Message From the President

By Deborah Bailey-Browne, Mid-Hudson Chapter President

The public accounting profession is at a very interesting and challenging point in time. Did you know that the federal income tax code was signed into law ninety years ago this past October? Ever since President Woodrow Wilson signed the law, the tax code and our profession as a whole have become even more complicated.

This month’s Trusted Professional includes the annual student section. As a result, I thought it would be interesting to get the perspective of a recent college graduate and junior accountant, who our firm had the opportunity to recruit this past year, about the challenges of our profession.

She discussed how college students were concerned about the issues that the public accounting profession had endured over the past few years. However, in her very next comment, she recommended that students should feel confident in making the “correct choice” and pursing a career in public accounting. Accountants and auditors are needed even more than ever to ensure the accuracy and independence in engagements to come. While our profession is under some scrutiny, it will only help us in getting better.

There were also numerous recommendations on how college students and new accountants could further develop their skills and succeed in the profession. The recommendations included gaining some accounting experience while still in college through an internship or part-time position, participating in accounting associations in college and becoming an associate member of the New York State Society of CPAs as an employee of a public accounting firm. These experiences could assist in learning and staying current on recent accounting, auditing and tax-related issues and pronouncements.

Another opportunity for newly hired accountants is to get involved in their local chapter’s Young CPAs Committee. The Mid-Hudson Chapter has a very involved Young CPAs Committee that consists of general members who are CPAs as well as associate members who are working toward becoming CPAs. The Young CPAs Committee coordinates activities that provide networking opportunities along with a chance to bond and meet other young CPAs and/or CPA candidates.

Our next young CPAs event is Dec. 3 at the Powelton Club in Newburgh from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The committee has been very busy coordinating this latest event. It will be a holiday mixer and Toys-for-Tots fundraiser and is open to members of all ages! In addition to Mid-Hudson Chapter members, the committee will be inviting professionals such as bankers, attorneys, payroll providers and others. It should be a fun event, with plenty of opportunity for all to network. Hope you have it on your calendar!

Deborah Bailey-Browne can be reached at 845-567-9000 or dbb@vddw.com.