Nassau Chapter

The Nassau Chapter, celebrating its 50th anniversary, held a special presentation for its past presidents at the January 2004 Officers Visitation chapter meeting. Despite frigid cold temperatures and snow, the past presidents showed up to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their service to the chapter. Richard Zerah, the current chapter president, opened the ceremony by remarking that the chapter’s past presidents symbolize the efforts of many members over many years. Jim Kinney, Nassau Chapter president from 1997 to 1998, presented the certificates to the other past presidents. All in all, it was great way to memorialize 50 years of achievement for the Nassau Chapter.

Wise Beyond Its Years

Nassau Chapter Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Decades of Success

Celebrating Nassau’s 50th anniversary, the chapter’s newly elected officers (from left to right) President-Elect Robert J. Schaffer, Secretary John Barron, Treasurer Frank Sluter, and Vice President Michael Garibaldi, look forward to a productive year.

As Nassau Chapter President Richard Zerah looked out over a roomful of committed chapter members, he waxed nostalgic in recognition of all that they have done to uphold the integrity of the CPA profession.

In his speech for the New York State Society of CPAs’ Nassau Chapter Installation Dinner Dance on May 9, 2003, Zerah emphasized the struggle CPAs now face to maintain their identity as the “trusted professional.” Moreover, Zerah identified how the Nassau Chapter has successfully addressed such a challenge.

By contributing to educational efforts, political activism and member representation, the chapter is meeting both its short- and long-term goals.

Clearly recognizing one of the NYSSCPA’s objectives as “maintaining the public trust in our members and the CPA profession,” Zerah touched upon an issue at the front of everyone’s mind. As industry experts have noticed, Zerah maintained that “In the past 18 months…the press, regulators and elected officials have put us under a microscope.”

As a result, Nassau Chapter members and leaders have increased efforts to maintain their leadership during these times of adversity. “Yet history has shown that during times of adversity, true leadership rises, and this chapter has always answered that call,” Zerah added.

Founded in 1953, the Nassau Chapter is one of the Society’s oldest. With support from its membership, the Nassau Chapter will continue to thrive from its golden anniversary straight down the line to its centennial celebration.

How Young is a Young CPA?

By Diana D. Bertocci-Aliffi, CPA, member of the Nassau Public Relations Committee

The young CPAs had their 2nd annual picnic last weekend, sponsored in part by Independence Bank. The picnic was catered and the event was hosted by members of the Young CPAs Committee. Rich Zerah, the new Nassau president attended, as well as college students, young CPAs and their families. One young lady was thrilled that she had finished her experience requirement the past week, although she had passed the test months ago, and said one of her clients had a little party for her to celebrate. Other, more seasoned young professionals chatted about firm hierarchy: “12 partners in the firm and they all want me to work on their stuff,” one young man at a well known firm said.

My husband asked, “Diana, why did they invite you to a young CPA event?” Everyone got a laugh out of that one. I told him maybe I don’t look 41, which raised a question some members may have been wondering. How young is a young CPA? The dividing age to be considered a “young CPA” is apparently 35, although they are friendly and professional to people of all ages (because they are accountants of course).

They played softball, but mostly socialized and tried to encourage each other, enjoying the second year of what will hopefully one day become an “old” tradition.

Former SEC Chief Accountant Talks Tough, Makes Recommendations for Restoring Investor Confidence

Remarks from Lynn Turner at the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter Dinner