President's Message
November 2, 2009
By Jamshed Behram Gandi, CPA
 One of my goals as president has been to enhance our standing and visibility among the various financial service organizations. An opportunity arose last week for me to represent the chapter at the inaugural meeting with board members of such organizations. The Coalition of Financial Services Group holds regular meetings and aims to make members aware of each other’s educational and social networking events. This effort is spearheaded by the San Francisco FPA group and has been in the offing for quite some time. The idea is to bring the various organizations together and, in time, share event information. I am hoping that this brings value to our members in forming their own networks and affiliations, and in turn leads to co-sponsorship of events and meetings.
In other news, our Oct. 22 annual ABC mixer was well-attended. The new venue at the City Club added greatly to the ambience. On behalf of the chapter, I thank all of our sponsors in making this event such a success. Attorneys, bankers and CPAs have a natural affinity, and these types of events continue to bring together the local financial community on a regular basis.
On the legislation front, the governor passed into law the licensing requirement for 150 hours of college education. This brings to an end the bad boy image of California not being a substantially equivalent state. Additionally, beginning in 2010, peer reviews will be mandated for California CPA firms, and details will be announced soon. On both fronts, we have progressed significantly in shifting legislation to stay in line with the needs of the profession, although I am sure that in both instances there is contrary thinking of sorts.
Globalization took a front seat at the recent AICPA Council’s meeting. AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon commented, “The globalization of the world’s economies will mean that the ability of CPAs to operate across borders will no longer refer to just state borders, but to international borders as well.” Also mentioned was the fact that the AICPA is working with NASBA to offer U.S. CPA exams internationally. Melancon added, “We are supporters of what we would call ‘IFRS pure,’ one set of standards applicable everywhere, not country-specific modifications to it.” This seems to be a tall order in my opinion, but it does reflect the prevalent thinking as to the direction of our profession.
Lastly, I draw your attention to our chapter meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, which is our new-member event. This meeting is perhaps one of our most important programs of the year and brings to the forefront the value that our chapter provides to our members. I have always found this meeting to be extremely informative, and I hope that you will encourage new CalCPA members on your staff to attend.
Have a splendid Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Chapter News
On behalf of the San Francisco Chapter’s officers, directors and members, we extend our warmest of welcomes to our new members.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
All chapter members are invited to our annual reception where we’ll greet our new members, award our scholarship winners and present our first Outstanding Young Professionals Award. This event is free to members who have joined since Nov. 1, 2008, and to student members.
Date: Wed. Nov. 18
Register online.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
CalCPA News
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 117 Oct. 11, which requires CPAs with inactive licenses to disclose their license status whenever they use the CPA designation by placing “inactive” immediately after “CPA” on business cards, stationery, résumés, websites or other business communications. The requirement is effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Let CalCPA and the Education Foundation help you activate your CPA license.
The CPA Activate Pass allows you to attend up to 80 hours of live courses, conferences and webcasts, plus unlimited Education Foundation online courses at one low price, to help you maintain your professional credibility.
CalCPA members save more than $400. Purchase your CPA Activate Pass today.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
CAMICO, the nation’s largest CPA-directed program of professional and employment practices liability insurance for the accounting profession, has partnered with CalCPA to provide more comprehensive insurance solutions, products, services and advice geared to the needs of CPAs.
CAMICO’s insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary, CAMICO Insurance Services, now delivers business owners, personal umbrella and workers’ compensation coverage to CalCPA members.
Learn more.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Let your voice be heard by legislators on matters of importance to the CPA profession by participating in CPA Day at the Capitol.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 20
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Register online.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Submit a short video in one of six categories regarding CalCPA, client services, member benefits and financial literacy, and become eligible for awards of eight hours of free CPE. Student entries are eligible for a $250 scholarship. Complete rules and entry form are online.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
California CPAs are the driving force behind one of the world’s largest economies. Isn’t it time you put your leadership skills to use for the betterment of the CPA profession?
The CalCPA Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for 2010-11 CalCPA officers and council members at large. Officer positions include chair, first vice chair, treasurer and two vice chairs. Three council members at-large also will be elected.
Nominees are also being sought for AICPA Council positions.
If you are interested, please download and fill out the nomination form and submit it by Dec. 1, 2009.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
| 
