By Nellie Gomez and Ernie Markezin, Committee Services

Committee Chair Orientation Session

The Society held an orientation session on May 8 for new and continuing chairs. The comprehensive session covered the nuts and bolts of committee administration, educational programs and a discussion of the goals and strategies that committees can pursue to meet some of the new challenges of the profession. A panel of committee chairs who shared their experiences and provided guidance, as well as answered questions, capped off the session.

“I enjoyed the session and the presentation made by the panel of current and past chairs. Their presentation gave real-life ideas of dos and dont’s,” said David Hasso, who will chair the 2003-2004 Government Accounting and Auditing Committee. “All major areas and points were touched on by the presenters, and it was great to have the opportunity to interact with other committee chairs.”

E-Filing Task Force

The Society’s E-Filing Task Force, chaired by Maryann Winters, held an April 23 brainstorming session with Ellen Murphy, IRS Director of Taxpayer Education and Communication for New York state and New England, on what can be done to help practitioners make the transition to electronic filing and how to address practitioner concerns. Plans are underway to role out educational programs on e-filing to the Society’s chapters.

Information Technology

The Information Technology Committee, chaired by Jason Palmer, hosted a session titled “Research on the Internet, Both Business and Personal: How to Find Really Useful Information and Deals.” Held on May 20, the session addressed the technology concerns and questions of Society members.

Chief Financial Officers

The Chief Financial Officers Committee, chaired by Mark Ellis, held a CPE session titled “Overview of the Corporate Real Estate Market (Manhattan and Other Metro Areas).” Held on May 8, the session was designed for CPAs in industry and other financial executives, and focused discussion on the variations in Manhattan’s leasing market.

Business Valuation

The Business Valuation Committee, chaired by Morton M. Cohen, held a CPE session titled “Sale of Family Businesses.” The session was designed for business valuation practitioners seeking to gain insiders’ perspectives on family business valuation.

Health Care

The Health Care Committee, chaired by Morris Shoretz and Harvey N. Susnick, held a CPE session on optimizing practice revenue. Designed for accountants representing physicians and physician groups, the session provided guidance on advising physicians on managed care de-selection.

If you are interested in applying for committee service, fell free to contact Ernie Markezin, NYSSCPA associate director of committee services, at ejmarkezin@nysscpa.org, or Nellie Gomez, NYSSCPA committees manager, at nygomez@nysscpa.org.