Why I Am a Member of INCPAS

ber of INCPAS. I have asked many members this question. When I encourage non-members to join, it seems best to explain why I am a member. I know most of the people reading this article are already members and this may seem unimportant, but I encourage you to examine your own reasons for being a member.

Here are my top reasons:

 

INCPAS IS MY COMMUNITY

Our professional home is made up of staff and members who have become my friends, role models and mentors. I enjoy spending time with them and 

am better because of it. My first INCPAS experience was at a Leadership Cabinet meeting. I was a guest of Scott Geans and traveled to the meeting with him and Mike Bedel. I found a welcoming group of staff and members who were enthusiastic and fun. I knew immediately this was a special group. Subsequent meetings allowed me to build relationships, and I felt part of a community.

INCPAS ADVOCATES ON MY BEHALF

We live in a very complex world with many agendas that could negatively impact my license. I’ve learned a lot recently about groups whose purpose is to weaken licenses with the stated goal of increasing competition. The legislative activity is increasing dramatically, and I’m very happy the AICPA and INCPAS, with the support of the Indiana CPA Political Action Committee (PAC), are actively working on behalf of me, other CPAs and the public to challenge this.

INCPAS IS HELPING ME UNDERSTAND FUTURE TRENDS

The amount of information available is overwhelming. I am not able to stay on top of and understand the trends likely to affect me. Resources like the CPA IN Perspective, CPA Center of Excellence® Open Forum and the In the Know webinars are all ways I am able to keep up. My choice a year ago to switch companies was impacted to a great extent by future trends I learned about through INCPAS.

INCPAS HELPS ME IMPROVE MY SKILLS

INCPAS staff are member focused to the core. I’ve been fortunate to be challenged to improve my skills through CPE courses, competency-based courses in the CPA Center of Excellence®, conferences and through my connections.

I WANT THE CPA LICENSE IN INDIANA TO BE A STRONG AS POSSIBLE

I enjoy being part of a highly respected profession. This respect was earned by people who came before me, and I want to do my part. Through efforts I mentioned earlier and diversity programs like the Scholars program, INCPAS is working to strengthen our license. I know I benefit directly from that.

You may have very different reasons than me for being an INCPAS member. With nearly 8,000 members, I hope we have a variety of reasons. I hope you are thoughtful about why you are a member and very willing to share those reasons with others.

As I near the end of my term, I reflect on my board service as one that has helped me grow tremendously and build relationships with amazing people. Gary Bolinger and Kent Williams were role models of effective leaders. Doug York taught me a great deal when I was his chair-elect. Jennifer Knecht provided tremendous support and will be an excellent chair. And, I met Jennifer Briggs, like many of you, before she became CEO and have enjoyed watching her successfully transition into that role and very much value our friendship.

I am failing to acknowledge so many people who have had a lasting impact on me, but there are too many to name. I am so excited about the INCPAS future and look forward to being a member for a very long time. I hope you feel the same. 



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