AICPA NATIONAL ISSUES

RISCPA Members Visit Regional Council Meeting in Manhattan

There was more than enough madness in March to go around. In addition to the chaos of college basketball and the flooding that drowned the state at the end of the month, accountants in particular also find themselves in a flurry of activity this time of year.

In addition to the typical demands of tax season, March also hosted four separate regional meetings with leaders of the AICPA and state societies.

For RISCPA, that meant sending representatives to this year’s gathering in Manhattan. The attendees included RISCPA Board President Jacquelyn Tracy, Executive Director Robert Mancini, President-Elect Art Lambi, Past President Mary Bernard and Past President Kevin Currier. They were joined by fellow AICPA members from the remaining 11 states in the Northeast region.

“It was a good opportunity for us to spend some quality time with the members of the AICPA leadership team, including our very own Ernie Almonte, who, as Past Chairman of the Board and current Nominating Committee Chair, introduced the new board and officer nominees,” Mancini said. “In all, the meeting was quick, productive and enjoyable.”

At the meeting, attendees discussed the new AICPA Board nominees and officers, and important matters pertaining to the profession. Those topics ranged from upcoming legislation to membership and industry trends to advocacy issues. Some attention was paid to the collaborative efforts taking place between the AICPA and state societies in the region. In Rhode Island, for example, because of Sen. Reed’s prominent position on the Senate Banking Committee, RISCPA frequently sends correspondence in support of issues relevant to the interests of the profession.

Current AICPA Chairman Bob Harris and AICPA CEO Barry Melancon addressed the audience with a comprehensive update on professional issues. Ernie Almonte announced the nomination of the new Vice Chairman, Greg Anton. Originally from Massachusetts, Anton now represents Colorado. Almonte also announced the slate of all returning and new Board members.

As in years’ past, the regional meetings in March served to champion efforts ranging from mobility to IFRS to sustainability, amongst other important industry issues. More details on the points introduced at the meeting are currently closed to the press, but will ultimately be the focus of the full Council AICPA meeting in San Diego May 23.

Rhode Island was joined in Manhattan by Society representatives from Connecticut, Delaware, District Of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands and West Virginia. The other three regional meetings took place the same week, in Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta.