Welcome to the New CalCPA

Today marks an exciting milestone in the history of CalCPA as we unveil our refreshed brand and launch our redesigned website. We are thrilled to present a new logo, an enhanced online platform, and an unwavering dedication to supporting the ever-evolving CPA profession. Our new brand embodies the essence of CalCPA's visual identity, messaging, and, most importantly, delivers an exceptional member and customer experience that reflects the transformative nature of the CPA profession.

Denise LeDuc Froemming, CEO of CalCPA and CalCPA Education Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm about this rebranding and repositioning journey, acknowledging the profound impact it will have on every facet of our organization. This endeavor is not limited to refreshing our marketing and messaging; it encompasses shaping our entire future and revolutionizing the way we serve the business profession and the consumers who rely on us.

Our website, calcpa.org, now boasts a contemporary design and an invigorating visual aesthetic that aligns with our new brand promise: "The leadership the CPA profession needs for change, and the knowledge and connections you need for what's next." Featuring a new logo, typography, and color palette, our website represents a bold step forward in delivering a modern and vibrant user experience.

With a user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and a streamlined look, visitors will find it effortless to explore and access a wealth of information, resources, education, and tools provided by CalCPA. We have prioritized creating an online space that empowers our members, making it easier than ever to discover the knowledge and connections essential for their professional growth and success.

While we have made significant strides in our website revamp, we acknowledge that some pages are still under construction. Rest assured, we are committed to continuous improvement and will be diligently working over the coming weeks to make updates and enhancements.

We invite you to embark on this exciting new journey with us. Discover the refreshed CalCPA brand and explore our redesigned website. Together, let's embrace change, empower success, and shape the future of the CPA profession.

Chapters

Chapter Strategy Development Sessions
Chapters play a vital role in the CalCPA strategy. To aid chapters in strategy implementation and to create a cohesive trajectory throughout the chapters, chapter leaders will have access to Chapter Strategy Development sessions. Within these sessions, leaders will collaboratively share ways to be a change champion for the organization through chapter activities, operations and member engagement.

Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents will be introduced to the conversation at August Council. The information will then be brought back to chapter board meetings in the following months to further the discussion in preparation for next year's chapter strategic planning.

Chapter Engagement Platform
Stay tuned for an exciting announcement showcasing new ways for members to engage and interact with one another.

Collective Learning
Read more about the CalCPA Collective Learning Strategy below. Chapter members and leaders are welcome and encouraged to get involved in CalCPA’s Collective Learning virtual events by joining working groups or by providing speaker suggestions and content. These virtual events will be planned and organized by each State Committee Working Group. If you are interested in joining a State Committee Working Group, please click here. Working Group members are not required to sit on the corresponding State Committee. Find out more and get involved here.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Bringing Pride to Accounting
This summer and fall, CalCPA will display the promise to actively promote a climate of inclusivity and build a community of belonging by having a presence at various Pride festivals throughout the state. Members are invited to join in this mission.

If you are interested in volunteering at the CalCPA Pride booth in one or more of the cities below, please register here.

• Oakland Pride | September 10

• Palm Springs Pride | November 4-5

Government Relations

ESG Moving Forward
Two major environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) reporting proposals are moving forward. SB 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, would require all companies doing business in California with over $1 billion in revenue to report their carbon emissions to the public. It would also require that the reporting is verified by a third-party auditor approved by the air resources board. SB 261 would require a climate-related financial risk report disclosing an entity’s climate-related financial risk and measures adopted to reduce the risks. Both proposals are reintroductions of similar ones from last year that failed to get enough support to pass out of the Legislature.

To date, the politics and complexity of such a requirement have made these proposals a long shot. However, there is growing speculation that these could gain traction this year. There has been significant turnover of the Legislature—particularly the Assembly— and a gridlocked Congress has stalled similar efforts at the federal level, elevating the desire for California to lead the way. CalCPA is closely following these bills and has been working with California firms that have invested in ESG services for their clients.

New Speaker
After a protracted battle over who will become the next speaker of the Assembly, Assemblymember Robert Rivas took over from Assemblymember Anthony Rendon on June 30. Rivas represents the 29th Assembly District, which covers the Salinas and Hollister areas of the central coast. The transition is likely to bring a few substantive changes within the Assembly that may impact the remaining months of the Legislative session.

Stay Informed and Stay Engaged
Are you staying informed and engaged with CalCPA and emerging professional issues? The best way is to sign up to attend CalCPA’s Capitol Beat, Townhall, and CEO Chat webinars. These webinars offer a platform for members to stay informed about the latest developments, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the profession, CalCPA’s efforts to advocate and lead the profession and a platform to engage with influential leaders. Find out more and register here.

CalCPA Recommends Regulations to Incorporate Extended Exam Testing Windows
CalCPA has filed a letter to the CBA to respectfully request that the CBA consider amending an existing regulatory proposal to include an increase in the timeframe for a candidate to pass all parts of the Exam from the current 18-month period to 30 months. CalCPA commented that a longer testing window is a better reflection of the current realities within the profession and is a reasonable accommodation that provides more flexibility for candidates as they balance personal and professional obligations with their career aspirations. Further, the extra time would keep California consistent with regulatory language recently adopted by NASBA in the Uniform Accountancy Act Model Rules.

If you have any questions or comments on either of these important issues, please reach out to the CalCPA Government Relations team.

Institute

CalCPA Institute Fundraising
Help CalCPA Fund the Future by supporting DE&I, student and pipeline initiatives. Join the cause and support the future of the profession by donating to the CalCPA Institute. The Institute’s mission to Fund the Future is a shared endeavor with every member of CalCPA and success depends on the unified effort of the entire profession.

Golden State Scholars Network
The Institute is proud to announce that the long-awaited scholarship alumni program has been launched as the Golden State Scholars Network. The goal of the program is to stay connected with CalCPA’s rising stars, follow them through their early career and develop them into the next generation of chapter and state leaders. The members of this program are identified locally through chapter scholarships and then admitted to the Golden State Scholars Network the following fiscal year.

Meet the Firms at Pasadena City College
CalCPA Institute, in partnership with the Pasadena City College Lancer Business Organization, is hosting the first Meet the Firms on the Pasadena City College campus on Thursday, Sept. 21. This event will have exciting job opportunities, networking with industry professionals and will offer students a path to success in the accounting field. For further event information, please click here.

Participating firms:

• Baker Tilly

• Grant Thornton

• HCVT

• Marcum LLP

• Mazars

• Moss Adams

• RSM

• PwC

• Weaver

To participate as a firm sponsor, please contact David Lo for more information.

Enhance Your Leadership Skills at CalCPA Leadership Institute
Discover your leadership style, explore different forms of leadership and master effective people management and change navigation. Join the CalCPA Leadership Institute, a five-day program designed for CalCPA members* seeking to excel as business and volunteer leaders.

Session Dates: Nov. 6–7 (Glendale), Nov. 30–Dec. 1 (Glendale), Jan. 17 (Sacramento) Note: Optional 6th day (Jan. 16) for graduation ceremony during CalCPA Council meeting.

Click here for program summary and application. The deadline to apply is September 15.
*Open to CalCPA members in good standing. Not available for student members.

CalCPA Career Guide
Unlock the power of connection at CalCPA! The CalCPA Career Guide aims to empower accounting students and facilitate seamless connections with top firms in California! If you are interested in having your firm recognized in the CalCPA Career Guide, reach out today!

• Firm Listing – Include a brief description of your firm in the guide for $499

• Additional Firm Advertisement – Boost your firm’s visibility with a featured ad for just an extra $499

Submission Deadline: To be included in the Career Guide, please submit the details of your listing, including any graphics for firm advertisements (if applicable), no later than August 30. Contact Michael Wong or Regine Staufenberg with any questions.

*100% Classic Firms receive 10% off | 100% Plus Firms receive 20% off 

Firm Engagement and Business Development

Looking for more ways to stay engaged with CalCPA including the most up-to-date offers? CalCPA’s Firm Engagement team is looking forward to visiting firms to share the variety of ways to be involved. Presentations can be in the form of lunch-and-learns focusing on various topics such as: committees, conference planning, chapter events, how to access your accounts online or tracking CPE. CalCPA is excited to provide a wide range of benefits to fit the needs of firms!

Please reach out to Michael Wong or Regine Staufenberg to schedule a visit anytime.

Advertising and Sponsorships

In August 2023, join us for these webinars sponsored by our CalCPA partners. Each event is free to members and qualifies for 1 CPE credit:

• Aug. 18 | CalCPA Mental Health Wellness Series: Promote Family Health - It is a family's responsibility to take care of each other. We will discuss how people can be empowered with knowledge to promote healthy living on the home front. Sponsored by CalCPA Health.
   

• Aug. 21 | The Importance of Process Automation in a Digital World - Process automation is a hot topic right now, but what does it actually mean for you and your firm? In this webinar, we'll explore what's driving the greater conversation around process automation, how your firm fits in, and how you can harness the power of process automation to increase efficiency and improve the client experience. Sponsored by Suralink.

  
  

Member Competency & Learning

Association Finance Leaders Forum - Powered by CalCPA & CalSAE | August 31 and September 14
Join us for this joint virtual forum, hosted by the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) and the California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE), that will curate practical and timely content for association CFOs and their finance teams.

Register Here

State Committees/Sections

CalCPA Collective Learning
Designed by leading experts from our state committees and chapters, the content in CalCPA’s new Collective Learning programs focuses on topics critical to your professional advancement—while offering flexible options to meet the needs of today’s CPA.

What this means for you:

ACCESS to cutting-edge content, renowned educators and a statewide network of colleagues and thought leaders.

CONVENIENT scheduling you can count on, comprehensive online offerings and interactive learning environments.

SUCCESSFULLY master complex topics and meet CPE requirements; advance your leadership skills; and move your career forward.

Our new approach is your ultimate solution for high-quality learning—with timing and formats that work for you—so you can stay current with the latest trends in the accounting profession.

Pricing is affordable with monthly State Committee offerings at just $29 (member)/$39 (non-member) per CPE hour or free if you don’t need the CPE.

Here is what you can expect:
Monthly State Committee Virtual CPE Events: Beginning July 2023, State Committees will be presenting 1-hour virtual CPE events on the following days and times:

• MAP Monday (3rd week of the month)

• Tax Tuesday (4th week of the month)

• Wealth Wednesday (3rd week of the month)

• Trending and Technology Thursday (4th week of the month)

• Financial Accounting Friday (3rd week of the month)

For additional information and resources, please visit this page.

Estate Planning
During the May meeting, Committee members and the CPE Initiative Task Force identified areas of interest in content and speakers for the upcoming monthly CPE. #WealthWednesday will be a great collaboration with EPC and PFP, and the August California CPA magazine will showcase estate planning with two feature articles. The committees are looking forward to meeting at Council with a great panel presentation for the Committee on Taxation, Estate Planning Committee and the Personal Financial Planning Committee members in attendance.

Taxation
CalCPA’s Committee on Taxation (COT) recently met with representatives from the IRS to discuss important topics impacting CPAs and their tax practices. Discussion topics included updates on IRS examinations and audits, the issues related to the taxation of digital asset transactions, trends in IRS criminal investigations, an overview of the new beneficial ownership information reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act and other key federal tax compliance issues. Meeting highlights are captured in the current issue of the California CPA Magazine.

Forensic Services Section (FSS)
Upcoming meetings include:
August 10 – Business Valuation Section at the Oakland Airport Holiday Inn
August 11 – Family Law Section at the Oakland Airport Holiday Inn

Save the dates:

• September 29 – Joint Sections Meeting in LAX

Stay updated on future events by following CalCPA Forensic Services Section on LinkedIn!

Young & Emerging Professionals (YEP) State Committee
The YEP State Committee recently met virtually on July 5 for the first meeting of the fiscal year. Members from across the state joined together to focus on the needs of CalCPA young and emerging members to further the advancement of the profession. The committee members look forward to their in-person meeting in August where they will dive into the members’ needs and create an action plan with deliverables for the year ahead.

The YEP Committee’s mission statement is to “Cultivate a supportive community and provide robust resources for young & emerging professionals. We embrace the modern accountant and will guide the next generation through discovery to the vast opportunities within the profession and beyond.”

The next YEP Committee meeting will be August 2, 2023, in Monterey, CA