We Want You

By Kate Prouty

The 17 chapters of the New York State Society of CPAs have some very active committees. Maybe it’s their youth that makes them particularly eager, but the Young CPAs committees are some of the Society’s most vocal and enthusiastic.

Almost every chapter has a Young CPAs Committee that meets regularly and organizes special networking, professional and community events throughout the year.

For example, the Rochester Chapter’s committee meets every two months and arranges to have speakers and professional development events as well as social events like a wine tour and a casino trip. If you live in the area and are interested in participating in upcoming events with this committee, contact Mark Lee at 585-697-9608 or Mark_Lee@ikccpa.com.

In addition to regular programs like networking mixers (see event listing below) and participating in the annual Young CPAs Forum, the Suffolk Chapter’s Young CPAs Committee also runs a high school visitation program. In coordination with local high schools, committee members arrange visits with students to give them an idea of what a career in the profession offers. The Buffalo Chapter’s One-on-One Committee operates a similar high school visitation program in Western New York.

Some Young CPAs committees are just getting started and are excited for college students to start participating with their local chapters. The Brooklyn Chapter is planning a committee launch meeting this season. And the Finger Lakes and Adirondack chapters are eager to expand their committees, hopefully with the formation of a Young CPAs Committee, as member participation increases. The Staten Island Chapter is also hoping to boost involvement in its Young CPAs Committee, which is planning an event in the near future, said Michele Tompkins, one of the chapter’s young members.

Young CPAs who are currently involved with the committees find them to be fun, as well as an invaluable professional resource.

“Joining a Young CPAs Committee can help develop public speaking and presentation skills…Employees who join the committee or participate in Young CPAs activities help promote the profession, raise the image of CPAs through volunteering and encourage students to consider accounting as a profession,” said David Arcara, Buffalo Chapter Young CPAs Committee co-chair, in a Sept. 2003 Trusted Professional article.

Young CPAs Committee events are usually open to all chapter members, including prospective members. You can learn more about a chapter near you by visiting www.nysscpa.org and clicking on “Find Chapters” on the toolbar at left. Following are some gateway chapter events to help you get started.

Suffolk: Networking Cocktail Reception and Chapter Meeting
Nov. 18 at the Irish Coffee Pub in East Islip

Join young CPAs from the Suffolk Chapter at an informal buffet-style reception and an evening of networking. Professionals from other industries including banking, law, insurance, securities and estate and financial planning have also been invited. This is a great chance to mingle and get a sense of what it means to be part of a Young CPAs Committee.

All college students are invited to attend at a reduced rate. This networking event is sponsored by Smith Barney Citigroup and features Steven Krauser.

Contact Harold Dieters at 631-752-7400, ext. 226, or Lisa Martinelli at 631-321-9800 for details.

Mid-Hudson: Young CPAs Holiday Mixer and Toys-for-Tots Fundraiser
Dec. 3 at the Powelton Club in Newburgh

This is the Mid-Hudson Chapter Young CPAs Committee’s next event. It is open to members of all ages, and, in addition to chapter members, the committee will also invite professionals such as bankers, attorneys, payroll providers and others.

Contact committee co-chairs Jennifer George at jgeorge@vddw.com or Ben Mills at benjaminm@lygcpas.com for details.

Manhattan/Bronx: Young CPAs Post-Holiday Soiree Jan. 8, 2004

The Young CPAs Committee of the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter invites you to a “Post Holiday/Pre Tax Season” soiree. CPA candidates are welcome to come and celebrate the holiday season and get ready to gear up for a different kind of season—tax season! The event is also open to young CPAs of the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter and their coworkers and friends.

Contact Judy Seidman, Manhattan/Bronx Young CPAs Committee chair, at JSEIDMAN@nyccpas.com for details.