ODU CNU 3.17.11

The VSCPA & Building

Professional RelationshipsStephanie Peters | President & CEO

Molly Wash | Development & Academic Relations Director

Why are we here?

• Talk about professional relationship building and its value to your career

• Understand how the VSCPA is the place where you can build relationships with peers & professionals, find answers, develop your skills, become a leader, and give back to society.

• The VSCPA is your home no matter where life takes you.

Professional Relationships

Why is relationship building important?

Relationship Building for CPAs

• Business runs on relationships• Maintaining the right relationships is essential for

career opportunities, practice growth and success at your job

• CPAs must be skilled at: • Meeting people• Making others feel comfortable • Creating confidence in their abilities

Relationship Building for CPAs

Who is it important to have good business relationships with?

Everyone!

Relationship Building for CPAs

How do you build new relationships?

Relationship Building for CPAs

Professional relationship building strategy:• Visibility• Knowing vs. doing• Strong interpersonal skills• Plant now harvest later

by Randi Marie Freidig, The Freidig Group

Strong interpersonal Skills

• Possess strong character traits.• Take personal responsibility for their attitudes and

actions.• Set and pursue goals.• Practice self-discipline.• Embrace high standards rather than perfection.• Have a sense of fairness.• Are effective communicators• Appreciate and value others.• Exhibit considerable social skills• Believe in potential and growth.• See relationships as interdependent versus independent• Stimulate action.

What’s the VSCPA?

The VSCPA is a voluntary professional association for certified public accountants (CPAs)

• State-based organization of individual members• 501(c)6 not-for-profit that can lobby• Advocate on behalf of our members, although we

also have self-regulation programs to ensure high standards of quality and behavior among members

• Separate and independent of the Virginia Board of Accountancy, the state government agency that regulates CPAs

What Does the VSCPA do?

VSCPA Mission: To enhance the success of all CPAs through:• Advocacy and alliances• Communication and education• Self-regulation of the profession• Public outreach and student recruitment

Why do Members Join?

The VSCPA is a voluntary membership organization, so why join?

• Support the profession and its activities• Participate in volunteer activities and gain leadership

experience• Have a voice in the direction of the organization• Increase client and employer credibility• Network for jobs, staff, mergers/acquisitions, client

referrals• Keep informed on professional news affecting their

license and job

Student Benefits and Resources

Student membership• Cost is FREE!• College or university student • Deep discounts on Exam preparation courses• Free subscriptions to Disclosures magazine,

Footnote e-newsletter and eDisclosures e-newsletter

• Unlimited access to members only sections of website, including Career Center and Internship Directory

• Meet, interact and volunteer with CPAs• CPA Day of Service – September 23, 2011

CPA Connection

• Mentoring program• Connects college students with CPAs to answer

questions on professional issues and give career advice

• Communicate via e-mail, telephone and face-to-face

• Sign up online at www.vscpa.com

VSCPA Leaders’ Institute

• Partnership between Baker Tilly and the VSCPA

• Career, leadership, and professional training

• June 24-26, 2011 at Virginia Tech

• June 22-24, 2012 at Virginia Tech

Scholarships

VSCPA Scholarships• The VSCPA Education Foundation awarded nearly $35,000

in scholarships this year to undergraduate, minority undergraduate and graduate accounting students

• Applications will be available online this fall!• Deadline to apply is April1, 2012

Online Resources

• Podcasts>Weekly Federal Taxation Update >Monthly VSCPA CEO Updates

• VSCPA blog: www.CPACafé.com • Social networking groups on LinkedIn, Facebook,

Twitter• Networking and more!

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Website/Online Resources

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Networking Opportunities

Networking opportunities with CPAs!• Dedicated section at www.vscpa.com

• Live young professional and local chapter events• Virtual new member orientation

• March 24, 2011

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VSCPA Materials & Resources

“For Students” Section • www.vscpa.com • Information on:

>VSCPA membership>CPA Exam>Internships>CPA Connection>Scholarships>Leaders’ Institute>And more!

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AICPA Materials & Resources

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) • FREE student membership!

• This Way to CPA - www.thiswaytocpa.com

• Sections include:

> CPA Exam & state requirements

> CPA profession

> Career tools

> Communities

> And much more!

AICPA Materials & Resources

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CPA Exam Update

• Now in effect: 120 hours required to sit for Exam• Requirement to obtain CPA license in Virginia will

remain at 150 hours• CPA Exam Requirements brochure• www.cpa-exam.org• www.boa.virginia.gov

CPA Exam Resources

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CPA Exam Resources

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Exam Candidate Membership

• Must have completed a bachelor's degree within the last five years

• Must be pursuing a CPA license• $45 annual dues• Participate in VSCPA activities and grow in your

career

For more information . . .

Stephanie PetersPresident & CEO

Virginia Society of CPAs4309 Cox RoadGlen Allen, VA 23060p (804) 270-5344speters@vscpa.comwww.vscpa.com

Molly WashAcademic and Development DirectorVirginia Society of CPAs4309 Cox RoadGlen Allen, VA 23060p (804) 270-5344mwash@vscpa.comwww.vscpa.com