Read Blog Posts

2019 Federal Tax Camps

By Amy Pitter posted 7 days ago
Be the first person to like this.
I know that this is a busy time for many of our members as the October 15 deadline looms, and I wanted to let you know that the Society is here to support you. If we can be of any assistance to you during this time, please feel welcome to contact our main line at 617.556.4000 or you can contact me directly at apitter@mscpaonline.org . And, you can always ask your fellow MSCPA members questions by posting on the HUB, our member-only online community .  They say once tax season is over, a new one begins, and the Society has designed our Federal Tax Camps to help you prepare for what’s ahead. Offered in three locations and on broadcast, Tax Camp will bring ...
0 comments

The AICPA 2019 Trends Report

By Amy Pitter posted 13 days ago
Be the first person to like this.
The AICPA has just released its 2019 Trends Report. This biennial report identifies key trends in the U.S. for both supply (accounting enrollments and graduations) and demand (hiring of new graduates in the public accounting sector).  On the supply side, there is good and bad news. Bachelor and graduate enrollments are down, but still at historically high levels. The number of people sitting for the CPA Exam dipped to its lowest level in 10 years. Some, but not all of that can be attributed to candidates rushing to take the Exam in 2016 before a scheduled change to its length and complexity. The good news is that our efforts at increasing diversity in the ...
0 comments

Changes to the MSCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Program

By Amy Pitter posted 20 days ago
Be the first person to like this.
I'm thrilled to announce that we've made some recent changes to our Educational Foundation's Scholarship Program . Our strategy is to provide fewer scholarships in higher amounts, so that we can have a greater impact on the lives of these students as they pursue accounting degrees and the CPA designation. Click on the video below to learn more: Please click here to donate . The deadline to contribute to our 2020 Scholarship Program is December 31, 2019. Thank you for your continued support
0 comments

2019 Women's Leadership Summit

By Amy Pitter posted 27 days ago
Be the first person to like this.
In honor of our year of Diversity and Inclusion, our annual Women's Leadership Summit will feature two powerful speakers: Kim Drumgo and Terri Trespicio. Kim is the is the director of diversity and inclusion at the AICPA where she provides expertise in driving cultural change through cross-functional team engagement and inspiring a community of understanding. Her presentation will explore the key characteristics of an inclusive leader and how they are helping to grow the accounting profession. Terri is an award-winning writer, speaker and brand advisor who works with individuals and organizations to help nail their messaging and engage clients, customers and ...
0 comments

Your Donation Makes a Difference

By Amy Pitter posted 09-13-2019
Be the first person to like this.
The start of a new school year is exciting, but for the many students who struggle to afford pursuing their accounting degrees, it's also a challenging (and scary) time. Offering scholarships to accounting students is one way we can help fuel the accounting pipeline and build a diverse talent pool. As our Educational Foundation enters a new fundraising year, I'm asking for your support. By donating to the Foundation, you will help deserving students move one step closer to achieving their dreams of entering our profession, and you'll have a direct impact on their lives. "Thank you to all my donors for helping to grant me the MSCPA's Women in Accounting ...
0 comments

MSCPA Career Fair Prep Webinar Recording

By Hannah Naranjo posted 09-11-2019
Be the first person to like this.
Listen to our Career Fair Prep Webinar hosted by Babson College to learn about how to make the most of your MSCPA student membership, what to expect from the new version of the CPA Exam and how to perfect your personal pitch and resume to stand out among your peers. To listen to the recording, click here . To sign up for the Career Fair & Graduate School Expo, click here
0 comments

Suggestions for Working on Your Business This Fall

By Amy Pitter posted 09-06-2019
Be the first person to like this.
It was in the low 60s when I left the house this morning, so I think summer is really over! That means we are all back to the whirlwind of activity that characterizes our profession – as we like to say... it's always the 15 th of something. We are all challenged by the dual pressures of working both in and on our business.  I have two suggestions for working on your business that you can start this fall. The first is to attend the New England Practice Management (MAP) Conference at Foxwoods in November. It's filled with great speakers who will share ideas for how to make the changes that will lead to new successes for your firm, and it's packed with networking ...
0 comments

What's in Store This Fall

By Amy Pitter posted 08-30-2019
Be the first person to like this.
Summer is winding down, but the MSCPA is gearing up for a busy fall! We’ve spent the summer months planning programs for you to network and learn (and earn CPE) with your peers. I’m excited to share what we have in store for you! We’ve lined up some incredible speakers for our fall conferences. They include  Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA , president and CEO of the AICPA; national speaker  Terri Trespicio, who’s TEDx talk has more than 5 million views  and who was recently named one of the “Top 15 Female Speakers who are Killing It” by  HubSpot ; and Sue Smith, CPA who’s back by popular demand at our  Federal Tax Camps  (which will be offered in three ...
0 comments

Welcome to CPAtrack News!

By Kara Kieran posted 08-28-2019
Be the first person to like this.
Stay tuned for latest news & updates, more coming soon.
0 comments

My "Life in Accounting" Podcast

By Amy Pitter posted 08-23-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

2019 Women to Watch Award Winners

By Amy Pitter posted 08-16-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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, ...
0 comments

The MSCPA's Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP)

By Amy Pitter posted 08-09-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Meet Beth Lyons, COO of the MSCPA

By Amy Pitter posted 08-02-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

One Change at the IRS Could be a Huge Win for CPAs

By Amy Pitter posted 07-26-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Why A Practitioner Services Division is So Important.

By Amy Pitter posted 07-26-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Karter Kup Tennis Tournament (8/22)

By Amy Pitter posted 07-19-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Increasing Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) in the Workplace

By Amy Pitter posted 07-12-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Join the 2019-20 MSCPA Firm Guide

By Amy Pitter posted 06-28-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Nominate a Woman to "Watch!" (DEADLINE 7/1)

By Amy Pitter posted 06-21-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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 ...
0 comments

Update on Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law

By Amy Pitter posted 06-14-2019
Be the first person to like this.
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! ...
0 comments