Members Advisory Symposium
The accounting profession is always on the move. So how can you keep up with all of the changes?
The MACPA Members Advisory Symposium is the premiere event for members and colleagues to learn about the latest issues in the profession from local and national leaders. Held in the spring and fall, these events:
- Provide an update on the future of the accounting industry
- Show how MACPA members are having an impact on a state and national level
- Report the news from Lansing about the activities of the Michigan State Board of Accountancy and the lobbying efforts on behalf of the profession.
Highlights from the 2009 Fall Members Advisory Symposium
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A highlight of the 2009 Fall Members Advisory Symposium took place during the MACPA’s Annual Meeting of Members. After a touching introduction from his children, Incoming Chair Jon Anibal received the Chair’s gavel from 2008-2009 Chair Tom Beard. Jon is president of Boston Charter, Inc., a corporate insurance and consulting practice.
The day-long Symposium in Novi provided an in-depth look at important topics facing the profession and our state. Speaker presentations may be downloaded (see sidebar).
AICPA Incoming Chair Robert Harris talked about responding to the economic crisis; implementing international standards and accounting for sustainability. Overall, Harris was optimistic, saying some economic indicators show that we are on the “road to recovery.” Harris talked at length about how crisis leads to legislative and regulatory reform and he discussed concerns about the new Consumer Financial Protection Agency.
The SEC is once again paying attention to International Financial Reporting Standards, said Harris. Just this week, the SEC’s chief accountant expressed support for moving forward with IFRS, and a new “roadmap” would be released this fall. “IFRS will bring the biggest change in accounting education we’ve ever seen,” he said. A recent poll of CPAs showed that 82 percent say they need at least a basic knowledge of IFRS, he noted.
Optimism was also conveyed by auto industry guru Dr. David Cole, of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. “This is the tough year,” he said, “but the expectation for next year’s auto sales is better.”
The U.S. auto industry is poised to achieve its highest profits since coming out of WWII, Cole said. Labor cost reductions have helped make the industry more competitive, household growth, pent-up demand, and capacity reduction are key factors that will play into the industry’s future success. Cole also discussed the impact of fluctuation energy costs and emerging technology in the industry.
A lively panel discussion led by Crain’s Publisher Mary Kramer explored Michigan’s budget crisis and ideas for structural reforms. The informative and interactive discussion featured Craig Thiel, director of state affairs, Citizens Research Council; Doug Roberts, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research; and Phil Power, founder and president of The Center for Michigan.
Other highlights of the day include Joyce Karr, licensing director with the Michigan State Board of Accountancy, who explained the new online systems for reporting CPE and peer review. In addition, participants enjoyed learning about MACPA initiatives in an informative presentation from MACPA President and CEO Peggy Dzierzawski. She also shared a comparison of Michigan and national survey results about the impact of the economy, and organizational issues and priorities.
MACPA lobbyist Tom Hoisington closed out the day with further discussion about ongoing budget negotiations in Lansing, and efforts to avoid a state shutdown. In a look ahead at the 2010 elections, Hoisington explained that there would be significant turnover in elected officials and stressed the importance of member involvement in the legislative process.
About Members Advisory Symposium
Through statewide representation, the Members Advisory Symposium facilitates the exchange of information, vision and ideas. In addition, the Symposium fosters a greater understanding of our changing profession by providing an environment to share knowledge, trends, shifting paradigms and concepts. Symposium members act as catalysts for change as they return to their regions and relay the work of the Symposium. In turn, information gathered at the grass roots level is shared with the Symposium.
Composition
Board members, interest track committee and task force chairs and vice chairs, former Chapter officers, and Past Presidents constituted the initial Regional Advisory Council, which is now called the Members Advisory Symposium.
The Symposium is open to all members of MACPA, and recommended five credits of continuing professional education is preferred.
