2013: a busy year for the New York chapter.

• Author: Cevoli, Paul
• Position: Chapter News ...

At the end of 2012, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy that devastated major portions of the NJ shoreline, and severely flooded many areas near NYC, it was a concern that many members would have major issues to deal with and the Chapter would have a tough year ahead of it. To rally the membership, the Board worked even harder and conducted four all-day seminars, began two new initiatives, and doubled down with the NY Chapter for the Region II seminar in Atlantic City, NJ.

On Friday, February 22, 2013, the NJ Chapter conducted one of its three annual meetings at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, NJ under the leadership of last year's Chapter President, Marianna Campbell. Working with the Committee chairs and co-chairs, they developed a strong program spearheaded by Brad Hopton, a partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, the primary sponsor of the seminar. Other presenters included Todd Reinstein, a partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP, and Margaret Wilson, a partner at Reeder Wilson LLP.

On March 20, 2013, Tom Fezza, this year's Secretary, moderated a half-day conference for senior tax executives at the Hyatt in Morristown, NJ. The conference was attended by fifteen senior tax executives representing as many companies in the New Jersey area. The objective of the conference was to facilitate an interactive discussion of the various issues encountered by senior tax executives in leading a tax function. Topics discussed included: 1) communication with Boards, CFOs and other senior management regarding tax matters; 2) tax provision issues including working with external auditors, quarter close time constraints, deferred tax and state tax rate issues; 3) resource issues and benchmarks; 4) tax technology and 5) transfer pricing documentation, methodologies and advisors. The discussion was free flowing, providing each participant an opportunity to comment on the various issues discussed. The conference received such favorable feedback that the Chapter decided to schedule similar conferences, perhaps twice a year. A second conference was held on October 31, 2013 and another is expected to be held in the Spring 2014.

In 2011, the NJ Chapter launched the NJ Women in Tax Networking and Mentoring Alliance. Taking the lead in this endeavor are Paula Sheehy and Laura Fleming. The goal of the group is to provide networking and mentoring opportunities for women in tax throughout NJ. Various events have been held focused on leadership and communication. Examples of...