How I see the role of a Tax Executives Institute member.

• Author: Kass, Saul D.

Editor's Note: The following article is adapted from a presentation by the author to TEI's Kansas City Chapter. Saul D. Kass is Vice President-Finance for House of Lloyd Inc. and was a charter member of the Kansas City Chapter. Mr. Kass was graduated from the University of Kansas in 1937, worked as a revenue agent for 10 years, and joined TEI in 1950. Mr. Kass, who joined House of Lloyd in 1981, is 81 years old. In 1995, the Kansas City Chapter honored Mr. Kass for his more than four decades of service to TEI.

I wish to begin by discussing why I feel that it is important for every corporation to have a tax executive. In making this statement, I am not knocking the Big 6 accounting firms or any other accounting firm for that matter.

Each of our businesses is different. This means that our tax problems are different as well. I feel strongly that only an in-house tax executive can be a watchdog for his or her corporation on how to best utilize the Internal Revenue Code. An accounting firm has many clients and as a result, can only think of them in general terms. They just do not have the time to get into the specific needs, nor do they know the needs of each of our businesses. Yes, we still need our accounting firms, but primarily in the role of adviser. As we research an income tax problem, we may need advice to cheek on what we have come up with. This is where we can take advantage of an accounting firm. Many TEI members do not have the tax reference facilities that accounting firms have. Thus, an accounting firm is in a position to do research that most of us are unable to do.

What should true TEI members be doing on behalf of their companies? First of all, they should do a lot of reading on a daily or weekly basis to keep up with what is coming out. You never know when you might get an idea from something you read.

Be active in your TEI chapter. Do not sit around and let "the other guy" do the job.

Make every effort to meet other members of your chapter at the meetings, particularly during the reception or hospitality period. Do not always sit at the same table for dinner. Mix it up. That way you get to know more people. This is how you can expand your resource list and improve your networking.

Volunteer to serve on the various committees of your chapter. Each member has skills and abilities and should be willing to share them. Each chapter needs your help. You will be surprised with what you get back in return for an effort of this type.

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