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My "Life in Accounting" Podcast

By Amy Pitter posted 19 hours ago
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A couple of weeks ago I spotlighted Beth Lyons in this space and promised to continue to spotlight others on the MSCPA staff in the coming months. Well today, I wanted to share some news about myself: I was a recent guest on the "Life in Accounting" podcast, a production of "Where Accountants Go!", which is dedicated to helping future and current accounting professionals grow by sharing stories of others in the industry.    I enjoyed talking about my career journey with host Mark Goldman, CPA. We discussed my early career in accounting, followed by my years in government service and consulting, which led to my passion for diversity and inclusion – and how ...
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2019 Women to Watch Award Winners

By Amy Pitter posted 7 days ago
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I am pleased to announce that our 2019 Women to Watch Award winners have been selected! The Women to Watch Awards recognize outstanding women in the accounting profession and are given in two categories: Emerging Leaders (fewer than 15 years in the profession) and Experienced Leaders (15 or more years in the profession). There were many exceptional nominees this year, making it a very difficult decision for our judging panel. Congratulations to the following seven winners:    Emerging Leaders Rebecca Connolly, CPA, m anager, Burkhart, Pizzanelli, PC  Danielle Donovan, CPA, MSA, supervisor, Walter & Shuffain, P.C. Kristen Longobardi, ...
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The MSCPA's Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP)

By Amy Pitter posted 14 days ago
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As you know, Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is a heavy focus this year for the MSCPA as well as several accounting firms and companies. However, for us to all be successful in incorporating it in the workplace, it is imperative that we help fill the accounting pipeline with diverse candidates. This year, the MSCPA partnered with NABA, Fisher College and Suffolk University to host the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP), a free one-week, non-residential camp from July 29 – August 2 and from August 5 – August 9 for underrepresented high school students to learn more about the field of accounting and other business-related professions. I am ...
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Meet Beth Lyons, COO of the MSCPA

By Amy Pitter posted 21 days ago
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From time to time, I'd like to use this space to introduce you to our team at the Society. Today, I'd like you to meet Beth Lyons, our COO, who is truly also the backbone of our organization. For 42 years, she has been working for the MSCPA, witnessing first hand the evolving profession and the growth of our members. We all value Beth, not just for her institutional knowledge, but for her uncommon good sense, warmth and amazing people skills. She has worn many hats during her time at the Society; many of our members have connected with her through peer review, membership programs and at our networking events. An avid golfer, Beth lives in Millbury with ...
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One Change at the IRS Could be a Huge Win for CPAs

By Amy Pitter posted 28 days ago
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This past May, at the conclusion of the AICPA’s Spring Meeting of Council, several hundred CPAs from across the nation met with members of Congress to ask for their support of consolidating existing IRS units into a Practitioner Services Division so that taxpayer issues could be more efficiently resolved. Our staff and Council members met with members of the Massachusetts delegation as a part of that effort. These efforts proved effective – IRS Commissioner Rettig announced earlier this month that he is considering the creation of a Practitioner Services Division, saying he understands the need for such a unit.    As the IRS begins to move into a new era of ...
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Why A Practitioner Services Division is So Important.

By Amy Pitter posted 29 days ago
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This past May, at the conclusion of the AICPA's Spring Meeting of Council, several hundred CPAs from across the nation met with members of Congress to ask for their support of consolidating existing IRS units into a Practitioner Services Division so that taxpayer issues could be more efficiently resolved. Our staff and Council members met with members of the Massachusetts delegation as a part of that effort. These efforts proved effective – IRS Commissioner Rettig announced earlier this month that he is considering the creation of a Practitioner Services Division, saying he understands the need for such a unit.    As the IRS begins to move into a new era ...
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Karter Kup Tennis Tournament (8/22)

By Amy Pitter posted 07-19-2019
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Providing opportunities for our members to connect throughout the year is one of the Society's top priorities. And, the more fun we can make these events, the better. That's why I'm excited to share that our tennis tournament is back by popular demand! The Karter Kup will take place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island on Thursday, August 22. Players of any skill level are encouraged to join the tournament, or to participate in a game of croquet on the courts. The event is open to members and non-members, and attendees are encouraged to bring a friend (or a few)! Click here to register and to view our attendee list . This is ...
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Increasing Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) in the Workplace

By Amy Pitter posted 07-12-2019
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Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is a hot topic in the profession, but a lot of firms and companies are struggling to increase diversity in the workplace. Many employers are aware that D&I is essential in the workplace, but don't have the tools they need to effect real change. At the MSCPA, we are committed to helping our members enjoy the benefits of a diverse workforce – a richer talent pool, diversity of thought and greater creativity, a staff that matches the market and ultimately, better business results. I recommend that you read this article from the Globe and Mail   because it lays out the basics of the business case and opens conversations about ...
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Join the 2019-20 MSCPA Firm Guide

By Amy Pitter posted 06-28-2019
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The 2019 PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey found that "finding qualified staff" was the number one issue for every firm size (except sole practitioners). To help firms retain high potential, entry-level candidates and interns, the MSCPA will publish the 2019-20 MSCPA Firm Guide , which will be distributed to approximately 2,500 college students and career centers across New England this fall.  I strongly encourage firms to join the Guide to attract talent outside of your normal recruiting efforts. We consistently hear from students that the Guide is their go-to resource when looking for employment, and the online version is one of the most downloaded files ...
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Nominate a Woman to "Watch!" (DEADLINE 7/1)

By Amy Pitter posted 06-21-2019
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In seeing many of you at our recent events and conferences , I’m constantly reminded of how exceptional our members are, and the MSCPA wants to recognize your accomplishments. With that in mind, I’d like to remind you that nominations are open for the 11th Annual Women to Watch Awards ! We’re looking to celebrate women at all levels in their careers, for both public accounting and industry. The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, July 1. We are looking for women who are:       Role models/mentors;  Distinguished or emerging leaders at her firm/company;  Committed to the accounting profession;  Active and making a difference in ...
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Update on Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law

By Amy Pitter posted 06-14-2019
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On Thursday, Governor Baker signed a bill that delays the start of the payroll tax for the new paid family and medical leave program by three months, moving its effective date to October 1, 2019 from July 1, 2019. Governor Baker has requested $3.5 million for the Department of Family Medical Leave to provide outreach to employers and staff and is working to clarify details of the program. To learn more, click here . The MSCPA advocated for the delay as it will give businesses more time to prepare for the required contributions to the program. There is strength in numbers, and we thank those members who reached out to their legislators to support our efforts! ...
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Last Week's Discussion at the AICPA's Spring Council Meeting

By Amy Pitter posted 05-31-2019
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I was thrilled to be part of a large Massachusetts contingent at the AICPA’s Spring Council Meeting last week. Our advocacy team was joined by board chair John Micalizzi of RSM US LLP; chair-elect John Colucci, Esq., CPA of McLane Middleton; newly-appointed board member Carol Ruiz, CPA of PwC LLP; Julie Quink, CPA of Burkhart Pizzanelli PC; and past board chairs Rich Caturano, CPA, CGMA of RSM US LLP, Carla McCall, CPA CGMA of AAFCPAs, Mark Nichols, CPA, MBA, MST of Mark W. Nichols CPA PC and Margery Piercey, CPA, CGMA of Mass Insight Education & Research.   Almost all the talk at Council revolved around the top issues facing the profession ...
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Staying on Top of Change in the Profession

By Amy Pitter posted 05-24-2019
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Helping you succeed is our top priority at the MSCPA. Our duty is to stay on top of change in the profession, so that we can implement programs to help members, and their firms and companies, adapt and grow. We've talked a lot about technology changes, but diversity and inclusion are another business reality that's shifting the accounting workforce. In fact, studies show that businesses with more diversity are   35% more likely   to outperform those with less diversity, and   minorities will be the majority of the U.S. population by 2044 . This means the demographics of your clients, consumers and staff are changing, and for firms and organizations to remain ...
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Sign Up for the CPA Day of Service!

By Amy Pitter posted 05-17-2019
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One of my favorite days every year is when our profession comes together for the CPA Day of Service. For one day, members in public accounting and industry give back to their communities by volunteering at organizations across the state. This year's Day of Service will be on Friday, June 7, and I'm thrilled to announce that we have again partnered with Cradles to Crayons – a nonprofit organization that helps children in need across the Commonwealth – and invite you to volunteer with us! You can volunteer in shifts between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and/or 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. If your firm or company (or just you) would like to join us, please sign up here . Other ...
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Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)

By Amy Pitter posted 05-10-2019
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There has been much discussion about Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) and what it means for both employers and employees. You should be aware that the state has extended the employer notice requirements from May 31 to June 30, 2019. The state also extended the deadline for the Q1 exemption for private plans from June 30 to September 20, 2019. Here is the announcement , which includes more details on each of the extensions. Additional information about PFML can be found on our website at mscpaonline.org/pfml .    In Society news, this was a big week! On Wednesday, we celebrated the new membership year at our Annual Meeting & Networking Reception at ...
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The Revenue Working Group

By Amy Pitter posted 05-08-2019
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I am very happy to announce that I've been asked to sit on a working group convened by Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka, and chaired by Senator Adam Hinds, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue, to develop recommendations for a simplified and modernized tax system in the Commonwealth. The working group consists of 21 appointees, including representatives of business, unions, academics and other advocacy groups, which should make for some interesting conversations! You can read more about it here . This appointment will provide a great opportunity for the accounting profession and the Society to be heard during this important process. ...
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Looking at the Year Ahead

By Amy Pitter posted 04-26-2019
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Our new membership year has officially started! Earlier this week, you were emailed your dues invoice for the fiscal year, beginning May 1. You can renew your membership here or call us at 617.556.4000.   We have so much in store for members this year and are always looking for ways to better serve you. Please visit our website where you can learn about your exclusive member benefits , our upcoming networking opportunities and CPE programs and conferences . Also, watch your mailbox for our CPE course calendar, which was mailed to you this week.   I also hope you'll join us on May 8, as we celebrate the new membership year at our Annual Meeting ...
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Out with Tax Season & in with a New Membership Year

By Amy Pitter posted 04-18-2019
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A big congratulations to our members in public accounting for making it through tax season! I hope you can now enjoy some downtime to recharge for spring. The end of busy season also means that a new membership year is here. On Monday, April 22, we will email your dues notice for the 2019-20 membership year, so keep an eye on your inbox and check our website for details . If you have questions, please contact Amanda Curtis at acurtis@mscpaonline.org or call 617.556.4000. Last year was a time of growth at the Society, and I hope each of you had a positive member experience. It was wonderful to see many new and familiar faces at our new regional ...
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The MSCPA Is Gearing Up for Busy Season

By Amy Pitter posted 04-05-2019
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Did you know that the MSCPA’s busy season starts after the tax deadline? May and June are when we have the most networking events and conferences, and I’m excited to share two of our most popular programs that are coming up fast: the Annual Meeting and Networking Reception and our After Tax Bash in Boston and West Springfield ! This year’s Annual Meeting and Networking Reception will be on May 8 at the Warrior Ice Area, the brand new, state-of-the-art training facility for the Boston Bruins. At this incredible location, you will network with peers and recognize our new Board of Directors, firm ambassadors and newly certified CPAs as you ...
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MSCPA Leadership Series: The Route to the Top

By Amy Pitter posted 03-29-2019
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Giving staff opportunities to grow is one of the best ways to keep them around, so I’m thrilled to announce our brand-new MSCPA Leadership Series: The Route to the Top . Developed with feedback from managing partners and firm ambassadors, this program is a progressive series of half-day courses featuring dynamic speakers and thought leaders which will provide the training, learning and development that young professionals need to move their firms and companies forward.  The Leadership Series launches this spring and incorporates networking at each half-day course for participants to sharpen their communication skills, which will help build confidence ...
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