CPAs on Boards Program Launches

CPAs on Boards Program Launches

By Alicia Korney, Public Relations Associate

As part of an initiative to provide a high level of financial expertise to the nonprofit sector, the New York State Society of CPAs has launched the CPAs on Boards initiative to match its CPAs with nonprofit groups that are proactive in raising the level of financial integrity of their boards.

A link to the CPAs on Boards program can be found at www.nysscpa.org/cpasonboards/main.htm. From there, members interested in getting involved can view regional opportunities by clicking on any one of the 17 chapter names.

“The most qualified professionals to give guidance in taxation, compensation and updates on the latest federal regulations are CPAs,” Society President John Kearney said. “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.”

Knowing that the federal government has been increasing the oversight and accountability of publicly held companies, many nonprofit groups feel it is only a matter of time before those same measures and levels of financial documentation are applicable to their organizations.

The Society worked with The Council of Community Services of New York State, Inc., The Better Business Bureau of New York, the United Way of New York City, the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York, Inc., and Governance Matters to help compile an initial list of more than 160 nonprofit organizations that CPAs can choose to volunteer for.

When exploring the CPAs on Boards site, interested members can access opportunities either through the main program page, which lists the 17 regions offering volunteer opportunities, or through each of the Society’s chapter home pages. From these web pages, users can browse the listings, click to see “More Info” on the particular nonprofit groups and then click to “Inquire” about volunteering. Interested CPAs will then fill out a form providing basic information. That is then sent to the nonprofit group, which will sift through prospective applicants and select those to pursue.

Interested CPAs should know that they need to inquire about volunteering for a particular nonprofit only through the NYSSCPA.org pages, and not by contacting the nonprofit directly.

The site also includes links to frequently asked questions, such as what CPAs should know before joining a board and what the basic and legal responsibilities of nonprofit boards are.

The Society is planning an extensive marketing campaign and a training program for the initiative over the course of the next year.