Society Website Revamped

New Name, Design, and Features

By Wayne Whalen

The NYSSCPA recently unveiled its redesigned website, www.nysscpa.org, that combines the resources of its three former sites with additional services in a more user-friendly format.

The new site is accessible to the public. While it includes a password-protected section for Society members only, the former member/guest sign-in registration for the entire site has been eliminated. "Along with a redesign which eases navigation, the site is an open system, for both members and the public," said Mark Plostock, co-chair of the Interactive Online Resource Committee which oversees the site.

With a mission statement that reads "an interactive online resource providing invaluable one-stop information and services to members, the public, and students," the revamped website includes technical information, opportunities to interact online with professionals through forums, and hyperlinks to a wide array of additional resources.

The site's home page highlights pertinent news stories of interest to the accounting profession and is updated frequently. The redesign also will improve the operations of the Society's committees and chapters, and facilitate communication for these groups.

"One of the many goals of the site is to obtain and post timely information," said Jason Palmer, co-chair of the oversight committee. "We also want to push important news and announcements to members."

A new addition is the Liability and Risk Management Guidebook which provides guidance on how to protect CPA practices against liability claims. The guidebook is organized in three sections: insurance, loss prevention techniques, and damage control.

The site also features the fall CPE catalog for the Foundation of Accounting Education. Individuals interested in FAE programs can access course descriptions and scheduling information, and can register online.

The CPA Journal section offers all back issues of the magazine since 1989. Users can search for articles by key words or browse the tables of contents of past issues by year. In addition, the nysscpa.org site will archive past issues of The Trusted Professional.

A new password-protected member directory for the Buffalo and Rochester chapters provides search capabilities by last name, chapter, and certificate number. This feature is a pilot program, developed after much interest from these two chapters, both of which previously printed chapter membership directories.

In an effort to support young professionals and students online, the New York State Association of CPA Candidates has its own web presence, accessed from the NYSSCPA's site. Since it is open to the public, this section also helps promote the profession to all interested accounting students. It provides information to help future CPAs meet the requirements for certification, and improves communication among Candidates Association members.