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Dear Elizabeth:

I want to let you know about STEM Plan 2.0, and the Society’s involvement to ensure that the accounting profession is part of the conversation. Stem 2.0 was started by Governor Patrick (with Governor Baker now taking the lead) as a way to build the infrastructure and support efforts across the Commonwealth to strengthen the STEM talent pipeline from early education through high school and college.

At its core, accounting is a STEM career that requires analytical skills, technology and strong mathematical competence. Government Relations Director Zach Donah and I recently attended a meeting of the Executive Committee of the STEM Council where we are actively working to raise awareness of STEM as it relates to accounting. As we begin to make accounting an integral part of the STEM conversation, we will open up tangible opportunities to participate in the STEM infrastructure. Our goal is for middle and high school students and their teachers to recognize accounting as a “cool” career and a great option for their future. I will keep you posted on our progress.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO


NETWORKING & MEMBERSHIP:

Like to Ski or Snowboard? You'll Love This Deal
With this MSCPA member-only offer, you can enjoy 210+ trails at both Killington and Pico Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders are welcome to use our exclusive code to receive discounts on lift tickets, ranging anywhere from 25-50%. You can check out the discount rates at killington.com/tickets or picomountain.com/tickets. Enter code MCPA16 to take advantage of this great offer!

Get EmpowHERed at the Women's Leadership Summit! (10/29)
Are you ready to take charge of your career? Learn how to overcome obstacles to success and become the type of leader who inspires others and makes a difference while staying true to yourself. The day will end with a panel discussion featuring the 2015 Women to Watch Award winners and a celebratory cocktail reception. This is a must-attend event for women at all stages in their careers.


Recruit Diverse Candidates at the NABA Career Fair
The Boston Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants will hold a career fair on Saturday, October 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at State Street Corporation in North Quincy. Volunteers are also needed to moderate professional development sessions and present prizes to winners of the student competition. For more information, contact Ike Okonkwo.

View Photos from the 2015 Career Fair & Graduate School Expo
The 2015 MSCPA Career Fair & Graduate School Expo took place on Friday, September 25 at the Sheraton Copley in Boston. Accounting students from across New England met with representatives from over 30 firms and 20 schools. Special thanks to our sponsors Merrimack College and Suffolk University.



NEWS & RESOURCES:

The 12 Tax Extenders You Can Count On
These extenders run the gamut from insignificant to highly significant, and a number of them are so important that it is inconceivable that they won’t get passed, sooner or later. Here are some of the ones affecting people and businesses in important ways.



Customized Career Paths Keep Women on the Partner Track
Women are making steady gains on the road to leadership at accounting firms of all sizes, according to the 2015 Accounting MOVE Project Report. The report found that the number of women principals and partners has increased to 22%, up from 17% just six years ago, at the 47 firms participating in the project.

Top 3 Accounting Marketing Tactics for 2016
Many accounting firms will ramp up their marketing efforts next year in an effort to stay competitive in the marketplace. A survey from BKR International identified three areas where firms are likely to invest.


CPAs Share Memories of the Exam - Tell Us Yours!
In this article, CPAs share their stories of meeting this incredible career milestone. Preparing for the Exam is a daunting process, and can even derail young professionals from achieving their goal. We want to know - how did you find time to study? What was it like balancing studying with your work and family responsibilities? Was the reward worth your efforts? If you had to do it over again, would you do anything differently? Tell us about your experience - we will feature your responses in an upcoming issue of SumNews. Email Elizabeth Emanuelson with your comments.


CPE:

Auditing Defined Contribution Plans (10/19)
Take the next step in your development and learn how to go beyond the basics in preparing work papers and financial statements for employee benefit plans. Come away with the tools necessary to understand the complex rules and regulations that impact employee benefit plans as well as guidance on addressing deficiencies.

Revenue Recognition: Mastering the New FASB Requirements (10/22)
The effective date of the new accounting standard for revenue recognition is fast approaching! This course will assist you in avoiding revenue recognition traps and provide you with latest FASB guidance.


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates
- Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses
- Tax Relief for Farmers and Ranchers

DOR Update
Calculating the Massachusetts Investment Tax Credit and Certain Economic Development Incentive Credits – Impact Of Depreciation and Expensing Deductions

MSCPA Advocates for Combined Reporting Changes

The Society sent a letter to DOR Commissioner Mark Nunnelly requesting changes to the administration of the combined reporting regulations, including the creation of additional forms for less complex taxpayers. If you have any additional suggestions, please contact Zach Donah.

MSCPA Opposes Legislation Expanding Powers of the Auditor/Inspector General
MSCPA recently joined a coalition of other business groups in opposition to legislation that would provide the Auditor and Inspector General with access to confidential personal and business income tax information.


 
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Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants - 105 Chauncy St., 10th Fl - Boston, MA 02111 - http://www.mscpaonline.org

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