WHY I'M A MEMBER
Biggest Reward of Being a Member: Networking
Our members are enthusiastic about what the RISCPA has to offer and the benefits they receive as members. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the reach of the Society and the resources available. To help spread the word, this issue debuts a new section, “Why I’m a Member.” Each issue we will feature a RISCPA member and focus on their involvement in the Society. Our goal; give readers insight into what RISCPA and its committees have to offer.
Christopher Bilotti began his involvement in the RISCPA a little over ten years ago. His involvement began close to the time he received his CPA certification. Like many in the profession, Bilotti became involved in the Society for continuing education purposes.
After graduating with his masters degree from Bryant, Bilotti began taking most of his required CPE classes through the RISCPA. Over ten years later, the now Senior Account at Otrando, Porcaro & Associates, Ltd. of Warwick continues to take most to all of his required CPE classes through the RISCPA.
“I have found that some organizations that offer CPE classes are hit or miss and lack the accuracy needed in this industry,” notes Bilotti. “I appreciate the relevancy and accuracy of the CPE courses offered by the RISCPA.”
Bilotti began his career in private accounting and moved into public accounting in 2000. The 12 person firm of Otrando, Porcaro & Associates has a wide mix of clients ranging from smaller, local, family owned businesses to their largest client that brings in 1.5M in revenue annually.
“Working at a small firm, each member of our team wears many hats, the clarity of information and variety of classes offered by RISCPA has proved to be beneficial to me over the years,” notes Bilotti.
In our fall 2010 edition, we highlighted results from the 2010 Membership Survey. One of the survey questions focused on the involvement of members on RISCPA committees. Unfortunately, only 30% of respondents cited involvement on Society committees. As part of the 30%, Bilotti cites his main reason for participation - networking. Bilotti is active on two committees, Business Valuation and Accounting and Auditing.
Bilotti has been active on the Accounting and Auditing Committee for three years, two of which he served as the chairman and he has also been part of the Business Valuation Committee since 2006. His ABV accreditation led to his involvement in the Business Valuation Committee.
When asked why he stays involved on RISCPA committees, his response, “I enjoy sitting down with my peers once a month and discussing current events, changes in the industry and sharing tips and advice.”
Bilotti’s focus on the importance of keeping up with current events and changes in regulations stems from working in a profession where change is the only constant. The profession is always evolving and knowing these changes in essential. Bilotti cites the role in which the Society plays in providing updates and resources to its members as invaluable.
When asked about his professional goals for the upcoming year, Bilotti focused on staying involved in the Society and committees, continuing to network and to focus on CPE classes which will benefit his firm.
“If you are an accounting professional and need to get your required CPE hours, there is no better place to get it,” said Bilotti in response to the quality of CPE classes offered by the RISCPAs.
With the Annual Meeting and Networking Reception soon approaching, Bilotti highlighted the reach of the Society beyond CPAs to local businesses including members of the legal community, students and financial advisors. Networking and providing financial advice in the local community is key to the success of the RISCPA.
“Networking has been the biggest reward of being actively involved in the Society,” Bilotti said.
