By: Cindy Brown
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Through my participation with NCACPA, I was given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors and subsequently as Treasurer. These positions led to roles within the AICPA, which not only gave me access to CPAs nationwide, but also offered a front-row seat to the issues facing the profession. These experiences are invaluable. We can read the Journal of Accountancy and other publications, blogs, etc. to stay in tune with the profession, but participation in the discussions and decisions offers so much more. The association represents the voice of CPAs, including advocacy issues, thus influencing legislators and regulators in ways that individuals or organizations would be unable to on their own.
While most members associate NCACPA with some of the highest quality CPE, I look to the association for so much more. In addition to developing networking and leadership skills, I’ve been provided with many rewarding service opportunities. There are several ways to get involved—volunteer to lead financial literacy programs with students, or assist future CPAs by making a donation to the NC CPA Foundation. On September 19, 2014, the 3rd Annual CPA Day of Service will be held. This is a day during which CPAs join together and volunteer at charitable organizations in all 100 counties of the state. These are just a few examples of how members can give back to the profession which has given so much to us.
I was recently asked to describe what NCACPA means to me in one word, and I had to say “relationships.” Each member has their own word—and there are many. Become a member, get involved, and see what your word will be!
Cynthia B. Brown, CPA, CEBS, has over 20 years’ experience working with all aspects of retirement plans. She has served as a plan sponsor, has been a plan administration record keeper, and has provided consulting services to other plan sponsors. As a benefit consultant, Cindy assisted clients with plan reviews, provider searches, plan due diligence analysis, investment analysis, compliance issue resolution, plan design and installation, and employee communication. She earned an AB in political science and an MBA in finance from Miami University and is certified as both a CPA and an Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS). She has served as president of the Triangle Chapter of NCACPA and on the state board of the same organization. (2010)