Contact:
Lois Whitehead, Public Relations Manager
212-719-8405
lwhithead@nysscpa.org

NEW YORK, NY, April 19, 2005 -- The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) has launched CPAs on Boards, a state-wide program that links CPAs with nonprofit organizations looking for financial experts to add to their board of directors.

CPAs on Boards is a collaborative project of the NYSSCPA and several nonprofit umbrella organizations across the state including the Council of Community Services of New York State, Inc., the Non-Profit Coordinating Committee of New York, the Alliance for Nonprofit Governance, the Better Business Bureau and the United Way. The program is designed to enhance the financial expertise capacity of charitable boards of directors in the state through the volunteer participation of CPAs in board training and service.

“The most qualified professionals to give financial guidance are CPAs,” said John Kearney, CPA, NYSSCPA President. “The chance to give back to the community, the opportunity to build one’s practice and reputation and to develop broader networking opportunities makes this an initiative that’s a win-win for everyone.”

A free series of training classes, Achieving Excellence in Governance Training, offered by The Council of Community Services of New York State, Inc. will be available in locations throughout the state to all CPAs participating.

Allen Fetterman, CPA, Chair of the NYSSCPA Not-for-Profit Committee, commented on the launch of CPAs on Board, “Today there is a new era of heightened attention to corporate governance issues. This impacts not only publicly traded corporations, but also not-for-profit organizations. Governing boards of nonprofits are recognizing their increasing fiduciary responsibilities. CPAs on Boards provides nonprofit boards with needed financial expertise and gives the CPA profession the means to be financial experts to the nonprofit community and help restore their image with the public.”

CPAs interested in participating should go the NYSSCPA website (www.nysscpa.org) and find details about CPAs on Boards at the bottom of the home page.

Nonprofits interested in participating in CPAs on Boards should contact one of the sponsoring agencies at the following telephone numbers: Council of Community Services of New York State, Inc. (518-434-9194, ext. 121), the Non-Profit Coordinating Committee of New York (212-502-4191), the Alliance for Nonprofit Governance (212-780-9299), the Better Business Bureau (212-533-0322) and the United Way (212-251-4159).

About the NYSSCPA

Representing 30,000 CPAs, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) is the oldest and largest state accounting organization in the nation. Incorporated in 1897, the Society is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to establish and maintain high standards of integrity, honor, and character among certified public accountants. Its members are CPAs working in public practice, industry, government and education in a state that serves as the home of Wall Street and major financial institutions.

The New York State Society of CPAs is located at 3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016. To learn more about the Society call 800-633-6320 or visit the Society’s website at www.nysscpa.org.