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Effective Partnerships ... and Advocacy By Judy Love,WSCPA Director of Advocacy
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t the beginning of the year, 300 members were asked to provide some feedback to assist the Board of Directors as they prepared to review and update the WSCPA’s Strategic Plan. The WSCPA’s role as an advocate for the profession rose to the top of members’ lists, appearing over 100 times, in answer to the question: What does the WSCPA do really well? “Legislative advocacy.” “Takes the lead on issues affecting CPAs.” “Advocating for the profession at the state and federal level.” “Advocacy for the CPA profession.” “Advocacy.” “Advocacy.” “Truly an advocate for the profession.” The WSCPA was created 112 years ago for the purpose of having a say in drafting the rules and laws that defined the practice of accountancy in Washington State. Advocacy was – and continues to be – the Society’s core purpose and competency since then.
Advocacy at State Level At Long Last - CPA Retired Ability to use designation effective June 1, 2012 After years of delay, regular reminders from stalwart members like Alan McAllister, many lengthy discussions, a bit of wishful thinking that the Uniform Accountancy Act would address the issue, and waiting for a strategically timed window of opportunity that would not conflict with other legislative efforts, this was the year to formalize a designation for retired CPAs. A combined task force of WSCPA members and Washington State Board of Accountancy (WBOA) members worked for a number of months to develop a proposal to present to the full Board for its consideration. The WBOA adopted the rule change at its April meeting, amending WAC 4-30-058, effective June 1, 2012, to allow use of the designation “CPA Retired” for those licensed CPAs who provide notice to the WBOA and meet the following criteria: 1.
Have reached 60 years of age and hold an active license in good standing; or
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At any age, have held an active license in good standing, not suspended or revoked, to practice public accountancy in any state for a combined period of not less than 20 years.
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That’s terrrific!” exclaimed Alan McAllister when told he may now use the designation, CPA Retired. “Thank you. I appreciate all the work the WSCPA has done to make this happen!”
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WashingtonCPA July/August 2012
Grassroots Connections More Important This Year than Ever WSCPA volunteers make a difference Most political observers predict that the election in November will produce some of the most sweeping changes in the Washington State legislature in decades. A number of long-time legislators, some in key leadership positions, have decided not to run again, potentially opening those seats to newcomers. Redistricting brings both challenges and opportunities, increasing the value of CPAs with strong connections with legislators in their districts. If you have a relationship with a legislator, or are willing to establish a connection, you are in a perfect position to be an advocate for the profession.
Why would anyone do this?
To date, the profession has been able to make a successful case for not imposing a sales tax on professional services, even though that potential source of revenue is regularly discussed in Olympia. However, considering the State’s budget problems, combined with the likelihood of many new legislators with no historical understanding of why the tax on services has been rejected to date, a perfect storm could be brewing. Legislators often base decisions upon communications they receive from constituents. CPAs communicating a consistent message on this one issue alone could be critical.
Got 10 minutes?
The WSCPA staff and lobbyist carefully watch events in the legislature and alert Grassroots Volunteers when a hot issue requires action. The next steps are: 1.
WSCPA staff sends an e-mail to volunteers outlining the issue.
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