YEP centric.

• Position: Finalentry - Interview

California State University, Fresno grad--and pie baker--Tim Hancock is looking to recognize other young and emerging professionals, like himself. As chair of the Fresno Chapter's Young and Emerging Professionals Committee, he is organizing the chapter's first YEP of the Year Awards to honor the achievements of his YEP peers. Hancock hopes that the Fresno event will inspire CalCPAto launch a similar statewide honor in 2009. California CPA checked in with this YEP to find out what's going on in his world.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Given the financial crisis, what issues are top of mind for you?

Retirement. Between the market volatility and Social Security funding issues, planning for retirement has been on my mind.

For your clients?

Their top priority is, or should be, maintaining enough cash to make it through this financial crisis. When consumers are not demanding as much as they could, companies should be taking a close look at their business and adjust in the areas where they see fit. Many clients are focusing on market differentiation, budgeting and strategic planning. Every business needs and every client has different needs and different capabilities. It is our job, as trusted advisers, to exceed their expectations and enhance their capabilities.

Have your career experiences so far matched expectations? What's been most surprising?

Coming out of college, my short-term goal was to build a knowledge base to help clients on a diverse array of issues. My firm has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in both tax and audit. Obtaining an internship while I was in school helped the transition from school to career without many surprises. When I speak with other young accountants, I get a feeling that a few of them did not know what to expect or that they were expecting their...