Rebranding CPA: Coolest Profession Around.

• Author: Dennis, Taviika M.
• Position: Coverstory

Greetings to my CalCPA family! First and foremost I must thank you for this opportunity, as I'm so proud to be your 2022-23 Chair. CalCPA has given so much to me: networking opportunities, new client business, lifelong friendships, professional development and leadership positions, culminating in this role as Chair. I've received back threefold the time and effort I have placed in CalCPA, and you can too, if you take advantage of the events and resources CalCPA offers to our members.

So yes, CPA not only stands for Certified Public Accountant, but also Coolest Profession Around. I truly believe we are the Coolest Profession Around and here are the reasons why:

* Reliable: Our profession is one that withstood the effects of a life-changing, global pandemic and continued to thrive. We were there for our clients, our colleagues, our families, our communities and--most important--each other. CPAs by our general nature are reliable and consistent, traits that showed especially during the last 2 years. CPAs are considered the most trusted advisors in business.

* Educated: The very foundation of our profession is education, which is one of the reasons we have a reputation steeped in confidence. CalCPA's Education Foundation exists for this very reason and has kept us informed and up-to-date despite physical boundaries.

* Supportive: The existence of a membership organization is about how it supports or furthers one's career.

We support our members through education--as mentioned previously--leadership opportunities, networking and professional development.

* Inclusive: CPAs have been at the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts--inclusivity will only enhance our profession. The formation of CalCPA's DE&I Commission highlights CalCPA's commitment to closing the equity gap and improving inclusion within our profession. I'm also proud of our member firms making concerted efforts through their own individual programs dedicated to diversity in their respective firms.

* Leaders: We're natural leaders in our firms and communities. Join a board of directors? You are automatically the treasurer. Having a meal with friends? You are in charge of splitting the tab. Our leadership skills know no bounds.

* Innovative: The only constant in life is change, and the last two years have indeed brought unexpected change. Innovation in education and technology is a must for our profession, and CalCPA helps our members stay relevant.

* Expertise...