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Dear Elizabeth:

With the June 30 reporting deadline just around the corner, we are knee-deep in CPE season here – and it’s hard to walk around without tripping on boxes of materials! The CPE team is hitting the coffee hard as they work behind the scenes to make our sessions work. That said, there are some great events happening next week - here are three you won’t want to miss!

Western MA Conference - Choose your Path
June 10 at Bay Path University
Our new conference for Western MA members! The best part? You're in charge of the agenda! Choose from ethics, financial fraud, Massachusetts tax in review, or analysis of S&C corporations.  

Alternative Investment Spring InfoShare & Networking Reception
June 11 at the UMASS Club 
You’ll hear from the Director of Risk Management from the PRIM Board and listen to a panel discussion on the evolution of cyber security, valuation of illiquid and complex securities. Plus, you’ll learn best practices and get updated on regulatory compliance.

Government  Accounting & Auditing Conference
June 12 at Sheraton Framingham
Get the latest updates on municipal finance from the Department of Revenue, learn the latest information on GASB 67 and 68 and OMB Uniform Guidance.

To register for the above, or to see the full list of conferences, visit our website.  I hope to see you at one of these events!

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO

MEMBERSHIP:

Photos: 2015 Recognition Reception
What a night! More than 400 members gathered at the Boston Park Plaza for an evening of networking and celebration at the MSCPA’s Annual Meeting & Recognition Reception on May 14. Attendees joined the MSCPA in welcoming the 2015-2016 Board of Directors and Chairman Paul E. Costantino, CPA, MST. The MSCPA also honored 31 scholarship winners and recognized the 2014 CPA Exam passers and 40-year members.

Photos: MSCPA Bowling Tournament
Last night, firms ventured to Kings Bowling Alley in Lynnfield to battle on the lanes while enjoying food, cocktails, bocce and networking. In a close battle, Rucci, Bardaro & Falzone PC came out on top as the first MSCPA bowling champions! The event was sponsored by ADP. To include your firm in our next event, contact Julia Bowker.

Volunteer Opportunity: CPA Day of Service (6/19)
Join hundreds of CPAs across the state for the CPA Day of Service! This annual event is the profession's largest service day in Massachusetts, and a great way to give back to your community with your staff. Volunteer at your local park, soup kitchen or the charity of your choice - the options are endless!

Photos: Student Member & Young Professional Night at the Red Sox
MSCPA student members and young professionals ventured to Fenway Park on June 2 to watch the Red Sox play the Minnesota Twins. A pregame networking reception was held at the Lansdowne Pub where members enjoyed food, cocktails and networking.

NETWORKING:

Upcoming Committee Meeting
- Real Estate (6/11)

Women's Networking on the Golf Course (6/9) 
Enjoy a day of golf and networking at Juniper Hill Golf Course. Play 18 holes with your colleagues, family and/or friends - or learn how to play in a practice clinic. The day will end with networking, lunch and awards in The Pavillion. Women of all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged. 

The Partner Track Roundtable (6/16)
Do you want to make partner at your firm? Find out what it takes and how to get on the partner path! At this breakfast, panelists will share their career experiences and advice. Panelists include: Mark Audi, CPA, principal at Baker Newman Noyes, Mitzi Hollenbeck, CPA, partner at Sharkansky LLP and Cathy Moy, CPA, chief people officer and Boston assurance managing partner at BDO.

NEWS & RESOURCES:

5 Steps to Improve Accountability
Accountability is more than just a management fad. Engagement and communication matter when setting goals, as does transparency - and be sure to highlight people who successfully fulfill their obligations.

Single-Family Offices Turn to CPAs for Service, Consultation
Single-family offices are seeking help from accounting firms in properly managing their operations, as accountants can provide specialized services that in previous years might have been done in-house. They can also work with single-family offices to manage their cost structures.

Many Americans Living on the Edge of Financial Disaster
Nearly half of respondents to a Federal Reserve study said they couldn't come up with $400 to pay for an emergency or would have to sell property or borrow cash to do so. In addition, one-fifth of respondents said their spending exceeded their income.

Enhancing Audit Quality: A 6-Point Plan
The AICPA released its 6-Point Plan to Improve Audits to reinforce the CPA profession’s long-standing commitment to audit quality. The action plan incorporates member and stakeholder feedback on the AICPA’s strategic thinking summarized in last summer’s Enhancing Audit Quality discussion paper. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Changes ID Theft Policy
The change will provide victims of identity theft with copies of the fraudulent tax returns that have been filed in their names.

IRS Offers Resources for Taxpayers Abroad
With the June 15 filing date for Americans living overseas approaching, the IRS is launching three new online videos and are expanding other online resources to help taxpayers better understand their obligations.

May Revenue Collections
The DOR released the May revenue collections this week showing surge in withholdings. The May receipts totaled $1.836 billion, $228 million above the monthly benchmark. Year-to-date collections are now $389 million over benchmark – no doubt welcome news for state budget writers.