The AWSCPA has teamed up with The Business Source to offer concise summaries of books you need to read. Each month learn best practices and gain powerful insights from leading-edge thinkers, industry experts and world renowned business gurus. And best of all, we've arranged a special price exclusively for AWSCPA members - 70% off the regular price!  Watch your email inbox beginning July 15th for details from AWSCPA. Click here to see a preview: The Business Source - Overview.

The Society's Vice President Affiliates, Marie Caputo, will be hosting monthly (third Wednesday of the month) 20-minute "Huddles" specifically designed for leaders of the AWSCPA Affiliates. Each call will include a topical update and opportunity to share best practices and information. The next call is scheduled for:

Wednesday
July 16, 2014
2:40-3:00 PM ET

If you did not receive an invitation with access information, contact AWSCPA for details and to be added to the invitee list. 

Every month, visit this column for a tax trivia question, courtesy of Claude Renshaw, CPA. The answer will appear in next month's edition.

Q: How many tax forms are available for individual taxpayers? 

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First and foremost, I would like to thank all those who recently attended the WALC in New Jersey. It was a great pleasure to meet so many fascinating people. I especially want to express my sincerest gratitude to all of our speakers, sponsors and vendors. Your continued support helps us to put on these wonderful educational programs.

I am so privileged to be a part of such an amazing organization and I am humbled to be your AWSCPA National President. This organization means so much to so many women. We have the ability to collaborate around the country. Our goal continues to be to develop programs to benefit women from all walks of life and at different points in their careers.

The most important part of the journey for all of us continues to be the people we meet along the way. It is the stories we share that keep us marching forward towards a new future where gender equality is a reality and women fill the highest ranks in equal numbers. That is what this organization means to me. It is our responsibility to reach out to the women behind us and pull them up. We need to be mentors, advocates and cheerleaders. I have learned the value of mentors and advocates throughout my career. Our goal should always be to make our world better for the next generation. Our focus will continue to be on our members and propelling us together into the future, as great leaders ready for the challenge.

As a national organization our voice reaches far. We will continue to focus on connecting through social media. If you have not had an opportunity to check out our various groups on LinkedIn, please make some time to do so. All of the groups have their own flare but our overall focus is to make better informed leaders.

I am looking forward to this tremendous opportunity and continue the march into the future.

Please feel free to share your fav moments as well on .  

The Society announced at its annual Women's Accounting & Leadership Conference that the organization's Wiley CPAexcel National Scholarship is being awarded to Michelle Germain for 2014.  Michelle hails from the greater Los Angeles area and is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Taxation at the University of Southern California. She is interning this summer with PwC and anticipates completing her education in 2015.

Wiley CPAexcel will be providing her with a full review course to prepare her for the CPA exam.  AWSCPA had a record response with nearly 50 qualified applications this year, and the competition was fierce.  Congratulations to Michelle and a special thank you to our National Sponsor, Wiley CPAexcel for their support.

Some organizations pass gavels, the AWSCPA passes jewelry and the term traditionally begins with a presidential pinning ceremony.  During a luncheon program at the Women's Accounting & Leadership Conference in New Jersey, 2013-2014 National President, Kelly Welter pinned 2014-2015 National President, Christina Flynn and expressed their thoughts and visions for the organization.  Other members of the 2014-2015 National Board of Directors includes: President-Elect, Cynthia Cox, Cox and Associates, CPAs; Immediate Past President and Vice President Communications, Kelly Welter, Serl Keefer Welter CPAs, LLP; Treasurer, Alex Miller, Alexandra L. Miller, CPA, PC; Secretary, Krista Saul, Advanced Management Concepts; Vice President Affiliates, Marie Caputo, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP; Vice President Sponsorship, Wendy Lewis, Jim R. Smith & Company; Vice President Membership, Bonnie Mackey, Levin, Silvey, Zelko & Mackey, P.A.; Vice President Marketing, Danielle Supkis Cheek, D. Supkis Cheek PLLC; National Director - Affiliates, Amy Knowles-Jones, Flowers Foods, Inc.; National Director - Student Development, Marilyn Garcia, Citrin Cooperman; and National Director Membership East, Alison Painter, Alison Painter & Associates.  Meet the Board.

On May 19, 2014 the Georgia Affiliate said goodbye to a founding member of the AWSCPA of Georgia. Nancy Frenkel served the Affiliate as its 2nd President in 1983-1984. A pinnacle of Nancy's career was being appointed to the Georgia State Board of Accountancy for 8 years (1983 to 1991). At that time it was a big deal for a woman to serve on the State Board. If you were certified during that timeframe - Nancy most likely signed your Certificate.

Nancy graduated with a BA in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. After spending nine years as a stay-at-home mom she sought the advice of a career counselor; and, was told that since you're a woman, you are best suited to be a bookkeeper. After being told if you were a man, you would be an accountant, Nancy said "Then, I'll be an Accountant!"

She went on to study accounting at Franklin University and Georgia State University. She retired after a 38-year accounting career from Warren Averett, LLC, successor to Gifford, Hillegrass & Ingwersen (GH&I). Nancy joined GH&I in 1987. Nancy's first eight years as an accountant and CPA were with a local CPA firm where she became their first woman partner. Richard Harden, a member of that Firm, was instrumental in her being nominated to the State Board of Accountancy. Prior to that she served as controller for a manufacturing company and as an accounting manager for a major retail clothing chain.

Nancy was an active member of the organizations that she joined. In addition to the many contributions to our own AWSCPA of Georgia Affiliate, she served as President of Financial Women International of Atlanta and the Atlanta Women's Network; and, as Treasurer to the Atlanta Women's Alliance, the Atlanta Chapter of NAWBO, and the Atlanta Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. A graduate of Leadership North Fulton (Class of 2003-2004) she served on its board of directors; and worked with The Possible Woman Foundation International. In addition to AWSCPA, she was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA).

Nancy was 70; a wife to Ron Hughes; the mother of Rick Frenkel and Robin Stevens; and the grandmother to Ariella and Jonah Frenkel and Nina and Victoria Stevens.

One of the primary benefits of membership in the AWSCPA is the opportunity to network with other members.  To facilitate this benefit, the AWSCPA is pleased to present the Online Membership Directory and Peer Support Network. Please be sure to visit the website and update your information, in order for your listing to be correct. Also, if you know of any other present or past members who have lost touch with us, please have them call (800-AWSCPA1) or email the National office to update their information. This Membership Directory and Peer Support Network listing is available only to members of AWSCPA and will not be distributed to non-members. Therefore, you will need to login before gaining access to any of the member benefits. If you have forgotten your Username (which is your account #) or Password (usually your last name), please contact the National office by email or (800) AWSCPA1). We look forward to reaching out to ALL of our members this year and getting your feedback of expectations or needs from National. Please send us an email with your thoughts on ways we can help you in your career, networking, continuing education, benefits and/or personal life. WE are here for YOU!

This year's National Awards Program was a success with several distinguished honors presented in conjunction with the Society's Women's Accounting & Leadership Conference held in late June in Morristown, New Jersey.

Presidential Award
The Presidential Award is not one that is presented every year but only when someone exceptional stands out.  In 2014, we are honored to present this award to Yasmine El-Ramly with the AICPA. Yasmine El-Ramly is a Senior Technical Manager of Firm Services & Global Alliances. She oversees women's initiatives programs, human capital and international projects.  Read More.

Educator of the Year Award
The AWSCPA Educator of the Year Award was presented to Teresa Danile.  Teresa received her undergraduate degree and Master's of Administration degree in Accounting from Pace University in New York City in 1976. She went to work as an auditor for Hurdman and Cranstoun and later PriceWaterhouseCoopers. In 1979 she began her teaching career as an adjunct lecturer at The College of Staten Island. The following year she joined St. John's University as an Assistant Professor. In 1980 she began an Accounting and tax Practice as part of her tenure requirement, and still maintains that growing practice today, serving business and individual clients.  Read More.

Innovation in Women's Programming Award
This award recognizes businesses that are continually developing new and innovative programs to promote and support women in the accounting profession. Our recipient for 2014 is KPMG. KPMG established their Women's Advisory Board in 2003 to create a more compelling work environment and enhance career opportunities for women by driving national and local initiatives that support, advance, retain, and reward them. Read More.

Lead by Example Award
The Society honors a well-respected female business owner for being a champion for women in the CPA workplace, and are pleased to present her with our Lead By Example Award.  This award recognizes those businesses that not only have a strong women's program in place, but also strong women in leadership positions to show others that it can be done.  This year's recipient is Esther Phahla. Read More.

Public Service Award
This year's recipient of the AWSCPA Public Service Award is Lynn Britt. Marcie Bour nominated Lynn for her dedication to giving back to her communities. Starting as a teenager and continuing throughout her professional career, Lynn has shaped a history of volunteering her time and talents to the various communities in which she is involved. Read More.

Woman CPA of the Year Award
This award is given to an individual for outstanding contributions to the accounting profession and this year's honoree is Stacy Stelzriede. Paying it forward is essential to advancing women in accounting. Stacy is an audit partner at Moss Adams LLP and she has made it her mission to do just that: she's devoted her career to mentoring other women and helping them achieve the success she's earned at work and in life. Stacy's path into the partnership wasn't typical, and her unique story has helped other women understand that they too can find their own path to success. Read More.