Building on Our Progress

By Kenneth Cerini, Suffolk Chapter President

People are remembered for the impact they have on others. I would like to officially thank Robert Quarte, the Suffolk Chapter’s past president, not only for what he did for the chapter, but also for what he has done to help in my personal growth and development in fulfilling my responsibilities as president of the chapter. I believe that I will be a much better and more effective president thanks to his tutelage.

The 2005–2006 year will hopefully build on our progress from last year. We are looking to increase both our chapter membership as well as member participation in the various committees. This will be a key area and a common mantra for the upcoming year. The benefits we get from the chapter, the quality of the education, the depth of the relationships and the value of the networking are all based upon what we put into our membership. I know that, over the last 15 years of involvement in the chapter, I have devoted a tremendous level of energy to move the chapter forward, but what I have gotten from the chapter in terms of friendships, sounding boards, contacts and, yes, even referral sources has been incredible. I am clearly a better person and better professional because of it. I am sure the rest of the board and committee members feel the same as I do. We will be holding organizational meetings throughout the month of June. I encourage everyone to join a committee, and, as Darth Vader said, “Fulfill your destiny.”

During the upcoming year, we are also looking to create a deeper working relationship with the Nassau County chapter. We will cross-promote events and committees with Nassau. In addition, we are looking to enhance our Members in Industry and our Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) committees.

The upcoming year will also be interesting from a legislative perspective. The N.Y. State Legislature is considering certain proposals that will impact the accounting profession. The version of the Accountancy Reform Bill that is currently sitting in the Assembly calls for mandatory auditor rotation, allows non-CPAs to perform compilation services, and does not possess strong enough peer review measures. In a time where it seems we constantly read about accounting scandals and fraud, it seems counterproductive to lessen the quality of services relied upon by the public. In addition, the Assembly’s version of the School District Bill also calls for rotation of auditors.

Our various committees are starting to lay out the calendar of events for the upcoming year. Please see the calendar for planned events. We look forward to seeing you.

I thank you in advance for your support and help. Once again, make a difference: get involved.

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