Special feature: benefits of membership in the AICPA.

• Position: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Throughout the year, the top agenda items for the Institute's leadership, staff and member committees include projects and programs that will benefit our members and the profession as a whole. Not only do we take an active role in shaping initiatives that affect the profession, but we also seek out services and benefits that will save our members money or enhance their businesses and careers. This month, The CPA Letter Member Benefits feature describes the services and benefits that the Institute offers--from valuable information resources to discounts on products to special rates on insurance. In next month's issue, our Year in Review will focus on the Institute's role in the many professional, regulatory and legislative initiatives that have affected the profession during the past year.

Member Benefits That Should Not Be Missed

AICPA membership offers access to a host of resources, information and tools. AICPA member services help CPAs succeed and expand their professional horizons. Here are some of the many benefits, services, discounts and other savings available to members:

Information Needs

* The AICPA library service, located at the University of Mississippi, is a comprehensive collection of literature related to all aspects of the CPA profession. The University of Mississippi Library staff provides reference and research assistance to AICPA members. To contact the library, call 866/806-2133 or e-mail aicpalib@olemiss.edu. You can also search the library catalog on the Web at www.olemiss.edu/depts/general_library/aicpa.

* The Technical Information Hotline offers non-authoritative responses to member queries about accounting, financial reporting, auditing, attestation and accounting and review services. The hotline encourages members to submit questions in writing electronically as an alternative to calling the toll-free number. Questions may be sent to the hotline's special e-mail address at aahotline@aicpa.org. Members may still access this free service by calling 888/777-7077 or faxing 212/596-6233.

* The Professional Ethics Division's Ethics Hotline offers valuable information and can act as an ethics sounding board to members who face ethics issues in their practices and to members who are not in public practice. In addition, members who notice, suspect or are aware of significant deficiencies in the work of another member should contact the hotline for guidance. The hotline's e-mail address is ethics@aicpa.org and its toll-free number is 888/777-7077, prompt 5 followed by prompt 2.

* The AICPA Antifraud & Corporate Responsibility Resource Center provides the tools, technical information and guidance that members need to combat fraud, whether your role is in business or the academic community. This center offers resources that can play a part in helping the profession re-establish confidence among investors, promote ethics and integrity in the workplace and establish clarity in reporting procedures. It is available at www.aicpa.org/antifraud.

* The AICPA Competency Self-Assessment Tool (CAT) helps CPAs recognize when new competencies need to be learned and ensure core competencies continue to meet current marketplace needs. CAT's personalized gap analysis--which is free to members--enables CPAs to confirm their strengths to determine their current value; identify learning opportunities; determine where growth is needed; and gain insights and strategies to plan a new career or make a career move. Once members assess their proficiencies, they can compare them against the highest and most valued in a specific area. The competency models available are business valuation, forensics and litigation services; taxation; fraud prevention, detection and investigation; audit; business and industry/new finance; government; personal financial planning; and ElderCare/PrimePlus. To learn more, go to https://www.cpa2biz.com/CPEConferences/CAT.htm.

* AICPA Online (www.aicpa.org) offers members immediate access to news and special features about the latest developments affecting the profession. The site provides valuable information on standards and other professional and...