PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Great Tax Season Flood of 2010

When I came to work after the rain had finally stopped, our office park was filled with the crews who were busy repairing the wreckage from the Great Tax Season Flood of 2010 and getting the utilities back.

The Woonasquatucket River was still high, but once again flowing under the footbridge rather than over it. The sun was starting to peek out from the clouds.

Throughout the ordeal I watched the property manager, who had been directing the evacuation and clean-up since early Tuesday morning. She clearly had a plan, gathered her resources, and began implementing solutions proactively, as soon as she suspected that the complex might be in for some trouble. Now, thanks to her foresight, the complex looks back to normal. We even have electricity, heat and the internet.  It has been an amazing feat for a short period of time, and a great example of the importance of planning ahead and mobilizing a good team.

Watching such a successful recovery, I reflected that CPAs have a lot to contribute to any team. In our profession, we have the opportunity to work on a wide diversity of projects, and with people from varied backgrounds. We learn to think critically, look at the bottom line and meet deadlines. Those skills enable us to help our clients, our businesses and, more importantly, the community at large. For example, many of us offer or are recruited to handle the treasury or finance roles for non-profits or to do seminars about financial planning or taxes. That kind of public service work is a natural progression of the accounting that we do every day.

Since this is an election year, we have an opportunity to use our expertise to make even more of a difference. All candidates, from a town council member to a person looking to enter a gubernatorial race, are required to complete a campaign finance report. They also must fundraise and track campaign expenses. Helping on the financial side of a campaign is a different way to be involved in our community. This year, there are numerous opportunities and candidates to help no matter what your political leanings. As a Society we have notified the R.I. Board of Elections and the political parties that we are available to assist with this process. If you have an interest in helping on a campaign or know a candidate who could use a CPA on his or her campaign team, please let Bob Mancini know. Remember that “all politics is local,” so here’s your chance to be involved in something that matters.

On a personal note, thank you for the opportunity to serve on our team, both on the Board and as the President of RISCPA this year. It has been fun, challenging and never dull – an  honor and privilege for which I will always be grateful.

Here’s hoping that we will all be done with busy season and on the beach soon!

With gratitude,

Jackie

Click here to read Providence Journal coverage of CPA flood-related issues.