By Michael D. Colgan, PICPA CEO and executive director

The PICPA has successfully completed the first year in our new corporate governance model. While the term “corporate governance model” sounds boring, our new Council meeting was anything but. When Council met on Sept. 20, 2016, to discuss the work done by our five strategic task forces and to make plans for the future, the room was filled with new ideas and opportunities for the PICPA. As the discussions developed and evolved, it became clear that Council would need more help. So, to address where we want to go as an organization, we identified three new volunteer opportunities for members.

If you consider yourself a thought leader and have interest in the areas described, below, I encourage you to reach out to the appropriate team members more details.

• Corporate Finance Cabinet – This group will work with members of PICPA Council to improve connections among corporate finance members through online forums and local events, increase educational content on nonfinancial topics through new partnerships, and enhance PICPA’s online CFO Toolkit. Committee members will be engaged via in-person meetings, conference calls, and content development and evaluation. For more information contact Steve Kerr, vice president – strategy and business development, or Jen Cryder, CFO and vice president – operations.
• Data Analytics & Accounting Task Force – This group will meet two to three times via conference call to identify practice growth opportunities that turn historical data into roadmaps for future success. The task force will be charged with identifying topics, potential speakers, and awareness campaigns. The first program, Accounting Analytics for Value-Added Services, has been scheduled Oct. 13, 2016, in Philadelphia. The PICPA wants to expand and enhance these types of offerings in the future. For more information on how to become involved, contact Allison Henry, vice president – professional and technical standards.
• CFO Outsourcing Task Force – This group of CPAs in public accounting will identify the resources needed to incorporate “CFO outsourcing” into their practice for clients interested in either interim or ongoing CFO services. Members will identify practice growth opportunities, firm training needs, market identification, and promotional material. The task force will be engaged via in-person meetings, conference calls, and content development. Task force members will be asked to participate in two or three meetings and evaluate content independently. For more information contact Maureen Renzi, vice president - communications.

There are many opportunities to make a difference in the profession. If these three don’t appeal to you, I encourage you to look at our other state and chapter committees and find the right combination that builds your network and enhances your professional development.