August 2001

The Value of Learning Together through NYSSCPA Committee Service

Everything I needed to learn to live life well, I learned in kindergarten. While this might sound a little far-fetched, there is inherent truth to the statement. At a very young age I learned not to run with scissors; to play well with others; to take a nap when I got crabby; and, most importantly, to share with others.

Well, the fundamental learning that takes place in kindergarten is a lot like the fundamental learning that takes place through NYSSCPA committee service. Though we take it for granted, the Society’s committees offer us a forum where we can get to know people and learn things about each other and ourselves. Committee service is an excellent vehicle for personal and professional growth. Many of the people I have met through committees I now regard as my friends and mentors. I look forward to committee meetings as a way to share knowledge and meet more people. And I also credit the Society, particularly its committee service, with giving me an opportunity to develop and enhance my leadership skills.

We live in an age where we are constantly pulled in many directions with too little time to possibly do all that we need to. That being the case, it becomes easy to say, “I just don’t have the time for committee service.” And, “What’s the loss?” you ask. I contend that the loss is short-changing your professional and personal development and wasting a resource that gives back to the profession.

The Society has 70 statewide committees and most of the 17 chapters have committees. I’m sure we have one that fits you. If not, let me know and we can consider a new committee. I often find myself recommending to COCO (the Committee on Committee Operations) the creation of a new committee or the termination of an old committee that has served its purpose. Committees must be active and vital for their members and the Society to benefit, but for that to happen, there must be strong member involvement.

I admit that my first experience with committees only came about through my firm’s encouragement many years ago. At that time, I served on a technical committee, the Finance and Leasing Companies Committee, which no longer exists. Those first few meetings, I just listened, consumed knowledge, and stared, in awe of controllers of leasing companies and partners in CPA firms. Later, I served on the conference subcommittee and actually made a presentation at the conference. That experience led to more guest speaker opportunities outside the Society, and, before I knew it, I was chair of the committee and a recognized expert in my firm on leasing companies.

My committee involvement has resulted in a few business opportunities along the way, but, more importantly, it has served as a wonderful means to make contacts. Not only were these contacts able to answer my questions, but they helped me become a better auditor and a leader. And I believe, above all, they have helped me become a better person.

The Society’s committees serve many important purposes. They instill knowledge in the members; promote a positive impression of the profession; and create a forum where members can interact with their peers. However, the Society relies on the time and dedication of committee members to carry out its extensive professional and educational activities. I hope you view appointment to a committee as a prestigious event, because as a committee member you can have a significant influence on both the profession and the Society. Through the committees, you can greatly benefit from the opportunity to develop your technical, professional and leadership skills as well as expand your network of contacts.

The Society’s committees are structured as six divisions, four of which—industry services, accounting and auditing, tax services, and consulting services—reflect the current practice specialty areas of professionals working in private practice and industry. One of the other two divisions primarily concerns the future enhancement of the profession, while the other focuses on the Society’s operations. Detailed descriptions of all of the committees can be found at www.nysscpa.org.

Many of the old rules about committee service have changed. For example, did you know that:

• More than one person from the same firm can serve on the same committee.
• If you are unable to attend a committee meeting, you can send a substitute or can participate through a conference call.
• While general committee sign-up occurs once a year, you can volunteer any time for committee service.

There are many other committee-related items that you should be aware of as well. They include:

Travel Reimbursement

All committee members are urged to devote the time necessary to perform the responsibilities associated with their appointment to Society committees. It is therefore the policy of the Society to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at committee meetings. This includes transportation and other travel costs.

Conference Calls

As mentioned earlier, if you are unable to attend a meeting, just pick up the phone and participate through a conference call. The Society is equipped with conference call phones that can be used for just this purpose.

Eligibility to Serve on a Committee

All NYSSCPA members, both CPA and associate members throughout the state, are encouraged to apply for committee service. Some senior committees have a prerequisite of prior committee service (noted with an asterisk) or prior committee chair service (noted with a caret).

Members Currently Serving on Committees

Committee appointments are not carried over from year to year. Therefore, to be appointed for the 2001–2002 year, you or your in-house coordinator must submit a committee application, which you can do by going to www.nysscpa.org and clicking on the Committees link.

Questions

For more information regarding committee service, contact Nereida Gomez, manager of committee relations, at (212) 719-8358 or ngomez@nysscpa.org. She can also handle requests for conference call phones should you not be able to attend a committee meeting.

Committee service is a great way to make valuable contacts and develop your personal, professional and leadership skills. I ask that you please consider becoming active in the Society’s committees.