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Industrial Output
Society Committees Appeal to Members in Industry

By Kim Patterson, Member Relations Coordinator

Members in industry comprise the second-largest demographic within the New York State Society of CPAs, but routinely underutilize Society services and programs.

In response, the Society has formed industry committees within each of its 17 chapters to help address those members’ needs, particularly continuing professional education (CPE).

While other factors may play a role in why industry members are not as involved in the Society as their counterparts in the public arena, these industry committees have already begun to address the more obvious difference of education by offering tailored professional education programs specifically for members in industry. The committees will also provide a way for these members to stay abreast of what is taking place within their respective industries, while affording local networking opportunities.

Up and Running

The Westchester Chapter’s CFO and Financial Officers Committee holds meetings—with CPE sessions—the third Wednesday of each month. The committee held a joint meeting with the Rockland Chapter in October to discuss executive compensation, and on Dec. 17, members are hosting a holiday party.

The Nassau Chapter’s CFO and Financial Executives Committee held several meetings this year and already has planned its 2004 calendar to include a Sarbanes-Oxley update on Jan. 20; a session on cash management and treasury operations on Feb. 17; and a human resources update for CFOs and controllers on March 16. There will also be sessions on trends in hiring and retaining key employees and on financial reporting issues for private companies.

The Utica Chapter’s Members in Industry and Commerce Committee held a meeting on Dec. 2 titled “The Fast Close,” covering best practices in expediting the month-end closing process.

Statewide industry committees are also offering programs to increase industry member participation.
The CFO Committee has organized a subcommittee to address the educational needs of industry members. It also hosted two evening technical sessions on human resources and insurance topics. The committee plans to hold a half-day technology seminar on March 31.

Other statewide committees, such as the Real Estate Committee and the Not-for-Profit Committee, have offered CPE sessions on diverse subjects ranging from mortgage loans to terrorism financing.

The Industry Oversight Committee has taken a leading role in expanding the Society’s appeal to industry members, holding a November meeting with statewide committee chairs to discuss what activities would help increase participation. Such activities could include partnering with trade organizations to host joint meetings for industry members.

Even if an industry member does not want to commit to joining a committee, he or she is still welcome to participate in these activities.

To learn more about the industry committees or to join one, go to the Society’s website at www.nysscpa.org and click on “Find Committees” on the left-hand side of the page. The site also provides information on upcoming CPE sessions and programs.