Business and Industry By Rich Jones, CPA, President & CEO

bout six years ago I met the CEO of the AICPA, Barry Melancon, at a reception during an AICPA Council meeting in Washington, D.C. Being new in my role as WSCPA’s CEO, I wanted to learn more about the issues of running a CPA professional organization. I asked Barry, “When thinking about the challenges of being relevant to your members, what keeps you awake at night?” His response was very interesting and instructive:“Rich, about 50 percent of our membership is currently employed in business and industry, not public accounting. It’s pretty clear and obvious how we can be relevant to our members in public accounting. However, the issues are different and more complex for the half of our membership that does not serve clients for a living. What keeps me awake at night is finding the way to create value for those members so that we also contribute to their professional success.” I want to share with you a new AICPA proposal that I strongly support and believe will allow Barry to sleep more soundly every night. The AICPA and the London-based Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) are exploring the development of a new designation for management accounting, while supporting and promoting the U.S. CPA as the worldwide standard of professional excellence in accounting. The pathways for obtaining the new credential (which has not been named yet) would vary. Recognizing the significant educational and professional background of U.S. CPAs, AICPA voting members with at least three years work-

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ing in management accounting or a financial management role would qualify for an accelerated route to obtaining the new designation. Non-voting AICPA members in the United States would not be eligible to obtain the credential. CPAs who are members of both the AICPA and state CPA societies would receive a significant discount on their annual fee for this credential, demonstrating the value the AICPA places on state CPA society membership.

available for management accountants, create new global networking opportunities for members, and provide an enhanced platform for advocacy on behalf of the profession and the public interest. CIMA has approximately 180,000 members and students in 168 countries outside the United States. Collectively, the AICPA and CIMA represent the interests of 550,000 professional members. CIMA, which has 29 offices around the world, would promote the U.S. CPA as well.

The proposed new designation would draw on an exacting code of conduct and ethics and a rigorous pathway for entry, and would demonstrate a combined competency and expertise in management accounting and global financial and business management. CPAs holding the new designation would be further distinguished as corporate finance professionals, combining management accounting with a broad spectrum of financial expertise in corporate and public accounting.

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, the venture provides for equal decision-making through a 50:50 board of directors, with CIMA and AICPA rotating the role of chairman. The new joint venture would be 60 percent owned by the AICPA.

The proposed new designation would be issued by an AICPA and CIMA joint venture, with membership remaining with the existing organizations. In announcing this plan, Melancon said: “High-quality management accounting professionals who combine expertise with a deep commitment to ethics and integrity serve the public interest. This joint venture would help produce and recognize professionals around the world committed to excellence in management accounting, enterprise and performance strategy.” The proposed new designation and the supporting joint venture are consistent with the AICPA’s goals to promote the U.S. CPA broadly, advance the resources

In the Americas outside the U.S., nonCPAs could obtain the new designation as AICPA international associates after a rigorous assessment process. Outside of the Americas, candidates would use the education and examination process established by CIMA. Candidates who earn the new designation under CIMA’s jurisdiction would be CIMA members. Members of the AICPA governing Council will be asked to vote on proceeding with the designation and a joint venture at its May meeting. I expect this proposal to be overwhelmingly approved by Council. It is a good thing for the presence of the U.S. CPA brand globally and it should add value to WSCPA members who practice in business and industry, which would also help me sleep better. You can contact Rich Jones at rjones@ wscpa.org.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Leadership lens

Are You Lucky or Smart? By Jim Ladd, CPA,WSCPA Chair for 2010-11

here a person starts their career is a very important factor in determining what they’ll be doing for the rest of their working days. Your decision, whether lucky or smart, to study accounting and become a CPA provides you with more opportunities than most people can imagine. What other career could have provided you with more opportunities throughout your life? You will have choices of small or large public accounting firms; small businesses or large corporations in many industries; and not-for-profit organizations, government or education. But how are you managing your career? In this edition of The WashingtonCPA you’ll find articles about making career transitions and networking. Those skills are important – are you using them? Let me offer some lessons from my career as an example of the choices, opportunities and transitions that are possible. Every case is different, but every case can provide insights. Lucky -- I started my career in the Seattle office of a national CPA firm. I had changed my major to accounting in my senior year because of the influence of one professor. If I had not had that professor my life would probably have been very different. Smart -- I intended to stay with that CPA firm for only three years, to get experience before joining a “real business,” not necessarily as an accountant. But I enjoyed my work and did well enough that I decided to stay for three more years to see what would develop.

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Self-checks – That pattern of reviewing my status at least every three years has continued throughout my career, and has led to some course corrections. Lucky again – When I was a thirdyear partner I was uncertain about whether there were sufficiently interesting changes ahead. Just as I was about to decide to leave public accounting, a chance conversation with our regional partner gave me the opportunity to manage our Tokyo office, which was the kind of change I needed. I gained management and international experience that would later be valuable to me. One thing leads to another -- My role in Japan gave me exposure to some of the firm’s leaders, and when I was ready for a new assignment I was asked to lead firmwide human resource initiatives with international implications at the firm’s headquarters in New York. Timing can be everything -- Luckily, as my HR role was winding down the firm needed someone to move to Seattle to manage the firm’s Northwest offices – a windfall for me that turned out to be particularly important three years later. Some things are beyond your control -- Three years later, my firm joined the big firm mergers. My role changed in ways I didn’t want. So years after I first considered leaving public accounting I took early retirement (at age 49) to do something new. Build on your experiences -- The variety of experiences I had in public accounting provided some possibilities to me that not all CPAs might have. I used

my Japan experience and connections to do Japan-America business consulting. That led to becoming CEO of a Japaneseowned software engineering services company in Kirkland (which needed management similar to a CPA firm). That led to a role at a larger software engineering company that needed turnaround help, which led to a similar role in a similar size not-for-profit organization. And that led to my current role leading business operations in a larger and growing biomedical research institute. It’s all quite logical in retrospect – one thing leads to another. Don’t be narrowly focused – Over the years it has been both rewarding and helpful to me to have roles outside my primary job. In addition to my role at WSCPA, I also am currently chair of a hospital board, a member of two corporate boards, and personal representative (executor) for a complex estate. Those kinds of experiences over the years can build important abilities and contacts. Keep track of your friends – As my career evolved, many people have helped me. It’s enjoyable and sometimes helpful to keep in touch with business friends. Sometimes ideas come from surprising places. My career has included a lot of luck, and I hope yours will too. But remember – luck is often the result of making smart decisions, and you were smart enough to start your career in a very good place. Best wishes for continuing luck! You can contact Jim Ladd at jladd@ systemsbiology.org.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

transitions

Success Beyond Public Accounting Making the Transition of New Generation CPAs into Private Industry a Win-win Proposition By William F. O’Brien, MBA, CPA

ccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of new jobs among accountants and auditors will increase by over 275 thousand in the next eight years. A majority of these accountants will be newly minted CPAs entering public practice. Within the first five years of their hire, most of these professionals will transition into careers in government, non-profit organizations or private industry. This article suggests 10 Keys to Success for those joining the ranks of private industry. It also provides several hints for the hiring managers of these transitioning CPAs. These suggestions result from interviews conducted with both seasoned financial professionals and CPAs who have successfully made the transition. While the primary goal of this article is to improve the experience of accountants as they transition into private industry, it also provides some insight into how the hiring managers can generate higher levels of effectiveness from this critical component of the financial workforce. In the end, all interested parties can benefit from a win-win proposition.

How This Article Evolved

Since 1991, I have taught undergraduate and graduate accounting courses at Santa Clara University in California. I was previously a senior financial executive at several high technology companies in California’s Silicon Valley. Over the years, numerous former students have approached me for advice on how to move into private industry successfully. At the same time, I often found myself participating in discussions among experienced financial executives that begin with the phrase, “Why don’t you academic people teach these young CPAs what they really need to know in the real world?” I will reveal answers to both these

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

questions in this article. I hope the transitioning CPAs and their hiring managers will both benefit from this discussion. The “Baby Boomer” Group I began compiling the material for this article motivated by these inquiries and fortified by a desire to learn more about my current generation of students. Initially I contacted several experienced and very successful financial executives from the “Baby Boomer” generation. Two were CPAs; one was not. Each executive had over 20 years of private industry experience. The Former Student Group Following the executive interviews, I re-connected with a handful of former students. These individuals each began their career in public accounting but ultimately transitioned into private industry. Similar to the participants in the executive group, these individuals also engineered private industry success. A Consistent Approach I asked each interviewee

what

attributes contributed most significantly to their success. In addition, I explored with the executive group what skill-sets were most lacking in their recent new hires from public accounting. In a similar line of inquiry, I probed the former students to discover where they felt underprepared as they executed their transition game plan. The 10 Keys to Success result from these inquiries.

10 Keys to Success 1. Demonstrate Curiosity with a Purpose

Curiosity is a virtue. This is particularly true when your insatiable desire to discover new things focuses on what is truly important to your business. Newly hired CPAs must take the time to determine what issues are most important. They should then gather as much relevant information as possible about those issues. I call this Knowing the Territory. Let curiosity help you to find your passion in your new position. Never stop asking questions— questions about your company, www.wscpa.org

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your responsibilities and your career. My advice for the hiring managers is simple. Welcome and encourage these questions. Researchers have found that nothing motivates the current generation more than finding a passion and a purpose for what they are doing.

2. Create and Steward a Mentorship

Knowing the territory also includes the process of finding a mentor. Mentors are valuable resources, particularly mentors that understand the company’s systems and processes They can guide you around the rocks of a rapidly moving corporate environment. Soak up their advice like a sponge and do not forget to continue asking those relevant questions. Listen to the advice based on their years of experience. Heed their warnings. Follow their directives. A good

mentor is an invaluable resource. Steward the relationship as if it is your most valuable asset. It might just be! It is important to note that the benefits of a mentorship are equally beneficial to the mentor as well as the mentee. Mentors can gain valuable insights into what really motivates the new employees. This can lead to a customized and meaningful work experience for the transitioning CPA in the form of assignments crafted to take advantage of their point of passion. Remember, issues for which they are passionate motivate this generation. Mentors of the so-called “Generation Y” can also benefit from that group’s incredible familiarity and comfort level with social media and other emerging aspects of technology. This mutual mentoring leads to improved productivity and improved trust from all of the mentoring participants.

3. Failure is Good

Fictional Return to Wall Street character Gordon Gecko suggested, “Greed is good.” I suggest a different phrase,“Failure is better.” The transitioning CPA needs to be secure in the belief that it is acceptable to fail—once. Experiment and learn from the resulting successes and failures. Take pride in stepping outside of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to volunteer for challenging assignments. I reflect on my own career experiences where I missed opportunities to move radically outside my financial comfort zone—one time into corporate law and another time into marketing. I regret passing on both of these unique challenges. The established management teams of today’s organizations must accept this line of thought as well. Become comfortable stretching the competencies of your new staff.

member perspective

Nerelys Ortiz, CPA What skills or attributes allowed you to make a successful transition from public accounting to industry?

How did you know you were ready to make this transition?

What advice would you give to other CPAs who would like to make this transition?

I successfully transitioned from public accounting to industry by assessing my long-term career goals and leveraging my previous experiences working with clients in the technology sector to obtain a role in a leading technology company. It was a great career move and enabled me to utilize my strong understanding of US GAAP, controls/compliance and managing teams in a new and exciting way. Further, my strong communications skills, ability to partner with others and build strong relationships were extremely beneficial in enabling me to make a successful transition.

I knew I was ready to make the transition from public accounting to industry after four and half years of work experience serving both large and small public companies and managing teams of various sizes. I felt comfortable presenting to senior level executives, performing research to solve complex, business problems and analyzing business issues from various perspectives. The skills I acquired were extremely valuable and provided me with the ability to seek a new direction within my professional career.

The advice I would offer to CPAs who are looking to make a transition is to first evaluate their long-term career goals and assess the types of experiences they’re seeking in order to ensure their next career move is aligned to these goals. It’s helpful to leverage your professional network and reach out to others within organizations that you’re considering in order to better understand the type of projects they work on, opportunities for career growth and overall cultural fit.This will help them make the best decision!

A WSCPA member since 2003, Nerelys Ortiz, CPA, is an advisory manager with the Seattle office of pwc. She previously worked for the Microsoft Corporation. www.wscpa.org

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If your company has another perspective on this issue, maybe it is time to consider looking at the situation in a different way. Consider how you build muscle strength. As the muscle tears down through weight lifting, it rehabilitates with a stronger capacity. Organizations can strengthen themselves in the same way.

4. Master Communication

This suggestion is a no-brainer. Remember, however, communication includes the art of listening. Stephen Covey admonishes us to use our senses in proportion—two ears and one mouth. His advice is excellent. Another aspect of communication excellence is the ability to articulate your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Think Cliff’s Notes rather than War and Peace. We are the USA Today generation.

Shorter attention spans require focused communication. It is common knowledge that many transitioning accountants have poor writing skills. Many of these young professionals are not aware of their composition deficiencies. Test your own writing skill by turning on all of the spelling, grammar and style features of MS Word and analyze something that you wrote. For good business writing, you should seek to have few passive sentences (under 10%), a reading ease score of at least 40, and a grade level of no more than 12. Practice improving your writing by eliminating all of the highlights MS Word puts underneath your material. No matter how effective your work, if you cannot clearly articulate your ideas, you are not being fully effective. Consider the words of former Chrysler CEO, Lee Iacocca:“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them

across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” Language skills also fall under the heading of Communication. In today’s global economy, the mastery of multiple languages is useful. The newly hired CPA should consider adding a second language to their portfolio of skills. Economists believe that the economies of the “B-RI-C”—Brazil, Russia, India and China— will drive global growth. Look to these regions for your new language skills. From an experienced manager perspective, it is important to hold your team’s new members to communication excellence. They represent you and your organization. Good enough is not good enough when it comes to the presentation and articulation of clear, crisp concepts and positions.

member perspective

Christopher Berry, CPA What skills or attributes allowed you to make a successful transition from public accounting to industry?

How did you know you were ready to make this transition?

What advice would you give to other CPAs who would like to make this transition?

I transitioned to Alaska Airlines in 2005 after nearly 8 years of audit work for Arthur Andersen and then KPMG. I was a senior manager when I left, so I felt I had not only developed strong technical accounting and research skills, but also good management skills. The ultimate transition for me was one of worklife balance and “settling down” since my family was growing at the time. The experience I got from public accounting was by far the best experience I could have asked for. As anyone that has been in public accounting knows, the experience you gain annually in public accounting is at least 1 1/2 times what you get elsewhere. I look back on it now not regretting one moment — it was a great decision to spend that time in public accounting right out of school.

For me, it was my family. The constant travel and late hours made it difficult to manage the type of family life that I ultimately wanted. So, I knew it was time to make a change - and, in hindsight, I made the right change. My career has progressed and I work for a tremendous company.

First, try not to ever find yourself running FROM a job; run TO a job. In other words, don’t just make up your mind to leave and take anything that comes your way. Make sure it is the right job for you, your family and your future. Being in public accounting makes you a hot commodity, so use that to your advantage and go for quality, not speed. Secondly, stay in public accounting until you at least make manager.The skills you learn as a manager greatly increase your marketability out in industry.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Christopher Berry, CPA, is Managing Director, Investor Relations for Alaska Air Group, Inc. He became a WSCPA member in 2003 and will be speaking at the Emerging Leaders Conference, June 3. www.wscpa.org

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5.Visibility

Recall the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” If you telecommute, take this adage to heart. Although you might operate out of a home office, take advantage of all opportunities that maintain visibility with your co-workers and your bosses. Frequently, join them for lunch and brainstorming sessions. Participate in group training exercises. All of these activities keep you in sight of senior management and other operating executives. In addition, do not forget the importance of extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, community service and other company-sponsored social events. A consistent exhortation from my interviews with senior managers was, “Be all in.” In other words, sometimes just doing your job is not enough to ensure success with your career.

Visibility is also critical for the senior manager. Today’s generation likes to build relationships with their co-workers. This is very hard to achieve when their bosses barricade themselves in their offices. Take the time to “manage by wandering around.”

6. Five O’clock is Not the End of the Day

Similar to standard operating procedures in the public accounting profession, the workday in private industry does not necessarily end at 5 PM. The absence of a supervising senior accountant or engagement manager, however, places the burden of work commitment squarely on the shoulders of the transitioning CPA. Be prepared to see projects through to completion on a recurring basis. As you might expect, this sometimes might

Sarah Funk, CPA

require extra time in the office. Other times, you will invest the extra hours at home. This investment of time is well spent. As a transitioning CPA, you have months, if not years, of information to absorb. A “standard” workday usually does not provide sufficient time to accomplish this task. It is all about commitment. Since we discussed the concept of commitment from the perspective of the new employee, it might be helpful to look at the issue through the eyes of the hiring manager. Experienced managers need to understand that today’s generation of workers does not believe in working overtime for the sake of working overtime. They are committed to the success of tasks in which they see purpose and value. Make sure that you reinforce those attributes with the newly hired CPAs. Believe me; today’s young CPAs want to add value to all that they do. Make it easy for them to have a passion for commitment to excellence and for the completion of their tasks.

7. Ownership

What skills or attributes allowed you to make a successful transition from public accounting to industry?

What advice would you give to other CPAs who would like to make this transition?

Public accounting allows you to develop your technical skills. Delivering a consistent work product, adapting to change, being flexible, attention to detail and soft skills prepared me for a successful transition.

If you haven’t passed the CPA exam get it done. This will set you apart from other candidates during your job search. Build your professional network, get involved with the WSCPA and niche associations. It can be a challenge to find the extra time when you are first starting your career, make the time to build your network and stay active.

How did you know you were ready to make this transition? I was open to learning about private industry opportunities and connected with a great group of people.

A member of the WSCPA since 2001, Sarah Funk, CPA, is Director, Accounting with Trilogy International Partners in Bellevue. www.wscpa.org

Andrew Grove, the retired Chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation, urges employees to take control of their own careers. One of the successful CPAs I interviewed, Heather S., conveyed the same message. If you do not receive feedback, find it. If you do not have opportunities for job rotation, look for them. Consider using the two-circle analysis as a performance review vehicle. In the two-circle analysis, the employee lists in prioritized order the major activities for which they consider themselves responsible. The employee then asks their boss to prepare a prioritized list of the same activities from the boss’ perspective. The parties ultimately meet to discuss the consistencies or inconsistencies of the two lists. Often this discussion can prompt a more complete dialog over performance and career progression. Take ownership and be proactive with respect to the development of your career. This tool is one way to do just that. WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

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Above all, commit yourself to a comprehensive continuing education program. Do not look for the easy way out to maintain your continuing professional education requirements. Forty hours of CPE each year may be barely enough to maintain your skill level. You signed up to become a professional. That includes a commitment to keeping yourself current and up-to-date. Similarly, the more relevant business books you seek out and read, the broader will be your knowledge base. This could lead to an acceleration of your career advancement. Remember, your career is Job #1. Hiring managers need to promote this perception of career ownership in the newly hired CPAs. Encourage them to stay technically current, expand their business perspectives. Help them to take ownership of their career progression.

8. Share Your Skills

Recall my earlier discussion about mentoring. Sociologists indicate that Generation Y is one of the most, if not, the most sharing generation in terms of giving back to society. Do not be afraid to carry this attribute into the office. Share your incredible knowledge of technology with your co-workers, particularly the Boomers. Turn mentoring into a two-way street. Take the flow of experience from the senior managers and return to them the gift of current networking technology. In terms of community involvement, be prepared to participate and even lead the charge in terms of neighborhood service projects.This type of effort quite possibly will bring more meaning to your day job as you see the impact of your employer in the real world. For the senior managers reading this article, I have only one word to share with you—encouragement. Encourage these young CPAs to continue their personal commitment to sharing their time, talent and treasure. The benefits to you, your company and to the transitioning employees will be huge.

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9. It’s Only a Job

Do not forget to take time to laugh. It will extend your life and reduce the stress that comes with ordinary life. In the 1960s, a famous Los Angeles Dodger outfielder misjudged a fly ball in the World Series. It cost the Dodgers the game. Later asked about the error the ballplayer said, “It ain’t my life and it ain’t my wife. It’s only a ballgame.” Don’t let the job define you. You define how the job affects you and those around you.You will make mistakes. Recall my previous discussion about failure. Learn from your missteps and recover from them. Hiring managers can leverage this perspective. Find ways to celebrate! Celebrate both accomplishments and personal milestones. One of the most memorable events I can recall during my years at Intel Corporation was the company’s CEO attending my youngest child’s baby shower. Everyone is aware of the terrible stereotypes that accompany CPAs. Take the opportunity to dismiss these stereotypes and show you are human!

10. Interact with Dignity and Respect

The final component of the winning formula should probably be the first. Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Contrary to popular belief, nice guys do not finish last. This tenet applies equally to the transitioning CPAs and their hiring managers as well. Take the time to make friends and allies within the company. They will accelerate the success of your transition to private industry and promote your future career both inside and outside the organization. People enjoy working with co-workers they respect.

Some Final Thoughts

Change is never easy. Learning to adapt to new environments and embracing new perspectives is equally challenging. Ten simple steps of anything rarely solve the complex issues we face in business and life. It is my desire, however, that these 10 Steps will encourage you, the transitioning CPA, and you, the experienced manager to adapt to and embrace the changes and challenges you face with a mutual commitment to excellence. The success you achieve will surely be your own.

William F. O’Brien, MBA, CPA, a Santa Clara University faculty member, is an internationally recognized author and lecturer in the areas of corporate financial management and international accounting. He is an Executive Education, Inc. discussion leader and a frequent speaker at WSCPA events.

Related Events Catch these Executive Education programs with William F. O’Brien: The Coming IFRS Conversion: Preparing for the Ultimate GAAP Make Over Date: November 21, 2011 Location: The Conference Center at Convention Place, Seattle CPE: 8 credits Corporate Finance Tune-Up: Putting the Right Skills in Your Analytical Toolbox Date: November 22, 2011 Location: WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue CPE: 8 credits www.wscpa.org

transitions

Networking Works: And It Doesn’t Have to Be Old School! By Jennifer Wilson

etworking is a great way to develop new business and enhance your personal brand. When done well, it offers you an opportunity to expand your sphere of influence, build business relationships, exchange referrals or “leads,” find potential qualified new hires, and seek advice, ideas, and introductions from others. When you establish yourself as a wellconnected individual, you’ll be positioned as an important resource and as someone who can help sustain your business, firm, or organization. Some individuals are naturally great networkers, but, luckily for those who are not, it is a skill that can be learned and enhanced over time. This article will explore several important networking concepts to consider as you begin, or re-energize your networking activities.

Choosing Your Networking Organization

The trouble with networking today is that many younger team members view the activity as “old school” and “un-cool” and more tenured professionals may be burned out on traditional networking activities. To overcome this, participate in networking within organizations that reflect your interests and activities. Potential organizations to evaluate when choosing your networking venue(s) include: •

•

• •

Sporting organizations including the health club, yoga class, and youth leagues, gymnastics, soccer, baseball, and others Community service activities including non-profit boards where you can meet bankers, lawyers, and other community influencers Professional Networking Meetup Groups Business Networking International (BNI) meetings

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•

Toastmasters College alma mater events Religious or philanthropic organizations Industry trade groups Traditional community organizations including Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, and others Professional associations including CPA state society and local chapter events, bar association meetings, and financial executive organizations, to name a few Online social media, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and discussion lists

Start by looking within your own life for places that you can make contacts and then commit to explore one of those areas in the next year to begin developing a network of your own. To choose a networking organization, first evaluate each potential networking organization by: •

Attending some regular meetings to see if it “feels right” for you;

• • •

Meeting with other members to see if you feel related to them; Reading each organization’s newsletter and visiting their web site; Learning who the organization’s members are, what their mission statement is, the cost to join, the frequency of meetings, and the requirements for membership to make sure that you agree with and are comfortable committing to them.

Once you’ve qualified your potential organizations in this manner, you’ll be ready to choose the one that you feel best fits your unique personality, where you can develop solid relationships, and feel good about your organization and its members.

Getting Involved

Whichever organization that you choose to join, remember the key to networking is to get involved.To get involved in your networking organization:

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•

Attend their conferences, community activities, ball games, or other events that members are encouraged to attend. Commit to work within the group.Volunteer to get involved in the group’s activities, whether it be coaching or serving on a board or subcommittee. Look for opportunities to evolve your role into a leadership position within the organization or association. As you build your own name and reputation, you will increase your firm’s name recognition and reputation, too.

When attending your networking organization’s events, be sure to: •

•

Prepare an “elevator pitch” and self-introduction ahead of time. Practice saying it until it feels natural and rolls off the tongue. Before any conferences, meetings, games, practices, board meetings, or other events, make sure to bring a good supply of business cards. When arriving at each event, place a name tag over your right breast pocket (if applicable), smile, and enter the room. Avoid hanging out with people you already know or are in association with as this will inhibit you from meeting your goal of making new contacts.

•

Attend with the intention to meet at least three new people at each networking event. You don’t have real contacts unless you leave with a way to connect with them after the event – so you need to gather their name, e-mail address and phone number to have made a “real” contact. When meeting others, ask questions and listen closely to their answers.You will be better able to determine qualified potential clients, staff, or referral sources this way than if you spend all of your time talking or “telling.” When meeting new people, be sure to maintain eye contact with them, shake their hands, and work to remember their names. Take notes on the back of contact business cards and send a follow up “good to meet you” note or e-mail after the networking event. Check back in with network contacts regularly to determine what might make sense in terms of potential collaboration. Offer to add your contacts to your firm’s database and send your firm’s newsletter, seminar invitations, etc. Consider offering special promotions for your firm’s services to your networking organization’s members.

Networking Online

There are a host of online networking platforms, but none more applicable to business networking than LinkedIn (www. LinkedIn.com). LinkedIn enables you to access many “in person” networking benefits without leaving your office and is one of the most popular online networks in the accounting profession. LinkedIn is particularly good for building your sphere of influence, where your connections and their connections can generate business for your firm. Some of the best (free) uses of LinkedIn include: • • •

• •

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Staying in touch with previous colleagues, employers, business associates, and clients; Creating a company profile to re-enforce your brand image; Adding and promoting your firm’s events to your network via status updates and calendar events; Joining groups of people with similar interests such as professional and alumni associations; Creating private groups to build community with others in your field and exchange ideas and information; Starting and joining conversations about topics of interest to you, answering questions that will position you as an expert in that area; Conducting research on your

WSCPA Members - Get plugged in! Networking opportunities to fit your interests and goals: member resources

Chapters & Committees Committee members enjoy interacting and building relationships with CPA colleagues, improving their skills and exchanging information. Join at www.wscpa.org (WSCPA Community > Committees). Looking for a way to network with CPAs in your community while earning CPE? Attend your local chapter meeting. Learn more about chapters at www.wscpa.org (WSCPA Community > Chapters). Questions? Contact Jennifer Ayoub (e-mail jayoub@wscpa.org) for more information. 14 WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Networking Events

Transitions

Build your network and practice your networking skills at WSCPA events. WSCPA members are invited to attend the annual Golf Tournament (May 16), New Professional and Happy Hour networking events around the Puget Sound and Spokane. See pages 25-26 for more information on the Golf Tournament and networking events. Questions? Contact Amy O’Donnell (e-mail aodonnell@wscpa.org).

If you find yourself in a job transition, turn to the WSCPA Career Center at www. wscpa.org. You are invited to attend the Society’s complimentary career workshops in May and June. Learn more on page 17. If you are new to the profession and have questions about getting a CPA license, contact Mark Peterson (e-mail mpeterson@wscpa. org).

www.wscpa.org

transitions

new! Join the WSCPA Group on LinkedIn. Follow the WSCPA on Facebook or Twitter. Visit www.wscpa.org and click on the social media icons.

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competitors and potential business associates; Asking one of your contacts for a warm introduction to your target prospect’s organization or insight that can help in your marketing and sales approach with that firm.

To get started, build and complete your individual profile and begin making connections. If you have already joined, establish a goal for making a certain number of new connections per week and outreach to existing connections to catch up on their activities and see if there are ways you can help each other achieve your networking goals. While networking does require an investment of time, it requires very little cash outlay and is a great way to build your firm’s brand and develop your own personal sphere. In addition, networking will occasionally generate qualified leads and can be a powerful addition to your personal marketing mix. Increase your firm’s contacts and enhance your profile in your communities by engaging in “new school” networking today! JenniferWilson is a partner and co-founder of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a leadership and marketing consulting and coaching firm that specializes in helping leaders achieve success. Learn more about the company and its services at www.convergencecoaching. com. Jennifer will be a featured speaker at the Emerging Leaders Conference, June 3 on the Microsoft campus in Redmond. www.wscpa.org

Emerg ing Leader s Conference

pre sent ed by

Ju n e 3 Mi cros oft Vi s i t or C ent er, Red m ond Want to kick start your career? Ready for the next level of success? Prepare for a learning experience that will inspire you: the Emerging Leaders Conference. Obtain the critical knowledge and tools required by today’s marketplace to become an influential leader. This event is filled with practical advice from acclaimed experts and highly successful and insightful speakers, including: Jim Sinegal, CEO, Costco Bob Bunting, Immediate Past President, IFAC Jennifer Wilson, Convergence Coaching LLC Jon Fine, CEO, United Way of Washington Leaders and partners at Alaska Airlines, Clark Nuber, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and Microsoft Plus, play with some of Microsoft’s latest inventions at the visitor center. CPE 8 credits - 1 tech and 7 non-technical CODE ELC Sponsors

Learn more and register at www.wscpa.org/conferences

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

news briefs

Time to Renew Your WSCPA Membership... Renew Online Today Don’t miss your chance to win an Amazon gift card

ou should have received your WSCPA membership renewal invoice in April. The invoice covers membership from June 1, 2011-May 31, 2012. To maintain your membership, your dues payment must be received no later than June 1.

wscpa Membership Renewal Options Thank you for renewing your membership by June 1, 2011

Online at www.wscpa.org, under Membership

Call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (Toll-free in Washington) with a credit card

Fax your membership renewal statement to (425) 562-8853

Mail with payment to WSCPA, 902 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005-3480

The WSCPA will hold drawings for $300 Amazon gift cards. The sooner you pay, the more opportunities you have to win big. 1. 3.

Pay your dues by midnight May 15 and be entered into two drawings. Pay your dues by midnight June 1 and be entered into one drawing.

Have you recently moved, changed employers or changed your e-mail address? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, please take a few minutes to update your contact information with the WSCPA. Make changes at www.wscpa.org (click Update Profile) or e-mail changes to memberservices@wscpa.org. As an extra bonus, if you renew your membership and update your membership profile by June 1, you will earn an extra entry into the drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card. If you are currently unemployed or on leave for family or medical reasons, contact the WSCPA Membership Administrator to determine if you qualify for a special rate. Call (800) 272-8273, Ext. 1142 (toll free in WA) or (425) 586-1142. The Society wants to help you maintain your membership through your difficult circumstances. Thank you in advance for your prompt renewal and for your continued membership in the WSCPA!

We “tweet” your firm!

Find a CPA Referral Service Extend or Begin Your Subscription Now

f your firm is currently enrolled in the WSCPA Find a CPA Referral Service, it is renewal time! The cost of the enrollment is still just $175 and covers your listing through June 30, 2012. Look for your firm’s renewal in early June. If your firm is not currently enrolled and you are looking for ways to build your client base, look no further than the WSCPA Find a CPA Referral Service. The WSCPA referral service is a great source of new clients looking for

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

services in industries that match your firm’s expertise. Rather than using directory assistance to find a CPA, potential clients feel comfortable about their referral from the WSCPA because they are able to view information about services offered by your firm. To find out more about the service or to enroll call Jennifer Ayoub, Membership Services Administrator at (800) 272-8273, Ext. 1142 (toll free inside WA) or (425) 5861142 or via e-mail jayoub@wscpa.org

ENROLL TODAY!

CPA Referral Service

Visit www.wscpa.org, and click “Find a CPA,” then “Enroll Online Today.”

www.wscpa.org

news briefs

WSCPA Career Center… Your Resource

hether you are an employer looking to fill a vacant position or an individual looking for a job, the WSCPA Career Center is an online resource designed to meet these needs and so much more. For employers looking to hire a CPA the Career Center offers: • Online Job Posting—inexpensive job posting targeting Washington CPAs. Post job openings for up to 60 days for just $100. • Non-Profit Organizations— list your open positions for free! • Online Resumes—Members can view online resumes.

For members looking for the perfect job or career information, the WSCPA Career Center offers: • Online Job Listings—view local jobs posted on the WSCPA Job Listing Service. • Nationwide Job Listings— keep track of out-of-state listings posted on jobtarget.com. • Resumes—post your resume online.

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Salary Calculator— use this calculator from PayScale. Members also have access to a premium salary report for six months ($19.95 value). To access log on as a member and click on Career Center > Salary Information. Career Workshops—complimentary sessions designed to help you make your job search effective. From resumes to interviewing skills, learn tips and techniques from expert Jill Walser. For upcoming sessions see information below.

In addition to the traditional services above, the WSCPA Career Center also features: • Classified Ads—looking for office space to rent, or even a practice to purchase? You may just find what you are looking for in The WashingtonCPA classified ads at www.wscpa.org/ Content/classifieds.aspx.

Career Workshops Complimentary forWSCPA Members

Make sure your job search is effective! Attend WSCPA career workshops at the WSCPA in Bellevue from 12-1:30 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required. If you are unable to attend in person, a teleconference option is also available. Register in the CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org. Enter the career workshop code in the keyword search box or enter “CW” to view all sessions.

www.wscpa.org

Date

Career Workshop (Code)

May 11

Resumes from Top to Bottom (CW110)

May 25

Interview Questions Part 1 (CW11)

June 8

Interview Questions Part II (CW01)

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Volunteer Positions— seeking an opportunity to give back to your community? Browse volunteer opportunities for CPAs as requested by bona fide not-for-profit organizations in need of pro bono work by a CPA, or looking for CPAs to serve on their boards.

Whether you are an employer or a job seeker, the WSCPA Career Center is your resource. Visit www.wscpa.org/ wscpa/career.cfm and start using these tools to your advantage!

Free Resource: Financial Statement Reviews Are the financial statements you are issuing in accordance with GAAP or OCBOA? Did you know the WSCPA offers FREE, confidential comments on your financial statement format, presentation, and other professional issues based on reviews of postissuance financial statements? Submit up to two redacted statements per year to Sharon OleneMarander at smarander@wscpa.org or call (425) 586-1138 for details.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

advocacy

The Million Dollar Question ... and Advocacy - Part II By Judy Love,WSCPA Director of Advocacy

Members Only!

A nnual Meeting

w ith Pr o f essional Issu es Updat e Featuring Robert Bunting

June 1 - 7:30-9:30 a.m. Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA

Professional Issues Update: International Accounting Trends that Cannot be Ignored Robert Bunting, International Services Group Chair, Moss Adams LLP and Immediate Past President of IFAC

Whether you love or hate the idea, U.S. accounting is more international than ever before and the trend is accelerating. Robert Bunting will provide an update on some global accounting trends that are certain to have a profound effect on the role of professional accountants in the U.S., both in public practice and in industry. Of course, everyone knows about IFRS, but there are bigger changes than that in our future. CPE: 1.5 tech credits FEE: $30, includes CPE and breakfast CODE: AM Cannot attend in person? Watch the webcast! WEBCAST: WSCPA Annual Meeting with Professional Issues Update FEE: $15 (includes 1.5 tech credits) CODE: WAM Register today at www.wscpa.org!

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

legislators about the Board’s public protection role.

Tracking connections between specific advocacy efforts and successful outcomes in the State legislature has historically been fairly straightforward. Whether the Society has championed or opposed particular issues, the strategies and activities have been anything but subtle: meetings with stakeholders, legislators, regulators and elected officials; communication from many WSCPA members to their own legislators; carefully crafted public testimony in legislative hearings; daily presence and persistence of WSCPA’s lobbyist in Olympia.

Aside from this issue, the 2011 legislative session was unusually quiet with regards to legislation that directly affected the profession, although the Society and individual members have been monitoring a number of DOR proposals. And even though WSCPA grassroots volunteers were never called into action this year, a big thank you anyway to those many members who always stand ready to participate in the process. Their willingness to respond at a moment’s notice to requests to drop everything and contact their legislators is always a key ingredient of any successful advocacy effort. To those New Professionals who were eagerly awaiting their first opportunity to be an advocate for the profession, not to worry, there will be many issues in the future to develop and hone those skills!

or those who have been concerned about $1,000,000 being taken from the State Board of Accountancy’s fund balance as discussed in this column in a previous issue, here, as Paul Harvey used to say, is “the rest of the story.” And, as with any good story, it involves a bit of mystery.

However, in the case of the proposed $1,000,000 sweep from the State Board of Accountancy’s reserves to help balance Washington State’s 2010-1011 supplemental budget, none of these strategies was employed. Yet when the supplemental budget was approved, nothing was taken from the SBOA. How did that happen? Was it our lobbyist’s quiet conversations with a few key legislators? Was it the State Board members’ letter to the Governor expressing their concerns about the possible impact such a severe reduction in the agency’s reserves could have on the Board’s investigation and enforcement capabilities? Was it the Republican Caucus’ general dislike of designated fund balance sweeps? It may have been one, or all, or none of these. Nonetheless, it is a very successful and gratifying outcome, one that can be a springboard for future conversations with

Grassroots input has definitely made a difference recently at the federal level. CPAs in record numbers corresponded with the IRS about the need to exempt CPAs from the education and exam requirements of the IRS’ registered tax preparer program. As of this writing Congress is working out the details of eliminating the 1099-MISC reporting requirement and the Senate has passed legislation banning tax strategy patents. Congress removed CPA firms from the definition of “creditor” for purposes of Red Flags Rule. Advocacy doesn’t cost; it pays. You can contact Judy Love jlove@wscpa.org or (425) 586-1130.

www.wscpa.org

Ethics

A CPA’s Ethical Responsibility to Return Client Records By David Trujillo, CPA

he WSCPA Professional Conduct Committee receives many questions involving records and client confidential information. In Washington State, the answer to most such questions can be found in the Board of Accountancy’s administrative rules or within the framework of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Code of Professional Conduct and Bylaws. Recently, we were asked the following question.

Your license to practice public accounting could be at risk should you withhold client records.

Question - If a client has refused to pay me, may I withhold their records until they pay for the work I have performed? Short Answer - No, you should return or provide the records to the client as soon as practicable. Long Answer - Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18-04-039 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 04-25-640 do not allow you to withhold client records. “Licensees [and/or employees of CPAs] must not refuse to return client records, including electronic documents, pending client payment of outstanding fees.” In other words, your license to practice public accounting could be at risk should you withhold client records. The WSCPA has adopted the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, which all members are bound by. Under the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct and By-Laws .01 Rule 501, both the AICPA and WSCPA would consider your refusal to return “client-provided records” to be an act discreditable to the profession.The AICPA defines “client-provided records” as accounting or other records belonging to the client that were provided to the CPA. This would put your membership in the AICPA and WSCPA at risk, as well as trigger possible sanctions. Having said that, www.wscpa.org

Rule 501 allows CPAs to withhold CPAprepared records if fees are owed for the engagement to prepare the records. Also, CPAs may withhold CPA-prepared supporting records if there are fees owed for the specific work product. Generally speaking, RCW 18-04-039 and WAC 04-25-640(5) define Client Records to be original papers obtained from the client or records the client provided to the CPA and records or copy of records, schedules, and electronic documents, to the extent that such records and schedules would ordinarily constitute part of the client’s records and are not otherwise available to the client. The AICPA considers working papers the property of the CPA and need not be provided; however, such requirements may be imposed by state and federal statutes and regulations, and contractual agreements. In Washington state, the State Board of Accountancy considers a CPA’s working papers to be client records to the extent such working papers or electronic documents include records that would ordinarily constitute part of the client’s records and are not otherwise available to the client.

To add further confusion, at its meeting on November 11-12, 2010, the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee approved adding the phrase “including reproductions of such records” to the definition of “client-provided records.” This revision appeared in the February 2011 Journal of Accountancy and was effective on that date. So, if you are unsure whether a document fits into the “client record” category, it is best to contact the State Board of Accountancy to ensure you are complying with our state’s requirement. The AICPA and WSCPA will defer to state law when that law is more restrictive. David Trujillo, CPA, is Deputy Director of the Washington State Gambling Commission. He is chair of the Professional Conduct Committee and serves on the Society’s Board of Directors. You can contact the Professional Conduct Committee through Julie Phipps, WSCPA Manager of Professional Standards, jphipps@wscpa.org or (425) 586-1132.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

business development

The Trick to Maximizing Client Business and Client Service By Richard Bechtel

very CPA firm tends to have a rather lengthy client list.In fact,one is tempted, upon seeing the list, to remark,“Wow, you mean you’re able to take care of the needs of all of these clients at once?!” To which the reply is usually something like, “Well no, they aren’t all active clients. Some are clients we’ve done work for in the past.” And you then realize that this is actually the list of every company or individual for whom the firm has ever done any work. The funny thing is that, more often than not, any mid-sized or larger company in town is likely on the “client list” – in other words, claimed to be a client – by any number of CPA firms. What, then, is the definition of “gaining a client?” It is simply the landing of an engagement.The client doesn’t “own” the CPA firm, nor does the CPA firm “own” the client. Once the engagement is completed, the next one has to be gained, if there is to be a next one. That may be easier – even automatic – but nevertheless, the client relationship is, in practical terms, a series of discrete engagements strung together. Or is it? What’s the missing ingredient? What does the relationship in “client relationship” consist of? What strings those discrete engagements together? Essentially, it is the stream of ongoing interactions in which the engagements are embedded. But what does that stream look like? Quite simply, it turns out to be the same selling process that was used to gain the client in the first place. It doesn’t stop. Except that, with existing clients, it is thought of as service, not selling. That’s why, in the professional services environment, the sales discipline is closer to service than to marketing.The process

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Time and again, resistance to or awkwardness in selling situations comes down to the mindset we bring to those situations. of applying one’s expertise to uncover needs or opportunities that aren’t being met, then exploring them with the client to determine whether they warrant addressing, is how we take care of existing clients, as well as how we gain new ones. It’s the same diagnostic process. This is why the notion of selling should not be difficult, or foreboding, to CPAs. If you are good at taking care of your clients, you can be good at gaining new ones. The only difference is that you’re talking to someone for whom you haven’t yet done any work. In other words, you’re looking for the first engagement, not a subsequent one. And that is why preparation for such meetings is so important. With an existing client, you have the benefit of some prior familiarity with the client’s business. Even then, you should prepare. On the other hand, with a prospective client, you’re starting from scratch. Preparing adequately is not only essential to make a good impression and accomplish your objective, it is of great value in putting you at ease – enabling you to behave as if this is not a prospect, but a client. If you prepare well, you will find it much easier to slide into the same interview style that you naturally use with ongoing clients to remain alert to their needs.

Time and again, resistance to or awkwardness in selling situations comes down to the mindset we bring to those situations. If we see selling as some kind of artificial or, worse yet, intrusive process, we will behave accordingly and have disappointing results. But if we get it to sink in that selling is the same process as that of caring for the needs of our clients, we will be more natural, more relaxed and more effective. Best of all, selling will become a more satisfying experience. It truly is all how you look at it. Richard Bechtel is President of Bechtel Consulting Group in Kenmore, Washington. He can be reached at rbechtel@ bechtelconsulting.net.

Learn More Personal Marketing Dynamics (PMD) Leader: Richard Bechtel June 17 | WSCPA, Bellevue Join Richard Bechtel for an exploration of the key components of individual business development: personal marketing, relationship selling and successful client relations. Professional service firms of all types have benefited from this program, which has received consistent praise for its relevance, thoroughness and practicality. Register today at www.wscpa.org.

www.wscpa.org

accounting Careers

AP Accounting Course for High School? A Work in Progress By Mark Peterson,WSCPA Academic and Student Relations Coordinator

2011-12 Scholarship Winners Roy J Polley Memorial Scholarship:* Tracy Sager, Western Washington Univ.

or a high school accounting teacher Fabritius says that an AP accounting that swears that accounting was his course would be a large draw for his stu“worst class in high school or college,” dents. College-bound students are mindOlympia High School’s Skip Fabri- abritius ful of ways to limit their education F tius is a remarkably successful kip expenses, and receiving colaccounting teacher. Skip is a 15 lege credit for high school year veteran of high school courses is a good way to do education, the past 11 at OHS. so. Additionally, completion Each year, on average 10 to 12 of AP courses enhances a of his students go on to study student’s chances of being accounting and/or finance in accepted into the university college. Fabritius is also the of their choice. advisor of the OHS chapter of Overall implementation of an the Future Business Leaders of America AP accounting course for high schools (FBLA), the only chapter in the country still faces numerous challenges. The most to have students place in the top 10 at daunting of these challenges is convincFBLA nationals in Accounting II competi- ing the College Board that this initiative tions for the past three years. has widespread acceptance within the Fabritius recently attended the accounting and education professions to Accounting Pilot Training Confer- warrant implementation. Fabritius stated ence regarding the development of an four main areas that are needed for full Advanced Placement (AP) accounting implementation to be achieved and the course in October 2010 in Park City, AP designation from the College Board Utah. The WSCPA was pleased to be is realized: able to partially sponsor his attendance. This conference was organized by the • Accredited universities need to Accounting Pilot and Bridge Project and fully support this initiative. Since was offered by the Utah State Office of AP courses cover universityEducation. The 22 high school teachers level subjects in high school, this in attendance reviewed a sample AP curwould have an impact on the riculum and planned the next steps for taxonomy of university accountpossible implementation by the College ing departments. Boardx(www.apcentral.collegeboard. • More data is needed from pilot com/apc/Controller.jpf). programs before the College The sample curriculum was written Board will consider the AP by Dr. Dan S. Deines, Associate Professor designation. of Accounting at Kansas State University. • Champions are needed for His curriculum integrates financial and the curriculum on state and managerial accounting concepts, focusnational levels. Fabritius noted ing on why specific accounting tasks are that widespread vocal support taken as opposed to how to perform from the accounting profession those tasks. This is a departure from would be a key component for more traditional approaches to teaching development and implementation. accounting and, like most innovations, has • Money is always an issue for not been immediately accepted by the what is essentially a grassroots accounting world. However, pilot impleinitiative. More conferences mentation in 35 high schools nationwide and seminars will be needed to shows promising results. spread the word about this effort

Congratulations!

www.wscpa.org

Sambataro Family Foundation Accounting Scholarship:* Emily Kulm, Gonzaga Univ. George Waterman Memorial Scholarship:* Eli Wang, Seattle Univ. Washington CPA Foundation Scholarships: Travis Bean, Washington State Univ. (WSU); Lindsey Borgens, Central Washington Univ.; Teri Garza, WSU-Vancouver; Monica Ittes, Univ. of Washington (UW); Tara Low, WSU; Kristin McMahon, WSU-Vancouver; Eliza Nesvog, UW; Aymeric Prieur, UW; Amy Rufener, UW; Lauren Surek, Pacific Lutheran Univ. * Would you like to see your name or company on a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship? Please contact Kimberly Scott, kscott@wscpa.org, (425) 586-1108 or (800) 272-8273, Ext. 1108.

and to engage more high school classrooms in pilot programs. Locally, the next challenge for pilot implementation at Olympia High School is for the curriculum to be approved by the Olympia School District. Fabritius said that vocal support from the local accounting community would be a key factor in the approval process. He encouraged any accounting professionals that would be interested to further investigate the Accounting Pilot and Bridge Project at www.accountingpilot.com. You can find out more about this issue by contacting Skip Fabritius at sfabritius@osd. wednet.edu. You can reach Mark Peterson at mpeterson@wscpa.org. WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Technology Tip

Getting More Than Just Sums with Excelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AutoSum Tool By K2 Enterprises

he AutoSum button found on both the Home and Formulas tabs of the Ribbon provides access to more than just the SUM function. Careful scrutiny of the AutoSum button reveals that it contains a drop-down menu that provides access to all functions as shown in Figure 1.

This quick tech tip can save even experienced users a tremendous amount of time

Figure 1 AutoSum Providing Access to All Functions

The AutoSum button can be used to foot and cross-foot ranges of data simultaneously. Just highlight all of the data, making sure to extend the highlighted range down and to the right to include blank rows and columns where the totals are to appear as shown in Figure 2. Then, click the AutoSum button to sum the columns and rows with a single command, thereby footing and cross-footing the range simultaneously.

Figure 2 Footing and Cross-Footing with AutoSum

Learn More Advanced Excel (ADE01) Tuesday, June 14 WSCPA, Bellevue QuickBooks for Accountants (QBP01) Wednesday, June 15 WSCPA, Bellevue

Learning how to use AutoSum effectively can save even experienced users a tremendous amount of time when attempting to summarize data in Excel. So be sure to master this terrific Excel feature, one of the easiest and best tools in the toolbox. For a video demonstration of this tip, please visit www.tinyurl.com/k2tips71. K2 Enterprises provides WSCPA members with continuing professional education courses on a variety of technology topics.Visit the CPE/Event Catalog for a schedule of classes.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Paperless Office: Managing Documents in a Digital World (PPO) Thursday, June 16 WSCPA, Bellevue For details on these technology courses, see On Fire CPE on page 23. To register, visit the CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org. www.wscpa.org

industry voice

On Fire CPE For Industry CPAs

Business and Industry Conference (BIC) May 23, 2011 | Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue The 2011 Business & Industry Conference will explore the hot issues and trends affecting all businesses in today’s economy. An impressive lineup of experts will walk you through these important issues, share helpful tools and offer informed perspectives. Explore these topics: state taxation issues; update on IFRS; creating effective business and departmental plans; new business strategies related to health care reform; and a regional economic update.

Technology Seminars Excel for All Skill Levels Excel 2007 - Level 1 (EXL101) May 26, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Learn essential skills to create spreadsheets, perform calculations, format, edit and print reports using Excel in Microsoft Office 2007. On laptops provided for this course, you will practice creating a basic worksheet, perform calculations, modify and format a worksheet, as well as print workbook contents and manage large workbooks. Excel 2007 - Level 2 (EXL201) May 27, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Need to prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist exam in Excel or Module 2? This course is a must! Gain the skills necessary to create templates, sort and filter data, import and export data, analyze data, and work with Excel on the Web. Learn important skills such as creating charts and graphics, using advanced formulas to perform calculations, and sorting and filtering data using Excel in Microsoft Office 2007. Participants will work on provided laptops. Advanced Excel (ADE01) June 14, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Although many accountants consider themselves experts in using Excel, most accountants are self-taught and do not use Excel to its full potential. This course is designed to take experienced, self-taught users to the next level. It provides real world examples on six major topic areas: collaboration and workbook security; using tables to analyze and report data; integrating and manipulating data from external sources; creating and auditing complex formulas; advanced data analysis with subtotals, filters, and PivotTables; and using charts to

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analyze and communicate information. This course is ideal for those who use Excel extensively. All About QuickBooks QuickBooks for Accountants (ACCS2) June 15, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Many users are unaware (or don’t know how to effectively use) many features in QuickBooks. Get more out of QuickBooks and resolve the issues that baffle even experienced users. Gain practical guidance and solutions to help you get the most out of this software program. Explore issues such as setting up a new company, configuring and customizing QuickBooks preferences, and enabling system security and password protection features. Learn about locking down transactions in prior periods, the audit trail, customizing reports, exporting reports to Excel, and data backup. Improve Your Document Management Skills Paperless Office: Managing Documents in a Digital World (PPO) June 16, 2011 | WSCPA Learning Center, Bellevue

Would you like to find important documents in 10 seconds or less? Of course you would! At the very least, you would like to have secure, reliable access to information more rapidly than you have today while reducing storage space requirements and costs. No one expects a completely “paperless” office, but everyone would like to have much “less paper” to manage. This course will use best practice methods and demonstrate proven processes for document management. Looking for additional CPE? Learn about more seminars for CPAs working in business and industry at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Financial Literacy

Traversing Life’s Financial Transitions Starting with Graduation and Evaluating Job Offers By Amy O’Donnell,WSCPA Financial Literacy Program Manager

ransitioning through different phases of our lives can be fun, challenging and even exhausting. Some changes are by choice and others are forced on us. One of the first major transitions we face as adults is moving out on our own. Navigating these new financial waters can be tricky and it is easy to make costly mistakes. For many this is compounded by the weight of student loan debt. According to the Project on Student Debt the average college graduate owes $24,000 in student loans and will pay $276 a month for 10 years. College students also tend to rack up credit card debt. Sallie Mae reports that students leave college with an average of $4,100 in credit card debt. Paying down this much debt and keeping your head above water can be challenging. It often affects career choices after graduation. Among today’s college students, half say they are willing to sacrifice career satisfaction for a bigger paycheck and 40% of recent graduates have taken less satisfying jobs so they can pay off their loans. Working in a job that is not quite a fit for you is likely to have you looking

for greener pastures at some point. Job searching is tiring and you may be eager to accept a job offer, but it’s important to take a minute to review the offer with a critical eye. Consider the following tips from AICPA’s 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy. • Compare the salary to what other professionals in the field are making in similar positions. Inquire about the frequency of performance reviews, bonuses, opportunities to make a commission and profit sharing. A low salary may be offset by these factors. • Ask to see the benefits package. These packages can add thousands of dollars to your base pay. Consider the value of the types of insurance and retirement plans offered. Remember to pay yourself first and use compound interest to your advantage. • Beyond the compensation package, evaluate what additional costs you will incur if you take this position such as a longer commute, relocation or new clothes.

• Consider other factors that may not be considered direct costs. Factors such as the organization’s culture, opportunities to grow professionally and work/life balance should be taken into account when accepting a position. • Even after considering all of these factors, if you think an offer is too low try to negotiate. A company may not be willing to change their offer but you should at least try. Ask for a few days to think about the offer to make sure you feel comfortable with your final decision. Applying this approach of weighing out all of the factors will also help you handle other curveballs that life throws your way. If you want a refresher on navigating the financial decisions affected by life transitions, subscribe to blogs by your favorite financial guru, use software like Mint.com or use the calculators and information on websites like 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy to stay on top of your game. You can contact Amy O’Donnell at aodonell@wscpa.org.

IRS or Washington State Tax Problems? Experience Can Make A Difference. IRS, Revenue and Labor & Industries Audits: Administrative and Judicial Appeals & Refund Actions; Lien & Collection Problems; Tax Planning; Commercial Litigation.

Martin Silver  L.L.M. (Tax) New York University  Author of Washington Taxes: Representing Taxpayers Before The Department of Revenue, (Butterworths 1992)  Adjunct Professor, Golden Gate Representing Businesses and Professionals Nationwide, Confidentiality Guaranteed.

OFFICES OF

Martin Silver, P.S. Attorneys & Counselors

800 - 5th Avenue, Suite 4000 • Seattle, WA 98104 • Telephone: (206) 224-3461 • Fax (206) 224-3459

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

www.wscpa.org

Events

2011 Golf Tournament

“I’d rather be

golfing!”

www.bearcreekcc.com

Bear Creek Country Club Woodinville, WA

Along with golf, this event includes cart, lunch, dinner, drinks, reception and prizes!

www.wscpa.org

May 16, 2011 1 pm

Bear Creek Country Club | D2 Productions

If golfing is your game, mark your calendar and plan to attend the 2011 WSCPA Golf Tournament.

In addition to CPAs and their clients, bankers and lawyers, friends and family are welcome to attend.

Thanks to Tournament Sponsor

Registration deadline May 10 To register: (425) 644-4800 (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in WA) $110/person, $210/pair, or $420/team of four

Lunch Sponsor

Dinner Sponsor

Questions? E-mail memberservices@wscpa.org.

Drink Sponsor

Take advantage of this opportunity to golf at Bear Creek, an exclusive club.

Hole Sponsors

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Events

20 Networking 11 Events New Professionals

Puget Sound Events May 18 June 16 July 21 August 10 September 15 October 27 November 16

Kickoff Event, Daniel’s Broiler, Bellevue (NP10) Wine Tasting, Patterson Cellars, Seattle (NP01) Horse Races, Emerald Downs, Auburn (NP02) Argosy Cruise, Pier 55, Seattle (NP03) Trivia Night, Rock Bottom Brewery, Bellevue complimentary (NP04) Scavenger Hunt, Hard Rock Cafe, Seattle (NP05) Bowling, Garage, Seattle (NP07)

SPOKANE Events October 20

Mark your calendar and plan to attend! Learn more & REgister:

www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog (enter “NP” in search box)

FEES: $20-$30 per event

Casino Night, Hampton Inn, Spokane (NP06)

Become a sponsor Contact Amy O’Donnell for details. aodonnell@wscpa.org | (425) 586-1140 Thank you to the sponsors listed below.

happy hours

All Members Welcome! Casual networking. Free light appetizers. Registration not required. Puget Sound 2nd Tuesdays, various locations, 5-7:30 p.m. Find locations at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog. (enter HH in search box) Spokane 2nd Tuesdays, CI Shennanigan’s, 5-7 p.m.

Follow WSCPA

sponsorS

www.wscpa.org

Premier Partners

Key Partners

Supporters

Friends

South King County Chapter

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

www.wscpa.org

member discounts

Photo Album Northwest Chapter Student Night February 10 | Bellingham

Dr. Audrey Taylor, Western Washington University, demonstrates her newest app.

NW Chapter Board member Stephanie Artino (center) talks with member Warryn Luther and a student.

www.wscpa.org

Cheers! from Western Washington University and Skagit Valley College. Seventy-five students, many of them WSCPA student members, attended this annual event.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

CPE Digest Share your CPE discount

How to Detect & Avoid Fraud

with your non-CPA staff

The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation (RTI)

The WSCPA will extend your member discount on live education courses to your non-CPA staff. Save your organization up to $75 on each 8-hour course! To receive this discount, please call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273, toll-free in Washington.

Brush up on your fraud detection and avoidance skills with this workshop, The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation, August 12 in Bellevue at the WSCPA Learning Center. Forensic interviewer, Joseph Buckley will walk you through the steps for conducting Behavior Symptom Analysis, Behavior Analysis Interviews and the Nine Reid Steps of Interrogation. Learn how to recognize and evaluate verbal and nonverbal behaviors during an interview. Discover techniques for effectively delivering investigative and behavior provoking questions during interviews. Gain an understanding of the interrogation process, from confronting the individual to overcoming objections and stimulating the admission of fraud. Throughout the day, you will view videos of actual interviews and interrogations. To learn more about this event and to register, visit the CPE/Event catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog and search for RTI.

CPAs

Did you miss the deadline? beware Are your CPA credentials due for renewal in 2011? â&#x20AC;˘

Check your license expiration date at www.cpaboard.wa.gov (look for the Licensee Search box).

â&#x20AC;˘

Contact the State Board right away if you have not completed your online license renewal. The deadline was April 30.

Washington State Board of Accountancy: Phone: (360) 753-2586 E-mail: customerservice@cpaboard.wa.gov Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

to affordable CPE

Enjoy live seminars, webcasts and conferences for one affordable price. The Season Ticket, exclusively available to WSCPA members, allows you to take up to 80 hours of CPE from June 1, 2011-May 31, 2012 for only $1,645.* Order the Season Ticket at www.wscpa.org or call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington).

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Save $100 when you order a Season Ticket by June 30 * When purchased by June 30, 2011.The Season Ticket is $1,745 after June 30.

conferences conferences

golden ticket

Your

New! Use your Season Ticket to take 2, 4, 6 or 8-hour CPE courses (excludes chapter CPE).

300+ live seminar

webcasts webcasts

Only $164.50 per 8-hour CPE program!*

seminars Seminars

Season Ticket - Your Best CPE Value

More than 200 webcasts!

nces!

13 annual confere

www.wscpa.org

Conferences conferences

Inter national Tax Conference

Business & Industr y Conference

May 4, 2011 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Bell Harbor International Conference Center Seattle, WA

May 23, 2011 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA

• • • • •

International Estate Planning Update Outbound to Canada: Recent Developments Corporate Inversions & Expatriations Business Issues Facing U.S. Companies in China Current Developments in IRS Offshore Compliance Efforts • International Transfer Pricing: What the Tax Practitioner Must Know and Should Be Doing • U.S. International Tax Developments

8 CPE credits (CLE credit pending) WSCPA & WSBA Members $225

Non Members $300

The 2011 Business & Industry Conference is the place to learn about issues and trends affecting businesses both large and small. General Sessions:

General Sessions:

As the scope of everyday business expands across our borders, you need to stay on top of international tax, accounting and business issues. The 2011 International Conference will provide valuable content for tax advisors, CPAs, attorneys, financial officers and other tax professionals.

• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Hunt for Gold • Will U.S. GAAP Survive? IFRS Update • Creating Business and Departmental Plans That Work The Process from Concept to Daily Action Items • New Business Strategies in the Wake of Health Care Reform • Great Dissapointment or Sustained Recovery? A Regional Economic Update

8 CPE credits (includes 3 non-technical) WSCPA Members $225 Non Members $300

Presented in cooperation with the WSBA Tax Section.

Washington State Tax Conference

May 18, 2011 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:40 p.m. Bell Harbor Int’l Conf Center, Seattle

Changes to Washington State law affect your CPA practice, your clients and your employer. The Washington State Tax Conference, designed for CPAs and other finance professionals, will explore and examine the essential tax topics for 2011. General Sessions: • Department of Revenue Tax Simplification Project • New Washington Tax Developments • Update on Abusive Tax Avoidance Transactions • Update on Digital Products Taxation • Economic Nexus and Washington Service • Impending Tax Controversies • Related Party Transactions 8 CPE credits WSCPA Members Non Members www.wscpa.org

$225 $300

Concurrent Sessions Use Tax 101: Common Sense Strategies for Identifying & Reporting Use Tax Multistate Tax Update Best Practices for Reporting Personal Property to the County and State Taxing Authorities State Income Tax Planning Ideas

Conferences Conferences

Women’s Leader ship Summit

new!

Emerg ing Leader s Conference

new!

Presented by

June 2, 2011 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA

June 3, 2011 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:10 p.m. Microsoft Visitors Center, Redmond, WA

General Sessions:

Women at all career stages will walk away from the Women’s Leadership Summit inspired and equipped with practical tools. Connect with other professionals, both current and future leaders. Hear from some of the nation’s top speakers, FBI and U.S. Treasury agents, as well as phenomenal local leaders. Though designed for women, the sessions and speakers will motivate all. • • • • • •

Reaching New Heights: Everest & Beyond Getting Organized: The Basics to Improving Your Space at Home and Work Panel Discussion: Defining Success, Finding a Career Path for You Fraud Cases and Clues: Exposing Criminals with Class Women as Powerful Leaders and Communicators Building Your Leadership Brand

8 CPE credits (7 Non-Tech, 1 Tech) WSCPA Members $275 Non Members $350 Key sponsor

Want to kick start your career? Ready for the next level of success? You will obtain the critical knowledge and tools required by today’s marketplace to become an influential leader. This event is filled with practical advice from acclaimed experts and highly successful and insightful speakers.

General Sessions:

This is it. The one conference designed to invigorate CPAs who are either established or aspiring leaders.

• • • • • • • •

The Costco Story Keys to Lasting Career Satisfaction and Success Ethical Leadership is NOT an Oxymoron! How to Unleash Everyone’s Potential Career Path Panel Discussions Luncheon Presentation: Ways to Get Involved Africa Start Up Story Professional Update - Current Trends in the Profession Four Secrets for Developing Your Sphere of Influence and Developing Business Leading in Your Community Through Social Responsibility

8 CPE credits (7 Non-Tech, 1 Tech) WSCPA Members $275 Non Members $350 SponsorS

Supporting sponsor

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

lEARN MORE...

F in d c o n f eren c e d etails (sc hedules , sp eaker b io s an d m o re) o n line at www.wscpa.org/conferences www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Code

events by location # WSCPA education and events scheduled for May-July 2011 are listed below, chronologically by location. If you are looking for a program in another location, it may be scheduled for later in the year. Using the online CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/ catalog, you can search by location.

For more details, search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Type

2011-2012 EVENT SCHEDULE To view the complete schedule of events through May 2012, refer to the CPE/Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org or the 2011-2012 Washington Professional Education Catalog (mailed to members in late April). To request a copy of the catalog, call (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington) or e-mail cpe@wscpa.org. LEARN MORE To view complete course details, please visit the CPE/ Event Catalog at www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog.

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Fee Fee Discount A&A

CS EB

SUBJECTS The main subject area is listed for each program.

PFP Ethics GNP MG PD

Need help finding a seminar or webcast? Call (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800.

SK TAX TEC

Facility

Accounting and Auditing Consulting Services Employee Benefits Estate/Financial Planning Ethics Government / NFP Management Personal Development Specialized Knowledge Taxation Technology

Fees Date

CPE Credits

Subject

Course

WSCPA NonAICPA Code Member Member Member For more details, Fee Fee Discount search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Facility

Horse Races - New Professionals Networking Event, 6-8:30 pm

NP02

Emerald Downs

Type

Subject

Auburn Jul 21

Bellevue May 2

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint, 8 am-4 pm

COMPP5

230

305

WSCPA

Tec

May 3

Charting with Excel, 8 am-4 pm

COMEX21

230

305

WSCPA

Tec

May 4

PC Trouble Shooting & Maintenance, 8 am-4 pm

COMPC3

230

305

WSCPA

Tec

May 9

Introduction to Visio, 8 am-4 pm

COMVI3

230

305

WSCPA

Tec

May 10

Using Outlook as a Personal Information Manager, 8 am-4 pm

COMOU3

230

305

WSCPA

Tec

May 11

Word Tips Tricks & Techniques, 8 am-4 pm

COMWO4

230

305

WSCPA

Tec

May 11

Career Workshop: Resumes Top to Bottom, 12 pm-1:30 pm

CW10

WSCPA

May 16

Introduction to SQL, 8 am-4 pm

COMSQ3

230

305

WSCPA

TEC

May 17

Crystal Reports Introduction, 8 am-4 pm

COMCR5

230

305

WSCPA

TEC

May 17

FASB Review and Update: Common GAAP Issues Impacting All CPAs, 8 am-4 pm

FRU

265

340

-30

WSCPA

A&A

May 18

Cash Flow Statement: Preparation, Presentation and Use, 8 am-4 pm

FCFS2

265

340

-30

WSCPA

A&A

May 18

Kickoff Reception - New Professionals Networking Event, 6-8:30 pm

NP10

Daniel’s Broiler

May 19

1.5

S l

New Washington Tax Developments, 7:15-9 am

CHBA10

Maggiano’s, Lincoln Sq

TAX

May 23

Excel Pivot Tables, 8 am-4 pm

COMEX22

230

305

WSCPA

TEC

May 23

BIC

225

300

Meydenbauer Center

May 24

Crystal Reports Intermediate, 8 am-4 pm

COMCR6

230

305

WSCPA

TEC

May 24

Compilation and Review Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

CRUR9

295

370

WSCPA

A&A

May 25

GAAP Update and Review for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (SMEs) by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

GURSME8

295

370

WSCPA

A&A

May 25

AICPA Business Solutions Workshop: Delivering on Your Trusted Business Advisor Status, 8:30 am-5 pm

TAW

299

399

WSCPA

May 25

Career Workshop: Interviewing Tips Part One, 12 pm-1:30 pm

CW11

WSCPA

May 26

Auditing Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

AUUR3

295

370

WSCPA

A&A

May 26

Excel 2007 - Level 1, 8 am-4 pm

EXL101

265

340

WSCPA

TEC

May 27

Excel 2007 - Level 2, 8 am-4 pm

EXL201

265

340

WSCPA

TEC

Jun 2

Introduction to QuickBooks for the Accounting Professional, 8 am-4 pm

COMQB01

240

315

WSCPA

TEC

ç Jun 2

WLS

275

350

Meydenbauer Center

 Business & Industry Conference, 8 am-4 pm

 Women’s Leadership Summit, 8 am-4 pm 6

www.wscpa.org

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Education and events

Fees Date

CPE Credits

Course

Code For more details, search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Type

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Fee Fee Discount

Facility

Subject

Jun 3

Introduction to SQL Statements, 8 am-4 pm

COMSQ01

240

315

WSCPA

TEC

Jun 8

CPE in Ethics: A Requirement in Washington State, 8-11:30 am

CENRW401

180

215

WSCPA

Ethics

Jun 8

Career Workshop: Interviewing Tips Part Two, 12 pm-1:30 pm

CW01

WSCPA

Jun 9

The Top 50 Business Tax Mistakes Practitioners Make and How to Fix Them, 8 am-4 pm

BTBB

285

360

WSCPA

TAX

Jun 10

Audits of 401(k) Plans, 8 am-4 pm

AFKP01

275

350

-30

WSCPA

A&A

Jun 10

The Top 50 Mistakes Practitioners Make and How to Fix Them: Individual Tax and Financial Planning, 8 am-4 pm

INBB

285

360

WSCPA

TAX

Jun 13

AICPA Advanced Course: Overview of the AICPA Peer Review Program Standards, 8 am-4 pm

ADPRT

275

350

-30

WSCPA

A&A

Jun 14

Advanced Excel, 8 am-4 pm

ADE01

275

350

WSCPA

TEC

Jun 14

Jun 15 Jun 16 ç Jun 17

Upcoming Peer Review: Is Your Firm Ready? 8 am-4 pm

SNPR

275

350

-30

WSCPA

A&A

Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7:30 pm

HH01

PF Changs

QuickBooks for Accountants, 8 am-4 pm

QBP01

275

350

WSCPA

TEC

Paperless Office: Managing Documents in a Digital World, 8 am-4 pm

PPO

275

350

WSCPA

TEC

Personal Marketing Dynamics, 8 am-4 pm

PDM

240

315

WSCPA

Jun 21

Audits of 403(b) Plans: A Challenging New Audit Area, 8 am-4 pm

FOTB

275

350

-30

WSCPA

A&A

ç Jun 22

Gary Zeune’s Guide to Audits in Times of Massive Financial, Legal, Healthcare and Regulatory Reform, 8 am-4 pm

ATM2011

275

350

WSCPA

A&A

Jun 23

Gary Zeune’s Guide to 15 NEW Fraud Cases for 2011 Engagements, 8 am-4 pm

F2011

275

350

Meydenbauer Center

A&A

Jun 29

S Corporation Preparation, Basis Calculations & Distributions - Form 1120S Schedule K & K-1 Analysis, 8 am-4 pm

SBAD

275

350

WSCPA

TAX

Jun 29

What Board Treasurers Need to Know, 8-11:30 am

WBTN401

110

WSCPA

Jun 30

Partnership Preparation, Basis Calculations & Distributions - Form 1065 Schedule K & K-1 Analysis, 8 am-4 pm

PBAD

275

350

WSCPA

TAX

Jul 11

Washington B & O and Sales Tax, 8 am-4 pm

WSTX01

275

350

WSCPA

TAX

Jul 12

Compilation and Review Standards Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

CRUR01

305

380

WSCPA

A&A

Jul 13

GAAP Update and Review for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (SMEs) by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

GURSME01

305

380

WSCPA

A&A

Jul 13

Inside the IRS - A Tour for CPAs, EAs and Accountants, 8 am-4 pm

ITI

275

350

WSCPA

Jul 14

Money Laundering - A Guide for CPAs, 8 am-4 pm

MLCPA

275

350

WSCPA

Jul 18

Excel Pivot Tables, 8 am-4 pm

COMEX01

240

315

WSCPA

TEC

Jul 19

Excel Data Analysis, 8 am-4 pm

COMEX02

240

315

WSCPA

TEC

Jul 20

Excel Functions, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques, 8 am-4 pm

COMEX03

240

315

WSCPA

TEC

Jul 26

Tax Aspects of Bankruptcy: All Need Not Be Lost, 8 am-4 pm

TAOB

275

350

WSCPA

TAX

Jul 27

Current Federal Tax Developments, 8 am-4 pm

CFTD

275

350

WSCPA

TAX

ç Jul 28

Strategies and Tactics in the New War Against Higher Individual Taxes, 8 am-4 pm

IWAR01

285

360

WSCPA

TAX

Jul 29

Choosing the Best Entity Structure Under the New Tax Law in 2011, 8 am-4 pm

CBES01

285

360

WSCPA

TAX

Accounting and Reporting Standards Annual Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

ARSUR01

525

640

Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan

A&A

Chelan Jul 14-15

Kirkland May 17

6 S l

Rock Star Social Media, 7-9 am

CHSV09

Marriott Courtyard Totem Lake

Jun 21

S l

Defense Against the Dark Arts - Managing Department of Revenue Audits, 7-9 am

CHSV01

Marriott Courtyard Totem Lake

TAX

S l

Cash Flow Management and Employee Retention, 3:30-5:30 pm

CHSN05

Hampton Inn Lynnwood

S l

Rethinking Repairs: A Tax Strategy, 12 pm-1 pm

CHOM09

Indian Summer Golf

TAX

Lynnwood May 10 Olympia May 4

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

# May 5

Course

For more details, search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Type

S l

Code

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Fee Fee Discount

Facility

Subject

3rd Annual Networking and Wine Tasting Event, 6-9 pm

CHOM08

Indian Summer Golf

Accounting and Reporting Standards Annual Update and Review by Walter Haig, 8 am-4 pm

ARSUR4

485

600

Inn at Port Hadlock

A&A

Port Hadlock May 12-13 8 Redmond ç Jun 3

 Emerging Leaders Conference, 8 am-4:10 pm 6

ELC

275

350

Microsoft

May 4

 International Tax Conference, 8 am-4:15 pm

INTC

225

300

Bell Harbor Conf Ctr

May 17

S l

CHSE08

Women’s University Club of Seattle

May 18

 Washington State Tax Conference, 8:30 am-4:40 pm

WSTC

225

300

Bell Harbor Conf Ctr

TAX

Jun 1

1.5

WSCPA Annual Meeting with Professional Issues Update, 7:30 -9:30 am

WA State Conv Ctr

Jun 16

Wine Tasting - New Professionals Networking Event, 6-8:30 pm

NP01

Patterson Cellars

May 5

S l

Understanding Retirement Plan Fees and Expenses, 7:30 -9:30 am

CHSP19

Gonzaga University COG

PFP

May 10

Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7 pm

NP16

C I Shenanigans

May 11

6 S l

Manners Mean Business, 12-2 pm

CHSP24

The Spokane Club

May 12

S l

Common Scams and Social Influence Tactics, 7:30 -9:30 am

CHSP20

Gonzaga University COG

May 19

6 S l

Ethics in the Real World (Not WA State Ethics Compliant), 7:30 9:30 am

CHSP16

Gonzaga University COG

May 25

The Best Estate and Financial Planning Topics of 2011, 8 am-4 pm

BEST

265

340

Hampton Inn Spokane

TAX

May 26

S l

General A&A and Tax Update, 7:30 -9:30 am

CHSP21

Gonzaga University COG

A&A

May 27

Auditing and Reporting Standards Annual Update by Walter Haig, 8 am4 pm

ARSU

295

370

Hampton Inn Spokane

A&A

Jun 9

Jun 14

Seattle

Accountability ... Now More than Ever, 7:30 -9:30 am

Spokane

Employee Benefit Plans: Audit and Accounting Essentials, 8 am-4 pm

EBPE

275

350

-30

Hampton Inn Spokane

A&A

Happy Hour Networking Event, 5-7 pm

NP08

C I Shenanigans

Audits of 401(k) Plans, 8 am-4 pm

AFKP02

275

350

-30

Pacific Grill Events Ctr

A&A

Tacoma Jun 22

Your Desk - Webcasts and Webinars May 4

WEBINAR: XBRL Level 1 - The Next Evolution in Financial Reporting, 8-10 am

WNR227

Webinar

TEC

May 10

WEBCAST: Budgeting Wars Prevention! How to Ensure Accountability In Your Budget Process, 11 am-1 pm

WEB176

109

Webcast

May 10

WEBCAST: Governance - Enhancing Risk Management: Setting the Right Balance Innovation and Controls, 2-4 pm

WEB177

109

Webcast

May 11

WEBCAST: High Road Corporate Governance from the Inside - Out: The CFO Controller’s Tool Kit - Part 1, 1-4 pm

WEB178

129

Webcast

May 11

WEBCAST: High Road Leadership Strategies for Eliminating Silos, Bureaucracy, or Turf Wars from Your Culture, 8-10 am

WEB179

109

Webcast

May 11

WEBCAST: High Road Approach to Difficult Conversations: How to Face and Grow from Them, 11 am-1 pm

WEB180

109

Webcast

May 16

WEBINAR: Section 6694 Research Requirements, 11 am-1 pm

WNR228

Webinar

TAX

May 18

WEBINAR: Adobe Acrobat for Accountants I - Basic Features & Functions, 8-10 am

WNR229

Webinar

TEC

May 18

WEBINAR: Adobe Acrobat for Accountants II - Advanced Features & Functions, 11 am-1 pm

WNR230

Webinar

TEC

May 20

WEBCAST: Myths of Budgeting and How to Overcome Them, 8 am-12 pm

WEB181

129

159

Webcast

May 20

WEBCAST: Five Clients in Five Days, 8-10 am

WEB229

109

Webcast

www.wscpa.org

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Education and events

Fees Date

CPE Credits

Course

Code For more details, search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Type

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Fee Fee Discount

Facility

Subject

May 20

WEBCAST: Make Meetings Matter, 10 am-12 pm

WEB234

109

Webcast

May 23

WEBCAST: Legal and Financial Aspects of Restructuring and Liquidation , 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB91

255

295

Webcast

May 23

WEBINAR: Evaluating and Selecting a Document Management System, 11 am-1 pm

WNR230

Webinar

TEC

May 24

WEBINAR: Auditing & Fraud Technology Tools, 8-10 am

WNR231

Webinar

TEC

ç May 25

WEBCAST: Advanced Fraud Case Study, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB92

255

295

Webcast

A&A

ç May 27

A133 Audits - What Do I Need to Know? An Auditor’s Perspective for Auditor, 8-11:30 am

WEB236

129

159

Webcast

A&A

ç May 27

A133 Audits - How Can I do It Better? An Auditor’s Perspective for Auditor, 12:30-4 pm

WEB237

129

159

Webcast

A&A

May 31

WEBCAST: Accounts Receiveable Management, 8-11 am

WEB217

129

Webcast

WEBCAST: Getting Stuff Done When You Don’t Own the Company, 12-3 pm

WEB224

129

Webcast

WEBINAR: Excel - Auditing Your Spreadsheets to Ensure Data Integrity, 8-10 am

WNR232

Webinar

TEC

WEBCAST: WSCPA Annual Meeting with Professional Issues Update MEMBERS ONLY, 7:30 -9:30 am

WAM

Webcast

May 31

Jun 1

1.5

Jun 1

WEBCAST: Construction Industry Accts & Tax Issues, 7 am-3 pm

WEB200

195

225

Webcast

A&A

Jun 1

WEBCAST: Excel-Based Dashboards, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB01

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jun 1

WEBINAR: Excel - Formulas and Functions, 8-10 am

WNR100

Webinar

TEC

Jun 1

WEBINAR: Excel - The Power of Pivot Tables, 11 am-1 pm

WNR101

Webinar

TEC

Jun 2

WEBCAST: Internal Controls for Small-Business Accounting Systems, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB02

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jun 3

WEBCAST: Business Valuation Conference, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB03

255

295

Webcast

Jun 3

WEBINAR: Best Options for Backup, 8-10 am

WNR102

Webinar

TEC

Jun 3

WEBINAR: Managing the Cost of Technology, 11 am-1 pm

WNR103

Webinar

TEC

Jun 6

WEBINAR: Excel - The Business Analytics Tool, 8-10 am

WNR104

Webinar

TEC

Jun 7

WEBCAST: Fraud: Exposures and Solutions in the Non Audit Environment, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB04

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jun 7

WEBCAST: Financial Statement Preparation for Your QuickBooks Client, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB05

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jun 9

WEBCAST: Budgeting Wars Prevention: How to Ensure Accountability Exists in Your Budget Process, 8-10 am

WEB201

109

Webcast

Jun 9

WEBCAST: Governance-Enhancing Risk Management: Setting the Right Balance Innovation and Controls, 11 am-1 pm

WEB202

109

Webcast

Jun 9

WEBCAST: High Road Corporate Governance from the Inside Out, 2-5 pm

WEB203

129

Webcast

Jun 9

WEBCAST: Preparing Form 5500, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB06

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jun 9

WEBINAR: Outlook Part I - E-mail Management Tips & Techniques (Basic), 8-10 am

WNR105

Webinar

TEC

Jun 9

WEBINAR: Outlook Part 2 - E-mail Management Tips & Techniques (Advanced), 11 am-1 pm

WNR106

Webinar

TEC

Jun 10

WEBCAST: The High Road Approach to Difficult Conversations: How to Face and Grow from Them, 8-10 am

WEB204

109

Webcast

Jun 10

WEBCAST: High Road Leadership Strategies for Eliminating Silos, Bureaucracy or Turf Wars in Your Culture, 10:30 am-12:30 pm

WEB205

109

Webcast

Jun 10

WEBCAST: Myths of Budgeting & How to Overcome Them, 1-5 pm

WEB206

129

Webcast

Jun 10

WEBINAR: PowerPoint Level 1 - Creating Professional Presentations, 8-10 am

WNR107

Webinar

TEC

Jun 10

WEBINAR: PowerPoint Level 2 - Advanced Presentation Design, 11 am-1 pm

WNR108

Webinar

TEC

Jun 13

WEBCAST: Excel and Access: Tools of the Trade for Business, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB07

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jun 14

WEBCAST: Accounting and Auditing with Excel, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB08

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jun 15

WEBCAST: Entertainment Industry Conference, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB09

255

295

Webcast

Jun 15

WEBINAR: Estate Planning and Administration After 2010, 8-10 am

WNR110

Webinar

PFP

Jun 16

WEBCAST: Lean Accounting, 7-9 am

WEB207

109

Webcast

A&A

Jun 16

WEBCAST: Pension and Profit-Sharing Plan Strategies, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB11

255

295

Webcast

Jun 16

WEBCAST: Codification Topic 820: Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB10

255

295

Webcast

A&A

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

www.wscpa.org

Education and events Fees

Date

CPE Credits

Course

Code For more details, search by code at www.wscpa.org/cpe

Type

WSCPA NonAICPA Member Member Member Fee Fee Discount

Facility

Subject

Jun 16

WEBINAR: Windows 7 - Tips & Techniques, 8-10 am

WNR111

Webinar

TEC

Jun 17

WEBINAR: Tax Practice: Section 7216 Regulations, 8-10 am

WNR112

Webinar

TAX

Jun 17

WEBINAR: Tax Practice: Section 6694 Research Requirements, 11 am1 pm

WNR113

Webinar

TAX

Jun 20

WEBCAST: Accounts Receivable Management “Part 1 of 6 in the Technical Controllers Series”, 8-11 am

WEB208

129

Webcast

ç Jun 20

WEBCAST: Managing the Accounting Function So You Become Invaluable? “Part 2 of 6 of the Technical Controller Series”, 11:30 am-1:30 pm

WEB209

109

Webcast

Jun 20

WEBCAST: Getting Stuff Done When You Don’t Own the Company “Part 3 of 6 in the Technical Controllers Series”, 2-5 pm

WEB210

129

Webcast

Jun 20

WEBCAST: Introduction to XBRL and New Opportunities for CPAs, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB12

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jun 20

WEBINAR: Microsoft Office 2007/2010 - What’s New? 8-10 am

WNR114

Webinar

TEC

Jun 20

WEBINAR: Key Tax Issues Facing Members In Industry, 11 am-1 pm

WNR115

Webinar

TAX

ç Jun 21

WEBCAST: It’s ALL in the Process! How to Generate Productivity and Breakthrough Improvements “Part 4 of 6 in the Technical Controller Series”, 8-11 am

WEB211

129

Webcast

ç Jun 21

WEBCAST: Setting the RIGHT Tone! A Finance Leader’s Best Tool for Employee Engagement “Part 5 of 6 in the Technical Controller Series”, 11:30 am-1:30 pm

WEB212

109

Webcast

ç Jun 21

WEBCAST: Money Talks! Presenting Financial Concepts with Ease “Part 6 of 6 in the Technical Controllers Series”, 2-5 pm

WEB213

129

Webcast

ç Jun 22

WEBCAST: Update on IRS Tax Controversy Procedure: Dealing with the IRS in the Real World, 7 am-3 pm

WEB214

195

225

Webcast

TAX

Jun 22

WEBINAR: Outlook Part 3 - Calendar & Contact Management Tips & Techniques, 2-4 pm

WNR109

Webinar

TEC

Jun 23

WEBCAST: Best Practices for Industry-Understanding Your Liability and Protect Corporate Information, 7 am-3 pm

WEB215

195

225

Webcast

Jun 23

WEBINAR: Document Management Systems Software Review, 2-4 pm

WNR117

Webinar

TEC

Jun 23

WEBINAR: How to Go Paperless, 11 am-1 pm

WNR116

Webinar

TEC

ç Jun 24

WEBCAST: Audit of 401(k) Plans Webcast, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB13

255

295

Webcast

A&A

Jun 24

WEBINAR: Better Reporting With the Intuit Statement Writer, 11 am-1 pm

WNR118

Webinar

TEC

Jun 24

WEBINAR: Solving the Top QuickBooks Issues, 8-10 am

WNR119

Webinar

TEC

Jun 25

WEBINAR: Excel - Beginner Tips, Tricks & Techniques, 6-8 am

WNR120

Webinar

TEC

ç Jun 27

WEBCAST: A133 Audits -What Do I Need to Know? An Auditor’s Perspective for Auditors and Auditees, 8 am-12 pm

WEB216

129

159

Webcast

A&A

ç Jun 27

WEBCAST: A133 Audits - How Can I Do It Better? An Auditor’s Perspective for Auditors and Auditees, 12:30-4:30 pm

WEB217

129

159

Webcast

A&A

Jun 27

WEBCAST: The CFO’s Role in Banking and Finance, 9-11 am

WEB218

109

Webcast

Jun 27

WEBCAST: The CFO’s Role in Operational Control, 12-2 pm

WEB219

109

Webcast

Jun 27

WEBCAST: S Corporations: Tax Consequences of Termination, Liquidation, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB14

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jun 27

WEBINAR: Excel - Formulas and Functions, 11 am-1 pm

WNR121

Webinar

TEC

Jun 27

WEBINAR: Excel - The Power of Pivot Tables, 8-10 am

WNR122

Webinar

TEC

Jun 28

WEBCAST: LLCs and Partnerships: Review of Selected Topics, 8:30 am-4 pm

WEB15

255

295

Webcast

TAX

Jun 28

WEBCAST: QuickBooks Accounting Software Overview and Update, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

WEB16

255

295

Webcast

TEC

Jun 28

WEBINAR: Excel - Auditing Your Spreadsheets to Ensure Data Integrity, 8-10 am

WNR123

Webinar

TEC

Jun 28

WEBINAR: Excel - Advanced Tips, Tricks & Techniques, 11 am-1 pm

WNR124

Webinar

TEC

Jun 29

WEBINAR: Adobe Acrobat for Accountants I - Basic Features & Functions, 5-7 pm

WNR125

Webinar

TEC

Jun 29

WEBINAR: Adobe Acrobat for Accountants II - Advanced Features & Functions, 8-10 am

WNR126

Webinar

TEC

Jun 30

WEBINAR: Auditing & Fraud Technology Tools, 11 am-1 pm

WNR127

Webinar

TEC

Need help finding a seminar, conference or webcast? Call the WSCPA at (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800. To view the complete schedule of events, go to www.wscpa.org/CPE/catalog. The same high quality materials and speakers featured in many WSCPA conferences and seminars are available for CPE events for your firm. To learn more, call (800) 272-8273 or (425) 644-4800 or e-mail ct@wscpa.org.

www.wscpa.org

Networking Event | S Season Ticket and Coupons N/A

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Registration

Questions? E-mail cpe@wscpa.org or call (425) 644-4800 or (800) 272-8273 (toll-free in Washington).

Code

Title

Date

City

Fee1

WSCPA CPE policies apply to all programs in the CPE Digest. Review the CPE policies at www.wscpa.org.

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

www.wscpa.org

classified ads

Detailed advertising information is available online at www.wscpa.org. Classified Ads are $40 for 40 words or less and $1 for each additional word.Active E-mail and web site addresses count as two words and are $10 additional each. Positions available ads are for magazine placement only. Contact Sharon Olene-Marander at (425) 586-1138, (800) 2728273, Ext. 1138, or classifieds@wscpa.org for more information.All ads must be pre-paid. See these and any new listings on our website under Newsroom. POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Established Bellingham CPA firm is seeking experienced auditor to join our team of professionals. 5+ years of audit experience required. Collaborative working environment, excellent advancement opportunities and salary and benefits package. Submit resume and cover letter to Varner Sytsma & Herndon, CPA’s, 2200 Rimland Drive, Suite 205, Bellingham,WA 98226,Attn: H/R Position: Senior manager/Partner. Dynamic, growing CPA firm is adding to staff with potential for ownership. Seeking an experienced CPA with business consulting skills and an emphasis on accounting. Must show demonstrated talent working with small to mid-sized businesses.Should be able to assist with strategic thinking and planning using key metrics of clients. Will also participate in driving strategic direction of firm.This is an opportunity for the CPA who is entrepreneurial and eager to make his/her mark.Visit www.mariscpa.com. Submit resume and cover letter by email to Maris & Associates CPA’s at charlotte@mariscpa.com.We will notify you if you are a candidate for the position. Established Bellingham CPA firm is seeking experienced CPA to join our team of professionals. 3+ years of tax experience required. Collaborative working environment, excellent advancement opportunities and salary and benefits package. Submit resume and cover letter to Varner Sytsma & Herndon, CPA’s, 2200 Rimland Drive, Suite 205, Bellingham,WA 98226,Attn: H/R OFFICE SPACE

FederalWay Business district newly remodeled,partially furnished professional office building. 2-3 offices plus conference room and reception/ secretarial station. Parking, kitchen, fax, copier, internet,utilities.Contact Eileen at (206) 399-2046 or emsfw@earthlink.net. Near Downtown Bellevue with forested atmosphere on 112th Avenue NE. Upscale professional offices, some with reception, library, staff work stations, kitchen, and conference room. Tasteful décor. Collegial atmosphere. Ample client parking and reserved covered parking. Move-in incentives. Competitive rates. (425) 462-5151.

Follow WSCPA www.wscpa.org

www.wscpa.org

Downtown Seattle partner-sized office. 11 X 14.5. Logan Bldg. 5th/Union. Great location. Conference room, copier, fax, reception, kitchen, mail. Large windows, great light. Fully equipped w/phone, desk, credenza. $900. First month free. David Roth (206) 447-8665 david@ legalroth.com. MERGERS & SALES

CPA practice with roughly $100K of revenue seeks merger,acquisition,or office sharing.Presently occupying 2,000 square feet (month-to-month). Please email roscoeguy1@yahoo.com. CPAFlex pays CPAs for the value of their practice while maximizing their earnings using our proprietary delivery platform. Learn more at www.cpaflex.com. Everett Firm Looking for CPA firm and/or Registered Investment Advisory Company to purchase. We are the second largest CPA firm in downtown Everett, manage $135m and are looking to purchase another firm. Our client base is as broad as the services we offer,as we cater to individuals and small business. Please contact the owner, Brian Evans at 425-252-6909 or email to brian@bauerevans.com. You can review our websites at www.bauerevans. com and www.bondstreetwealth.com. CPA looking for $150,000-$250,000 size practice to purchase in the Bellingham area. Cash purchase. Please respond to Tom by phone, (707) 545-0701 or email,TJTCPA@aol.com. Considering Selling Your Practice? Consider all your options.We do the work. Confidential.We have buyers actively seeking practices. Call Mark Hause at 877-345-7722 or visit our website at www. accountingpracticesales.com. Accounting Practice Sales.We make dreams happen! IBA Sells Privately Held Companies. Do you represent a client who is ready to retire or has taken a company as far as they want to or can? IBA is the Pacific Northwest’s oldest business brokerage (M&A) firm. We are professional negotiators with over 4000 completed transactions. Please contact us if we can be of assistance at (800) 218-4422 or www.ibainc.com. PRACTICES FOR SALE Contact Mark Hause atAccounting Practice Sales by e-mail at MARKHAUSE@CONTACTAPS. COM or call 877-345-7722 for more information on the following practices: Anacortes CPA Firm for Sale: This CPA firm is a traditional CPA firm with income tax, write-up, along with financial services to round out the practice. The firm revenue mix breaks out 76% tax, 18% write-up, and 6% financial services.The buyer will have the opportunity to retain the current office locatio indefinitely as

the Seller owns the building. With a loyal client base and good fees, this firm offers opportunity to a firm looking to expand or a CPA wanting to be on their own. Bellingham CPA Firm for Sale: This CPA firm is a tax and write-up practice that focuses on small business.As a result,the firm predominantly renders tax and write-up services for a loyal group of clients who are accustomed to paying market rate fees along with being a strong referral source. The revenue dollars grossed by the firm break out 65% income tax and 33% write-up services and 2% for a small amount of compilation and review services.The client work load is continuous through the year with the normal increase in tax filing periods providing for a balanced workload and revenue stream.This practice has an excellent staff which further enhances the opportunity this firm provides for an accountant or firm looking for a quality practice to make their own. Spokane CPA Firm for Sale: This long time firm is for sale.The firm has a diverse client base that includes all professional services including auditing.The practice revenue dollars consist of 37% accounting, 9% consulting and computer services, and 49% income tax services. The highlight of this firm’s accounting segment of the practice is a quality attestation practice that includes compilations, reviews and auditing.The tax practice contains the type of work that quality firms seek with per hour realization rates that are equal to or above prevailing market rates. The consulting and computer services segment provides invaluable assistance to clients in dealing with various accounting software issues. With an excellent and mature staff providing a deep bench, this practice offers the chance to acquire a quality practice for a variety of firms seeking to acquire a balanced book of business.

Volunteer Positions

The following organizations need a CPA to serve on the board of directors or provide other guidance on financial matters. Learn more at www.wscpa.org (enter volunteer positions in the search box). Arc of King County Center for Transgender Health and Wellness Citrine Health - New Community Day School Association Families for Effective Autism Treatment GroundBreakers Northeast Washington Education Council One Day’s Wages Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute Pacific Sports Arena Seattle Tilth Sequalitchew Creek Watershed Council The Center for Wooden Boats - New The Swedish Finn Historical Society - New Washington Wilderness Coalition

WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

MEMBER profile

Emerging Leader & Traveler in a Foreign Land Jennifer de Leon, CPA

Jennifer de Leon, CPA, recently joined The Aguiar Group, a small CPA firm in Bellevue. Previously she worked in the Seattle office of Ernst & Young for four years in the Assurance practice. The lead instructor for Becker CPA Review in Seattle, Jennifer graduated in 2006 from Seattle University with a triple-major in Accounting, Finance, and Humanities. A WSCPA member since 2004 and a CPA since 2009, Jennifer is chair of the task force that is planning the new WSCPA Emerging Leaders Conference (to be held June 3, on the Microsoft campus in Redmond). The WashingtonCPA asked this emerging leader to share highlights of her career so far and her recent experiences working and traveling abroad.

What led you to become a CPA? I was actually drawn to becoming a CPA because of the wide variety of things that you can do with it. I knew that I wanted a dynamic career, I wanted to be in a leadership role, and I understood that debits and credits can be a means for understanding the “bigger picture” about how businesses work. When I step back and think about the doors that have been opened up to me, I cannot believe that I have been entrusted with such interesting roles as a recent 20-something college grad solely because of my Big Four background and CPA certification. I’ve been able to audit multi-billion companies, work on IPOs, and learn about International Financial Reporting Standards. I’ve worked in mergers and acquisitions, learned how to manage staff, and traveled all over the US, Canada, England, and the Netherlands. I’ve helped hundreds of students pass the CPA Exam by teaching at Becker. Having a CPA has resulted in a rewarding career so far, and reminiscing on these experiences reminds me of how lucky I am! www.wscpa.org

What took you to Kenya last year? I serve on the Board of Directors for The Village Net, a not-for-profit organization that provides microloans to hundreds of women entrepreneurs in Ghana and Kenya. I went to two villages in Kenya to set up a manual accounting system and gather information on our repayment trends, operating expenses, and working capital. It was a great learning experience because I had come from a structured, well-organized environment: a large company with pre-defined worksteps, quality control checklists, and a multitude of smart people who could give me answers on a silver platter when I did not know what to do. My accounting work in Kenya forced me to deal with ambiguity, think for myself, and think “big picture” about how to best implement a valueadding process. There were other challenges, too: there was no running water, no electricity, just a few English speakers, and the villages were so obscure that they are not even documented on maps. But the program directors were well-educated, motivated, and helpful in getting me the information that I needed. They provided great feedback on ways to set up a monthly reporting process and helped me bring home insightful information that influenced our strategic decisions about the organization. Is travel important to you? Travel is my passion. Seeing the Eiffel Tower and Coliseum is wonderful, but there is something even more exciting about experiencing a country in the same way that a local person would. Some of my favorite memories are basic things like eating ugali with my hands in Kenya, haggling for low prices at a bazaar in Istanbul,

and seeing how many days I could survive in Cairo on $20. These experiences force me to see the world through a different lens, be open-minded about other world views, and confront my personal weaknesses and ignorance. When I’m forced to condense my condo into a backpack, I am reminded of what is essential versus what is superfluous. When I see poverty and starvation, I am reminded that long hours of accounting during busy season hardly matches the definition of “adversity.” I always return home with a great attitude, more perspective, and tons of motivation. Though it seems unrelated to accounting, being out of your comfort zone in foreign cultures inevitably makes you confront and respond to every emotion in its extreme: awkwardness, distress, confusion, embarrassment, discomfort, and irritation. As a traveler in a foreign land, everything is ambiguous, nothing works efficiently or as planned, and no one can relate to you or understand what you are trying to say. I cannot explain why I so am attracted to such overwhelming environments, but it has taught me more about humility, empathy, resourcefulness, and positive attitude than any office job I have ever had. I will continue pursuing these character-building experiences abroad – mostly for my love of travel – but also partly because of my heartfelt instinct that these characteristics are somehow relevant to being a well-rounded CPA. WashingtonCPA May/June 2011

Periodicals postage paid at Bellevue WA and additional mailing offices

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W S C PA A Nnual M eeting w i t h P ro f e s s i o n a l I s s u e s U p d at e Fe atu r i n g Ro b e r t Bu n ti n g June 1 Washington State Convention Center, Seattle (webcast also available)

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Wom enâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leader s h i p Summit presented by June 2 Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue

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Eme rg i n g L e a d e r s C onference presented by June 3 Microsoft Visitors Center, Redmond Register today at www.wscpa.org/cpe