Uniform CPA Exam: Get an Inside Look at One of the Biggest Differences
As you probably already know, the CPA Exam went computerized in April 2004 and underwent a number of revisions. The primary change is students are now seated in front of a computer when taking the exam; other updates to the exam affect the way students study for the exam. Those changes are: newly tested content, a new testing medium called simulations and the added pressure of a countdown clock, according to an article from Becker CPA. With the exception of Business Environment & Concepts, simulations appear in all sections of the exam. Becker CPA recommends students are extremely familiar with simulations before sitting for the exam. Read the entire article from Becker CPA for more information on simulations and how to get prepared for them.
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Tax Filing News from Treasury - Tuition and Fees Credit Claims
Treasury has reported that Michigan College Tuition and Fees Credit claims (Form Schedule CT) are being filed with ineligible college or university codes. Credits claimed using an invalid college or university code will be denied, so make sure you submit your taxes with the correct codes. Form Schedule CT includes a list of eligible schools and correct codes.
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Inspired by Your Accounting Educator? Nominate Him or Her for Educator of the Year!
Has one of your accounting instructors inspired you to pursue a career in accounting? Do they encourage and entice you with their teaching methods? If you have an accounting educator you feel is top-notch and deserving of an award, then nominate him or her for one! The MACPA Accounting Educator of the Year Award recognizes educators who excel in teaching accounting and promoting the CPA profession. Review the guidelines and eligibility, and then nominate your instructor!
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Spring Members Advisory Forum Only One Month Away, Register for Free!
Attend this important, high-profile event, the Members Advisory Forum, for free! You won’t want to miss this opportunity to network with leaders and influential CPAs in the profession on May 10, 2006 in Lansing. National and local speakers bring accounting professionals up-to-date on the state of the profession. You’ll hear professional issues update from AICPA President Barry Melancon, get the scoop on MACPA’s initiatives from MACPA President & CEO Peggy Dzierzawski, get an update from the Michigan State Board of Accountancy’s Licensing Administrator, Suzanne Julicoeur, on the CPA exam and more. Get a “big picture” view of issues impacting your future profession, register today!
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New Student Game Offers Great Prizes
The case is virtual. The $2,500 reward is real. High school and college students are invited to solve the Case of the California Con. It’s a new game on the AICPA’s student web site, StartHereGoPlaces.com.
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In the Market for an Internship? Michigan Tax Tribunal Offers Excellent Program
The Michigan Tax Tribunal offers a unique internship opportunity for students interested in state and local tax. Young professionals will work within the judicial system to support judges in the Michigan Tax Tribunal. This experience will prepare an accounting or business student for a concentration in tax. Consider applying if you’re an undergraduate business/accounting major student, pursuing a masters in accounting or tax or if you’re a graduate from such programs. The position is for 10 hours up to full time. Visit the Tax Tribunal web site for more information.
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Teach Young Students Business Concepts
Join a team of CPAs that take over an elementary school for a day of business lessons. Encourage elementary students in kindergarten through eight grades to consider a career in business or accounting by volunteering for the MACPA Accounting Blitz program. During this exciting program you will take one day to visit various classrooms at a school and teach the students business basics with lessons prepared by Junior Achievement. Volunteers will be trained on the lessons, which feature topics and activities geared toward the different grade levels. Join the excitement and contact Michelle Mohan for more information or to volunteer today.
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Graduating or Going Home for the Summer? Keep MACPA Apprised of Changes
Are you graduating this upcoming spring? Let us know! E-mail Connie Wollschlager with your graduation date and the degree you earned. Also, let us know if you’ll be starting a new position by updating your profile online. Be sure to contact the Member Services Department at 248.267.3700 to keep the Association current with your latest address, e-mail address and phone number. Many of you will soon be packing up to go home for the summer, and the MACPA wants to make sure we can still reach you with important updates about the Association and the profession. Plus, when updating your profile, you can select interest tracks to customize your web experience. You can update your information online at any time.
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MAF Awards 22 Students with Scholarships
Congratulations to the following students, who’ve been awarded with a fifth/graduate year scholarship from the Michigan Accountancy Foundation (MAF):

Lisa Amador, Cleary University
Sunday Bonifas, Western Michigan University
Danielle Bradke, Central Michigan University
Bradley Cardew, Oakland University
Mersiha Cunmulaj, University of Michigan -Dearborn
Andrea Dickerson, Aquinas College
Thomas Garlock, Western Michigan University
Ali Goodhall, Saginaw Valley State University, Eleanore Kline Scholarship
Patricia Greenwald, Walsh College
Tyler Hitson, Michigan State University
James Holms, Albion College
Christine Hoppesch, Michigan State University
Daniel Lynch, Michigan State University
Kristina Ott, University of Michigan
Christen Page, Michigan State University
Jennifer Pikka, Northern Michigan University
Ashley Pruitt, Michigan State University
Danielle Reeves, Michigan Technological University
Jaime Roberts, Michigan State University
David Topolewski, Wayne State University
Michael Vehlewald, Michigan State University
Lynh Vu, Davenport University
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Show Off Your MACPA Membership
It’s impressive that you’re a part of a prestigious professional association – so show it off! The MBNA/MACPA MasterCard, produced exclusively for the MACPA, prominently features the MACPA logo. The MACPA worked with MBNA America to create a superior credit card program: your card will have no annual fee, a credit line up to $100,000, year-end summary of charges, access to a 24-hour customer service hotline, around-the-clock fraud protection and an Optional Platinum Plus travel rewards program. Request your MBNA MasterCard by calling 800.523.7666 and mention your MACPA member priority code GSN2.
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Have a CPA Visit Your Beta Alpha Psi or Accounting Club
Spice up your next Beta Alpha Psi/Accounting Club meeting by having a CPA or accounting professional speak to the group! The MACPA will arrange for a member to come speak to
your group on a topic of your choice, or one suggested by the speaker. If you’d like the
MACPA to set up a visit from a CPA/accounting professional for your next meeting, contact Kristen Benvenuti.
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Advice from a Professional: A Narrative from MACPA Board Treasurer Gail Sparks Pitts
Gail Sparks Pitts, Treasurer, MACPA Board of Directors
Controller at Oakland Community College
Bachelor of Administration from University of Detroit
25 years in the profession

Why a CPA?

I had a great childhood. I was fortunate to grow up with four sisters and a brother. My mom worked inside the home and my dad worked up to three jobs to provide for us. I was so very happy; I recall at Christmastime, I jumped up and down with joy when I received a box of
t-shirts and candy from the goodwill. We had it all, I thought. During fifth grade, I vividly recall the shock I endured as my dad explained we were rich in love but economically poor. Ouch! I had no idea.

At this point in my life, I didn't know for sure what I was going to be. I only knew I was always at the top of the class when dealing with numbers. So I figured, maybe I will be a math teacher – yeah, this would be my future career. My sister, two years my senior, was a very gifted student. She was so advanced, the school encouraged my parents to allow her to skip grade levels. Her counselor selected her for a co-op position at General Motors Cooperation (GMC); my parents were so proud. During her tenure at GMC, someone encouraged her to think about accounting. They said it paid well and there were a lot of accounting jobs available. She left Detroit to attend Michigan State University. I asked my sister, “accountants make a lot of money, and there are jobs, are you sure?” Since I grew up poor, I didn't want to stay poor, but would like to do something nice for my parents one day. My three older siblings completed their college degrees and two of them earned their master's. At this time, there was no funding available for me but I was determined not to be poor.

I attended night school at the University of Detroit and worked at the hospital during the day. I was making coffee for one of the doctors one day, and thought, let me stop this, I want someone to make coffee for me. I expedited my education and finished in four and a half years. Accounting, finance and economic classes were not easy, especially, when you had to work full time. But I kept my eyes on the prize, thinking, I am not going to be poor for long. This drove me to study, to persevere.

As I approached my last semester, I heard on the news that the father of Aretha Franklin, Rev. C.F. Franklin, was shot and paralyzed when an intruder broke into his home, attempting to steal his priceless stained glass windows. In the area I lived, we had leaded glass window and the thieves confused leaded glass with stain glass. During this time, I had many job interviews. My top choices were Coopers, Volkswagen of American and General Motors. I could not decide because there were so many jobs. Shortly, before graduation one night, I came home from my interviews and robbers were there, after my windows. The feeling of invasion was overwhelming but what could one do, just pick up and move? I was about to receive an accounting degree, so I did pick up and move. I could have gone anywhere, the choice was mine.

I decided to be with my brother and sister, MSU grads, residing in East Lansing. I applied for a position with the State of Michigan, there were many. I had to select one of the jobs. I began with the State, and moved to Lansing. I began studying for the CPA exam. There were many parties going on but I kept my eye on the prize, a CPA. I decided to go on to other jobs after I passed the exam. Once I passed the exam, the State promoted me, and promoted me, and promoted me, the promotions did not stop until I reached the very top. Then, someone else needed a CPA with a non-profit background, so, another promotion.

In summary, every business needs a CPA, or they will not be in business long. Keep your eye on the prize, because anything worth having requires work. If it was easy, then everyone would do it. Be a star, be special, be a CPA.
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