Get the Word Out: CPA Profession on Upswing

By Lois Whitehead, Public Relations Manager

Over the last two years professional leaders, including NYSSCPA President Jeff Hoops, have been urging CPAs across the country to reclaim their image as the trusted professional. If recent stories in the press are any indication, the charge has been well received, and the CPA profession is emerging stronger and smarter from a series of events that took a heavy toll on its venerable reputation.

On Aug. 18, the Gallup Poll issued reports that there has been a significant increase over the last year in the positive image of most segments of American business and industry, particularly accounting, whose rating jumped 14 points from a poll taken in August 2002. And surveys conducted by Challenger Gray & Christmas, the nation’s oldest recruiting firm, suggest that accounting will be one of the hottest professions in the coming year.

These are two promising developments that you can discuss with local media and people in your community. We need to create a strong message that, despite the well-publicized financial reporting scandals, CPAs are alive and well. As you communicate this message, remember to highlight the significance of the profession to businesses and individuals and the invaluable services CPAs provide. Though you may not get around to discussing everything you’d like to, you’ll discover that the experience serves as a real bonding opportunity that can be very useful down the road.

Contact me at 212-719-8405 or lwhitehead@nysscpa.org or Sanjay Paranandi, public relations specialist, at 212-719-8364 or sparanandi@nysscpa.org, to help you set up an interview.