CPA2b Fall 2014

fall 2014 | Vol. 10, No. 1

Climbing the

corporate

plus...

Move

from graduate to Gainfully

Employed Ditch your

public speaking jitters a day in the life

of a CPA 800-772-6939

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GRADUATING? Take your WICPA membership with you!

As you begin your accounting career, stay connected to your most valuable resource – the WICPA. Log in to www.wicpa.org/graduate to verify and update your member profile.

Affiliate membership is your next step to career success. Make sure you’re on the right path!

To make your affiliate membership official, contact Jessica Murphy at jessica@wicpa.org.

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

Fall 2014 | Vol. 10, No. 1 A publication of the WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. | www.wicpa.org

Table of Contents 5 b recognized | Student profile

Twitter status: Climbing the corporate jungle gym Sydney Nelson, MPA, a UW-Whitewater graduate, shares her adventures as an accounting student and as a leader within the National Association of Black Accountants.

By Sydney Nelson

features 8 b hired | Interview tips 10 tips to move from graduate to gainfully employed Explore 10 strategies for networking with potential employers. By Kristin Kallies, PHR

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b prepared | CPA exam Winds of change: Wisconsin adopts new CPA Exam education requirements Learn how the 120-hour education requirement impacts you.

By Robert A. Gruber, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA and Dennis F. Tomorsky, CPA, J.D., CGMA

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b prepared | Public speaking No fear necessary: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety Get advice for alleviating your public speaking jitters. By Robert Half

departments 3 b in the know | Editor’s message 10 b social | Events calendar 11 b educated | Conferences 28 b affiliated | Welcome new members

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b rewarded | Scholarship spotlight Kelly Emmer, CPA shares her journey from classroom to career Prepare for a dynamic career in accounting. By Kelly Emmer, CPA

21 b digital | Technology software Office 2013: Consider productivity tools to get great results in less time Discover how Office 2013 can make you more efficient. By Cindy Prindle, MCAS, MEPD

24 b versatile | Communication skills Effective communication promotes professional success Communication skills are key to your future success as a CPA. By Jessica B. Gatzke, CPA, MST

CPA2b survey winners announced!

As a thank you for taking our CPA2b survey, the following student and professor were entered into a random drawing and selected to receive an iPad mini and $25 iTunes gift card:

James Zaffino, student, UW-Whitewater Brian Daugherty, professor, UW-Milwaukee 800-772-6939

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2014-2015 WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors: President Renee M. Johnson, CPA Secretary/Treasurer Michelle M. Hicks-Tobias, CPA Director Dorothy Conduah, CPA Director Michael E. Friedman, CPA Director Kevin M. Heil, CPA Director John R. Heindel, CPA Director Diana L. Henke, CPA Director Debra L. Lenz, CPA, MBA, CIA Director Darci L. Middaugh, CPA Director Randall J. Wichinski, CPA, MBA Director Boula Xiong, CPA

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Editorial Team: Editor & Vice President of Communications Amy E. Gaeth – amy@wicpa.org Vice President of Membership & Marketing Barb Gamez – barb@wicpa.org

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Design & Layout Krista Streuly, KS Creative, LLC Advertising Manager Ellen Engel – ellen@wicpa.org Copy Editor Joan Bahr Printing Special Editions

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CPA2b is a biannual publication of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Change of address should be sent to: Membership, W233N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Suite 201, Waukesha, WI 53188; Phone: 262-785-0445; Fax: 262-785-0838; email: jessica@wicpa.org. Statements or opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the WICPA. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of a product or service by CPA2b or the WICPA. CPA2bRedesign_ADs_P2.indd 3 with permission. © Copyright 2014 CPA2b.

6/24/2014 10:04 Articles may be reproduced

CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

in the know | Editor’s message

Welcome to the new and improved CPA2b! The first-ever, full-color digital publication debuts this month. Why have we gone digital? In February, we surveyed students like you to gauge how we could enhance CPA2b, and many of you responded.

We listened! Now we’re offering two digital issues each year that will feature vibrant high-resolution images. Each digital publication will be password protected, allowing only members like you exclusive access to this valuable member benefit. You can also download a PDF of the publication, and print or email it. Other features will allow you to zoom in to see larger type to online links. Watch for an email containing a link to the new digital issue on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

If you’re currently not a member and would like to receive the publication digitally, join the WICPA today. Visit wicpa.org/join

Perhaps some of you reading this column are thinking, “What’s happening to the publication?”

Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the printed version of the publication that you always have. Whether you choose to read this publication in print or digital format, you can still access relevant news and career resource information.

Each issue, the cover feature will showcase a student who’s actively involved both in and out of the classroom in pursuit of an accounting career.

A new expanded table of contents will serve as an editorial summary of the insightful articles found in each issue. In fact, there will be at least six features in each issue, covering topics like the CPA Exam, jobs and internships, networking and organizations, professional updates, resumes and interviewing, scholarships, soft skills and technology. These themed areas will be identified with creative headers such as b prepared (for the CPA Exam), b hired (resumes and interviews), b digital (technology)

and b versatile (soft skills). In addition, there’s b connected, a special section featuring WICPA educational opportunities and young professional networking events. Furthermore, this new publication features Firm Spotlight, a new career resource that provides a link to potential employers. Also explore Featured Firms, which profiles the specialty areas of highlighted firms.

This issue of CPA2b is jam-packed with valuable career tips. First, you can read about the 120-hour education requirement and learn how it impacts you.

You can also explore how to connect with future employers, discover the importance of having good oral and written communication skills, and learn tips for overcoming public speaking anxiety. Furthermore, you can learn about six features of Microsoft Office Word, Excel & PowerPoint that will get you better results in less time.

In closing, I would like to thank those of you who participated in our recent survey. I appreciate your time and feedback. As always, I invite you to share your input. Give me a call or send me an email with your story ideas.  Amy Gaeth is vice president of Communications at the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs. Contact Amy at 262-785-0445 ext. 4515 or amy@wicpa.org.

800-772-6939

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Whether you’re looking for a new career or a new employee, the WICPA’s enhanced Career Center can help you make the most of your search.

You’ll find: • • • •

Modern layout.

Better organized content.

Easy access to find or post jobs.

Optimal mobile viewing experience.

Sign in today to post your resume or job and find useful resources to help you with your search.

www.wicpa.org/careercenter

at the NEW WICPA CAREER CENTER

FIND A JOB POST A JOB

recognized | Student profile

Twitter status: Climbing the corporate jungle gym By Sydney Nelson, MPA Developing into a young professional, it was crucial that my online presence had a positive reflection. This time, my location read, “At the Top of the Corporate Ladder.� >>

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Magnificent Mentor – Sydney Nelson mentors students about career opportunities in accounting as co-coordinator of the NABA high school component called the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) program. Pictured l-r are: Jason Boothe, a senior at Dominican High School; Chue Feng Yang, a junior at Rufus King High School; Sydney Nelson; Keilah Noid-Binns, a junior at Milwaukee Collegiate Academy; and Semetria Jackson, a sophomore at West Allis Central High School.

I like to tweet. From sharing jokes with my fellow University of WisconsinWhitewater (UW-W) classmates to live tweeting with the “Scandal” cast and fans, Twitter has become a social media platform that has provided comic relief from studying accounting.

Other than discovering creative ways to shorten my usual long-winded sentence ideas to less than 140 characters, another area to showcase my individuality was the location field.

If you think along the same lines as me, when asked for your location, you would type your physical one.

That’s why I listed “Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” Born and raised, I grew up in a two-parent household with a younger brother who never listened to me and a cat who found trouble everywhere. A proud Brown Deer High School alumna, my secondary education was first-rate where I was surrounded by teachers who cared, coaches who inspired, and friends who mattered.

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

Once I began at UW-W, I updated my location to “Whitewater, Wisconsin.” Graduating with a BBA in Accounting, I was selected as the spring 2013 undergraduate commencement student speaker.

I decided to continue on for a fifth year to pursue a Master of Professional Accountancy. Other than guest speakers leaving us in awe with jaw-dropping anecdotes in Forensic Accounting to actually enjoying Corporate Taxation, graduate school was intense. Fortunately, electives were built into the Master’s program. Debating the effectiveness of leadership styles comparing Mother Teresa to Fidel Castro in Leadership Development and learning about the importance of relationships within Ecuador during International Management, these elective courses allowed me to continue building my business foundation.

recognized | Student profile

Early in my collegiate journey, I assumed leadership roles that allowed me to shape my identity.

Developing into a young professional, it was crucial that my online presence had a positive reflection. This time, my location read, “At the Top of the Corporate Ladder.” A ladder depicted my journey, where each rung represented an experience that became a part of me. Whether it was giving a fifth-grade class a tour as a campus assistant, reading the book, “No, David,” repetitively, to my four-year-olds as a teacher’s assistant, or being elected president of the UW-W Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants Inc. (NABA), each rung was strategically placed. Over the years, I accumulated many skills that allowed me to be the best leader for our chapter and ensure that the members were continuously progressing in the area of professional development.

Moving forward, I have assumed the role as a co-coordinator of the NABA high school component (Young Entrepreneurial Scholars program), branched off the Milwaukee Professional Chapter, in collaboration with the WICPA, Coleman & Williams Ltd., a few University of Wisconsin System universities, and a host of Milwaukee-area corporations.

“ As I began to see that my Twitter followers were adding an ounce of creativity to their location fields, I decided to up my game.”

Being a fan of J.K. Rowling, my location was changed to “The Cupboard Under the Stairs,” the room where young Harry lived before departing for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. In addition to the Harry Potter series, I read many self-help books and professional development guides, with the occasional romance novel. Sifting through some of my books, the titles read “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers,” by Dr. Lois Frankel, and “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead,” by Sheryl Sandberg. I tend to take little tidbits that I have read and apply them to my life. If it works, I share it with others. These tidbits have allowed me to be successful in my prior internships. After starting out with Johnson Controls Inc. in high school, then completing a two-year stint with Froedtert Hospital, thanks to NABA and those prior experiences, I secured a multi summer internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) and had the opportunity to intern at the Querétaro, México, office during a semester abroad. Later, I participated in the UW-W Accounting Formal Spring Internship, where I was matched with Ernst & Young. Next up, I will be starting full-time at PwC LLP.

Looks like whoever told me to go “to the top of the corporate ladder” was inspirational at the time. But now, the tidbit I will share comes from Sandberg’s book with a little twist I added. If you haven’t realized already, it is time to stop climbing ladders and move on to jungle gyms!

Just remember, instead of following a preset path to the top (i.e. on a ladder), you have the freedom of exploration on jungle gyms.

Today you could swing on the monkey bars, tomorrow you could take the stairs, or if you are a risk-taker, next week, you could climb UP the slide.

Thus, I finally got my Twitter location to where it needs to be, “Top of the Corporate Jungle Gym!”  Sydney Nelson, MPA, a UW-Whitewater graduate, started her career at PwC in August. She serves on the WICPA’s Accounting Careers Awareness Committee, is past president of the UW-Whitewater chapter of NABA and was co-coordinator of the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) program. Contact Sydney at 414-940-8544 or NelsonSN25@uww.edu.

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graduate – to –

gainfully employed

By Kristin Kallies, PHR

Whether you’re a recent graduate in pursuit of an entry-level position with an accounting firm, or an underclassman seeking a valuable internship experience, these 10 tips can help you rise to the top and remain top of mind with recruiters.

As a campus recruiter, I meet and interview thousands of students each year to fill a finite number of new positions within our firm. From among the copious ranks of eager graduates, we could only choose 100 talented students to fill openings last year.

So, how can you break away from the masses to become one of the chosen few?

How do you land that first professional opportunity?

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

hired | Interview tips

Follow these 10 suggestions, and you’ll stand out and apart from the rest, while also standing the best chance of launching your successful career.

1. Develop your personal brand. Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the marketplace, but more importantly, it’s how you’re perceived in the marketplace. By developing your unique and authentic personal brand, you decide how you want people to feel and think about you and help create the lasting impression you want to make in people’s minds.

Your personal brand also serves to differentiate you from everyone else.

Develop your personal brand, and then develop a consistent and compelling way to talk about your brand–be it in your résumé, during interviews, throughout your online profile, and with each and every touch point. Remember, you’re the head marketer for the brand called YOU.

2. Market your experiences, no matter how unimportant you feel they are. Students tend to downplay any work experience that includes part-time or minimum wage positions. In actuality, such experiences can give potential employers additional insights into your character, capabilities and creativity.

Try translating those workplace responsibilities into meaningful business or accounting experiences. Did you work at a local sandwich shop? Why not emphasize the daily inventory counts you managed as a way to reinforce your love of numbers.

3. Research prospective employers, then make the findings relevant. Doing homework on a firm is essential, but interpreting what you learn as it relates to your career objectives or values is beyond better. Instead of recognizing that Wipfli LLP specializes in helping clients across eight key industries (an easily culled fact from our website), you could talk more specifically about the firm’s expertise with health care clients for example and your passion for that industry, along with your knowledge of the industry’s challenges. Make your research resonate.

4. Network to the max. You’re looking for an opportunity, and opportunities primarily come by way of people. The more people you know, the greater your chances of finding your best opportunity. Perhaps no other time in your life will you have exposure to so many different people and access to so many firms and industry leaders. Therefore, there’s no better time than now to proactively build up your social networks.

Leverage LinkedIn, and reach out to your parents’ networks, your professors’ networks, the networks of your classmates, and to every accounting firm connection you make. Take full advantage of each encounter. Doing so will establish valuable groundwork for the rest of your career. After all, you never know where you’ll end up farther down the career path. It’s why relationships and connections matter, not just now but also later.

5. RSVP… always! Even in our instantcommunication world, students many times simply don’t communicate. Each time you receive a firm’s invitation to attend an on-campus event or meeting, respond! Many firms will track and monitor how often invitations are extended and whether or not you respond to them. If you have a conflict, simply decline the invitation with a brief note of thanks. Otherwise, a pattern of no response clearly says, “I’m not interested in working for your organization.”

6. Treat every encounter as an interview.

Whether it’s job shadowing or an after-hours social, consider every event an interview and always err on the side of professionalism and formality. If you’re unsure of the dress code for an office you’re visiting or an event you’re attending, it’s always best to be overdressed.

Rest assured you are constantly being evaluated; be punctual and conduct yourself with proper etiquette.

7. Leverage staffing firms to the fullest.

An employment agency can offer more than just resources for job openings. Use agencies as a way to practice and perfect your interview skills.

The more you interview, the more confident you become. >>

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hired | Interview tips

8. Conduct informational calls.

Informational calls or interviews are a great networking technique that also helps build your confidence levels and gives you exposure to various industries. A word of caution: Never use informational interviews to ask for a job! Instead use the interviews to gain good insights and afterward leverage the interviewees as contacts.

9. Articulate your matriculation milestones.

For many students, actual graduation day is not the end of their higher education journeys.

Some accounting students may still be actively acquiring advanced credits and degrees or pursuing certifications.

It’s important to let potential employers know where you are in completing your educational endeavors. Be clear with interviewers about where you stand as a candidate for the CPA exam or what your efforts are to secure other academic degrees, licenses or certifications.

10. Go beyond your résumé. Your résumé is only one tool in your job search toolbox.

Supplement it with a series of success stories from school, work or volunteering that show how you solved a real problem, accomplished a goal, executed plans, or generated results—anything that highlights your skillsets and best attributes.  Kristin Kallies, PHR is manager of campus recruitment at Wipfli LLP in Madison. Contact her at 608-661-2620 or kkallies@wipfli.com.

social

Start building

your professional network Attend a WICPA event!

•

September 16 – Madison Mix & Mingle

•

September 19 – Gathering on the Green Golf Outing

•

December TBD Milwaukee Mix & Jingle

For details on all events planned by the WICPA Young Professionals Committee, visit www.wicpa.org/YPevents

4 10 CPA2bRedesign_ADs_P2.indd CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

6/24/2014 10:04:27 AM

educated

CPAs in Industry Spring

Don’t forge t to save t hese

2014 conf erence l Financia ions Institut

ay 15 Thur., M

Thur., M ay 29

Tax Thur., No v. 6 & Fri., N ov. 7

School Distric t Audit

Wed., M ay 28

Tue., March 18

School District Audit

dates!

CPAs in Industry Fall

Not-for-Profit & Health Care Tue., Sept. 30

Tue., Sept. 23

ing, Account & Auditing l Financia ment Manage

Technology Thur., Dec. 4 & Fri., Dec. 5

ov. 19 Wed., N

Mark your calendars!

• Connect with peers for face-to-face interaction and idea sharing.

• Maintain your expertise with updates on the latest issues and trends.

• Hear firsthand from highly rated experts and thought leaders.

Registrati on will op en approxima tely eight weeks pri or to e conferenc ach e.

To learn m ore, visit www

.wicpa.org /CPE.

prepared | CPA Exam

REG Regulation

Auditing AUD

BEC

CP

Business Environment and Concep

macroeconomics

Winds of Change

Wisconsin adopts new CPA Exam education requirements

By Robert A. Gruber, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA and Dennis F. Tomorsky, CPA, J.D., CGMA

On April 8, 2014, Gov. Scott Walker signed into law a change to Wisconsin CPA Exam education requirements. The change allows candidates to take the CPA Exam once they complete the 120 semester hours with an accounting concentration. However, they will still not be licensed as a CPA in Wisconsin until they complete 150 hours and receive a bachelor’s or higher degree.

Background Assembly and Senate bills were introduced in October 2013 to streamline the issuance of licenses by eliminating license exam education requirements. This would allow individuals to enter the workforce sooner. The bills proceeded swiftly through the Legislature and became law (2013 Wisconsin Act 114) in late December. The WICPA was among the few organizations to express opposition to this provision. Â

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

corporate finance

PA EXAM

pts

FAR

Financial Accounting and Reporting

Students and employers must be aware of the requirements to take the CPA Exam and subsequent licensure requirements in their respective jurisdictions. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality and easily accessible resources available.

Shortly after enactment of the new law in December 2013, the WICPA met with legislators and representatives from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Accounting Examining Board (AEB) and governor’s office to encourage prompt reinstatement of a CPA Exam education requirement to avoid losing the CPA Exam in Wisconsin, which the AICPA and NASBA stated would be a strong possibility without a statutory CPA Exam education requirement. Â

Since Assembly Rep. Howard Marklein, CPA had introduced AB669 to reflect technical updates to Wisconsin accountancy regulations, an amendment to this bill was introduced reinstating a CPA Exam education requirement. Due to expressed opposition from some legislators to the 150-hour CPA Exam education requirement, the amendment compromised with a 120-hour requirement. AB669 unanimously passed the Assembly on Feb. 11 and the Senate on March 18, and was signed into law by Gov. Walker on April 8. >> 800-772-6939

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prepared | CPA Exam

Requirements to take the CPA Exam Act 114 and AB669 also bring to light the simple fact there is little jurisdictional uniformity when it comes to the Uniform CPA Exam. In fact, the only thing that is the same across all 55 jurisdictions is the requirement that all candidates pass the CPA Exam.

The AICPA and NASBA have worked hard over the past decade to make the rules for obtaining a CPA license uniform over all jurisdictions. But each jurisdiction has its own state board of accounting, which sets the accounting rules and regulations on its own and based on the characteristics of its own constituents.

In general, all jurisdictions use the following 3E’s: • Education: Degree, or its equivalent in accounting • Exam: Four sections of CPA Exam • Experience: Relevant work supervised and verified by a CPA

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

But one significant difference is the number of hours required to take the CPA Exam.

•3 4 jurisdictions require 120 hours (e.g., Iowa and Minnesota). Wisconsin is the newest member of this group.

- Most jurisdictions don’t allow candidates to start early (before completing 120 hours).

- Most also specify the time period in which a candidate must apply for licensure or risk starting the CPA Exam process anew.

• 12 jurisdictions require 150 hours.

- Some allow candidates to begin taking the CPA Exam within a specified period before completing 150 hours.

- A few require that 150 hours be completed before candidates can start taking the CPA Exam (e.g., Illinois).

Other CPA Exam requirements that differ include requiring state citizenship (four), requiring state residency (16), and providing Social Security numbers (49). Still, other differences exist for the required hours in accounting, experience requirement for licensure and the nature of the required ethics exam component.

The following table summarizes most of the requirements for Wisconsin and its three closest neighbors.

Requirement

Wisconsin

Illinois

Iowa

Minnesota

Age

18

18

None

None

Citizen of State

No

No

No

No

Resident of State

No

No

No

No

Social Security Number

No

Optional

Yes

Yes

Exam Sitting

120 hours completed

150 hours completed

Bachelor’s degree or within 120 days of bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree or within 120 days of bachelor’s degree

Accounting Courses Experience

Complete and detailed listing available via NASBA’s website. Wisconsin requires either: (1) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business courses or (2) a graduate degree with either 24 undergraduate hours in accounting or 15 graduate hours in accounting.

One year experience One year general in public accounting or experience in governits equivalent ment, industry academia or public practice

One year experience in more than one employment situation (includes internships) in government industry, academia or public accounting.

One year experience in public practice, government, industry or academia.

Two years experience for attest CPA which includes one year of attest and one year of general experience.

Ethics Exam

Wisconsin online ethics exam

AICPA Professional Ethics Exam

AICPA Professional Ethics Exam

AICPA Professional Ethics Exam

Conclusion The jurisdictional CPA Exam requirements were clearly underscored by 2013 Wisconsin Act 114 and AB669. Students and employers must be aware of the requirements to take the CPA Exam and subsequent licensure requirements in their respective jurisdictions. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality and easily accessible resources available, particularly via the AICPA at http://tinyurl.com/statecpa and NASBA at http://tinyurl.com/nasbaexam.  Robert A. Gruber, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA is a professor and Master of Professional Accountancy program coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Contact him at 262-472-5463 or gruberr@uww.edu.

Dennis F. Tomorsky, CPA, J.D., CGMA is president & CEO of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs. Contact him at 262-785-0445 ext. 4519 or dennis@wicpa.org.

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No fear necessary: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety

By Robert Half

You may think that as a finance major, you’ll mainly be working with numbers and won’t have to get up in front of a crowd. But accountants in today’s workplaces are no longer siloed in their own departments; they are an important part of companywide decision-making processes, which require them to present data, proposals and solutions to a range of colleagues and shareholders.

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prepared | Public speaking Everyone’s probably heard the oft-quoted statistic about Americans fearing public speaking more than dying. But getting up in front of a group need not be a near-death experience. Whether you’re giving an in-class talk or a speech at a conference, here are some tips for public speaking that can help you conquer stage fright and present like a pro.

Practice makes perfect.

“Winging it” is a sure-fire way to have a scary presentation experience. Thorough preparation is key for calming fears and pumping up your confidence. Put time into writing and revising your talk. Then practice out loud, including in front of a mirror. If certain sentences don’t flow well, or if any phrases trip you up, rewrite them until they sound better. To see and hear how you appear to an audience, set up your smartphone, and videotape yourself giving the presentation. When playing it back, listen for vocal tics—“um,” “you know,” throat clearing —and see how often you look up from your notes and make eye contact. Listen to the pitch of your voice: If it sounds rushed, moderate your pace. If too shrill, learn to speak from your chest instead of using a “head voice.”

Prepare to engage.

Public speaking is so much more than reading a text verbatim. In fact, just reading your notes is the quickest way to turn off an audience. Even if you’re speaking about accounting best practices or changing tax laws, add a personal touch. People like to hear stories, so try to include a few anecdotes, especially at the beginning and/or end.

And while you shouldn’t use PowerPoint or Prezi as a crutch, visuals help increase comprehension and interest—as long as you don’t bore people with dense and incomprehensible slides. Another plus of using presentation software is that audience members can shift their gaze between you and the screen, which takes some focus off you and can make you feel more at ease.

Using accounting humor is another good way to engage the audience. And if they’re laughing, you’re more likely to relax. But don’t overdo the funny stuff.

An overly comedic presentation is inappropriate in most finance settings.

Get feedback.

You don’t have to go it alone.

Think about your peers and professors.

If there are one or two people whose speaking styles you admire, ask them if they would listen to your delivery. They can tell you what works well, what falls flat and where you need more polishing.

Scout out the locale.

A day or so before the presentation, visit the venue where you’ll be speaking. See what the setup is like, stand at the lectern, adjust the microphone (if there is one) and look out at the empty seats. The more familiar you are with the room, the more comfortable you’ll be on the day of the speech.

Also, be sure to arrive at least an hour before the presentation so you can hook up your computer to the projector (if you’re using one) and make sure everything is working well.

Do some A.M. prep work.

The morning of your big presentation, get in a good workout. Not only can you mentally go over your notes as you run laps or complete the circuit, but exercising releases endorphins (“happy hormones”), which can help you feel upbeat about the task ahead. Also do some positive thinking and get psyched up. Voiceover talent Lora Cain advises that as you brush your teeth in the morning, look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I deserve to be heard.”

Embrace the nerves.

It’s OK to have butterflies in your stomach when you get up in front of a group. What’s more, you can harness that nervous energy.

Nerves are the result of adrenaline, so make it work for you. For example, walk around the stage and use your arms to gesture, both of which use up energy and can lessen your presentation anxiety.

Don’t forget the Q&A! Most talks conclude with a question-andanswer session. And if you’re defending a thesis, your committee will be asking questions.

For the most part, this aspect of public speaking can be the most fraught with anxiety because of its unpredictable nature. Yet there are a few things you can do. As you prepare, put yourself in the audience’s shoes, and brainstorm some questions they might ask, and then write out the answers. If you rehearse in front of friends, role-play the Q&A portion. But the best way to be able to answer questions confidently and spontaneously is to be thoroughly immersed in the subject matter.

Mastering public speaking is an important part of building communication skills, a core competency that will take you far in your accounting career.  This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half, parent company of Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm placing accounting and finance professionals on a temporary, full-time and project basis.

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Kelly Emmer, CPA

Shares Her Journey from classroom

to career

By Kelly Emmer, CPA

I BECAME A CPA BECAUSE …

it was the next logical and progressive step in my education and career. With a double major in accounting and finance, I decided to continue for a fifth year of education to attain a master’s degree, so I would have enough credits to take the CPA Exam. I realized that becoming a CPA would provide me with an advanced skill set that would serve me well by equipping me with the tools for a varied and diverse career.

RECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE WICPA WAS …

a great honor. The award bolstered my confidence and enthusiasm to continue working hard through my fifth year. Additionally, the scholarship gave me the financial stability to focus on my graduate studies and passing the CPA Exam.

MY EXPERIENCE TAKING THE CPA EXAM WAS …

long, nerve-wracking, and full of studying. While you are in the midst of studying the journey seems long and hard, but the ends justify the means. Passing the CPA Exam is an accomplishment that will serve me the rest of my life and boosted my confidence in my knowledge and abilities.

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rewarded | Scholarship spotlight

ALONG MY CAREER PATH …

I was fortunate to have internships with Robert W. Baird and KPMG before I graduated. After graduating with my master’s degree and passing the CPA Exam, I delved straight into public accounting at KPMG. It’s here that I aim to continue developing tax skills as a CPA and see where the road takes me.

A DAY IN MY LIFE AS A CPA INVOLVES … being prepared for a variety of work. My work involves many different activities and no two days are exactly the same. Some days I spend researching and responding to notices, others preparing tax work papers and returns, while still others participating in research and development interviews with client engineers and writing detailed narratives.

IF I HAD TO DESCRIBE WHAT I DO IN JUST THREE WORDS, I WOULD SAY… analyze, calculate, document.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT MY CAREER IS …

the variety of activities and projects in which I get to participate. Besides working with numbers, I am involved in analysis and writing. I also enjoy working with intelligent and successful people.

IN MY POSITION AT THE KPMG MILWAUKEE OFFICE …

I work as a federal tax associate. Working in a small office I have been afforded several opportunities.

For example, I split my time between working on compliance projects and research and development projects with the Accounting Methods and Credit Services team. On the compliance side, I prepare federal and state tax returns for investment trusts, partnerships, and S-corporations, in addition to helping with tax provisions, performing research, and responding to notices. My work on research and development projects has helped me develop additional skill sets because I participate in technical interviews, perform special calculations and engage in lots of writing.

“analyze, calculate, document.”

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT…

my family, my friends, and balancing hard work with supporting others and giving back to lead a satisfying and fulfilling life.

MY ADVICE TO ASPIRING ACCOUNTING MAJORS IS …

work hard, ask for help when you need it, and be open about your goals and aspirations. Seek opportunities to learn new things, build your skill set and expose yourself to areas outside of your given position.

WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I WISH I KNEW BACK IN COLLEGE IS …

college is full of new opportunities and experiences.

Take advantage of them. It is one of the best periods in your life. It’s a tremendous time for learning, self growth and freedom.

PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT…

the average person does not know that accounting is about so much more than math. Almost without fail when I am in a social setting and I mention that I’m a CPA, I get the response that I must like math. Yes, accountants use math, but so do a multitude of other professions. Accounting is about research, analytics and storytelling. Accountants use numbers as puzzle pieces to tell a story about business performance. >>

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rewarded | Scholarship spotlight

Kelly’s

Fun Facts

MY FAVORITE MOVIE IS …

“Pride & Prejudice” (Keira Knightley version)

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I ENJOY… traveling, reading, cooking and discovering new activities and restaurants in Milwaukee.

MY FAVORITE BOOK IS …

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell

I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… my cell phone? This is likely the most obvious answer, but it’s the only thing I can think of.

THIS SUMMER, I …

am taking a road trip to Nashville, Memphis and St. Louis. 

Kelly Emmer, CPA is a federal tax associate at KPMG in Milwaukee.

Contact her at 414-276-4200 or kelemmer@gmail.com.

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digital | Technology

Office 2013:

Consider productivity tools to get great results in less time

By Cindy Prindle, MCAS, MEPD

Nearly every student uses Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint to varying degrees. Yet, some are self-taught in these applications and, therefore, likely remain unaware of key productivity-enhancing tools in each of these applications. >>

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digital | Technology

Word

In this article, you will learn about six features found in these three applications and how to use them to get better results in less time.

In Word, two useful features for students are references tools and the thesaurus.

Writing essays and research papers can be overwhelming, especially when you must follow a specific writing style such as American Psychological Association, Modern Language Association, Chicago or others while in certain disciplines or classes. To complicate matters further, there are many different editions for each of the writing styles.

You not only need to concern yourself with the appropriate content, but you must also know and follow all of the rules as dictated by the correct edition of the specific writing style. Each writing style follows different rules, such as how to cite references and what fields to include with the different types of sources, journals, books, websites, articles, etc., how to create and format a bibliography or a works cited page, specific fields that need to be included with each type of source, and how all this information is organized.

References Tools

The references tools in Word can make the whole process much easier by providing a list of the most common writing styles. These tools can be found in the references ribbon within the citations and bibliography group. Simply click the down-arrow in the Style box to select the writing style and edition that you are required to follow. This automatically formats the structure of all citations and the bibliography to comply with the standards for the selected writing style.

Once all sources have been entered and your citations in place, one click on the bibliography button will create the bibliography or works cited page structured in the proper format as dictated by the writing style.

Thesaurus

Once a paper is complete, you should always proof it for typos, mistakes and structure. One tool that is as valuable as spell check is the thesaurus. It comes in handy when you find the same word overly used.

To add citations, click on the insert citation button to view a list of your current citations or add a new source to create an inline citation in your essay. By choosing the type of source, one will find that the necessary fields will appear within the dialog box.

Once the data has been entered into the new citation, it is stored and inserted in the document with the appropriate punctuation for the selected writing style.

In the event that you need to edit or manage any of the sources previously entered, click on the manage sources button. All writing styles require you to create a list of all sources in alphabetical order on the last page of the paper. Some styles refer to this as a bibliography while others refer to it as works cited.

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An easy way to display the thesaurus is to right-click on any word to display the shortcut menu, and then point to synonyms. The Synonyms sub-menu will show a list of words that have the same meaning.

Click on any of the words in the sub-menu, and it will automatically replace the original word with the new one.

Excel

In Excel, two of the most powerful features are quick analysis and recommended charts.

Quick Analysis

Analyzing data in Excel has never been easier if you take advantage of 2013’s new quick analysis feature. All you need to do is select the data and make a choice of the type of analysis you wish to perform by clicking on the small icon that appears. When you point to the options in the analysis pane, Excel displays a preview of how it will look. The analysis options include formatting (conditional), charts, totals, tables, sparklines and more with a tap of a finger.

Charts

Excel has long supported a variety of charts for presenting data. Many users have difficulty choosing the best chart to effectively convey relevant information for a given data set. A wrong choice can make the end result unclear or misleading.

PowerPoint

The new recommended charts tool automatically analyzes your data and suggests a suitable chart type for the type of data that you have selected. To insert a recommended chart, select the data that you want to use in the chart, click the insert tab, and then click recommended charts button from the charts group.

In PowerPoint, the biggest mistake that students make is including too much information on a slide.

Too many words, graphics, animations, busy designs, and multimedia can actually sabotage your presentation. Your audience may get distracted and miss your message. Stay consistent with the 7 X 7 rule (no more than seven words per line and no more than seven lines on a slide). Include your main points on each slide, and then elaborate on those points when you present.

To keep the presentation consistent and tasteful, use one of the many professional themes located in the design ribbon.

In PowerPoint 2013, you can further customize your design by selecting theme variants. Find some pre-set variants or choose from other options in the areas of color, fonts, effects, and background

styles. Once you have selected an appropriate design theme and variant, PowerPoint will automatically apply it to all slides. ď Ž Cindy Prindle is an educator representing The Training Center at Hawkins Ash CPAs. Contact The Training Center at 1-800-658-9077 or Info@hawkinsashcpas.com.

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Effective communication — promotes —

professional Success

By Jessica B. Gatzke, CPA, MST

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CPA2b | www.wicpa.org

versatile | Communication skills

Written and oral communication skills are critical to your future success as a CPA. Seek to continuously improve these skills throughout your career to attain your maximum potential.

As I wrote this article, I reflected on the earliest years in my career. I remember repeating that I was never good in English class but loved math and science. Now, I realize how critical my English classes were and wish that I could master the written word. Although I still have the writing guide provided by my high school English teacher in my office, he likely would have several corrections to this article. Having said all of this, my goal is not to prove how good or bad I am at writing. My goal is to explain how critical effective communication is in the accounting industry.

Written communication involves the presentation of an idea or data in a formal letter or formal email.

This form of communication can also be informal: Think email or text messaging. The type of written communication used will vary widely depending on the formality of the situation, the formality of the relationship between you and the recipient and the underlying topic. On any given day, I will text with friends and family, and I will write a formal letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Of utmost importance is the ability to determine the most effective and appropriate method of written communication for the given situation.

Oral communication involves the presentation of an idea or data using the spoken word and could involve formal or informal speaking engagements and formal or informal communications with co-workers and friends. Just as I use varying levels of written communication throughout the day, I do the same with any oral communications. I will have an informal conversation with a family member, a teaching opportunity with my son or a formal phone conversation with a client or government agent.

Why is communication critical to your success?

Whether you choose audit, taxation or private accounting, you are working with highly technical information.

This information is often confusing and complex for individuals outside the accounting, finance or business industries. We often need to synthesize our conclusions and data in a clear and concise format so the recipient of the information understands what we are saying. This is where your strength in communication can shine. Good communication skills will bring clarity to these confusing communications and will set your co-workers and/or clients at ease. Poor communication skills will further puzzle your associates and might frustrate your clients.

Communicating effectively with governmental agencies can become a large part of your career.

It can take several months to resolve an issue in writing and wait times can be long when making a phone call. Therefore, providing clear, concise and accurate information the first time is important.

Otherwise, the resolution may be unnecessarily delayed. We have been incredibly successful in resolving disputes with the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue with well-written correspondence. We have also seen success in getting correct answers from these agencies in the first phone call because of the training we have done with staff in communicating effectively.

Ineffective or poor communication will cost you additional time that could be spent working on more projects that are challenging.

Nothing works better than picking up the phone when a quick decision needs to be made.

I get more done more quickly when I pick up the phone and call my clients or contacts. Too often emails are traded throughout the day when a quick phone call will resolve an issue. Picking up the phone when discussing sensitive matters will also avoid potential miscommunication that can result when the written word won’t be precise enough.

Remember, tone is difficult to convey through email or text messaging. >> 800-772-6939

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versatile | Communication skills

Overall, perception is reality, so communicating effectively will ensure that you are perceived in the intended reality that you desire to create.

It is important to get out of your chair and talk with your boss or co-workers.

Nothing has helped my career more than meeting in person with supervisors, the company owners and my co-workers. We frequently share ideas and discuss opportunities for growth. We clarify goals and determine the best course of action for each client. By communicating in person, instead of by email, we can engage in thoughtful conversations that won’t be limited by the confines of an email.

Once our staff members have demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person, we allow them to be in charge of client engagements.

Individuals with strong communication skills get in front of more clients and have more opportunities to establish their network and demonstrate their talents. This can lead to greater challenges both inside and outside the organizations that you may work. This likely will lead to promotions faster than peers with poor communication skills.

As you grow into a position of authority, it will be important to rely on your communication skills as you provide reviews and evaluations of your peers and direct reports. Just as you will take opportunities to communicate and grow your career, your future reports will look to you for insight on their own growth and development. You need to be able to provide thoughtful written evaluations as well as constructive verbal feedback to be seen asstrong and unbiased. The best mentors and supervisors I have had are open, thoughtful and challenging.

Timeliness in communication will increase the effectiveness of communication.

The more quickly a resolution or response can be received, the better off your client, your company and your cohorts. Delays in communication cause unrest and distrust. Try to avoid unnecessary delays whenever possible.

Overall, perception is reality, so communicating effectively will ensure that you are perceived in the intended reality that you desire to create. ď Ž

Jessica B. Gatzke, CPA, MST is senior manager at Scribner Cohen and Co., SC in Milwaukee.

Contact Jessica at 414-271-1700 or jbgcpa@scribnercohen.com.

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affiliated | WICPA Membership

Welcome new members Collin D. Alexander, UW-Whitewater James Alexander, Twin Lakes Jovanni Anzaldi, UW-Whitewater Alec T. Baeten, UW-Whitewater Emily Baumgartner, The Marcus Corp.

Ezequiel Bautista, Jr., Racine Monique T. Bergold, Milwaukee Kalyn Bobolz, Janesville Robert Bohnert, Moy, Borchert, Erbs & Associates, LLP Nicholas Borden, Concordia University Suzanne Brickson, Winona State University Melissa Briggs, UW-Eau Claire Ellyn Broaddrick, Wauwatosa Sarah Brown, UW-Madison Peter Caddell, Menomonee Falls Joshua J. Carmichael, UW-Whitewater Jeffery J. Debbink, Concordia University Yudi Dogra, Menomonee Falls Lauren Errichiello, Carroll University Joseph W. Fontanazza, UW-La Crosse Heather L. Gardner, UW-Whitewater Brian J. Geurts, UW-Whitewater Matthew Gilson, UW-Whitewater Sandra Gramz, Marquette University Malen C. Gunderson, UW-Green Bay Bailey Hann, UW-Madison Heather R. Hanson, UW-Whitewater Anna M. Hargan, UW-Whitewater Clara Hargarten, Clinton Tim Henke, Cardinal Stritch University John Hinkes, UW-Madison David J. Hodorowski, Concordia University Katie Hollar, Moy, Borchert, Erbs & Associates, LLP Jake Howard, Caledonia Megan Howen, UW-Whitewater Emiko Inoue, MBA, UW-Milwaukee Valerie Jach, UW-Whitewater Kathleen L. Kane, UW-Green Bay 28

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Jessica Kendall, Greendale Alexander Kerpan, UW-Whitewater Levi Kierstyn, Menomonee Falls Jenna Klermund, UW-Milwaukee William Klumb, Menomonee Falls Ben Kuhnke, Greendale Desiree Lenick-Pena, Twin Lakes Jake Lipscomb, Menomonee Falls Cory Loppnow, Jannsen & Co., SC Todd Lourigan, Union Grove Benjamin Maas, Menomonee Falls Mitchell Marohl, Menomonee Falls Brock Masching, UW-Milwaukee Wyatt Mather, Greendale Chloe H. Mayer, UW-La Crosse James McGuinness, UW-Whitewater Jenna McMillan, UW-Whitewater Allison L. Menako, Muskego Bryce Meyers, Menomonee Falls Philip Miron, Greendale Caitlin Multerer, Mequon Alicia Murrock, Clinton Carlton E. Ndon, Wauwatosa Wade T. Nelson, UW-La Crosse Kyle Nixon, Genoa City Laurie L. Otto, UW-Green Bay Michael Pachol, Trevor Daniel Park, Marquette University Katey Pasqualini, RitzHolman CPAs Macy Peterson, Clinton Logan Petree, La Crosse Zachary L. Picknell, UW-Whitewater Joseph Poczkalski, Burlington Nicole E. Prochnow, UW-Milwaukee Lacey M. Puls, Smith & Gesteland LLP Logan J. Ritchie, UW-Whitewater Jessica Robinson, Menomonee Falls Megan Rohde, UW-Madison Jennifer A. Romero, Milwaukee County Jordan Ross, UW-Milwaukee Matthew Rostollan, UW-Milwaukee

Alexander Russo, Menomonee Falls Anthony Russo, Northern Illinois University Christine M. Ruth, Core Creative, Inc. Cory Salzmann, Smith & Gesteland LLP Brandon Schattner, Twin Lakes Gage Schine, Northern Illinois University Rachel Schmeling, Menomonee Falls Allison Schultz, UW-Whitewater Justin Scott, UW-Milwaukee Chad Seitz, La Crosse Brittini Sharp, UW-Whitewater Jacob Shore, Menomonee Falls Arielle A. Simmons, Milwaukee Kingsley Siribour, Lakeland College Kathryn Stevenson, Menomonee Falls Sean Stewart, Trevor Cydney Swanson, Twin Lakes Aslam H. Tajim, MBA, Florida International University Jacob Taylor, Clinton Nathan Theriault, UW-Whitewater Spencer Tielens, Marquette University Kate Tolmie, UW-La Crosse Adam M. Updike, RitzHolman CPAs Brandon C. Upton, UW-Whitewater Adam Vechart, Menomonee Falls Matthew Walter, UW-Whitewater Elizabeth Wanzer, Menomonee Falls Kyle Waukoczewski, Muskego Mollie I. Weaver, UW-Milwaukee Seth Wells, Lake Mills Luke Wolchuk, Carthage College Rebecka Yaeger, Boyceville Jake Zywicki, Greendale

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firm

SpotlighT listing

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP www.bakertilly.com Contact: Tara Tomter, Senior Campus Recruiter, Tara.Tomter@bakertilly.com CliftonLarsonAllen LLP www.cliftonlarsonallen.com Contact: Elsa Natynski, HR Advisor, 414-721-7615

PwC www.pwc.com Contact: Kelly A. Neumann, Campus Recruiting Manager, 414-212-1868

Hawkins Ash CPAs www.hawkinsashcpas.com Contact: Jessica Zych, Human Resources Manager, 608-784-7737 Meicher CPAs, LLP www.meichercpa.com Contact: Michael Kaebisch, Firm Administrator, 608-826-1900

Strohm Ballweg LLP www.strohmballweg.com Contact: Gary Strohm, CPA, Managing Partner, and Renee Vedvig, Firm Administrator 608-821-0600

Sattell, Johnson, Appel & Co. SC www.sattell.com Contacts: Leanne Buttke, CPA, and Barry S. Sattell, CPA, PFS, Shareholders, 414-273-0500

SVA Certified Public Accountants SC www.sva.com Contact: Sherry Gustafson, Human Resources Director, 608-826-2108

Reilly Penner & Benton LLP www.rpb.biz Contacts: Brian Mechenich, Partner and Laurie Olson, HR Manager, 414-271-7800

Schenck SC www.schencksc.com Contact: Jill Dequaine, PHR, Human Resources Manager, jill.dequaine@schencksc.com

Winter, KLOman, Moter & Repp SC www.wkmr.com Contact: Julia Geerdts, Firm Administrator 262-797-9050

RitzHolman CPAs www.ritzholman.com Contact: Brian Wilson, CPA, Manager, brianw@ritzholman.com

Sikich LLP www.sikich.com Contact: Josh Combs, Talent Acquisition Manager, resumes@sikich.com

Wipfli LLP www.wipfli.com Contact: Kristin Kallies, PHR Manager, Campus Recruiting, kkallies@wipfli.com

Featured Firms

www.komisarbrady.com

www.sgcpa.com

www.wegnercpas.com

Bryan Tomczak, Supervisor, 414-271-3966

Angela Hildestad, PHR, HR Manager, 608-836-7500

Kari Nichols, HR Manager, 608-274-4020

KB&Co. has grown because of the collaborative efforts of our entire team providing extraordinary service to our clients. At KB&Co. you have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in our continued growth, as well as yours. You will find the challenges you need to grow and the support you need to excel.

Smith & Gesteland, LLP is a local CPA firm who was voted #1 accounting firm by Madison business leaders! We value life/work balance and provide a culture and environment where people want to stay. People stay because they feel appreciated, are challenged and know they are the future leaders of our firm.

Wegner CPAs is about people – our clients, our community, and our staff. Each day we strive to put our people first and encourage intelligent growth. Our goal is to foster employees who are passionate about and confident in the work they do which inspires their colleagues and clients.

If your firm would like to be listed in the Firm Spotlight, please contact Ellen Engel at 262-785-0445 ext. 4513 or ellen@wicpa.org.