Increase Your Visibility

Members Needed for Tax Season Media Activities

By Lillie Balinova

Society members (from left) Cris Alcamo, Barry Picker, Ginger Broderick and Bart Fooden answer tax questions from readers of the New York Daily News. [Photo credit: Todd Maisel ­ Daily News]

"Gaining media exposure is a very effective way of enhancing your own and your firm's professional image, as well as helping promote the accounting profession and the Society," said Julie Floch, chair of the Cooperation with Financial Media Committee.

Through the efforts of the Society's public relations department and the Financial Media Committee, every year during tax season radio, television, and print reporters from both national and statewide media outlets interview CPAs on various tax topics. In addition, members participate in media-sponsored public service forums such as answering readers' tax inquiries on call-in programs organized by the New York Daily News, Gannett Suburban Newspapers, and other media.

"Even though it is a busy season, participating in these media campaigns is well worth the time spent for the exposure you gain and press contacts you make," Floch stressed.

In addition to tax season activities, the Financial Media Committee and the public relations department work with the media throughout the year to increase the visibility of CPAs and positively promote the profession. The committee sponsors annual seminars to teach reporters how to interpret financial statements, and Society staff members match CPA sources with media inquiries on a wide range of topics, including professional issues, personal finance, accounting and auditing, and consulting.