Dear Elizabeth:

I’ve spent the last two weeks meeting with firm leaders and attending the AICPA’s Council Meeting, and they’ve been great learning opportunities for me. We discussed how the profession is changing. The leading factors driving change are the astronomical growth of advisory services within CPA firms, the growth of markets in Asia-Pacific, retiring baby boomers, assimilation of millennials (and now "Generation Z") and the growing diversity of both the workforce and business in general. How we anticipate and respond to these changes will determine our future success - both individually and as a profession. I also learned about the changing behavior of individuals as they leave their first jobs. Staff used to leave one public accounting firm for another, but they are now leaving public accounting entirely which is creating pressure for firms trying to make mid-career hires. I’m hoping the Society can help with this situation – and I welcome your thoughts. In the meantime, visit our career center to find great people looking for new opportunities.

As the profession continues to change, we will need leaders who can meet and adapt to new challenges, build strategic partnerships and have the courage to act and react to the challenges. The Society is committed to helping groom the next generation of leaders, and we will host the Emerging Leaders Summit: Stand Out, Step Up, on November 13 in Boston. At this conference, young professionals will learn what it takes to lead and develop the skills to become the type of leader firms and businesses desire.  For details and to register online, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Sip & Socialize (11/12)
Are you ready to get to the next level? Visit MC Spiedo in the Seaport District for cocktails and networking with CPAs and lawyers. Make new contacts and unlock the possibilities in your career!

Top 8 Gadgets for Accountants
Check out the hardware and software that will make you more productive. 

Fraud & Forensic Accounting and Auditing Conference (12/2)
Recognizing fraudulent or deceptive practices is not always easy, but this conference will sharpen your forensic skills with techniques to uncover fraudulent activities and help you to see them in their many guises. At this conference, you will:

1. Go"beyond the checklist" to discover how you can fact-find and detect fraudulent  activities in your clients’ files or even your own;
2. Uncover the psychology behind corporate scandals and how research can provide clues to finding real solutions to fraud;
3. Review the state of cybersecurity threats, techniques and recent case studies;
4. Delve into the dirty details of identity theft and tax refund fraud;
5. Learn best practices to implement as part of your Fraud Prevention Program; and
6. Much more!

Webinar: CyberSAFE - Securing Your Data & Devices in an Online World
Regardless of your computer experience, this 4-hour class will help you become more aware of technology-related risks and what you can do to protect yourself and your organization from them. Webinars will be held on 11/2, 11/18, 11/21, 12/12, 12/16, 1/6, 2/10, 3/31 and 4/28.

Accounting for New Revenue Standard (11/13)
This program is a combination of lecture and a full-on workshop where participants will be given situations to analyze and conclude on as part of a group. This type of format engages participants, provides for lively discussion points and reinforces the overall understanding of the new standard.

The Best Individual Income Tax Update (11/17)
This year's significant changes to the tax environment require sound planning in 2015 for individual clients to respond effectively. Discuss new developments and tax-saving ideas applicable to your clients and their growing needs in light of post-election developments.

Digital Strategies to Grow Your Business (11/18)
Interested in learning and using Social Media to grow your business, recruit candidates or build your career? This session will be a live workshop focused on helping you put social media into action.

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