VSCPA Speakers Bureau Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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!

Participating in the VSCPA Speakers Bureau is an excellent way for you to become involved in the community and promote the image of your CPA profession.

How does the program work?

As a member of the Speakers Bureau, you will be added to a database of potential speakers based on your areas of expertise on the sign up form.

You would then serve as a contact for a future presentation at a VSCPA Chapter, VSCPA member company/firm,nonprofit organization, professional organization, corporation, etc. You might also be contacted to handle a media interview (print or broadcast). The VSCPA will work with each CPA to accommodate a speaker request (time, venue and topic) and provide materials or staff support needed. Speeches, brochures, articles and presentation materials are available at not charge.

What are some example topics?

Topic examples include:

• Financial planning (preparing a personal budget, saving and investing, retirement planning, etc.)
• Small business advice (start-up issues, strategic planning, tax implications, etc.)
• Nonprofit assistance (budgeting and financials, how to work with an audit committee, tax planning, etc.)
• CPA services and careers (how to become a CPA, accounting education, school presentations, etc.) 
• And more!

Are speakers compensated?

Participation in the Speakers Bureau is voluntary and considered a free community service activity. Members of the VSCPA Speakers Bureau do not receive honorariums or compensation. However, if a speaker incurs significant travel or lodging expenses, the host organization or group may be required to provide reimbursement.

What are the speaker responsibilities?

When making presentations or serving as a contact for the media, you are not only representing your firm or company, but you are acting as an ambassador for the VSCPA and CPA profession. Here are some guidelines:

• Promote the 100-year tradition of the CPA profession — its commitment to integrity and ethics, and protecting the public interest.
• Adhere to the VSCPA talking points when addressing members, and community and/or civic groups.
• Refer to yourself as a CPA and use positive descriptions when speaking of your professional status (business advisor, CPA, financial expert); avoid negative descriptions such as bean-counter, pencil-pusher, number-cruncher, etc.
• Provide feedback to the VSCPA following your presentation by completing an evaluation form. This allows the VSCPA to gather data, while giving CPAs in the Speakers Bureau the opportunity to make suggestions about how the program can be improved.

To join the Speakers Bureau or for more information, click here or contact VSCPA Media & Public Relations Specialist Shawnte Reynolds at (800) 733-8272.