VSCPA Community Service Programs

As part of the VSCPA Image Campaign designed to enhance the image of CPAs and the profession, the VSCPA offers a wealth of programs to connect volunteer CPAs with Virginians as a pro bono community service.

• Virginia Food Banks and Meals on Wheels 
• 2009 CPA Day of Service 
• Financial Fitness Programs 
• Tax Pro Bono Assistance Programs 
• Find a CPA 

Virginia Food Banks and Meals on Wheels | Top

To help unite VSCPA members in making a difference, the newly formed Public Service Task Force chooses a statewide organization (or cause) each year and promotes the volunteer opportunities to VSCPA members. For 2009, the VSCPA will promote volunteer opportunities with Virginia Food Banks and the Meals on Wheels organizations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicted food prices would rise another 4 to 5 percent during the year 2008. Because of rising food costs during the current economic downturn, these organizations find it increasingly difficult to provide food to elderly and needy Virginians. VSCPA members can help! Learn more about the volunteer opportunities available.

2009 CPA Day of Service | Top

The VSCPA's public service initiative enhances the image of CPAs in their communities by promoting a unified and ongoing commitment to public service. CPA Day of Service is a statewide community service event being held on Friday, September 18, 2009, as part of the VSCPA’s Centennial Celebration. VSCPA members will have the unique opportunity to join together on a single day and volunteer for the service project of their choice. Firms and Individual members may sign up for part of the day, or they may volunteer for the whole day.

Financial Fitness Programs | Top

The VSCPA launched a new financial literacy initiative in 2004 to improve the financial health of Virginians. Called Financial Fitness (www.FinancialFitness.org), this campaign reaches out to the community and educates the public on topics related to money management and fiscal responsibility. Financial Fitness Day is held annually during Financial Literacy Month (the month of April) at sites statewide. Volunteer CPAs man informational booths to offer free financial advice, resources and materials to local communities. More Financial Fitness programs include:

• Speakers Bureau
  Are you a dynamic speaker? If you would enjoy speaking to schools, local community groups, media, nonprofits and other organizations about topics in your areas of expertise, the VSCPA Speakers Bureau is for you! As part of the VSCPA Financial Fitness campaign, we aim to connect CPAs with opportunities to reach out to the community and educate individuals and organizations on financial topics.
  
  
• Nonprofit Pro Bono Assistance
  Through the Nonprofit Pro Bono Assistance program, the VSCPA matches Virginia nonprofit organizations in need of financial assistance with members who want to get involved in their communities. VSCPA members interested in offering pro bono services (advice and financial guidance on financial literacy topics, including auditing, boards of directors service, general volunteer work, tax planning etc.) will be notified of new opportunities in their area.
  
  
• Virginia Disaster Recovery Help
  Through the Virginia Disaster Recovery Help program, VSCPA members help businesses and individuals recover from the financial and tax consequences of natural disasters. Volunteers provide free financial and tax advice to businesses and individuals requesting assistance.

Tax Pro Bono Assistance Programs | Top

The VSCPA organizes year round and tax season public service events/programs to give members an outlet for becoming involved in the community and to promote the image of the CPA profession. These events and programs include:

• "Ask a CPA" E-mail Program
  The FinancialFitness.org website houses a Tax Resource Center, developed as the premier source for tax and financial planning information. Through the "Ask a CPA" E-mail Program, the public can get their personal finance questions answered year round. During tax season, Virginia taxpayers can get their state and federal tax questions answered by a CPA. VSCPA members provide free advice by answering e-mail questions forwarded to them. Questions are answered within three business days.
  
  
• NBC12 Tax Call-In Show
  One of the first on-air programs staffed exclusively by VSCPA members is the NBC12 Tax Call-In Show in Richmond. CPA volunteers answer phone calls from viewers and give free advice during the NBC12 evening news broadcast. This program runs from January through April each year.
  
  
• WVTF News Radio Tax Call-In
  In February each year, a live tax interview is broadcast over the airwaves of the WVTF Public Radio Station in Roanoke. VSCPA members field calls from WVTF listeners and provide answers to the tax questions on the air.
  
  
• WBRA Tax Help
  The Tax Help event is an annual program that combines a tax call-in with a lively panel discussion. This event is held in February on Blue Ridge Public Television (WBRA) in Roanoke.
  
  
• Virginia Military Tax Help
  Through the Virginia Military Tax Help program, the VSCPA supports military personnel in combat zones by offering free financial and tax assistance to Virginia-based members of the U.S. armed forces. Through Virginia Military Tax Help, licensed Virginia CPAs help qualified military personnel understand tax filing extensions and other exclusions available to them from the IRS and Virginia Department of Taxation. This program will remain active as long as there are U.S. military serving in combat zones.

Find a CPA | Top

Through the CPA Referral Online program, the VSCPA matches individuals and businesses that need professional financial services with CPA firms in their geographic region. Located on the VSCPA website and FinancialFitness.org, the referral service allows the public to easily search for a CPA or firm for free by name, location, services offered, industries served and size of the firm. 

For more information about these programs, contact VSCPA Community Relations Coordinator Tracey Zink at (800) 733-8272.