Dear Elizabeth,

I'm pleased to announce the recipients of the 2014 MSCPA Women to Watch Award! Created by the AICPA, the Women to Watch Award recognizes outstanding women in accounting. A panel of judges selected each recipient based on her distinctive leadership qualities, and her contributions to the profession and community. Congratulations to the winners:

Emerging Leaders (less than 15 years in the profession):

- Beza Asrat, CPA, senior staff accountant, Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC
- Katie J. Belanger, CPA, audit manager, Alexander Aronson Finning CPAs
- Yolanda Rego, BS, BA, tax supervisor, Gonzalez & Associates, PC

Experienced Leaders (15+ years in the profession):

- Mellinda Abbott, CPA, MBA, managing partner, Abbott & Company LLC
- Shay M. Blanchette-Proulx, lecturer, Babson College
- Kristin D'Ambrosio, CPA, assurance partner, financial services practice, PwC

We will celebrate these outstanding women at the 2014 Women's Leadership Summit. Mark your calendars to join us on October 23 at the Westin Waltham Hotel. Details about the event will be announced soon.

Have a great weekend.

Eileen P. McAnneny, Esq.
President and CEO

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

PCAOB Requests Comments on Auditing Accounting Estimates and Fair Value Measurements
The PCAOB is seeking input on the potential need for changes to PCAOB standards related to auditing accounting estimates and fair value measurements, and a possible approach to a new auditing standard.

IRS Ruling is Good News for Businesses that Wish to Self-Insure
The ruling is significant as rising healthcare costs are causing many companies to strongly consider self-insured medical plans using captive insurance companies.

CPE:

CPA Technology Conference (10/23)
Work smarter, faster and more efficiently! Learn about emerging technologies that are improving how CPAs and firms operate, and gain the tools you need to become more productive in your role. Nationally recognized speakers from K2 Enterprises will also explore practical solutions to real-world technology issues faced by accounting, financial and business professionals.

NETWORKING:

Upcoming Committee Meeting
- Real Estate (8/28)

Sip & Socialize (10/2)
A networking event for Mass. CPAs, lawyers and accounting professionals
Refresh your contact list and your palate! Spark new leads networking with like-minded CPAs and lawyers in a relaxed setting. Stop wasting your time networking that goes nowhere - connect with professionals who want to follow-up, and help you expand your business and advance your career. Sip & Socialize makes it easy to meet quality contacts and get to the next level. The event will take place at The Palm Restaurant in Boston.

Recruit New Staff and Interns at the Fall Career Fair (10/2)
Get in front of top talent! The annual MSCPA Fall Career Fair is an opportunity for you to recruit the best-and-brightest interns and entry-level staff from colleges across New England. Take the word of an employer from the 2013 event:

"It was a fantastic opportunity for this small, boutique accounting firm to recruit new employees, especially those who would not necessarily know of our firm." - Thomas Savino, CPA, Bonanno Savino & Davies, P.C.

MEMBERSHIP:

Member Benefit - Upcoming TD Garden Shows
Get discounted tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Built to Amaze and Disney on Ice presents FROZEN, coming this fall to Boston's TD Garden!

Have You Visited the Career Center?
Make the next move in your career - browse and apply for accounting jobs in the MSCPA Career Center. The following jobs were just posted:

- Accountant - Cohen & Associates (posted 8/22)
- Senior Audit Accountant - ALPS, a DST Company (posted 8/22)

PHOTOS: MSCPA Softball League (8/5)
Edelstein & Company LLP played against Alexander Aronson Finning CPAs on Tuesday, August 5 at Ryan Field in Charlestown. In a very close game, Alexander Aronson Finning CPAs won with a 5-6 score.

NEW on mscpaonline.org - Financial Literacy for Your Clients
Check out these smart budgeting and money management articles from the MSCPA to help you and your clients become more financially savvy. New articles will be posted monthly.

NEWS & EVENTS:

Coming in 2015: The CGMA Exam (VIDEO)
Beginning in January 2015, candidates worldwide will be required to pass a uniform exam to become Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA). Watch the video for a glimpse at the unique exam format that assesses your ability to think and perform strategically in real-world business situations.

Routines: A CPA's Best Friend
One CPA looks at how adhering to a routine positively impacts his productivity - both in and out of the office.

Software Strategy - Is Your Firm Doing the Right Thing?
You might think your software is 'good enough,' but that doesn't mean it's meeting your firm's evolving needs. Find out what to look for to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.

The Role of Strategic Positioning in M&A
Owners must consider more than just the current value when entertaining purchase offers. Here are a few guiding principles for doing a deal on your terms.