Centered on you: 2008-2009 annual report.

• Position: THE OHIO SOCIETY OF CPAs

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Letter from the Chair:

To Members of The Ohio Society of CPAs:

The majority of Ohio CPAs see membership in The Ohio Society of CPAs as important and advantageous to their individual work and to the collective benefit of the profession. A recent membership survey revealed that the Society's greatest values are in keeping members current through education, training and information, as well as protecting the integrity of the CPA credential; and supporting a pro-business environment through lobbying activity. There is no other organization in the state completely dedicated to looking out for our interests as CPAs.

OSCPA's membership data reveals a statewide organization joined by more than 23,000 Ohio CPAs and accounting professionals in an impressive scope of business sectors, government agencies, educational institutions and non-profits. The Society's roll call ranges from sole practitioners who serve small businesses to CPAs in the largest accounting firms who provide business advice and audit services to global enterprises. Society members work for non-profits serving niche causes and mega institutions of higher learning. Members also represent nearly every type and size of corporation and industry in Ohio. What's even more amazing--1,312 of our dues-paying members live and work outside of Ohio, representing 49 states.

But statistics only go so far. What binds us all together? What drives Ohio CPAs to be OSCPA members? Who are we as a Society? In these pages, Ohio Society members do a great job of telling the Society's story. It's a good read and provides inspiring personal perspectives. Simply put, Ohio Society members are the best in the business and are committed to staying on top.

Why else would our members have achieved the highest credential in the accounting profession? Why else would they submit to peer review and support a Code of Conduct that is among the most rigorous of any profession? Why else would they join together within the framework of a central Society to protect and promote the integrity of our profession? To network, learn and grow as professionals? To serve the public interest? To recruit the next generation of CPAs?

This is our Society. It exists to meet our professional needs today and help us prepare for tomorrow. This annual report describes some of the great accomplishments and services The Ohio Society provided over the 2008-2009 fiscal year. It was a year of pride and purpose that celebrated the Society's Centennial anniversary--not by looking back, but by looking forward and paving the way for CPA leaders to come.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve our Society. As with any involvement in the Society's work, I have profited more than I have contributed.

Sincerely,

Jay J. Moeller, CPA

Executive Board Chair

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OSCPA: A valued asset when you need it

The economic downturn negatively impacted numerous businesses and organizations. Within the association community overall there were dire predictions of drastic decreases in membership renewals. The Ohio Society of CPAs, however, had reason to see the recession in a different light. The recession gave the Society even greater opportunity to deliver real value to our members across a wide spectrum of services--from career coaching, job boards, recession alerts and networking events, to our outstanding continuing education program that offers convenient, low-cost CPE across a wide range of formats.

This year, many members turned to OSCPA for help. Some were job hunting for the first time in more than a decade and needed help preparing to seek a new position. Members called the Society for guidance on how to reactivate their CPA license after years of inactive status. Members expanded their personal and professional networks through increased involvement in Society education and training events and by volunteering for Society financial literacy and student initiatives. The Society's Professional Issues Update events were filled to capacity.

To meet members' diverse needs, the Society took an integrated approach to recession-support initiatives, This year, for example:

* OSCPA launched "Navigating the Recession," a collection of online tools and resources to help members manage their businesses and careers in an uncertain economic climate.

* OSCPA's online Financial Crisis News Center delivered the latest national and state news from our members' perspective with sections on both national economic stimulus acts, and a library of podcasts featuring prominent economists, financial and tax experts.

* The Society added special tracks on the economy to our conferences. National economists and other speakers provided insights on business, retirement and tax planning in a turbulent market and explored the outlook for the CPA profession.

* The online Career Center was expanded to offer job-seeking CPAs two options--a place to post resumes for full-time or per diem work.

* The Society partnered with Career Coach Janice Worthington to provide career services that included live coaching webinars, a Q/A career column and articles in Society publications.

* The Society developed a strong online and social presence through our communities on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. These tools enabled real-time conversations.

During this year and into the next, members see real value in maintaining their CPA credential, continuing to grow in specialized knowledge and reconnecting with their peers through OSCPA.

Kathleen M. Hoover, CPA

Partner, Corbels & Associates, Inc.

Solon, Ohio

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