AZ CPA May 2013

AZ

CPA

Don’t be the Generic Brand

MAy 2013

The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants

www.ascpa.com

Transitioning from Public Accounting to CFO 2013-14 Board

Helping businesses flourish

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is proud to acknowledge the Arizona Society of CPAs for supporting businesses of all sizes and helping create a climate where business and

89600-13

individuals thrive.

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NUMBERS DON’T GROW A BUSINESS, BUT THE RIGHT PEOPLE DO. If you’re on the fast track for success, opportunity lives in choosing a firm that values talent and understands the desire to grow. Combining the strengths of two well-established, respected CPA firms in Phoenix, Miller, Allen & Co. and Abalos & Associates under the REDW brand, adds up to both opportunity and growth to energetic and experienced professionals.

Are you the right person?

Current career opportunities available now at redw.com/careers

Albuquerque | Phoenix Phoenix Office 5353 N 16th St. Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.730.3600 | redw.com

MAY 2013 y AZ CPA

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AZ

CPA MAy 2013

Volume 29 Number 4

Don’t Be the Generic Brand

15

Success Beyond Public Accounting

17

If successful companies are willing to invest so much in their branding efforts, why aren’t we doing the same for ourselves? Find out how you can develop your own personal brand.

by Joseph M. Dougherty, III

Features ASCPA Board of Directors 2013-14

8

Meet the new ASCPA Officers and Board of Directors.

Ira Feldman to Receive Life Member Honor

10

Instrumental in establishing the Phoenix Tax Workshop, Ira Feldman has been an influential member of the Arizona CPA community.

by Patty Gannon

Doug Norton to be Honored at the Annual Meeting

12

Doug Norton was the second Auditor General of Arizona, heading the office for more than 23 years, and earning the respect of many along the way.

by Patty Gannon

Helping the new generation of CPAs to make their way in private industry.

by William F. O’Brien, MBA

How Can You Support the Success of Your Team?

20

Find out how the ASCPA can help you build your team and grow your organization.

by Heidi Frei

Columns & Departments 6

Chair’s Message by Karen Abraham, CPA

7

Focus on Members

22 Classifieds Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants 4801 E. Washington St., Suite 225-B Phoenix, Arizona 85034-2021 www.ascpa.com

23

In the Black ... Adventures in Accounting

www.ascpa.com

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AZ

CPA

The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants

President & CEO

Cindie Hubiak

Editor

Patricia Gannon

Copy & Advertising Deadline The first of the month one month prior to publication date.

Board of Directors Chair Chair-Elect Secretary/Treasurer Directors

Karen Abraham Anita Baker Rob Dubberly Diane Groover Sandra Hieb Debra Johnson Jimmy Lovelace Adam Miller Molly Montgomery CW Payne George Raysik Andy Spillum Leslie Stackpole Jared W. Van Arsdale Craig Van Slyke

Independence to succeed

We’re a partner in your success, a dedicated provider of solutions that are in your long-term interests and in the interests of your clients. We believe in adding value in a relationship, understanding your business and your goals and giving you independence to succeed.

602.240.2700 • azbizbank.com Part of CoBiz Bank • Member FDIC

Immediate Past Chair Armando Roman AICPA Council Members Jim Buhr Rick Goldenson Chapter Presidents Southern Chapter Northern Chapter Southwest Chapter North-Central Chapter

Flo Zenblu Jennifer Nordstrom Jayne Wright Richard Joliet

ESTATE PLANNING • TAX CONTROVERSIES • QDRO’S

YOUR TRUSTED ADVOCATE IN ALL IRS DISPUTES

AZ CPA is published by the Arizona Society of Certified Public

Accountants (ASCPA) to provide information, news and trends in the profession of accounting. It is distributed 10 times a year as a regular service to members of the Society. The ASCPA, its members, board of directors and administrative staff assume no responsibility for advertisements herein. The ASCPA and the above people also assume no liability for business decisions made by readers in reference to statements and/or claims in advertisements within this publication.

Opinions expressed by correspondents and contributors are not necessarily those of the ASCPA.

• IRS Audit Support • Offers in Compromise • Wage Garnishment, Liens & Levies • Civil & Criminal Tax Litigation

Call Today for a FREE CONSULTATION 480.515.3716

Arizona Society of CPAs 4801 E. Washington St., Suite 225-B Phoenix, AZ 85034-2021 Telephone (602) 252-4144 AZ Toll-Free (888) 237-0700 Fax (602) 252-1511

www.ascpa.com

Matthew S. Dana, JD, LLM, CPA, CLU, ChFC

Shad M. Brown, JD, LLM Former IRS Attorney

www.DanaFirm.com

Scottsdale (Bell & 101) • Phoenix (Camelback & 30th St.) • Mesa (Power & Southern)

MAY 2013 y AZ CPA

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Chair’s Message

by Karen Abraham, CPA

A Tribute to CPA Leadership As I begin my role as the Chair of the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants, I reflect upon the many unique leadership qualities CPAs bring to our profession and personal life. A CPA must possess certain traits such as logical thought, love of numbers and integrity. These provide the basis to work through issues and come to ethical conclusions that are in the best interest of those we serve – the public, our customers, and our employers.

I count myself extremely fortunate to have worked with so many extraordinary CPAs; many of whom are themselves past board members. Every year, by our adopted bylaws, about onehalf of the board is replaced through rotation. This gives us the opportunity to be represented by a wide variety of perspectives, ensuring a strong foundation for all our members.

Each year, the chair-elect, along with a committee of ASCPA members, bring forth a list of CPAs who have been active in the profession and who we think will be an active participant on the Board.

Careful attention is paid to the mix of members, including professional background and type of practice. This includes public accounting firms (both small and large), industry, government, education, etc. We want our board to reflect you, the members. That way we can consider all perspectives when we make decisions on your behalf.

With her invaluable experience, Cindie Hubiak (ASCPA president & CEO) tells me some years it is very easy to fill the board seats and other years it is not. As you can imagine, there is a time commitment that is required of board members, as well as a contribution to the PAC. This makes sense since the board should be committed to do what we are asking of our members. The time commitment seems to be the hardest

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for potential board members, as free time for all of us is a luxury. However, I am very excited to tell you that this year’s incoming board members will further the diversity and strength of our organization.

I was surprised when I received a call to ask if I was interested in serving on the ASCPA board. I had experience on not-for-profit boards and I work with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona board of directors, so the experience would not be new to me – so I thought!

Each board is different with its own set of dynamics. What I found upon joining the ASCPA board was that each member of the board enjoyed being a CPA and was fully dedicated to being an advocate for the profession. Of course there were different perspectives on how this should be accomplished, but in the end, a positive, creative answer is always advanced.

I’m convinced that CPAs can do anything they set their minds to. In my com-

pany, CPAs are leaders in operational areas, Internal Audit, Compliance, Finance and Risk Management. My neighbor is a CPA and project manager for a large corporation. The basic traits of CPAs can be applied to many business activities.

My service to the ASCPA board has been comprised of two years as a board member, one year as treasurer, and one year as chair-elect. I have valued every minute I have served, for the opportunity to meet so many of our members and to have learned so much from them. I look forward to serving as your chair for the upcoming year and look forward to your active voice AZ CPA in that leadership role.

Did you know?

Fra Luca Bartolomeo de Pacioli (1445-1517) is known as the Father of Accounting. He was an Italian mathematician and Franciscan friar. In his first published book, Pacioli described the method of bookkeeping that Venetian merchants used: the double-entry accounting system.

Focus on Members Sally Taylor, CPA, director of financial planning at KeatsConnelly, has been appointed by Governor Brewer to sit on the Arizona Family College Savings Plan Oversight Committee.

REDW has joined with RCG Plan Administration, LLC, a Phoenixbased, full-service third-party administrator and recordkeeper of smallto mid-sized businesses and Native American retirement plans. They hired Michael Swaney, Iris Jiao, Stefanie Banister in their Phoenix office. Christine Sapp was also hired as a staff accountant.

Ken Garrett, CPA, joined Miller/ Russell & Associates as managing director.

Michael Miller, CPA, joined CBIZ MHM, LLC as a senior associate in the audit department.

Tom Avery, CPA, CFO of STARS with Nicole Crites of CBS 5 —ASCPA member Tom Avery was interviewed about the work he does at STARS. STARS helps developmentally disabled individuals with job training and skill building.

Peggy Ullmann, CPA, shared her busy tax season experience on a webinar for the AICPA. The Phoenix office of Grant Thornton LLP appointed David Walser, CPA/PFS, as a managing director within the firm’s Washington National Tax Office.

Tull Forsberg & Olson hired John Morse, CPA, as audit manager and promoted Mitch Robinaugh, CPA, to tax manager.

In Memoriam Murray Cohen, CPA

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ASCPA Board of Directors 2013-14

Officers

Chair Karen Abraham Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Immediate Past Chair Armando Roman Axiom Financial Advisory Group

Debra Johnson Eco-Edge, LLC

Directors

Jimmy Lovelace BeachFleischman PC Chair-Elect Anita Baker CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Diane Groover Pima Community College

Adam Miller Barron Lighting Group Secretary/Treasurer Rob Dubberly KPMG

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Sandra Hieb The Lavidge Company

ASCPA Board of Directors 2013-14

Molly Montgomery Grant Thornton, LLP

Andrew Spillum EideBailly LLP

Craig Van Slyke Northern Arizona University

AICPA Council Members

CW Payne Heinfeld, Meech & Co., P.C.

George Raysik Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

Leslie Stackpole McGladrey Jim Buhr Bashas’ Inc.

Jared Van Arsdale Ullmann & Company, P.C. Rick Goldenson, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

MAY 2013 y AZ CPA

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Ira Feldman to Receive Life Member Honor Ira S. Feldman, CPA, CVA, CEP, will be honored at the Society’s Annual Meeting on May 14 Ira Feldman is a an icon in Arizona accounting circles, known as the leader/creator of the popular Phoenix Tax Workshop and as founding partner of Toback CPAs, P.C., one of Arizona’s largest local CPA firms before its sale to RSM McGladrey in 2000.

(Top) Ira Feldman in his office in front of a Wheel of Life painting he got on his travels to Bhutan. (Bottom) Feldman travels to the South Pole— Antarctica.

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“I’ve been lucky in my career and have been fortunate to take advantage of the many opportunities and forks in the road that have presented themselves to me over the years,” says Feldman who says he decided to study accounting because there was no language requirement involved. He decided to pursue an accounting major after being inspired in an Accounting 1A class at the University of Arizona taught by Professor Elmer Thurma.

He went on to get his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and his MBA from Arizona State University.

Feldman accepted an offer to work for the L.A. office of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. and when the time was right, was able to move back to Arizona. He built his own firm here and has worked with more than 5,000 employees and 13 partners over the past 50 years.

When asked about the state of the profession, Feldman encourages accounting students to do more critical and creative thinking. “We need more architects, not draftsmen— the best CPAs use their minds to come up with the answers.”

A prolific author and speaker on tax and business topics, Feldman has been active in the profession and his community, including being a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and president of the Arizona Small Business Association. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Money Magazine and US News & World Report and USA Today.

He was also director of the DeGrazia Art and Cultural Foundation, and has several original DeGrazia paintings in his office. “DeGrazia was a personal friend and client of mine for many years,” says Feldman.

One of Feldman’s greatest contributions to the Arizona accounting profession has been as the founder of the Phoenix Tax Workshop (PTW) in 1974, and as editor

of the Arizona Tax Guides, a program that he recently turned over to the Arizona Society of CPAs, with his close involvement. “The Society has been doing a great job with PTW,” says Feldman who hopes to find a new chair and step down entirely within the next two years.

“I have recently tried to wind down my practice a bit and work only 40 hours a week,” comments Feldman.

Throughout his career, Feldman says he put in an average of 70 hours of work a week. “I work hard, but then I play hard too,” says Feldman who enjoys using his down time to travel all over the world, from Antarctica to Africa, to the mountains of Bhutan or a tour of Cuba.

“My wife and I have always gone on a trip together every year, and then we go on one with the whole family,” says Feldman. He makes an effort to go on at least one vacation a year that is more of an active or adventure vacation. Feldman looks for the unusual places and always chooses to spend time with the people of the country, whether it is in a school or a retirement home, or something similar.

When asked what places he has most enjoyed visiting, he says, “For the animals, it has to be Africa or Galapagos Islands, and of course the penquins in Antarctica were a particular highlight.” He also recently enjoyed his trip to the monasteries in Bhutan and he felt privileged to go on a special tour to visit Cuba, a place he described as a “perfect example of how government can go wrong.”

“I think traveling expands our minds and teaches us to respect our own world better,” comments Feldman.

Feldman will receive the Life member honor at the ASCPA Annual Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore Resort AZ CPA on May 14.—by Patty Gannon

I first met Ira during a recruiting visit to Los Angeles office of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (PMM&Co.) in May of 1968. Ira was asked by the head recruiter to take me to lunch that day since Ira had gone to the same university. I was impressed with Ira and the management and staff at the office and signed with the firm at the end of my visit.

Ira and I both transferred to the Phoenix office of PMM&Co. Ira quickly established himself as a very knowledgeable and highly respected tax practitioner of the Phoenix office. He would eventually become a partner in his own firm, Toback, Rubenstein, Feldman and Murray, one of the largest locally owned CPA firms in the state. I eventually became a partner with Ira in that firm.

Ira and I have been friends ever since we had lunch that day in May of 1968. I have observed his growth and accomplishments over the years as he has achieved success as one of the city’s – and state’s outstanding tax and business consultants.

Ira, congratulations on receiving the ASCPA Life Member Award. You are a most worthy recipient.

—Don Bays, CPA, Henry & Horne, LLP

The Arizona Society of CPAs presents the

2013 Annual Meeting

May 14

Featuring guest speaker Greg Anton, Past Chair of the American Institute of CPAs Honoring Life Members—Doug Norton, CPA and Ira S. Feldman, CPA, and Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient - Leslie Eldenburg

Arizona Biltmore Resort Register at www.ascpa.com

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Doug Norton to be Honored at Annual Meeting

Only three individuals have served as Auditor General of Arizona since the office’s inception. Douglas R. Norton, CPA, CGFM, was the second one, serving Arizona in that position for 23 years. Norton will be honored by the ASCPA as a Life Member at the Annual Meeting on May 14.

THANK YOU, DOUG Doug Norton richly deserves the honor of Life membership in the Arizona Society of CPAs. During his lengthy period of leadership as Auditor General, Doug, in his quiet, unassuming manner, developed the office into the epitome of professionalism, a value it retains under his successor. Doug’s standard of personal integrity was absorbed by his staff and continues to be reflected in the office to this day.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to Doug for the lasting contribution he has made to the State of Arizona. My heartfelt “thank you,” Doug.

— William Huizingh, CPA, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Accountancy Arizona State University

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Prior to his appointment as Auditor General, Norton was a partner at Lester Witte & Company, a national firm of CPAs in Prescott, Arizona, and predecessor firms which included Baker, Price and Norton, Ltd. Norton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting from the University of Arizona.

“I was happy as a partner in my firm in Prescott, when State Senator Boyd Tenney asked me to apply for the Auditor General’s position. At the time I thought, ‘why in the world would I want to do that!’” – laughs Norton. “Tenney convinced me to do it, appealing to my sense of civic duty. When they asked me for a time commitment, I said, ‘well no I wouldn’t commit to more than three to five years,’ but there I was 23 years later!”

When asked why he decided to stay so long and what he liked about the position, he said he always liked the challenge. “My kids had left home for college and I was looking for a challenge. And there always is some challenge working in a political environment.”

As Auditor General from 19761999, he supervised a staff of 195 professional auditors and consultants, performing the oversight of the state audit function.

He did the job so well that it warranted this statement in a New Times article written by Amy Silverman when he retired: “The auditor general’s office has always stood out as a shining star among the dim-bulb agencies it has to monitor. My colleagues and I cherish auditor general reports – always apolitical, always concise and complete, a journalist’s Cliffs Notes to breakdowns in the machinations of state government. We are not alone in our reverence … No one I’ve spoken to can remember any warranted criticism of Norton’s work over the past 23 years – an amazing feat for a guy who makes his living criticizing others.”

While in the Auditor General’s office, Norton was the recipient of three national awards for demonstrated leadership: the Donald L. Scantlebury Me-

morial Award sponsored by the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program of the Federal government, recognizing government executives who have demonstrated outstanding leadership; the Jack Birkholz Leadership Award sponsored by the Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum; and, the Association of Government Accountants Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award.

He served as president of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers, and is a member of the Accounting Board of Advisors, University of Arizona. He also served as a member of the U.S. Comptroller General’s Government Auditing Standards Advisory Council.

As a member of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers Executive Committee, he conducted government financial accountability and control workshops in Prague, Czechoslovakia in May 1992, Russia in October 1994, and Slovakia in February 1995. The International Executive Service Corps and the U.S. Information Agency sponsored the workshops to promote an exchange of ideas and assistance for emerging European democracies.

Norton believes the profession has made giant strides since the years he started practice. He is humbled by the honor of life membership in the ASCPA. “It was hard to believe they would give me the award,” said Norton.

“When I was working for Ernst & Ernst and was just about to get my CPA license in 1964, Lyman Davidson, our managing partner at the time, said, ‘I expect to see you apply for membership in the ASCPA as soon as you get your license’ – and I’ve been a member since.

It is truly an honor to be recognized by the organization.”

Join us in honoring Norton on May AZ CPA 14 at the Arizona Biltmore.

— Patty Gannon

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Don’t Be the Generic Brand

by Joseph M. Dougherty, III

Steve Jobs, Mother Teresa, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney,

Martin Luther King Jr., Al Capone. What do all of these people have in common? Not that much except for their fame, right? Some have used their “celebrity” for good, some for bad, and some for entertainment and profit. But when you think of each one of these individuals, a clear and visual picture comes to mind of who they were, what they stood for, and what it is that they did. They had brands. They are brands.

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Industry Conference May 24

Learn how to drive profitability and create value in your organization at the Industry C o n f e r e n c e . Tr a c k s a r e offered for management and accounting/auditing.

Financial Planning Conference June 14

Take the secret out of financial planning in 2013. Whether you are a financial planner or want more information about your own personal financial planning, the ASCPA Financial Planning Conference has the answers for you.

Not-for-Profit Conference June 26*

Hear from national and local experts at the annual Notfor-Profit Conference. The conference offers breakout sessions for those working in nonprofit organizations and firms who serve nonprofits. *Note new date.

Register and learn more at www.ascpa.com, click on CPE, then Conferences.

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Brands are some of the most critical and closely guarded aspects of corporate enterprises. Large global brands, such as Coca-Cola and Ford, collectively have spent billions to develop and protect their image. Service companies such as Disney and Four Seasons have immense staff-training budgets to ensure that front-line personnel project a highquality experience to each and every customer.

If successful companies are willing to invest so much time, energy, and capital into their brands, why aren’t we doing the same for ourselves and our careers? We spend years honing and developing a skillset that has a real and quantifiable worth in the marketplace. We then market our services to our “customers,” whether they be our clients or the organizations that we work for. We compete daily for new customers or new assignments and promotions.

Personal branding is one of the hottest topics in today’s career management. Your competitors, coworkers, and industry colleagues are likely beginning to focus on theirs. Here are four steps to get you started in creating your own personal brand.

Observe and acknowledge your existing brand Ask at least two people that you trust to honestly share how they would describe you to another person. Ask a boss or key coworker for the same, and be sure to clarify that you are looking to make improvements and want to hear more than compliments. Be genuine in your request and thankful to those who give you feedback.

Develop and draft a new brand If you were listening to a conversation where you were being described to another person, what would you want said? Write that down, and be clear, concise, and descriptive. Are you a CPA who specializes in a certain function or industry? Do you want to be known as the specialist with niche expertise or a well-rounded generalist who understands business and opera-

tions. Make it right for you and make it memorable.

Communicate your personal brand Regardless of who your target audience may be (customers, coworkers, colleagues), look for opportunities to tell your story. Add it to your e-mail signature and business card, if appropriate. Join a committee or project where you can interact with new people and build awareness of who it is that you are and what it is that you do. Offer to speak at a local networking event. These groups are constantly looking for experts to come in and talk about a new topic. Lastly, write a short article for an industry publication. It is a great way to showcase your areas of interest and to make interesting contacts in the process. Whatever your story, get it out there and tell it to the world.

Get online to strengthen and protect your brand Do a Google search on yourself regularly. If you have a common name, add a professional keyword to refine your results. Look for any potentially disparaging or misguiding information.

If found, contact the site to see if you can get it removed. The easiest way to begin to build an online brand is to sign up for a LinkedIn account. This free online gathering place of professionals has revolutionized the world of recruiting and talent acquisition.

Build, communicate, and protect your brand just as the blue chip companies do. You will quickly find yourself confidently projecting the image that keeps your customers buying what it is that you are selling. AZ CPA Joseph M. Dougherty III is a principal with Career Concepts Inc. in Blue Bell. He can be reached at jmdougherty@cciconsulting.com. Reprinted with permission from the Pennsylvania CPA Journal, a publication of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.

Never stop asking questions—questions about your company, your responsibilities and your career.

2. Create and Steward a Mentorship

Success Beyond Public Accounting Making the Transition of New Generation CPAs into Private Industry a Win-Win Proposition

by William F. O’Brien, MBA

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of new jobs among accountants and auditors will increase by over 275,000 in the next eight years. A majority of these accountants will be newly minted CPAs entering public practice. Within the first five years of their hire, most of these professionals will transition into careers in government, nonprofit organizations or private industry. This article suggests 10 Keys to Success for those joining the ranks of private industry. It also provides several hints for the hiring managers of these transitioning CPAs. These suggestions result from interviews conducted with both seasoned financial professionals and CPAs who have successfully made the transition.

10 Keys to Success 1. Demonstrate Curiosity with a Purpose Curiosity is a virtue. This is particularly true when your insatiable desire to discover new things focuses on what is truly important to your business. Newly hired CPAs must take the time to determine what issues are most important. They should then gather as much relevant information as possible about those issues.

I call this Knowing the Territory. Let curiosity help you to find your passion in your new position.

Knowing the territory also includes the process of finding a mentor. Mentors are valuable resources, particularly mentors that understand the company’s systems and processes.

They can guide you around the rocks of a rapidly moving corporate environment. Soak up their advice like a sponge and do not forget to continue asking those relevant questions. Listen to the advice based on their years of experience. Heed their warnings. Follow their directives. A good mentor is an invaluable resource. Steward the relationship as if it is your most valuable asset. It might just be!

It is important to note that the benefits of a mentorship are equally beneficial to the mentor as well as the mentee.

Mentors can gain valuable insights into what really motivates the new employees. This can lead to a customized and meaningful work experience for the transitioning CPA in the form of assignments crafted to take advantage of their point of passion. Remember, issues for which they are passionate motivate this generation.

3. Failure is Good Fictional Return to Wall Street character Gordon Gecko suggested, “Greed is good.” I suggest a different phrase, “Failure is better.” The transitioning CPA needs to be secure in the belief that it is acceptable to fail—once. Experiment and learn from the resulting successes and failures.

Take pride in stepping outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to volunteer for challenging assignments. I reflect on my own career experiences where I missed opportunities to move radically outside my financial comfort zone—one time into corporate law and another time into marketing. I regret passing on both of these unique challenges.

Consider how you build muscle strength. As the muscle tears down

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through weight lifting, it rehabilitates with a stronger capacity. Organizations can strengthen themselves in the same way.

4. Master Communication This suggestion is a no-brainer.

Remember, however, communication includes the art of listening. Stephen Covey admonishes us to use our senses in proportion—two ears and one mouth. This is excellent advice.

Another aspect of communication excellence is the ability to articulate your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Think Cliff’s Notes rather than War and Peace. We are the USA Today generation. Shorter attention spans require focused communication.

It is common knowledge that many transitioning accountants have poor writing skills. Many of these young professionals are not aware of their composition deficiencies. Test your own writing skill by turning on all of the spelling, grammar and style features of MS Word and analyze something that you wrote. For good business writing, you should seek to have few passive sentences (under 10 percent), a reading ease score of at least 40 and a grade level of no more than 12. Practice improving your writing by eliminating all of the highlights MS Word puts underneath your material.

No matter how effective your work, if you cannot clearly articulate your ideas, you are not being fully effective. Consider the words of former Chrysler CEO, Lee Iacocca: “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.”

5. Visibility Recall the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” If you telecommute, take this adage to heart. Although you might operate out of a home office, take advantage of all opportunities that maintain visibility with your co-workers and your bosses. Frequently, join them for lunch and brainstorming sessions.

Participate in group training exercises.

All of these activities keep you in sight

18 AZ CPA y MAY 2013

Test your own writing skill by turning on all of the spelling, grammar and style features of MS Word and analyze something that you wrote.

For good business writing, you should seek to have few passive sentences (under 10 percent), a reading ease score of at least 40 and a grade level of no more than 12. of senior management and other operating executives.

In addition, do not forget the importance of extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, community service and other company-sponsored social events.

A consistent exhortation from my interviews with senior managers was, “Be all in.” In other words, sometimes just doing your job is not enough to ensure success with your career.

Make it easy for them to have a passion for commitment to excellence and for the completion of their tasks.

7. Ownership

Andrew Grove, the retired Chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation, urges employees to take control of their own careers. One of the successful CPAs I interviewed, Heather S., conveyed the same message.

If you do not receive feedback, find it.

6. Five O’clock is Not the End of If you do not have opportunities for job rotation, look for them. Consider using the Day Similar to standard operating proce- the two-circle analysis as a performance dures in the public accounting profes- review vehicle. In the two-circle analysis, sion, the workday in private industry the employee lists in prioritized order the does not necessarily end at 5 p.m. The major activities for which they consider absence of a supervising senior accoun- themselves responsible. The employee tant or engagement manager, however, then asks their boss to prepare a prioriplaces the burden of work commitment tized list of the same activities from the squarely on the shoulders of the transi- boss’s perspective. The parties ultimately tioning CPA. Be prepared to see projects meet to discuss the consistencies or inthrough to completion on a recurring consistencies of the two lists. Often this basis. As you might expect, this some- discussion can prompt a more complete times might require extra time in the dialog over performance and career prooffice. Other times, you will invest the gression. Take ownership and be proacextra hours at home. This investment tive with respect to the development of your career. This tool is one way to do of time is well spent.

As a transitioning CPA, you have just that.

Above all, commit yourself to a months, if not years, of information to absorb. A “standard” workday usually comprehensive continuing education does not provide sufficient time to ac- program. Do not look for the easy complish this task. way out to maintain your continuing Experienced managers need to un- professional education requirements. derstand that today’s generation of Forty hours of CPE each year may workers does not believe in working be barely enough to maintain your overtime for the sake of working over- skill level. You signed up to become a time. They are committed to the success professional. That includes a commitof tasks in which they see purpose and ment to keeping yourself current and value. Make sure that you reinforce up-to-date. Similarly, the more relevant those attributes with the newly hired business books you seek out and read, CPAs. Believe me; today’s young CPAs the broader your knowledge base. This want to add value to all that they do. could lead to an acceleration of your

career advancement. Remember, your career is Job Number One.

8. Share Your Skills Recall my earlier discussion about mentoring. Sociologists indicate that Generation Y is one of the most, if not, the most sharing generation in terms of giving back to society. Do not be afraid to carry this attribute into the office. Share your incredible knowledge of technology with your co-workers, particularly the Boomers.

Turn mentoring into a two-way street.

Take the flow of experience from the senior managers and return to them the gift of current networking technology.

9. It’s Only a Job Do not forget to take time to laugh.

It will extend your life and reduce the stress that comes with ordinary life.

In the 1960s, a famous Los Angeles Dodger outfielder misjudged a fly ball in the World Series. It cost the Dodgers the game. Later asked about the error the ballplayer said, “It ain’t my life and it ain’t my wife. It’s only a ballgame.”

Don’t let the job define you. You define how the job affects you and those around you. You will make mistakes.

Recall my previous discussion about failure. Learn from your missteps and recover from them.

Hiring managers can leverage this perspective. Find ways to celebrate!

Celebrate both accomplishments and personal milestones. One of the most memorable events I can recall during my years at Intel Corporation was the company’s CEO attending my youngest child’s baby shower.

10. Interact with Dignity and Respect The final component of the winning formula should probably be the first.

Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Contrary to popular belief, nice guys do not finish last.

This tenet applies equally to the transitioning CPAs and their hiring managers as well.

Take the time to make friends and allies within the company. They will accelerate the success of your transition to private industry and promote your

future career both inside and outside the organization. People enjoy working with co-workers they respect.

Some Final Thoughts Change is never easy. Learning to adapt to new environments and embracing new perspectives is equally challenging. Ten simple steps of anything rarely solve the complex issues we face in business and life. It is my desire, however, that these steps will encourage you, the transitioning CPA, and you, the experienced manager, to adapt to and embrace the changes and challenges you face with a mutual commitment to excellence. The success you achieve will AZ CPA surely be your own.

William O’Brien, MBA, is a CPA and a Santa Clara University faculty member.

He is an internationally recognized author and lecturer in the areas of corporate financial management and international accounting. He is an Executive Education, Inc. discussion leader and will be a featured speaker at the ASCPA Industry Conference, May 24.

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How can you support the success of your CPA team?

The ASCPA has the tools and resources to help your CPAs build leadership skills, grow your organization, connect with experts and keep up-to-date on changes in the profession. Build a winning organization by supporting their membership in the ASCPA. Gain a Stronger Voice at the Legislature More members equal a larger voice at the legislature. More than 300 bills are introduced each year that affect the accounting profession. The ASCPA monitors these bills and educates legislators on the impact of this legislation.

The ASCPA also nominates CPAs to serve on the State Board of Accountancy and other influential government boards.

Goldenson

“It is important that all CPAs in Arizona band together as members to give the ASCPA a strong voice in the legislature on issues affecting the CPA profession and the business community. CliftonLarsonAllen encourages all of its CPAs to be members of the ASCPA, and it is essential that all firms and companies support membership in the ASCPA.” —Rick Goldenson, CPA—CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Prepare Your Staff for a Leadership Role The ASCPA’s Emerging Leaders Conference features sessions on communication, business relationship building and other skills to become an effective leader.

CPAs can practice their leadership skills by getting involved with various committees and boards through the ASCPA. Whether it is an ASCPA committee based on a field of interest or finding out about local nonprofit and government board opportunities, the ASCPA will help members find the right fit.

“I am grateful that my firm sees real value in providing me with my ASCPA membership. Their support of this membership allows me to gain perspective on some of the emerging issues facing our profession, and business in general, and has helped sharpen my technical skills so that I can continue to be a valued advisor for my clients. The Emerging Leaders Conference I attended helped me expand my network of professional contacts and enhanced my leadership skills. I use many takeaways from this conference regularly.”’

—Susan Armstrong, CPA—BeachFleischman PC

Armstrong

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Build Relationships with Experts & Increase Referrals Networking opportunities with the ASCPA have resulted in new business, referrals, and that next great idea that will save your organization time and money.

Membership gives you access to 6,000 CPAs in Arizona.

Take part in any ASCPA event to network with your peers. Arrive early and stay after programs to talk with other CPAs to share ideas and seek advice.

If you can’t make it to an event, you can use the new “Connect” website to find other CPAs with similar interests, start a discussion or answer other members’ questions to build a virtual network.

“My membership in the ASCPA is one of the most valuable tools I have available to me as a CPA. Not only do I have access to quality technical CPE courses, but also those “touchy feely” type courses and events that help me round out my professional development. I’m especially grateful for the networking opportunities that have connected me to CPAs, other professionals, as well as to some new friends I probably wouldn’t have otherwise met. No professional development plan is complete without membership in the ASCPA.” —Katie L. Thomas, CPA—Henry & Horne, LLP Receive Customized Training & Meet Your Education Requirements Top national speakers provide up-to-date and interactive education to the classroom and through webcasts. You can even gather your staff together in a conference room to watch a webcast together for a reduced fee. Past participants of ASCPA courses have rated the knowledge level of our CPE instructors, on average, a 4.8 out of 5.

The ASCPA can also bring customized training to your team for in-house seminars. We have a network of experts in a variety of fields who can address your specific needs.

Thomas

“At Apollo we believe in supporting our employees in their professional development and in their responsibility to be active participants in the CPA profession. One way that we support our employees is to sponsor membership to one CPA society of their choice. The majority of our employees select the ASCPA due to the informative events and local networking opportunities that it provides. We have had employees participate in “Behind the Scenes” events, Legends & Leaders panels, and women’s leadership events to name a few. Each of these events provides our employees with a broader perspective of the profession and expectations of CPAs, which raises the bar in our accounting department at Apollo Group. I would encourage any company to support their employees in getting involved with the ASCPA.” —Ben Cilek, CPA—Apollo Group, Inc. Stay on Top of Changes in the Profession All members receive update articles in email newsletters, the AZ CPA magazine, social media and the website.

The ASCPA also offers professional issues update presentations that can be brought to your firm or company. ASCPA leaders will share the latest changes that will affect CPAs and what may be coming up in the future and how to prepare.

Cilek

Improve the Image of the CPA Your ASCPA membership supports media campaigns that demonstrate the value of hiring a CPA. We show the advantages of hiring a CPA for individuals and businesses. There are also opportunities for you or your staff to speak to the media about current financial issues that highlight the expertise of CPAs, and it also gives your organization more exposure to the community.

Contact José Herrera to ensure all of your CPAs are members of the ASCPA at (602) 324-4741 or jherrera@ascpa.com.

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Classifieds Business Opportunities/ Practices for Sale WE BUY CLIENTS— Our CPA firm would like to offer a smooth transition in the purchase of your clients.

We will purchase anywhere from one client, up to an entire practice in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area. If you are thinking of retiring or downsizing your practice and need to transition your clients to a professional CPA firm, please give us a call. Our staff has been practicing in the valley for over 30 years with an emphasis in business taxes and accounting. Our office is located near Thunderbird and Scottsdale Rd. Please contact us today for more information and ask for Craig (480)990-2727 orcraig@awcpas.com.

Employment Opportunities SENIOR ACCOUNTANT—SCHUTTE & HILGENDORF, PLLC —CPAS!! Stay busy year-round!! Not just tax season.

Get out of the heat!! We’re in the cool pines of Prescott, Arizona!! Successful CPA firm looking for CPA with 3-5 years audit and tax exp. PT/FT. fun, growing firm! http://www.prescottaccountants.com.

SENIOR TAX ACCOUNTANT— Dalby Wendland & CO—Senior Tax Accountant wanted with 2-5 years experience in public accounting for Western Colorado firm. Strong communication abilities, exceptional technical skills, and a reliable work ethic desired.

Must be a licensed CPA or be a current CPA candidate. Email resume to HR@ dalbycpa.com.

CONTROLLER —Yunk & Guthrie CPA’s PLLC—Our client, located in Tucson, Arizona, is seeking a proactive Controller to work independently in a fast paced hospitality environment. This position reports directly to the General Manager and is responsible for timely and accurate management reporting to allow for effective financial decisions, optimal departmental financial operations, and compliance with regulatory agencies. Please call: Loren Yunk, CPA at Yunk and Guthrie CPAs, PLLC, Tucson, AZ (520) 207-4518 for more information.

AUDIT MANAGERS & SENIOR MANAGERS: A PATHWAY TO EMPOWERMENT AT REDW— If you are looking for the chance to influence the lives of others, have Principal-level involvement, and participate in making strategic business decisions with a growing firm, this opportunity is for you. REDW has leadership opportunities for accomplished Managers and Senior Managers to serve a diverse array of clients in one of the most rapidly growing firms in the Southwest. Successful candidates will possess excellent leadership skills overseeing multiple engagements and teams and be committed to making a difference in the public accounting profession. This is an opportunity to develop your career to its fullest potential. Learn more at www.REDW.com.

Associate / Business Valuation Analyst — Kotzin Valuation Partners is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of business valuation Associate in Phoenix. The Associate will work directly with other members of the organization and with our clients, gaining broad‐based experience in financial analysis, company and industry research, modeling, and valuation. Primary responsibilities will include financial analysis and modeling, company and industry research, and assisting in the preparation of valuation reports. Qualified candidates should be proficient in Excel, have 0-4 years

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of work experience, and should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or economics. http:// www.kotzinvaluation.com

Your Future Looks Bright...

If you renew your membership with the ASCPA today!

Office Space Office Space—101/Shea—Fully furnished with conference room & kitchen. Fully equipped (copier/fax/ internet/phone/security/file storage).

Garage parking. Looking to share with professional in need of one or two 10x12 offices and/or one 12x15 office.

Great location and professional working environment. Call (480) 443-9064 ext. 12.

To place a classified ad, go to www.ascpa.com and visit marketplace.

And be sure to take advantage of our 15% discount on CPE through May 31.

In the Black ... Adventures in Accounting

Concept: Heidi Frei Illust.: Jack Gannon

You can get all of this and great CPE at the ASCPA! Register for classes before May 31 to receive a 15% discount on programs.

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Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants 4801 E. Washington St., Suite 225-B Phoenix, AZ 85034

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Phoenix, Arizona Permit No. 952 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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