VSCPA Volunteer Opportunities
Make a difference: Volunteer for the VSCPA
By committing just a few hours of your time, you can make a significant impact on your profession, career and community.
Search the following comprehensive list of VSCPA volunteer opportunities to find the activities that best suit you. Then click here to sign up. Or click here for a current roster of select committees and task forces.
Committees & Task Forces | Top
Peer Review Committee
This Committee oversees the peer reviews administered and performed in Virginia and the District of Columbia, evaluates the results of the reviews and the need for corrective actions and determines the need for (and carries out) monitoring procedures with respect to the completion of those corrective actions. Expect four face-to-face meetings in Richmond and conference calls as needed. Volunteers for this Committee must be active peer reviewers with the AICPA.
- Time commitment: 50 hours over one year
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 2
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Professional Ethics Committee
This Committee investigates potential disciplinary matters involving members and arbitrates professional or ethical differences between VSCPA members. Responsibilities include investigating, initiating and conducting prosecutions before the Joint Trial Board. Expect four face-to-face meetings in Richmond and conference calls as needed. Because of its high visibility and importance, this is a highly selective volunteer opportunity; members with previous experience in ethics matters and no history of ethics violations are preferred for selection. In addition, peer references, recommendations and a criminal background check may be requested.
- Time commitment: 40 hours over one year
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 3
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Accounting & Auditing Advisory Task Force
This Task Force responds to exposure drafts and alerts the VSCPA staff to important changes in accounting and auditing regulations or interpretations, including governmental. This Task Force seeks feedback from VSCPA members on issues facing accounting and auditing professionals and may seek to form ad hoc groups to respond to specific exposure drafts and alerts requiring expertise in specialized areas. The number of meetings and time commitment depend upon the level of activity in the accounting and auditing environment. Most meetings are held via conference call. This is an extremely small and highly selective Task Force. Only fellow members with the most advanced levels of accounting and auditing expertise will be added.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 8
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Business & Industry Member Task Force
This Task Force evaluates the products and services provided to VSCPA members in business and industry, and recommends changes to the suite of benefits to enhance retention among this membership segment. Expect at least one face-to-face meeting in Richmond and up to four conference calls. Members employed in industry are preferred for selection.
- Time commitment: 12–16
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 10
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Educators' Symposium Task Force
The Educators' Symposium is a one-day conference designed to foster communication between accounting educators at Virginia's colleges and universities while providing a forum to discuss current topics, future trends and share ideas on accounting education. The Task Force develops the Educators' Symposium agenda and brainstorms potential speakers. Expect two to three meetings via conference call. Educators and members with an interest in accounting education are preferred for selection. If selected, you will help plan the 2010 symposium.
- Time commitment: 10–15 hours over six months
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 6
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: September 18, 2009
Editorial Task Force
Through Disclosures, the VSCPA's bimonthly magazine, the Editorial Task Force provides Virginia CPAs with professional and technical guidance, updates on state and national issues affecting CPAs and other information of educational and/or professional value. Expect at least one face-to-face meeting and one or more follow-up meetings via conference call. Most meeting activity takes place between August and January. Every Task Force member is expected to submit one article during his or her term. Task Force members must be willing to suggest content and article ideas, submit content and articles and provide assistance to the managing editor as needed.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 6
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Education Advisory Task Force
This Task Force assists the CPE development team in locating and recommending new speakers, topics and content to be developed into CPE courses. Meetings and information gathering within this group will use a multi-media approach. Members with in-depth knowledge in a variety of expertise are needed.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 6
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Membership Task Force
Help the VSCPA continue to grow by volunteering for the Membership Task Force. The Task Force's primary objectives are to analyze membership trends and ratios, work with VSCPA staff to suggest changes to membership policies and procedures, develop and oversee the member awards and recognition program and implement strategies to help the VSCPA recruit and retain members. Expect at least one face-to-face meeting in Richmond and at least two conference calls.
- Time commitment: 15-20 hours
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 10
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Young Professionals Task Force
This Task Force designs programs and networking events for the state's young CPAs and addresses early career issues. Past projects include the development of a Young Professionals Forum series of CPE and networking events, as well as the implementation of a CPA Inauguration. Expect at least one face-to-face meeting in Richmond and up to four conference calls. Members who are 35 years old and younger are preferred for selection.
- Time commitment: 15–18 hours
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 10
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Conference Development Task Forces
The VSCPA has several Conference Planning Task Forces which work to develop schedules, outlines session topics and selects speakers for the VSCPA Conferences. Planning begins nine months prior to the date of each conference and continues through the event. Expect at least one face-to-face meeting. The CPE Team will continue other planning activities through email and document sharing. Members with in-depth knowledge in the following areas are needed:
- Business Valuation, Fraud and Litigation: to be held in September 2009
- Tax and Financial Planning: to be held in November 2009
- Professional Development : to be held in November 2009
- Industry: to be held in May 2010
- Government and Nonprofit: to be held in May 2010
- Time commitment: 15–20 hours over several months
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 6
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Tax Advisory Task Force
In preparation for the tax commissioner's semiannual meeting, this Task Force seeks feedback from VSCPA members on tax issues and provides information to the VSCPA on tax issues and legislation. This Task Force also conducts policy analysis and makes recommendations to the VSCPA Board of Directors on regulatory and legislative issues. Expect two face-to-face meetings in Richmond and up to four conference calls. This is an extremely small and highly selective Task Force. Only fellow members with the most advanced levels of tax expertise will be added.
- Time commitment: 20 hours over one year
- Number of new volunteers: See above
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Community Service | Top
Financial Fitness Day Volunteers
The VSCPA's financial literacy initiative, Financial Fitness, reaches out to the community and educates the public on topics related to money management and fiscal responsibility. Financial Fitness Day is a community service event held annually during Financial Literacy Month (the month of April) at sites statewide. Volunteer CPAs man informational booths to offer free resources and materials to local communities. Members may sign up for two-hour shifts in the morning or afternoon, or they may volunteer for a whole day (four hours).
- Time commitment: 4 hours or less
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: March 20, 2009
Nonprofit Pro Bono Assistance Program
The VSCPA matches Virginia nonprofit organizations in need of financial assistance with CPAs who want to get involved in their communities. VSCPA fellow 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. The volunteer and the requesting organization determine the time commitment.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: None
- Click here to volunteer for the Nonprofit Pro Bono Assistance Program now.
Public Service Task Force
This newly formed Task Force assists with statewide public service initiatives to promote the CPA image and addresses the corporate responsibility to give back to the community. Volunteers will help with various projects, such as researching and planning the “CPA Day of Service” each fall. Volunteers will also be asked to comment and provide suggestions on future activities as well as carry out the development of future public service initiatives set by the Board of Directors. Expect up to four conference calls, and one face-to-face brainstorming session from May 2009 – April 2010. The opportunity to serve on this Task Force is open to both associate and fellow members.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 12
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Public Service Opportunities
Through its new public service initiative, the VSCPA aims to promote community outreach by highlighting different volunteer opportunities that all members can take advantage of. There are hundreds of organizations in need of assistance everyday. The Public Service Task Force chooses a statewide organization (or cause) each year and promotes the volunteer opportunities to VSCPA members. Because of rising food costs during the current economic downturn, Virginia Food Banks and the Meals on Wheels organizations find it increasingly difficult to provide food to elderly and needy Virginians. VSCPA members can help! Click on the link below to find out how you can get involved.
- Time commitment: Variable
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: None
CPA Day of Service
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. Click on the link below to find out how you can get involved.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: None
NBC 12 Tax Call-In Show
One of the first on-air programs staffed exclusively by VSCPA members, the NBC-12 Tax Call-In Show in Richmond allows CPA volunteers to answer phone calls from viewers and give free advice during the evening news broadcast. This live call-in is held every Wednesday night during tax season from 5-6:30 p.m. Fellow members with an expertise in tax may volunteer for one evening or as many as they like. The VSCPA also encourages CPA firms to select a date for your staff to man the phones.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
"Ask a CPA" E-mail Program
The FinancialFitness.org website offers tax and financial planning information and resources. 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. Fellow members with expertise in financial planning and/or tax planning provide free advice by answering e-mail questions forwarded to them by the VSCPA. Volunteers can select whether to answer tax or financial planning questions and can anticipate receiving two to four e-mails throughout the program season. Participants are expected to answer questions within three business days.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
WBRA Public Television Tax Help
The WBRA Tax Help annual event, held in February on Blue Ridge Public Television (WBRA) in Roanoke, combines a tax call-in with a lively panel discussion. Volunteers man the telephones and participate in a live interview during the one-hour broadcast. Fellow members with an expertise in taxation and experience in public speaking or on-air television interviews are preferred for selection.
- Time commitment: 1 hour
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 6
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
WVTF Public Radio Tax Call-In
In February, a live tax interview is broadcast over the airwaves of the WVTF Public Radio Station in Roanoke. During this annual event, VSCPA members field calls from WVTF listeners and provide answers to on-air tax questions during the evening broadcast. Fellow members with an expertise in taxation and experience in public speaking or on-air radio interviews are preferred for selection.
- Time commitment: 1 hour
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 3
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Virginia Disaster Recovery Help Program
VSCPA members help businesses and individuals recover from the financial and tax consequences of natural disasters. Volunteers receive opportunities to provide free financial and tax advice to businesses and individuals requesting assistance, serve to counsel disaster victims at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery sites around the Commonwealth and are invited to serve on Regional Preparedness Advisory Committees (RPACs) which meet annually to focus on the Governor’s strategic disaster recovery program. The amount of time required depends upon the disaster recovery opportunities selected.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: None
- Click here to volunteer for Virginia Disaster Recovery now.
Virginia Military Tax Help Program
The VSCPA supports military personnel by offering free financial and tax assistance to Virginia-based members of the U.S. armed forces. Through the Virginia Military Tax Help Program, 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. The amount of time required depends upon the number of requests for assistance and their complexity. This program will remain active as long as there are U.S. military serving in combat zones.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: None
- Click here to volunteer for Virginia Military Tax Help now.
Leadership Appointments | Top
VSCPA Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the VSCPA's governing body. The VSCPA Nominations Committee, composed of current and former elected officers, submits a ballot to the VSCPA membership at its annual business meeting for a slate of directors and officers to be elected to the Board. When members are nominated, the Nominations Committee looks at prior volunteer service to the VSCPA as one of its major considerations as it develops its slate of nominees. Please note: selecting Board of Directors does not constitute a nomination. The VSCPA staff will contact you regarding the nomination process.
VSCPA Educational Foundation Board of Directors
The VSCPA Educational Foundation Board of Directors is the Foundation's governing body, and is responsible for fund raising, developing scholarships and awards and ensuring the continued success of the Foundation. The VSCPA Board of Directors selects additional members of the Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Please note: selecting Educational Foundation Board of Directors does not constitute a nomination. The VSCPA staff will contact you regarding the nomination process.
CPA Political Action Committee (PAC) Steering Committee
The CPA Political Action Committee (PAC) of Virginia is a bipartisan committee that contributes funds to candidates who support CPA interests. The VSCPA Board of Directors also acts as the CPA PAC Board of Trustees. This Committee evaluates, recommends and assists with fundraising activities. Most meetings occur via conference call. Members may be asked to participate in firm visits to request firm contributions.
- Time commitment: 6–8 hours
- Number of volunteers: Up to 13
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline: January 16, 2009
Legislative Programs | Top
Key Person Network
Volunteers communicate VSCPA positions to legislators and government officials on key issues while maintaining relationships with legislators, acting as a resource on legislation, reporting upcoming issues to the VSCPA and occasionally attending fund raisers and events. The VSCPA provides resources and free training. Your time commitment depends on the legislative issues.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: None
- Click here to sign up for the Key Person Network.
Legislators' Tax Guide Task Force
This Task Force provides information and resources for the Legislators' Tax Guide, an interactive online guide for Virginia legislators on how to report their related tax and other business expenses. The Task Force holds no meetings; all work is done via e-mail. Members must have expertise in taxation to be selected.
- Time commitment: 6–10 hours between October and December
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 5
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Legislation Review Task Force
In preparation for the annual legislative session, this Task Force works with VSCPA staff to review all proposed legislation and identify a comprehensive list of bills that could affect or involve Virginia CPAs. The Task Force will meet via e-mail and conference call, as needed, prior to session convening in January. The Task Force may continue to meet during session on an as-needed basis.
- Time commitment: 10–20 hours
- Number of new volunteers: Up to 10
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Speaking & Media Opportunities | Top
Media Relations Task Force
This Task Force assists with statewide media outreach efforts to promote the CPA image and establish CPAs as the premiere financial experts. Volunteers will help with various aspects of media relations such as brainstorming story ideas, pitching stories to local reporters, identifying media opportunities in local areas, and visiting members of the media. Expect up to four conference calls each year, and one face-to-face brainstorming session annually. Because of its high visibility and importance, this is a highly selective volunteer opportunity. Fellow members serving as CPA Ambassadors are preferred for selection.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: January 16, 2009
Speakers Bureau
When you volunteer for the Speakers Bureau, the VSCPA adds your name to a database of potential speakers based upon your area(s) of expertise. You then serve as a contact for speaking engagements at VSCPA chapters, VSCPA member companies/firms, CPE events, nonprofit organizations, professional organizations, corporations, etc. The VSCPA strives to accommodate each speaker's requests (time, venue and topic) and provides materials and/or staff support as needed. Speeches, brochures, articles and presentation materials are available at no charge. The volunteer and the requesting organization determine the time commitment.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff or click here for more information
- Deadline to volunteer: None
- Click here to sign up for the Speakers Bureau now.
Student & Member Outreach | Top
CPA Connection Mentoring Program
This exciting mentoring program connects experienced CPAs with students to offer career advice, answer questions, provide networking opportunities and strengthen students' professional and academic experience. As the VSCPA receives student requests for mentors, volunteers are notified to contact their assigned student via e-mail. Contact is primarily through e-mail, but volunteers and students may opt to expand communications to a firm visit or internship opportunity. Your time commitment depends upon the student's level of interest and your ability to respond to requests from your assigned student. Fellow members are preferred for selection.
- Time commitment: Variable; see above
- Number of new volunteers: Unlimited
- Questions? E-mail the staff
- Deadline to volunteer: None
- Click here to volunteer for CPA Connection now.
Writing Articles | Top
Articles for VSCPA Publications
Receiving important and timely news about hot issues in the CPA profession is a hallmark of VSCPA membership. The VSCPA produces Disclosures bimonthly magazine, Footnote and eDisclosures monthly e-newsletters and various other publications and maintains professional content on the VSCPA website at www.vscpa.com. The VSCPA encourages members to submit articles to our publications on topics that would provide value to your peers. All articles are subject to editorial review.
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