CPAs can make a difference in their communities

Ohio Society members know firsthand the direct impact of an economic crunch on businesses and individuals under financial stress. Ohio’s CPAs have had a long commitment to being part of the solution, bringing financial literacy education to students and consumers through a variety of Financial Fitness programs, such as Accounting for Kids®, Operation CPA, and CPA Ambassadors.

Recently, the OSCPA Executive Board has been discussing whether volunteerism should be extended into broader public and community service opportunities. CPAs are uniquely qualified to lend professional services to assist in business reconstruction for a region recovering from a natural disaster, or in business continuity for a sole business owner facing catastrophe at home.

A model program for providing professional assistance in national disaster relief has been implemented by the North Carolina Association of CPAs, in partnership with Operation HOPE, assisting in business disaster-recovery on the Gulf Coast. Mississippi, Illinois, and other states have contributed teams of CPAs to the CPA Gulf Coast Project to invest professional skills in community service.

Likewise, an Ohio emergency response program could be developed to provide rapid response and professional assistance needed after a local emergency, whether caused by natural disaster or another form of business disruption.

The Executive Board would like input on member interest in OSCPA coordinating opportunities for members to contribute their professional skills to community service:

• Should this be a priority for The Ohio Society and its members?
• If so, should the initiative focus on Ohio business, or wherever there is a need?
• Do you think you might be interested in participating?

Please share your thoughts with the Society via an online form. To discuss this directly with a staff person, please contact Laura Hay, CPA, chief operating officer, at lhay@ohio-cpa.com.

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