Nassau Chapter of NYS Society of CPAs is vital industry connection

It is my privilege to serve as the 57th president of one of the largest and most active chapters within the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, following in the footsteps of a long line of dedicated individuals committed to both the profession as a whole and the people who make up our profession. The importance of a strong professional community cannot be understated. Today's CPA faces many challenges to stay current, from the latest tax laws and the requirements of the accounting reform bill to rapid changes in technology and the way we do business. The Nassau Chapter is a vital connection to the most current and pertinent information. Our close to 20 active committees provide continuing education and professional support across a wide range of practice areas including tax, accounting and auditing, real estate, trusts and estates and personal finance as well as professional ethics, new technology and ongoing practice development, from career outset to retirement and succession planning. The Nassau Chapter also provides powerful networking opportunities both within the accounting profession and with other professional groups. As part of the larger state organization, the Nassau Chapter also provides representation of our profession before state and federal government. Our nearly 5,000 chapter members come from differently sized firms and a variety of disciplines, from public practice and private industry to education and government. The common denominator continues to be a commitment to learning, community, quality and professional excellence. Our support of the larger Nassau County community includes a variety of initiatives from quarterly blood drives to high school and college career days, in particular our Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) in which high school students from communities historically underrepresented in the CPA profession are invited to visit accounting firms to learn about opportunities within the profession. The chapter is also dedicated to doing its part to end hunger on Long Island. Our annual "The Ellen Gordon CPAs 4(a): Cause Run/Walk for Life" fundraiser benefits the Island Harvest food bank, the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island. Membership in the Nassau Chapter not only helps us in our professional careers, but has also enriched our personal lives with longstanding friendships. Mark Meinberg is the president of the Nassau Chapter of the New York State Society of CPAs, Long Island, N.Y.