May/June 2008 Leaders' Edge PRINT
Forum Inspires and Educates

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
- John Quincy Adams

 
Gail Sparks Pitts
2007-2008 MACPA
Chair of the Board		  
From the first note of Carla Sledge’s Star Spangled Banner, the Spring Members Advisory Forum meeting delivered a big dose of inspiration and education. Over 200 participants attended the meeting on Tuesday, May 13, in Lansing.

Carla, a member of the MACPA’s Board of Directors and Wayne County’s CFO, shared her fabulous voice with us for the presentation of the colors by the U.S. Army Dewitt Recruiting Station Color Guard. It was a stirring start to a day jam-packed with esteemed speakers.

AICPA President Barry Melancon’s keynote address provided an overview of national issues. Takeaways from Barry’s presentation include these key points:

  • Recent studies show accounting enrollments, graduates and hiring are up.
  • Studies also confirm a faculty shortage issue, particularly with accounting Ph.Ds. The AICPA Foundation is securing funding to increase the number of Ph.Ds.
  • The most significant challenge facing the profession is the movement toward a single set of principles-based global accounting standards.
  • The momentum continues to build across the country for a unified CPA license mobility process. (Read more in our Mobility Update.)

    • Following his talk, Barry initiated roundtable discussions on a new proposed forensic accounting credential. Barry asked MACPA members for input on the credential, which will be considered by the AICPA Council next week.

    We also heard from Mike Willis, the country’s foremost expert on Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). Mike explained the role XBRL would play in the global convergence of accounting standards. He also demonstrated how this system of communicating business and financial information can be an incredible tool for every CPA, as it can be useful for business reporting, statutory reporting, tax reporting and more. Mike “wowed” us by creating a few real-time reports in a matter of seconds. For those who would like to hear more from Mike, he will be back in Michigan on June 12, 2008 to speak at our Accounting for the Tax Practitioners Conference.

    Another highlight was a presentation from MACPA President Peggy Dzierzawski. She showcased the achievements of members in the areas of advocacy, community outreach, financial literacy, CPA License Mobility, image enhancement, CPE development and student recruitment.

    It also was great to hear from two Lansing insiders. Enjoying the opportunity to meet with a large group of CPAs for the first time as our new Licensing Administrator, Carol Flores, provided an update from the State Board of Accountancy. Our Lobbyist, Tom Hoisington, capped off the rewarding day with his astute analysis of the legislative turmoil surrounding the Michigan Business Tax.

    If you missed this event, but want to know more, PowerPoint presentations from our Members Advisory Forum are available for review online. Mark your calendar for the MACPA's 2008 Fall Members Advisory Forum, scheduled for September 23, 2008 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.

    It was truly an inspiring day. I appreciate the opportunity to work with such a remarkable group of speakers and participants.