Well, we do—and the application deadline—Sept. 30—is fast approaching.

For criteria regarding both scholarships and to download the application, visit our website.

Do you personally know your senator or assembly member—or one of their staff? Would you like to get involved in future grassroots government relations effort and help CalCPA and the profession? We are not asking for a major time commitment, participate in CPA Day at the Capitol Wednesday Jan. 19 in Sacramento, send a couple of e-mails during the year and make an occasional visit to a district office with fellow CalCPA members. Please contact Patrick Rogan or our chapter program associate Dana Agosti for more details.

Hole in One Sponsor: Elk Grove Honda

Eagle Sponsors: Brown, Fink, Boyce & Astle; Wagner, Kirkman, Blaine, Klomparens & Youmans, LLP; John Waddell & Company; Wells Fargo Bank

Par Sponsors: ADP; Bibby Financial Services; CCH; CSUS College of Business Administration; David Motes, CPA; First Northern Bank; Macias Gini & O’Connell; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Paychex, Inc.; Principal Financial Group; and Ueltzen & Company, LLP

Hole Sponsors:

Becker Professional Education; Chavez, Kirstien & Co.; CompuPay, Inc.; Ledgent; Moss Adams LLP; Netpay Payroll, Inc.; Perry-Smith LLP; Polycomp Administrative Services, Inc.; Ravel Rasmussen Properties; Robken & Company; Thompson Tax & Associates, LLP; The Three Tower Corporation; Umpqua Bank; and Word & Brown

Picture Sponsor: Wallace & Associates, Inc.

Beverage Sponsors: Gregory Verdon & Company, Group Insurance Trust, CalCPA and CAMICO

Putting Sponsors: Ameriprise Financial and Northwestern Mutual Fin. Network

Million Dollar Sponsor: Milla Austin, CCH

I want to thank all of the sponsors, players and volunteers who helped make the chapter’s golf tournament a great success. The Morgan Creek Golf & Country Club is extremely welcoming. I want to give a special thanks to tournament coordinators Sandy Hongo and Holly Roznowski. As always, the tournament helps our scholarship fund for students pursuing an accounting degree.

Dan Baker of Galina LLP is the new co-chair of our Non-Profit Committee. He and co-chair Joe DeBiasio planned the committee’s first independent meeting in a number of years in August. This meeting came with great success and is evidence that we need to continue to reach out to our members’ needs. If you have questions on future meetings please contact Joe or Dan.

Developing Staff
Developing staff is always a challenge for CPA firms and accounting departments, and during these times, resources are minimal. What I have experienced over the last couple of years is a renewed sense of eagerness by new professionals to learn and work hard. I am not sure if this newfound desire to improve has to do with this generation or is strictly economic. It may be a combination of both.

One of the things we tend to miss as it relates to staff training is the development of their interpersonal communication skills. There are numerous opportunities for new professionals to participate with CalCPA. The easiest way to get them involved is to have them participate in the various committees. The settings are generally open and welcoming. One of the specific chapter committees is the New Members & Emerging Professionals Committee. This committee is designed to provide new professionals with social opportunities to interact with individuals that have recently entered the profession. The next event is scheduled for Sept. 23 at Capitol Bowl. You can find more details and register online.

As always, I would love to hear any comments, suggestions or questions you may have. You can contact me via e-mail.  I promise to read and respond to every question.

Registration details coming soon.

Apply today. Application deadline is Sept. 1.

Some helpful tips before taking the survey include:

• The following reports are needed to complete the survey: accrual basis balance sheet, profit & loss statement ending Dec. 31, 2009 (two-year comparative); payroll reports by employee (gross wages, hours worked); A/R aging report; partner draw/salary information; from billing system (hours & fees)—billing by service code; employee analysis by service code; and employee analysis of billable/non-billable hours and fees.
• Keep copies of all your supporting documents to refer to for future surveys.
• Set up memorized reports now, so they are available for future surveys.

If your firm is not yet a PCPS member, you can join for $35 per CPA (maximum $700). Nonmembers can purchase results reports for $300 (survey participants receive a $100 discount; AICPA members receive an additional $100 discount.)

The survey closes Friday, Aug. 13.

For more information, go online.

Keep an eye out for registration details.

Also, you can support your chapter by being a sponsor or donating a drawing or cash prize. Contact Sandy Hongo at (916) 563-7790 or Dana Agosti at (916) 551-2961 for more information.

Register online.