Dear Elizabeth,

“Some leaders are born women.” – Geraldine Ferraro

I love this quote, and as your interim CEO, it affects me on a personal level. We need more women in leadership roles, and one of my goals is to develop programs to help our women members advance. Each fall, the Society honors six women who are changing the face of female leadership within the accounting profession and their communities. The honorees are selected from across the state based on contributions to their organizations, local communities and profession.

We are now accepting nominations for the 2015 Women to Watch Awards, to be celebrated at the Society’s Women’s Leadership Summit on October 29 and profiled in SumNews magazine. If you know a woman who we should “watch,” I encourage you to nominate her by June 30. For more information on the Awards, past winners, eligibility and how to apply, please visit our website. To learn more about the MSCPA's programs for women members, click here.

As we enter the holiday weekend, I wish you and your families happy Easter and Passover celebrations!

Beth Lyons, CAE
Interim President & CEO

CPE:

You Asked, We Listened!
Added by demand, April training for industry members:

• Annual Update for Controllers (4/28)
Strengthen your abilities as a controller and help your management team understand current economic issues through the latest trends in accounting, finance, human resources, treasury management and business systems.



• The New Controllership: Keys to Boosting Corporate Performance (4/29)
It is clear that a controller must have current technical knowledge of financial subjects such as cash and debt management, planning, the latest accounting department  efficiency issues and new oversight and control concepts. However, the controller also must have people management skills to hire the best people for the department, correct and coach in a successful fashion and lead the department to the point where it is a well-oiled machine.



Staff Training - Earlier Dates Based on Your Feedback!
Providing training for staff is always a sound investment. Our intensive, three-day programs will improve your staff’s skills, efficiency and knowledge.

• Level I (5/13 - 5/15)
Designed for first-year staff with at least two weeks experience on audits, compilations and/or reviews.



• Level II (5/18 - 5/20)
Designed for first - or second-year staff in charge of compilation and review engagements or who have responsibility for major audit sections.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates
- U.S. House Passes Bills to Reform IRS
- Most Suspicious IRS Audit Triggers 

DOR Update
- The DOR Wants to Hear from You

Baker's Initiative Regulatory Review
Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order this week imitating a comprehensive regulatory review process for all executive offices. The MSCPA is planning to submit suggested revisions to the Board of Public Accountancy’s rules and regulations but need to hear you first! What would you like to see changed? Email Zach Donah with your comments.

FASB to Propose Revenue Recognition Standard Delay
The FASB Board has agreed to propose delaying the effective date of the revenue recognition standard by one year for both public and private companies. 

Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Gov.'s Tax Plan
Advocates packed the State House this week for a hearing held by the Joint Committee on Revenue on Governor Baker’s proposal to eliminate the film tax credit while bolstering the Earned Income Tax Credit. It remains unclear what the Legislature will do with the plan. Let us know what you think! Email Zach Donah with your thoughts.

NETWORKING:

Membership Night at the Red Sox: Limited Tickets Available!
Join the MSCPA on Thursday, May 21 to watch the Boston Red Sox vs. the Texas Rangers. A pre-game gathering will be held at the Baseball Tavern (a buffet and open bar will be provided) from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. This is a member-only event. You can only register four members per transaction.

Request for Speaker at Clinton High School
Clinton High School has requested a CPA to visit their accounting class to speak on the profession. Possible dates and times for the talk are April 13-17 from 1:15 - 2:10 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Chris O’Day. We can supply you with giveaways and presentation materials.

MEMBERSHIP:

5th Annual CPA Day of Service: Make it Count
Join the MSCPA on June 19 in our 5th Annual CPA Day of Service. Bond with colleagues outside of the office, revitalize your energy and demonstrate your commitment to your community. Watch this video to see the impact the Day of Service has had on our members.

New Volunteer Opportunity
Newton Community Farm - Treasurer and Finance Committee Members

NEWS & EVENTS:

Why Character Should Matter to Your Firm and Employees
If you act for the right reasons, you receive the right rewards. Here’s a couple examples of why character prevails.

Internal Audit May Need a Makeover
Many internal audit functions will need to undergo a fundamental shift in the coming years to keep pace with changes at their organizations, according to a new report.

What You Need to Know: Historic Tax Credits
New England is filled with beautiful old buildings. Lately, forward-thinking developers have transformed many of those structures into trendy apartments, retail space, hotels or office space. The particularly astute developers utilize federal and state tax credits to attract investors and maximize investments.