Advantage CPAmerica

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“Our retreat was a full-day, o - site retreat on a crisp fall day. We started o with a bridge build whereby we were sp
News from Your Accounting Association

CPAmerica Advantage April 2016

engage their employees and loosen up Increased productivity and employee engagement are some of the benefits CPAmerica firms reap from conducting firm retreats. The retreats can range from a focus on extreme relaxation to exhilarating activities. Employees enjoy retreats because they are a time to get away from the office and hobnob with the partners.

Firm retreats are a great way for employees to reset: Here, the Gray, Gray & Gray team show off their bridge building prowess at their fall retreat.

Kelly Monestime, director of marketing for , said that they conducted a firm-wide retreat in 2011 due to a merger. “It was a great way to help unify the two firms, particularly since the merger created a second office – the first time wasn’t under one roof. We

CPAmerica Does Habitat For Humanity

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Member News P. 3

branded this retreat as our Great Gray Getaway.”

Tax Talk P. 4

“Our retreat was a full-day, offsite retreat on a crisp fall day. We started off with a bridge build whereby we were split into teams and each … tasked with building a section of a bridge. The bridge was made with cardboard … when all of the bridge segments were assembled together, it was strong enough to carry the weight of the entire firm. This exercise truly exemplified the word “team” [because] separately, our bridge sections weren’t much, but when you combined them all together, the bridge was sturdy and strong.” GGG’s retreat also included a departmental overview, lunch, activities, and a team-building exercise; the day concluded with a murder-mystery-themed dinner.

The CPAmerica Annual Member Satisfaction Survey CPAmerica recently conducted our first Member Satisfaction Survey to determine how well we are meeting member needs. The 2015 survey findings were enlightening and we are excited to share the results with our member f irms later this month. We would like to thank the individuals who took the time to share their thoughts with us in this inaugural survey and for questions, contact D'Yan Davis at: [email protected]

See Firm Retreats, continued on page 2

The 2016 A&A Conference is more than just accounting and auditing

At the pre-conference, Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching will show you how to motivate your team CPAmerica recently spoke to Jennifer Wilson, keynote speaker at this year's A& A Conference tak ing place in Minneapolis on June 21-24. She told us about ConvergenceCoaching's offerings to CPAmerica’s members at the pre-conference. Wilson said, "There‘s never been a more important time for firms to focus on their people. The purpose of this session is to help the leaders in attendance talk about and identify ways they can be more effective in both recruiting and retaining their people. It is my understandingthat many of our attendees will be audit partners or managers and we also hope that they might

To register for the pre-con or for more information, CLICK HERE

consider bringing along someone from either their HR or administrative team.

to make a change, they will consider your firm."

"We focus our session on talking about three particular areas to find experienced hires: new school recruiting techniques, screening techniques to make sure you are bringing in the right people, and techniques to inspire feedback to ensure high performance. We are going to focus on the experienced hire.

It‘s the firms that figure out how to build a network and attract experienced hires that find themselves in a much better position in regard to staffing and being able to fill positions when they experience turnover. Many times, firms will hold on to people simply because they feel like they won‘t be able to find a replacement and so they hold on to someone who doesn‘t fit."

"Most firms are looking for the 2 to 7-year hire. We‘re going to talk about where to find those folks and how to attract them, how to build a community of them, and ways to build a network of experienced CPAs so, when the time comes for them

Wilson said, "The first part of the ses sion will deal with the hiring pipeline and the ways to retain people by building a relationship with them. Screening is the other piece [of the puzzle]. Many firms

See Pre-con, continued on page 4

Image courtesy of zdiviv at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Trevor Williams, audit partner at Bethesda, Md.-based CPAmerica firm (GRF), participated in an exploratory mission to Cuba in February. Williams joined Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and a delegation of representatives and leaders from business, education, and media. The trip was sponsored by the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a D.C-area nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and facilitate the success of Hispanic and other minority-owned businesses. “It was with great pleasure that I was invited as the first African-American partner at GRF to be a part of this delegation,” said Williams. “I hope this opportunity will lay the groundwork for future business relationships, potential

CPAmerica teams with Habitat for Humanity to help build a better future

economic and cultural opportunities in Cuba and serve as a platform to learn best practices and showcase the Washington metropolitan area’s strengths.” After arriving in Havana, the delegation attended an opening reception at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Cuba. “That’s when I realized what a his toric moment this was,” said Williams. “This is my first international trip as part of such a distinguished delegation and I don’t intend for this to be my last. Such missions are important because they create business opportunities not only in the United States but abroad.” The next several days included tours of the country as well as meetings with various Cuban leaders. The primary focus of these meetings included education, healthcare, arts and culture, tourism and trade. Working abroad is something GRF knows all too well. The firm has spent the last three decades working with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in a range of humanitarian assistance projects. Approximately 30-35 percent of GRFs work involves audit work for NGOs and approximately 50 percent of that audit work is conducted overseas.

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1. Peek-a-boo! (l. to r.) Lisa Browne and Joyce Arthur 2. Events Manager, Lisa Browne (r.) puts up some drywall with Chris from Habitat for Humanity 3. Part of the CPAmerica crew (clockwise from l.), Sarah Coulson, Grace Horvath, Lisa Browne, Joyce Arthur, Oscar Molina and Chris from Habitat for Humanity 4. (l. to r.) Sarah Coulson and D'Yãn Davis are all smiles 5. Raise the roof!: Marketing Editor, Oscar Molina 6. Yes We Can! Joyce Arthur, Lisa Browne, and Grace Horvath show how to finish a room.

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GRF making Cuban connections: Trevor Williams (l.) with the Honorable Nancy Navarro, Councilmember, Montgomery Co., Md.

Firm Retreats, continued from front page

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In February 2016, some of the CPAmerica staff joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to help build simple, decent, and affordable housing in Gainesville, Fla.

The firm realized early in its existence the need to understand how clients spend donor funding in the countries in which they worked; thus, the decision to travel to international locations and see firsthand the programmatic activity as well as review the financial controls in place. Currently, GRF has traveled to over 100 countries. “It was my job to add Cuba to the list,” said Williams. He has since begun a discussion with a local firm that delivers an opinion on federal funding to organizations in Cuba about a potential partnership opportunity. Besides Mayor Bowser, additional members of the delegation included D.C. Deputy Mayor, Brian Kenner; Virginia Secretary of Commerce, Maurice Jones; and Ike Leggett.

, has hosted a firm retreat every year for numerous years. Five years ago, the firm began having their retreats off-site at local nonprofit locations throughout the community in order to expose staff to the various nonprofits, their missions, and their needs. During their retreats, also arranges for a leadership speaker to come in and present motivational examples of leadership and service. They also incorporate at least one team building activity into the retreat. The unified event helps to refresh the vision of the firm. The partners share a wrap-up of the prior fiscal year and share goals for the coming year. A practice retreat can be the perfect answer to stepping back and seeing your firm's big picture. A change of scenery and a block of uninterrupted time can help busy CPAs and their staff confront management issues once and for all and clear the air of nagging problems.

Member News

Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman CPAs welcomes four new partners Recently, Bethesda, Md.-based firm,

recognized four new partners at the firm: Jennifer Arminger,CPA, nonprofit audit partner; John Pace, CPA, CVA, partner-client services; Trevor Williams, CPA, nonprofit audit partner; and Walter Derengowski, CPA, CFE, nonprofit audit partner. Jackie Cardello, managing partner of the firm said, "Each has worked with skill and dedication over the years to advance the success of our clients and the firm."

TBC named largest CPA firm in the Capital Region

The Albany Business Review has named , headquartered in Albany, N.Y., as the largest CPA firm in the area according to a list that ranks CPA firms based on the number of Certified Public Accountants employed in their Capital Region offices. The list was published in February 2016.

Maryland firm MKS&H promotes Baldwin to partner , based in Hunt Valley, Md., announced the promotion of Wayne Baldwin, CPA, to partner. He joined the firm as a principal in 2013 and oversees the daily operations and client service aspects of WAYNE BALDWIN the A&A Department in the Hunt Valley office. In his new role, he will apply his experience and insight as an integral part of the management team. Baldwin has more than 25 years of experience in public accounting. Additionally, Baldwin has significant experience with employee benefit plans and the respective compliance associated with those programs. ‘‘Wayne brings considerable experience and management expertise to the role. I am confident that his drive and ambition for the firm will deliver our business strategy and continue our mission of delivering a high level of quality care and service to our clients,” said Kathy Davis, managing partner of MKS&H. Baldwin graduated from Evangel College with a bachelor's in accounting and earned his professional CPA designation in the state of Maryland. He is a member of the AICPA and the MACPA.

Sypniewski of BS&P named Audit & Ethics Committee chair and treasurer

Promotions and new staff at Coulter & Justus, P.C.

announced Aaron Sypniewski, manager, was named as treasurer and Audit & Ethics Committee chairperson for Homespace, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing support services and transitional housing to at-risk women and their children. Sypniewski joined BS&P in 2014 and works in the preparation of business and individual AARON SYPNIEWSKI income tax returns. In addition, Sypniewski has also conducted training seminars to educate staff and clients of current federal and state tax regulations. Sypniewski received his master's in professional accounting from Canisius College and his bachelor's in business management from Medaille College and is also an AICPA and NYSSCPA member.

announced the following promotions and additions to their staff. Stefanie Stade, CPA, has been promoted to manager in the Tax Department. She has a STEFANIE STADE bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from Western Michigan University. Bill Butler, CPA, has been promoted to manager in the Tax Department. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from University of TennesseeKnoxville. The firm also BILL BUTLER announced the additions of Hayden Williams, Jimmy Mosier, and Whitney Kubeja as staff accountants.

Whaley Hammonds Tomasello, PC celebrates new website launch

Mejia earns stringent certified fraud examiner credentials

The CPA firm

McDonough, Ga.-based firm , (WHT) announced the launch of the their new website: whtcpa.com. The January 2016 launch was scheduled in time for the upcoming tax season. The new website offers a contemporary look and streamlined user experience. It features enhanced resources and functionality designed to make the user experience more engaging. In addition, there is added compatibility to make the website more mobile-friendly. WHT specializes in the areas of film and entertainment, non-profit, legal, hospitality, as well as traditional A&A services.

Arizona-based firm WP+D designates Dreher as managing partner

Member firm

designated Mark R. Dreher, CPA, as managing partner. Scott T. Wallace, CPA, former managing partner since 1997, will remain a partner. Dreher, a founding partner, has more than 25 years of professional accounting experience. He will continue providing business performance consulting, including financial and strategic advice, capital sourcing options, and key financial metrics. Some of Dreher’s objectives include motivating existing talent, emphasizing staff development, and guiding client service initiatives.

Knoxville, Tenn.-based member firm

Sol Schwartz & Associates, P.C. announced that the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world's largest anti-fraud organization and leading provider of anti-fraud training and education, has awarded Cesar Mejia, CPA, the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. In order to become a CFE, Mejia met a stringent set of criteria and passed an exam administered by the ACFE.

Alfred "Al" Mueller, founder of Mueller & Co., LLP, has died Alfred “Al” E. Mueller, founding partner of member firm ( ) recently passed away peacefully at home. Mueller, through his vision, leadership style, and skills, left a AL MUELLER lasting legacy for firm employees, clients, and his community. In 1968, Mueller founded the firm to serve the region’s growing base of small to medium-sized businesses, local municipalities and not-for-profit organizations. Mueller retired from the firm in 1988 but continued to leave a lasting mark as it grew to become one of the top 20 accounting firms in Chicago. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anne, his seven children, and many grand and great grandchildren.

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Tax Talk: What goes into our tax support offerings? There’s a lot more that goes into tax support and offerings than you may think. Many of you may have attended the annual CPAmerica Tax Conference, participated in a tax discussion list, J OYCE A RTHUR used a tax preferred proSENIOR MEMBER SERVICES M A NAGER vider, or been referred to a fellow CPAmerica member with a tax question. What you may not be aware of is the amount of member activity that goes into creating, implementing and supporting these programs. All of these resources are memberdriven and governed. The Tax Executive Committee is the responsible member body that manages these efforts. The committee has grown in influence and reach in the last few years. As with past tax conferences, an annual meeting of those interested members at the conference was held to elect Marcy Lantz (AKT, LLP) as chair; Ann Behrens (Mueller & Co., LLP) as vice chair; and Mike Abramson (Frankel Zacharia) will continue on the committee as immediate past chair. Joining these folks on the Tax

Committee are Dale Cox (Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP); Tim Kenyon (Cummings, Keegan & Co., PLLP); and Pete Oettinger (Wegner CPAs). This committee meets via teleconference on average 3 - 4 times per year and then the committee members convene at the CPAmerica Tax Conference. (This year’s conference is set for November 7-9 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia). It assists and directs me in supporting specific requests and in designing overall programs. Directions for the tax program are designed and provided by this committee. It works on event opportunities and initial agenda development. New tax preferred providers are approved and issues arising in the provider offerings are addressed and resolved. The committee also approves retained consultants available for member questions and support.

your ideas and suggestions on improving or adding new tax support resources. As a member-driven organization, the success of our association is dependent on our member involvement. To contact me with any tax related questions, concerns, or suggestions, email: jarthur@ cpamerica.org

This committee is the initial memberdriven point of contact for the entire tax effort at CPAmerica. I hope you will feel free to reach out to me or directly to a committee member with

Pre-con, continued from front page make hires but don‘t know what to look for beyond that. Oftentimes, when someone is looking for a job and have their CPA certification and experience, they are doing so because they didn‘t work out [at their place of previous employment]. During the preconference, we are going to help firms with that. The second part of our discussion will cover screening techniques and how to effectively conduct interviews and split roles and responsibilities." Lastly, Wilson will talk about the process of feedback and building relationships within your team. She will also address how to handle challenging employees. She said that "firms sometimes risk not getting better because they just stay silent. When this happens, their people feel like they aren't being improved either. Delivering feedback not only helps manage problems but it also helps a firm's staff get better [at their jobs]."

104 N. Main St. In other words, the pre-conference will address the things firms can do to positively affect staffing and retention. When asked what she hopes members would take away from her session, Wilson said, "I really hope members will take away concrete strategies of what they can do to build a network of CPAs in their communities."

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 727-4070 www.cpamerica.org

"I want the profession to be ready for the future and make room for young CPAs. We spend a lot of time trying to make this profession exciting for young CPAs." Wilson feels that succession is the issue that is on accountants' minds. It is one word that wraps all around public accounting practices. "The reason is because of the [large] amount of people retiring from the profession every day. This is driving change within firms to develop new leaders and hand over the reins to the next generation of leadership," she said.

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