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Chapter President Welcome

With the September and October deadlines, it seems time has flown by. In the midst of all this craziness we have had some pretty amazing student events—some new, and some fan favorites. I would like to take a moment to reflect and share my utmost appreciation for your hard work that went into making these happen.

For the first time, we held the Community College to CPA event. This was led by David Lo and connected Bakersfield College students with California State University Bakersfield 

professors and counselors, who walked them through the transfer process and ultimately the path to becoming a CPA. Panel speakers included CPAs from public and private accounting, as well as current CSU Bakersfield students who were transfer students from Bakersfield College. In addition, the event included résumé writing and interview tips, and finished with speed mentoring. All in all, it was a very successful event that reached about 100 Bakersfield College students.

With Fall, also comes Student Night and Meet the Firms. Our sold-out Student Night had over 60 students in attendance and we were able to award scholarship to seven very deserving students for a total of $15,000. Thank you to our scholarship committee for your invaluable time in reviewing all the applications as well as the student night committee for planning and putting on an amazing event. And a special thank you to CalCPA Chair Meredith Johnson for attending.

We also saw record numbers for the firm tours and were delighted to see both Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield students attend. We received some very positive feedback and hope to continue the momentum with future events. Thank you to the participating firms for helping to make this a successful event.

I wish you all a successful tax deadline and look forward to celebrating with you at the ABC Mixer on Oct. 26.

A Time for Reflection

I know for a lot of us, it feels like we are still recovering from the 2022 tax filing season as the 2023 season is right around the corner.  Add the new BOI requirements and 2024 is looking to be another eventful year. At least we can count on a 4/15 filing deadline this year, right?

Regardless of the challenges, I am optimistic 2024 is going to be a great year. We are finally getting relief from the compliance headaches of PPP, ERC and other Covid-related credits. We got 100 percent bonus depreciation back for one year, an increase to 179 expense and an increase to the refundable Child Tax Credit, just to name a few of the recent positive changes. That said, it may be time to take a break from worrying about learning new tax laws and forms and make 2024 a year to focus on our own personal health and well-being. 

Over the last few years, we have dealt with staffing issues, tax/law changes, Covid shutdowns … the list goes on. We pushed through all of this because that is what we do, but it is time to take a step back and focus on YOU! I once saw a sign in a doctor’s office showing a patient telling the doctor they do not have time to exercise, and the doctor responding by saying, “How about a heart attack, do you have time for that?”  

All jokes aside, it is time we make time for ourselves. For those that were able to attend the January Council meeting or have been following the CalCPA Mental Health Wellness Series, you have witnessed the shift in focus to mental health and dealing with burnout in both your personal and professional life. Whether it is your mental well-being or your physical well-being, it is so important to take care of yourself. I know for myself I am choosing to make it a priority for 2024 and I hope you will join me.  

Along with the new year comes the end of my term as president. This has been an incredible year and an incredible journey. Our chapter has an amazing group of board members and I appreciate all of the participation and support along the way. I look forward to welcoming Di Wu, our incoming chapter president, and can’t wait to see what is to come. I wish you all a successful and healthy tax season.

Welcome to 2024!

Program Manager

Director of Chapter Engagement & Operations

Di Wu

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I assume the role of chapter president for the upcoming year. As we embark on this journey together, I am deeply honored to serve a distinguished group of professionals who are dedicated to excellence in the field of accounting.

This upcoming year promises to be filled with opportunities for growth, learning and meaningful connections. We will strive to enhance member engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a supportive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

In collaboration with stakeholders, CalCPA remains dedicated to several initiatives, including redefining perceptions about the profession, attracting more young people to the accounting profession in the educational pipeline and enriching our membership experiences through the education, licensing, career development and community engagement.

Our chapter will offer events for all members and community friends and partners, such as a Bowling Social in July, Firm Tours and Student Night in September, ABC Mixer in October, and Membership Appreciation and Holiday Party in December. We welcome you to our events and invite you to share your valuable suggestions and ideas on how to better support and engage our members.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I assume the role of chapter president for the upcoming year. As we embark on this journey together, I am deeply honored to serve a distinguished group of professionals who are dedicated to excellence in the field of accounting. 