Michigan’s new regulatory environment and employee retention were two of the key topics discussed by national and state leaders at the MACPA Fall Members Advisory Forum, held September 28 in Novi. The meeting also was highlighted by a brief address from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as well as presentations from AICPA Incoming Chair Jimmy Williamson and MACPA President and CEO Peggy Dzierzawski.

Suzanne Jolicoeur, licensing administrator for CPAs in Michigan, explained that revised administrative rules are required to clarify and support the accountancy reform legislation enacted last December. Generally, she said, the rule-making process takes anywhere from six to 18 months while proposed rules are reviewed and approved by various stakeholders.

Some of the issues affected by new rules will be document retention, permits for temporary practice and peer review.

Jolicoeur also told the audience of more than 200 members that her office is seeing an increase in the pass rate for the computerized CPA Exam. She attributes the 35-40% pass rate to the fact that with the computerized exam, candidates can focus on preparing for one or two sections at a time. She also indicated a new fee structure for the exam went into effect on August 1, 2006. The cost is $790.55 for first-time candidates for all four sections, up from $682.

In addition to regulatory issues, staff retention is another priority topic for CPA firms. Dr. Elizabeth Almer, CPA provided an overview of generational differences and discussed how those differences are reflected in employees’ work/life priorities. For more on Almer’s presentation, read Understanding Generational Differences May Hold Key to Turnover Challenge in this issue of Leaders’ Edge.

Other Issues at the Forum
AICPA’s Jimmy Williamson kicked off the Members Advisory Forum with an overview of numerous national issues. MACPA President and CEO Peggy Dzierzawski’s multi-media presentation provided an overview of important Association initiatives including a new personalized electronic CPE report, advocacy efforts, public relations initiatives and high school and college student outreach.