Dear Hannah,

This week I had the pleasure of attending our Believers and Achievers Reception, which celebrated our scholarship recipients, Elijah Watt Sells Award winners and Educator of the Year, Mary-Joan Pelletier Potvin, CPA of Suffolk University. The awards were funded through donations to the MSCPA Educational Foundation, and I’m thrilled to announce that 2016 was a banner year – we awarded a record $100,000, distributing 38 scholarships to students and 19 vouchers to candidates planning to sit for the CPA Exam. Thank you to our participating firms and sponsors, and congratulations to this extraordinary group of young people! 

As I watched these students in awe, I was struck by the diversity in the room. Many of our award recipients – the next generation of accounting professionals – come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. They will be assets to their future firms, and undoubtedly expand their firm’s perspectives and clientele. This will be a major change for the profession, as the AICPA reports that 88% of CPAs currently on staff are white.

The MSCPA wants to help your firm get ahead of the curve. Join us for a discussion on how to increase diversity and create an inclusive culture at your firm. The meeting will be held on June 17 at PwC’s beautiful new office in Boston. An all-star panel of D&I experts, moderated by the AICPA’s National Leader on Diversity and Inclusion Rich Caturano, will discuss best practices in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. The event is for firm leaders and decision makers who are committed to increasing diversity, but are struggling with the realities of making it happen. Learn more about the event here. I hope to see you there!

Lastly, this Memorial Day, as we pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we would also like to recognize and thank those who actively protect our country. I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend with your families and friends. 

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO

NETWORKING EVENTS & UPDATES

Last Chance - Save $15 on the Women's Golf Outing!
Is your networking game "sub-par?" Join your peers, colleagues, clients and friends for a day of networking on the links at our 16th Annual Women's Golf Outing & Golf Clinic! Register before June 1 to save $15 on your registration fee.

Starting Your Own Firm Roundtable (6/16)
If you're considering starting your own firm, then this is the roundtable for you. MSCPA members will share their experiences and career paths that led them to firm ownership. This free event is part of our new series - Finding Your Fit: Exploring Careers in Accounting.

Networking with the Boston Estate Planning Council (6/23)
Join colleagues and BEPC members for a lighthearted evening of good conversation, appetizers and networking in a casual, fun atmosphere in downtown Boston. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time!

NEWS & RESOURCES

MSCPA in the News

Woburn Native Receives Accounting Scholarship (Woburn Advocate)

Haverhill Student Lands CPA Scholarship (Eagle-Tribune)

Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants Gives Hopedale Student Scholarship (Milford Daily News)

Tax Tips for the Armed Forces

6 Ways to Stop Wasting Time on Work Email

Tax Amnesty Ends Tuesday