January 2003

Frequently Asked Questions About the New York State Society of CPAs

1) How do I apply for membership?

One of the easiest and most popular ways to apply for membership in the New York State Society of CPAs is online at www.nysscpa.org/membership/app.form.htm. You also can call Ben Kaplan, recruitment specialist, at (212) 719-8362 and he will fax, mail or e-mail you an application.

2) When are membership certificates mailed?

The NYSSCPA Board of Directors meets on a quarterly basis and must approve all applications, so there is an unavoidable delay between the receipt of a membership application and its appropriate processing. The next meeting of the NYSSCPA board of directors is Wednesday, April 23, 2003.

All new members will receive a welcome packet containing information about our many member benefits. After we receive your dues payment, you will receive a hand-lettered certificate suitable for framing, along with a membership card.

3) What is my membership number?

CPA members licensed in New York state should note that their New York state CPA license number is the same as their NYSSCPA member ID. For all others, a number is assigned at the time of membership application. Please call Member Services at (800) 633-6320 if you still are unsure about your membership number.

Your member ID is used by the NYSSCPA to uniquely identify every member in our database.

4) What are the benefits of membership?

In addition to the influence afforded to our 30,000-plus member organization in the U.S. Congress and the New York state legislature, there are many benefits and privileges that come with membership in the NYSSCPA, including:

• Opportunities to Network: Obtain access to hundreds of accounting professionals through participation in one of 17 local NYSSCPA chapters across New York state. More than 65 statewide committees provide similar access to the best and the brightest.
• Discounted Professional Education: The educational arm of the Society, the Foundation for Accounting Education, provides year-round seminars and conferences to meet your needs for quality continuing professional education. Best of all, these programs are available to NYSSCPA members at a discount.
• Technical Assistance and Know-how: Accounting is a complex and diverse discipline. Take advantage of the knowledge and savvy of your fellow experienced members who volunteer to assist in resolving questions posted on our “Ask the Expert” site on the web.
• The CPA Journal: Rated the most popular service by our members! The only peer-reviewed magazine for and by certified public accountants. That means you will get practical advice from working professionals like yourself. In some CPA firms, this magazine is required reading.
• The Trusted Professional: The Society’s newspaper will provide you with timely Society and accounting news written in to-the-point prose.
• Online 24/7: The Society is online at www.nysscpa.org. You can access virtually all of our services via the web at your convenience. You can review and register for courses, check the latest accounting news, and review your personalized, secure web page that tracks any CPE credits taken with the Foundation for Accounting Education.
• Group Benefits: We offer quality liability insurance, credit card, and other group benefits that can extend to your business and family. Many of these programs take advantage of group discounts obtainable only via membership in the Society.

There also is the very real and significant benefit of standing together with your profession during this critical time.

5) Where is reduction information located?

Dues reduction information is available online at www.nysscpa.org/society/reduction.htm.

6) How can I renew my CPA Journal subscription?

You can re-subscribe online at www.nysscpa.org/subscription/cpasubscribe.htm. You also can call (800) 877-4522 or send an e-mail to cpaj@nysscpa.org. Additionally, all members in good standing receive a subscription as part of their annual membership.

7) When is The CPA Journal mailed?

By the 15th of each month.

8) When is The Trusted Professional mailed?

By the 15th of each month.