More Than 600 Volunteer for First CPA Day of Service

October 1, 2009

On Friday, September 18, 2009, managing partners of CPA firms devoted their entire day to service. Corporate finance professionals took time off to give back to organizations close to their hearts. Accounting students took time away from their studies to volunteer. CPA firms organized their staff to put a roof on a home, read to children or walk homeless dogs.

The VSCPA spearheaded the CPA Day of Service volunteer event in honor of its Centennial anniversary, October 6, 2009. The Day of Service fell during Virginia CPA Week, September 13–19, 2009, as declared by Gov. Timothy Kaine — a proclamation (PDF) which was also introduced by the VSCPA as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.

Sporting navy blue T-shirts that touted “I’m a CPA Day of Service Volunteer,” at least 600 CPAs donated their time and talents at approximately 55 locations statewide, encompassing a variety of organizations. That total represents only those CPAs who reported their service to the VSCPA; there is no way of knowing how many more participated.

Yount, Hyde & Barbour, PC (YHB), for example, engaged five of its offices and 12 of its clients’ offices in gathering food and monetary donations for local food banks. Collectively, YHB staff contributed more than 1,500 pounds of food and $120 in cash donations.

“Our families, clients and friends supported our efforts in helping the Central Virginia Food Bank,” said Elsie Rose, CPA, partner at the Glen Allen office. “Making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate is a great way to ensure our tradition of caring is reflected in many ways.”

Excited to serve as chair during the VSCPA’s Centennial anniversary, Walker said the CPA Day of Service was a tremendous opportunity to promote the CPA profession’s commitment to the public.

“Virginia CPAs are excited to celebrate the VSCPA's milestone anniversary and the CPA profession’s long legacy of volunteerism and community outreach in the Commonwealth,” said Jamie Walker, CPA, chair of the VSCPA Board of Directors and managing partner of Glen Allen firm Walker Consulting. “We were thrilled to participate in the CPA Day of Service to assist and volunteer for worthwhile Virginia organizations.” 

In addition to providing administrative support during CPA Day of Service, the VSCPA staff also collected and distributed 169 pounds of food and approximately $500 to the Central Virginia Food Bank.

The VSCPA hoped Virginia CPA Week, along with the CPA Day of Service, helped build awareness of the significant growth and importance of the CPA profession and the VSCPA, which now serves more than 8,700 members. CPAs are trusted advisors to businesses, organizations and individuals, helping them make sound financial decisions, and this week highlights the CPA profession’s important contributions to Virginia citizens and communities.

Photos from the CPA Day of Service can be found on the VSCPA’s Flickr page. Learn more about the VSCPA Centennial Celebration at www.vscpa.com/Centennial, including a timeline of historical milestones, vintage photographs, images of original accounting documents and much more.

The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is the leading professional association dedicated to enhancing the success of CPAs. Founded in 1909, the VSCPA has 8,700 members who work in public accounting, industry, government and education. The VSCPA is celebrating its Centennial anniversary this year — marking 100 years of an organized CPA profession and statewide organization uniting and representing CPAs across the Commonwealth. Visit www.vscpa.com/Centennial to learn more about the VSCPA’s Centennial Celebration. For general information, please visit the Press Room on the VSCPA website at www.vscpa.com, e-mail vscpa@vscpa.com or call (800) 733-8272. To search for a CPA in your geographic region, visit www.FinancialFitness.org and click on “Find a CPA.”