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Dear Elizabeth:

Last night was our annual Recognition Reception, and I have to take a moment to reflect on how fabulous this event was. First, a thousand kudos to the MSCPA staff who made pulling off a 300-person event look easy. If you've ever planned a wedding, I'm sure you can relate.

Second, our members, Board members and sponsors turned out in full force to support the Society with their presence, warm welcome to the newest members of our profession and generous donations to the award and scholarship recipients. You are the heart of this event, and we deeply appreciate your support.

I was struck by the camaraderie among our members, and the way they sought out and engaged the next generation, which brings me to my final (and strongest) reflection: The award winners and exam passers are, quite simply, an extraordinary group. They are diverse, smart, warm and over-the-moon excited to start their accounting careers. I know all of us seasoned folks spend at least a little time worrying about handing over the reins, but this is a group we can confidently entrust with the future of the profession.

An inspiring night all around.

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO

NETWORKING:

Young Professional Breakfast - Networking for Career Success (5/27)
Diane Darling will teach you how to build relationships with the people you want to know! Darling founded Effective Networking, Inc. on the premise that everyone can learn to network – you just need to find your own style.

Sip & Socialize: Worcester (5/28)
It's the networking event that's creating buzz among CPAs and lawyers - and it's coming to Worcester! Join us at Citizen Wine and Cheese Bar to expand your network and connect with people that can help grow your career. 

15th Annual Women's Golf Outing & Clinic (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. Women of all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged. Register before 6/1 to receive our early-bird discount!

Volunteer at the MSCPA Day of Service (6/19)
Give back to your community! Join the MSCPA and firms across the state for the single largest volunteer day for CPAs in Massachusetts. Watch the video below and click here to learn more and sign up.

CPE:

Accounting & Auditing Conference (6/2)
This year’s conference features national and local speakers who are teaming up to share their knowledge to help you get ahead of the curve in 2015. Get the answers to frequently asked questions, the information you need to know on social media risks and go beyond the basics of revenue recognition at one of our most popular conferences.

Government Accounting & Auditing Conference (6/12)
Department of Revenue, GASB and OMB - Don't get left behind! This year's conference features speakers who will provide updates and guidance, and address issues so you'll know exactly what's to come.

MEMBERSHIP

Save More on MSCPA Car Insurance
Effective April 1, 2015, the MSCPA car insurance benefit was increased to an 8% discount! For more information, contact Pike Insurance at 800.799.7453.

Women to Watch Awards - Nominations Due 6/30
Nominations for the 2015 Women to Watch Awards are due 6/30. If you know a woman who is a leader in her firm or company and a role model for other women in the profession, celebrate her by submitting a nomination. 

Student Member Spotlight - Flashback Edition
Meet Chris Alfieri, a die-hard Red Sox fan and former MSPCA student member, who met his employer, Kevin P. Martin & Associates PC, at an MSCPA career fair!

NEWS & EVENTS:

How to Comply with FATCA
The U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act introduced a complex set of rules for non-U.S. organizations to document, report and withhold payments to U.S. taxpayers.

Four Steps Accountants Can Take to Prevent Employee Fraud
The finance function can take these steps to protect businesses against employee fraud and theft.

Questions CPAs Need to Ask Clients Before Setting a Price
Value-pricing champion Ron Baker addresses the conversations firms must have with their clients to set a price before the engagement begins.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Update
- IRS Creates Cybercrime Unit to Battle Identity Theft

MA Senate to Debate FY 16 Budget
The senate revealed its budget proposal for FY 2016 on Tuesday, drawing parallels to spending plans put forth earlier this year by Governor Charlie Baker and the House of Representatives. Nearly 1,000 amendments were filed to the bill, which will be debated over several days next week.

FASB Formally Proposes Revenue Recognition Changes
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) issued draft regulations on the Earned Sick Leave Law, approved by voters in November 2014 and set to take effect on July 1, 2015.

MA AGO Holds Public Hearings on Sick Leave Regulation
Citing a Council on State Taxation (COST) study that ranks Massachusetts among the worst states for tax procedural fairness, the MSCPA urged lawmakers to move forward with a proposal to equalize the current short-term rate on money owed by a taxpayer from 4% compounded daily to 2% simple interest, the rate paid by the DOR to a taxpayer.