FICPA Leadership

Ed Duarte becomes 97th Chair of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

133345 — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 13:29:18 +0000

Ed Duarte becomes 97th Chair of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

133345 Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:29

July 1, 2024

Duarte is the FICPA’s first Chair from business and industry in 10 years

The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) is proud to announce that Ed Duarte, CPA, CGMA, began his tenure as the 97th Chair of the FICPA on July 1, 2024.

“It is truly an honor to lead this historic institution and to give back to my friends and colleagues across the state,” Duarte said. “The CPA profession is at an inflection point, and I am proud to serve our membership at this unique and impactful moment. I look forward to working alongside President & CEO Shelly Weir, my fellow Board and Council members, and the FICPA staff to ensure that Florida CPAs are protected in Tallahassee, respected in other states, and represented at the national level. Together, we can be part of the positive change that pushes our profession forward.”

The Chief Financial Officer of Foreign Parts Distributors, Inc., (FPD) in Miami, Florida, Duarte spent the first 15 years of his career working in public accounting in New York City, South Florida and Puerto Rico as part of Weinick Sanders Leventhal & Co. (1999-2004), Berkowitz Pollack Brant (2004-2006), BDO USA (2006-2010) and Mallah Furman (2011-2015). Now the CFO at FPD, he is the FICPA’s first Chair from business and industry in the last decade, leveraging his experience from both the public and private sectors to connect with accountants, financial professionals and business leaders across the state and across practice areas.

In the next year, Duarte will work closely with Weir to ensure the FICPA is well-positioned to lead its membership through a period of transition and transformation in the profession.

“Ed’s experience in both public accounting and private practice make him an ideal leader for this moment in our history,” Weir said. “As the FICPA continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of accounting, we’re also focused on strengthening and expanding the relationships we’ve worked to cultivate across the business landscape here in Florida. I am excited to partner with Ed, our Board of Directors and the Council to advocate for our priorities, expand our reach and elevate the CPA profession.”

As a member of the FICPA, Duarte previously served as President of the Miami-Downtown Chapter, as a Regional Representative on the FICPA Council (2008-2015), and as Chair of the Chapter Operations, Corporate Finance and Finance & Office Advisory committees, amongst other volunteer leadership positions. He rejoined the FICPA Council in 2017, became a member of the Board of Directors in 2022, and served as Chair-Elect during the 2023-24 fiscal year. He is also a current member of the AICPA Council, a past President of the Cuban-American CPAs Association and an active board member with the Centro Campensino Farmworker Center and Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation.

“As I pass the torch to the 97th Chair of the FICPA, I do so with the utmost confidence he will lead with integrity, passion, and a deep commitment to our vision and mission,” Immediate Past Chair Key O’Keefe, CPA, said. “I look forward to supporting Ed in any way I can and witnessing the incredible impact the Institute will continue to make under his leadership.”

As Chair, Duarte will be supported by the prestigious FICPA Board of Directors and Council members listed below.

2024-25 Board of Directors: Karen Lake (Berkowitz Pollack Brant) (Chair-Elect), Key O’Keefe (O’Keefe, Somerville & Associates) (Immediate Past Chair), Kathryn Horton (Kathryn K. Horton CPA), Jennifer Keller (Crowe), Amy Kistka (Deloitte & Touche), Chris Oatis (Grant Thornton), Mindy Rankin (Warren Averett), Brion Sharpe (PwC), Jesus Socorro (Socorro Partners), Alex Sueiro (PAAST), and Kyle Gosiewski (Crowe) (Young CPA Committee Chair; non-voting)

2024-25 Council members: Kristin Bivona (GellerRagans) (Past Chair), Jessica Bormey (Nicklaus Children’s Health System), Yvonne Clayborne (Carr, Riggs & Ingram), Adam Daniels (SBF), Ashley Fagan (KPMG), Carlos Grosmann (Kaufman, Rossin & Co.), Genevieve Hancock (G Hancock Advisory), Anne Marie Hicks (Capital Edge Consulting), Tarsha Jacobs (Jacobs & Associates), Robbie Maya (Kaufman, Rossin & Co.), Graeme Mellet (RSM US), Evaristo Palmer (Cherry Bekaert), Heber Rojas (Tapia, Rojas & Associates), Christopher Stemley (Disney Financial Services), Guy Strum (Gladstone, Strum & Company), Cheri Swain (Carr, Riggs & Ingram), Alex Welsh (A-LIGN), Aharon Yoki (University of South Florida), and Dana Zukierski (EY)

“The FICPA is guided by the volunteer leaders who give of themselves to give back to the CPA profession,” Duarte said. “I am grateful to the FICPA Board and Council members listed above and look forward to working with them in the coming year to support our members across Florida.”

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FICPA Leadership

News Releases

Advocacy Update: FICPA names Jason Harrell its new Chief External Affairs Officer

133345 — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:16:59 +0000

Advocacy Update: FICPA names Jason Harrell its new Chief External Affairs Officer

By FICPA Staff

133345 Thu, 07/13/2023 - 08:16

July 14, 2023

The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) is pleased to announce that Jason Harrell will join the FICPA as Chief External Affairs Officer, effective July 17, 2023.

Harrell will be stationed at the FICPA Governmental Affairs office in Tallahassee and will direct all aspects of the FICPA’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory efforts. He will serve as the liaison to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Florida Board of Accountancy and will be responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns aimed at increasing the value of the CPA license. Alongside FICPA’s longtime external public affairs agency, Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, Harrell will establish and implement the FICPA’s lobbying strategy.

“I’m extremely honored to join the FICPA as its new Chief External Affairs Officer,” Harrell said. “I understand the important role CPAs play in our economy, and I welcome this incredible opportunity to represent the organization and the profession in Tallahassee. I look forward to working with the FICPA leadership team and accounting professionals across the state to promote the profession and further grow our legislative advocacy program.”

As a member of the executive team, Harrell will work alongside FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer Carrie Summerlin, and Chief Financial Officer Kristin High to lead and execute the strategic direction of the FICPA.

“Advocacy is at the core of what we do at FICPA. Jason’s rich experience in public policy and governmental affairs make him a perfect fit for the FICPA,” Weir said. “After our extensive search to fill this role, it was Jason’s expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm that truly stood out. I am excited to work alongside him as we continue our efforts to protect and promote the CPA profession in Florida.”

Prior to joining the FIPCA, Harrell was the Director of Government Relations for the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) since 2018, leading five successful legislative sessions for the FCCC’s in-house advocacy program. He also previously served as budget and communications director of the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC).

Harrell previously served in the Florida House of Representatives Majority Office as deputy staff director under former speakers Will Weatherford and Steve Crisafulli. He also served in the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and in the Office of the Chief Inspector General.

Harrell holds a master’s in public administration (MPA) and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida State University.

The FICPA engaged Korn Ferry, the world’s largest executive search firm, to conduct the search for its new Chief External Affairs Officer. A national search was conducted by the project team led by Audra Cross, Trenholm Boggs, and Jeremy Gold.

Latest News

IRS Sends Special Mailing to Taxpayers in Certain Disaster Areas

The IRS is sending a special follow-up mailing to taxpayers in several states affected by disasters to let them know they have additional time to pay their taxes.

The IRS is taking this special step to help reassure taxpayers affected by disasters that they do have extra time to file and pay their taxes. This new mailing is going to residents in California and seven other states in designated disaster areas that received a CP14 notice from the IRS in late May and June. The earlier mailings are for taxpayers who have a balance due, and they are sent out as a legal requirement. While the notice received by taxpayers says they need to pay in 21 days, these taxpayers actually have until later this year to timely pay under the disaster declaration.

Given the large reach of these disaster declarations and partner feedback, the IRS took an additional step to do a follow-up mailing to let these taxpayers know they have more time. The mailing, known as a CP14CL, will occur during the next few weeks. The letters are in English and Spanish.

Read the full IRS news release here.

Auditor General Publishes FY 2022-23 Draft Rules

Pursuant to 11.45(8), Florida Statutes, the Auditor General, in consultation with the Board of Accountancy, adopts rules for the form and conduct of all financial audits performed by independent certified public accountants pursuant to Sections 215.981, 218.39, 1001.453, 1002.395, 1004.28, and 1004.70, Florida Statutes.

The Auditor General draft rules for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year audits are now available. Comments regarding the draft rules may be sent to [email protected] by July 30.

Review the FY 2022-23 draft rules here.

IRS Offers Free Employee Retention Credit Webinar

The IRS is presenting a free webinar on July 25, 2023. Attendees will gain from-the-source insights on the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), including key areas of compliance, characteristics of potential ERC fraud, and ways to report potential fraud and steer your clients away from it. There will also be a live Q&A to answer all your ERC questions. Earn 2 Federal Tax CPE when you attend.

Learn more and register here.

DOR TIPs

Since the last issue of Advocacy Update, the Florida Department of Revenue has published these helpful Tax Information Publications (TIPS). For the full list of 2023 TIPs, click here.

Administration

Strong Families Tax Credit Cap Will Increase

June 19, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, an additional $10 million in credit allocations will be available for the Strong Families Tax Credit.

Read the full TIP here.

Communications Services Tax

Communications Services Tax Rates: Local Rate Increases Prohibited January 1, 2023 Through December 31, 2025

June 15, 2023

Section 202.19(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), is amended to specify that the local communications services tax rates in effect as of January 1, 2023, may not be increased prior to January 1, 2026.

Read the full TIP here.

Corporate Income Tax

Florida Corporate Income/Franchise Tax Internship Tax Credit Program Renamed Experiential Learning Tax Credit Program; Program Availability Expanded

July 7, 2023

For taxable years beginning during calendar years 2022 through 2025, the Florida Experiential Learning Tax Credit Program allows a tax credit against the Florida corporate income/franchise tax for up to five apprentices, pre-apprentices, or student interns per taxable year, per corporation.

Read the full TIP here.

Estate Tax

Changes to Decedent’s Estate Information Requirements

June 19, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the following changes affect decedent estates.

Read the full TIP here.

Prepaid Wireless Fee

Prepaid Wireless E911 Fee Renamed to Prepaid Wireless Public Safety Emergency Communications Systems Fee

June 15, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the Florida Prepaid Wireless E911 Fee is renamed the Prepaid Wireless Public Safety Emergency Communications Systems Fee.

Read the full TIP here.

Reemployment Tax

2023 Legislative Changes: E-Verify System Requirements and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Name Change

June 27, 2023

E-Verify System Requirements – Effective July 1, 2023, Florida public agencies and private employers with 25 or more employees are required to use E-Verify.

Read the full TIP here.

Sales and Use Tax

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Baby and Toddler Products

June 9, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the following baby and toddler products are permanently exempt from Florida sales and use tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products

June 9, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, diapers, incontinence undergarments, incontinence pads, and incontinence liners for human use are permanently exempt from Florida sales and use tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Natural Gas Machinery and Equipment

June 12, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the purchase of machinery and equipment that is used at a fixed location and primarily used in the production, storage, transportation, compression, or blending of renewable natural gas is exempt from Florida sales tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Secondhand Goods Definition Revised

June 12, 2023

“Secondhand goods” means personal property previously owned or used, which is not regulated metals property, and which is purchased, consigned, or traded as used property.

Read the full TIP here.

2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday July 24, 2023 Through August 6, 2023

June 15, 2023

The 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on Monday, July 24, 2023, and ends on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

Read the full TIP here.

Indexed Tax on Asphalt Increases to $1.14 Per Ton for the Period July 1, 2023 Through June 30, 2024

June 19, 2023

The tax rate used by contractors who manufacture and use asphalt during fiscal year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, will increase from 98 cents per ton to $1.14 per ton.

Read the full TIP here.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Oral Hygiene Products

June 19, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, oral hygiene products are exempt from Florida sales and use tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Firearm Safety Devices

June 19, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the following firearm safety devices are exempt from Florida sales and use tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Exemption for Fencing Used in Agricultural Operations Expanded

July 5, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, materials used to construct or repair permanent or temporary fencing used to contain, confine, or process cattle, including gates and energized fencing systems, used in agricultural operations on lands classified as agricultural lands under section 193.461, Florida Statutes, are exempt from Florida sales tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Sales Tax Exemption for Sales of Investigation Services by Small Private Investigative Agencies

July 5, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the sale of private investigation services by a small private investigative agency to a client is exempt from Florida sales tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Exemption for Building Materials Used in Construction of Eligible Residential Units for Affordable Housing

July 5, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, building materials used to construct eligible residential units for affordable housing are exempt from Florida sales and use tax.

Read the full TIP here.

Contribute

The Florida CPA/PAC supports the politicians who stand up for CPAs. We back the candidates and incumbents who will ensure CPAs and their clients are included in the legislative process. It is your voluntary contributions that help protect the CPA license.

Donate Now

Please note: Contributions are strictly voluntary and are not deductible for federal tax purposes. The Florida CPA/PAC is an entity completely separate from the FICPA. The Florida CPA/PAC is supported solely by the voluntary contributions of members of the FICPA and others.

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FICPA Leadership

News Releases

Legislative Update

Key O'Keefe becomes 96th Chair of the FICPA

133345 — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:11:03 +0000

Key O'Keefe becomes 96th Chair of the FICPA

By FICPA Staff

133345 Thu, 06/29/2023 - 12:11

July 1, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) is proud to announce that Key O’Keefe, CPA, began her tenure as the 96th Chair of the FICPA on July 1, 2023.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of this great organization, and I am proud to give back to the profession that has given me so much,” O’Keefe, Managing Partner at O’Keefe, Somerville and Associates, PLLC, said. “I sincerely believe in the mission and vision of the FICPA, and I am passionate about sharing the story of our profession. Together, we can promote the profession, protect the license, and support the next generation of CPAs.”

An FICPA member since 1984, O’Keefe began her volunteer leadership in 2009, when her husband, Brian, retired after 30 years of service to the United States Coast Guard. Now settled in Melbourne, O’Keefe first joined the FICPA’s Brevard Chapter, rising from Treasurer to President. She would go on to participate on numerous FICPA Committees and Task Forces before being named to the FICPA Council in 2017 and its Board of Directors in 2019.

“From the very start, Key has been a staunch advocate for our local Chapters,” said FICPA Past Chair Gary Fracassi (2018-19). “She’s never been afraid to speak her mind and has always acted in the best interests of the Institute throughout every level of volunteer service. I am pleased to welcome her as our 2023-24 Chair and know the FICPA will benefit from her leadership and guidance.”

In addition to her service to the FICPA, O’Keefe has also spent the last 20 years working with Junior Achievement, a nonprofit focused on providing financial literacy, career education and entrepreneurship education to students. Each year, she leads multi-session courses with as many as 20 classes of elementary and high school students, introducing them to accounting and championing the CPA profession. She has been named JA’s Volunteer of the Year in three different locations: the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Hampton Roads/Tidewater, and Melbourne.

In the next year, O’Keefe will work alongside FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir to engage FICPA members and help recruit and retain the next generation of CPAs in Florida.

“Key truly cares about the FICPA and the CPA profession,” Weir said. “She has an intuitive understanding of the value of advocacy and member engagement at the grassroots level. Her dedication to our members and chapters exemplifies leadership through volunteer service. Simply put: She has one of the biggest hearts in accounting. I am eager to work alongside her and for the Institute to benefit from her expertise and example.”

O’Keefe will be joined in 2023-24 by five new prestigious additions to the 12-member FICPA Board of Directors:

Amy Kistka, Audit Managing Director, Deloitte
Karen Lake, Director of Tax Services, Berkowitz Pollack Brant
Chris Oatis, Partner-State & Local Tax, Grant Thornton
Jesus Socorro, Managing Partner-Advisory, South Florida, BDO
Elizabeth Jackson, Manager, RSM (Young CPA Committee Chair; non-voting)

“Service is at the heart of our organization, and I am grateful to my fellow volunteer leaders for their dedication and commitment,” O’Keefe said. “I welcome our new members to the Board and encourage all CPAs to consider how they can share their time and talents with their colleagues, fellow FICPA members, and the profession at large.”

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FICPA Leadership

News Releases

A new era in our history: The FICPA's 2022-23 year in review

133345 — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:21:26 +0000

A new era in our history: The FICPA's 2022-23 year in review

By FICPA Staff

133345 Mon, 06/12/2023 - 14:21

June 15, 2023

Julian Dozier, 2022-23 Chair:

Since 1905, the FICPA has been committed to serving our members and advancing the accounting profession.

I’m Julian Dozier, your 2022-23 Chair, and it’s been my honor this year to usher in a new era in our proud history.

This past February, we celebrated the grand opening of our brand-new FICPA headquarters in downtown Orlando. This was a ribbon cutting more than seven years in the making.

As I stand here, in our new home, I am grateful to all the members and volunteer leaders who helped us get to where we are today. This space is the heartbeat of the FICPA, where more than 30 staff members work each and every day to Protect, Promote, Educate and Innovate on behalf of the CPA profession in Florida.

I am pleased now to introduce the President & CEO of the FICPA, Shelly Weir, as we look back on all we’ve accomplished in the last 12 months and look ahead to a bright future.

Shelly Weir, President & CEO

Thank you, Julian, for your leadership this year, and hello to you, our valued FICPA members.

The last 12 months have been a time of both great excitement and great challenge.

This past Fall, Hurricanes Ian and Nicole had a direct impact on members and firms across our state. Once again, the CPA profession pulled together in tough times, and we mobilized to support our friends and colleagues in need,collecting donations, distributing supplies, feeding the community, and bringing the IRS to Southwest Florida.

Before, during, and long after these devastating storms, our Governmental Affairs team went to work, providing our members with the most up-to-date information and top technical guidance. We pushed hard for state and federal action, helping to secure critical tax relief for all of Florida’s 67 counties. Our around-the-clock advocacy efforts ensured that CPAs counted when it mattered most.

Our ability to respond in times of crisis is a direct result of the relationships we develop with key lawmakers in Tallahassee. With your support, our CPA/PAC set a fundraising record for the second year in a row and achieved a 97% success rate during the 2022 election cycle. And in January, our Advocacy Days set the stage for this spring’s Legislative Session, when we protected our members from a series of proposals that would have adversely impacted CPAs.

Our Learning & Development and Membership teams have likewise been dedicated to making your CPE reporting process as quick and easy as possible. As CPAs across the state navigate Florida’s updated renewal process, our CPE Tracker provides one comprehensive certificate you can submit to DBPR, listing all your completed FICPA courses in one place.

While we’ve settled into our new home in Orlando, we’ve never stopped travelling the state. This year, our team made nearly 400 in-person visits, hosted more than 120 chapter events, and boasted a 99% retention rate with our member firms.

Finally, with an eye toward the next generation, our FICPA Scholarship Foundation awarded more than $200,000 in funds to future CPAs. We engaged more than 1,300 students during 41 campus visits and received a record number of scholarship applications. Armed with a new mission and vision to address the profession’s talent challenges our Foundation is dedicated to promoting the profession and strengthening the pipeline.

Of course, none of these efforts would be possible without the dedication of our members and the support of our Strategic Partners and sponsors.

As we turn the page on our FICPA calendar, I am excited to introduce you to the next Chair of the FICPA, Key O’Keefe.

Key O’Keefe, 2023-24 Chair

Thank you, Shelly. Thank you, Julian. And thank you to the more than 18,500 members of the FICPA.

I am honored to serve as our next Chair, and I have never been more excited about the direction of this great organization.

I look forward to serving you over the next year, as we work together to secure and grow the future of our profession.

I am grateful for your support, and I encourage you to join us in shaping the next era of the FICPA.

Topics

FICPA Leadership

FICPA Year in Review

FICPA leaders visit Capitol Hill to advocate for CPAs

133345 — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:05:31 +0000

FICPA leaders visit Capitol Hill to advocate for CPAs

By FICPA Staff

133345 Fri, 06/02/2023 - 11:05

June 1, 2023

Last month, members of FICPA leadership joined our national partners at the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) in Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers on issues important to the accounting profession during the AICPA Spring Meeting of Council and Annual Members Meeting.

FICPA representatives participated in 18 congressional visits with lawmakers and staff to advocate for support on five key issues, including qualified relief for the victims of Hurricane Ian, a Congressional resolution on the fiscal state of the nation, establishing the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway, simplifying the tax filing extension process (SAFE Act) and expanding eligible uses of 529 savings plans to include fees and expenses required to obtain or maintain recognized postsecondary credentials, such as the Uniform CPA Exam.

FICPA representatives visit with Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL)

“Our FICPA delegation shared valuable insights from the accounting profession with lawmakers and encouraged support for legislation that would benefit taxpayers and their advisors and improve tax administration,” said FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir. “We highlighted principles of good tax policy as a foundation to create a more efficient tax system.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has partnered with the accounting profession to help taxpayers and practitioners navigate IRS service issues, filing postponements and erroneous penalties. The introduction of important bipartisan legislation that supports taxpayers, practitioners and tax administration services is an extension of that partnership.

The FICPA asked members of Congress to support:

Rep. Greg Steube's bill to treat Hurricane Ian as a qualified disaster for purposes of determining the tax treatment of certain disasterrelated personal casualty losses.
The Simplify Automatic Filing Extensions (SAFE) Act would assist the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with receiving extensions earlier in the year, providing taxpayers, CPAs and the IRS with a streamlined process and reducing the need for many penalty abatement requests;
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, a bill that would expand eligible uses of 529 savings plans to include fees and expenses required to obtain or maintain recognized postsecondary credentials, including professional credentials and certifications, and provide accounting professionals with greater financial flexibility as they enter the workforce and seek to further their education;
Legislation in both chambers to establish the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway, recognizing the value of accounting professionals, including CPAs, as technological leaders; and
The Fiscal State of the Nation resolution, which would require the Comptroller General to make a presentation to a joint session of the House and Senate Budget committees on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) auditor’s report of the U.S. government’s financial statements. This resolution would promote greater transparency on the information included in the federal government’s financial report.

“CPAs have weathered some of the most challenging times in the history of tax administration,” said AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA. “They have guided individuals and businesses through significant changes. We are grateful to have the partnership of many members of Congress on these important issues, and combined with the strong relationships and great advocacy work of the FICPA, we hope to gain the support of many more.”

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AICPA

FICPA Leadership

FICPA opens new headquarters; Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer participates in ribbon cutting

133345 — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:28:40 +0000

FICPA opens new headquarters; Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer participates in ribbon cutting

By FICPA Staff

133345 Thu, 02/09/2023 - 15:28

February 8, 2023

The FICPA on Feb. 8 officially opened its new headquarters in the Park Building at 250 S. Orange Ave. in Downtown Orlando.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir, Board Chair Julian Dozier, professional staff and volunteer leaders in a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the occasion.

"I'm thrilled that the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants has selected downtown Orlando as the site of its new headquarters," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "As we continue our work to create a downtown for everyone, attracting headquarters is a big part of our efforts. With our community's high-quality of life and diverse and talented workforce, I know that FICPA will thrive from its new location."

The ceremony marked the completion of the FICPA’s multi-year relocation to Orlando from Tallahassee, where it retains an office for its legislative and regulatory affairs teams.

“More than seven years ago, FICPA leadership identified Central Florida as the ideal location to establish our new home,” Dozier said. “Operating from Orlando while still maintaining a full-time presence in Tallahassee allows us to best serve our statewide membership and remain close to policymakers at the Capitol. I am honored to represent all current and prior FICPA volunteer leaders who have helped guide us to this moment.”

The 11,000-square-foot office will house more than 30 FICPA staff members. The space was chosen specifically for its proximity to FICPA member firms and organizations likewise located in the downtown area.

The FICPA has spent the last two years establishing its local presence, as Orlando staff occupied a temporary residence in the Fairwinds Tower on Central Ave. from April 2021 through December 2022.

“I am immensely grateful to the FICPA staff members and volunteer leaders who worked so diligently to navigate this transition and execute our relocation,” Weir said. “We are excited to hit the ground running in our new home and to write the next chapter in the proud history of the FICPA. From our headquarters in Orlando, we will continue to provide CPAs and other financial professionals across the state, from the Panhandle to South Florida, with exceptional member value.”

Topics

News Releases

FICPA Leadership

FICPA honors the graduates of its 2022-23 Leadership Academy

133345 — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:08:47 +0000

FICPA honors the graduates of its 2022-23 Leadership Academy

By FICPA Staff

133345 Thu, 01/26/2023 - 14:08

January 26, 2023

The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants is proud to announce the graduates of its 2022-23 Leadership Academy.

These 23 Young CPAs comprise the academy’s second-annual class.

Joshua Brucker	Hancock Askew & Co., LLP
Katherine Byrd	Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Frances Cabrera	Garcia, Espinosa, Miyares, Rodriguez, Trueba & Co., LLP
Nicole Cody	Spoor Bunch Franz
David Dreher	RSM US LLP
Katey Exum	A-LIGN
Michael Gonzalez	Kaufman Rossin
Kyle Gosiewski	Crowe LLP
Carlos Grosmann	Kaufman Rossin
Maximilian Halasz	Kaufman Rossin
Torrey Hill	Withum
Lauren Hutt	Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs
Gabriel Ibars	BDO USA LLP
Ahad Jafri	Kaufman Rossin
Jillian Justo	RSM US LLP
Michael Kaczka	Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs
Ryan Kelly	Withum
Joseph Szyller	BDO USA, LLP
Derek Torres	Zomma Group, LLP
Monica Walker	BDO USA, LLP
Chance Wedderburn	Deloitte
Alexandria Welsh	A-LIGN
John Xanthos	Nova Southeastern University

“The FICPA is proud to play a leading role in the development of our state’s young stars,” FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir said. “We celebrate this year’s graduates, and we can’t wait to follow their careers, as they shape the future of the CPA profession.”

The FICPA Leadership Academy is a selective, high-impact program for CPAs age 35 and under who are looking to grow as leaders. Participants took part in Leadership Academy sessions hosted in Orlando (Dec. 19-21) and Tallahassee (Jan. 24-25). They graduated on Jan. 25 while attending FICPA’s Hike the Hill event at the State Capitol, where they had the opportunity to learn from Florida lawmakers and represent the future of the CPA profession.

For the second consecutive year, the FICPA partnered with the Succession Institute to develop the Leadership Academy’s curriculum. A pair of Succession faculty members – former AICPA Chair Bill Reeb and Former AICPA and FICPA Chair Tommye Barie – challenged participants to evolve, create a roadmap for change, and expand their skills.

“The future of CPA profession is in good hands thanks to dedication, drive and determination of these young leaders,” said Reeb. “While Tommye and I share the knowledge and expertise we’ve accumulated throughout out respective careers, we learn just as much from our interactions and group dialogues with this talented cohort.”

Topics

FICPA Leadership

Young CPAs

News Releases

'We are all in this together': FICPA Chair Julian Dozier on the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

133345 — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 19:15:13 +0000

'We are all in this together': FICPA Chair Julian Dozier on the aftermath of Hurricane Ian 133345 Mon, 10/03/2022 - 15:15

October 3, 2022

As of Monday afternoon, we know that more than 6,000 of our fellow CPAs and accounting professionals in the FICPA have been directly impacted by Hurricane Ian. Although we are still assessing the needs of our members in the hardest-hit areas of the state, we know the road to recovery will be a long one.

FICPA staff have been working around the clock to provide members with the most up-to-date disaster relief information, including IRS filing relief. We will continue to post the timeliest information through our Advocacy Update newsletter, our social media channels, and our Disaster Relief Webpage.

In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to be the voice of the profession, at both the state and federal levels, to ensure those recovering from the storm have the resources they need.

For those of us fortunate enough to have been spared direct impact, there will be plenty of opportunities to help. We will soon open our office-sharing portal, so members can volunteer available office space for use by those who have been displaced by Hurricane Ian. We are also reaching out to our local chapters to assess their most urgent needs, and we will begin coordinating any assistance we can.

We are all in this together.

On behalf of the FICPA, I want to reassure those affected that we are here for you in any way we can be. Look for more information in the days and weeks ahead.

Topics

FICPA Leadership

Hurricane Ian

FICPA Disaster Resources

FICPA sends letter to IRS requesting additional relief related to Sept. 30 deadline

133345 — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:19:31 +0000

FICPA sends letter to IRS requesting additional relief related to Sept. 30 deadline 133345 Mon, 10/03/2022 - 11:19

September 30, 2022

The FICPA on Friday sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig thanking the IRS for granting filing relief to citizens in Florida.

In that letter, we requested additional guidance with respect to the Sept. 30 deadline for COVID-19 penalty relief.

Disruption from Hurricane Ian made it impossible for many to meet the deadline, and we believe relief should be extended to those filings.

We have therefore requested that the IRS grant additional relief to those who were unable to meet the Sept. 30 deadline as a result of Hurricane Ian.

You can read our full letter below.

Topics

FICPA Leadership

FICPA Government Affairs

FICPA Disaster Resources

Hurricane Ian

Internal Revenue Service

FICPA offices closed Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Sept. 30

133345 — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:26:35 +0000

FICPA offices closed Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Sept. 30 133345 Tue, 09/27/2022 - 14:26

September 27, 2022

With Hurricane Ian on approach, the FICPA offices will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Sept. 30.

While our service departments will be on break during the storm, please know that our executive staff and advocacy team will remain hard at work, securing necessary relief for our members and their clients.

You can visit our FICPA Disaster Relief page before, during and after the storm for a list of key resources and important updates.

Separately, this guide provided by nationally recognized disaster expert Gerard H. Schreiber, Jr., CPA, and FICPA Board member Valrie Chambers, Ph. D, CPA, examines the relevant laws and tax-filing implications governing the formal declaration of a "major disaster."

Advocacy Update: 'Major disaster' declaration from Hurricane Ian would trigger 60-day extension of tax deadlines

Please stay safe during the storm and know you can reach out to [email protected]" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected] with questions related to disaster relief.

Topics

FICPA Leadership

Hurricane Ian