Iowa Society of CPAs... Advancing the professional success of our members

April 2016

Newsletter from the Iowa Society of CPAs, your primary source for profession-related information

CPACPAs help kids be money smart

Recent research shows that many young peo-ple today have a lack of understanding when it comes to basic concepts of saving and

spending money. This led to a movement to incor-porate financial literacy into our education system. Since April is Financial Literacy Month, we thought you would be interested in reading how a few of our members have connected with schools and young Iowans through these ISCPA Financial Literacy Com-mittee programs.

Money MammalsThis engaging and fun presentation for kids ages 4-6 covers basic concepts of saving money, sharing with others, what a need is versus a want, allowance and making smart money choices.

Deanna Bennigsdorf, an audit manager at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, presented Money Mammals for the first time this year. “The program is structured very well with materials that make it simple, so you can just implement what’s there.” said Deanna. “A letter goes home to the parents and tells them what we did in class so they’re aware a CPA was there.” The presentation takes about 45 minutes, including a video and distributing the pro-gram’s popular piggy banks.

“I get a kick out of presenting Money Mammals to the kids,” said Jerry Murphy, CFO of Todd & Sar-gent Inc in Ames. Even though he’s now involved on ISCPA’s Legislation Committee, he still welcomes the chance to teach kids about charitable giving from his experience on the Financial LIteracy Commit-tee a few years ago. “It’s a great opportunity to talk about thinking of others when it comes to sharing.” Murphy says that he has received positive feedback from schools. “The teachers are happy for us to come in. They might have a section on learning to count money and this program pairs well with that.”

Avoiding the Debt TrapThis program designed for students completing high school or beginning their college education features topics on college expenses, credit cards, budgets, credit scores and compound interest.

Committee members have experienced success pre-senting this program to smaller school districts until recently, when committee chair Julie Thelen, a se-nior financial accounting analyst at Principal Finan-cial Group in Des Moines, succeeded in landing the Waukee Community School district — a huge coup for the program. Julie talks about the program when the opportunity strikes and was in the right place at the right time when she ran into a colleague from Waukee while playing volleyball. “He knew some-one on the school board and put me in touch,” said Julie. “I got their buy-in and then met with the other board members. They want Avoiding the Debt Trap and Money Mammals throughout the entire district.” (Way to go, Julie!)

How can you get involvedISCPA members hand out an average of 3,000 piggy banks for Money Mammals each year at an annual cost of $10,000. As the program grows, which is a goal of the committee, the need for fi-

nancial support to supply the banks grows, too.

If your firm or company is interested in learning how you can be a part of sponsoring this program, visit https://goo.gl/XMwyv6 or contact Cheryl Miller at cmiller@iacpa.org.

Continued on page 2

2 | Iowa CPA | April 2016 www.iacpa.org

Limbo ends for tax conformity compromise bill

S ince 2010, we have been accustomed to the “con-formity” bill being one of

the first to go to the governor. This year changed expectations when Gov. Terry Branstad an-nounced he would not support coupling for Section 179 in 2015 during January’s Iowa CPA Day at the Capitol. On March 21, after 70 days and hundreds of phone calls, emails, meetings and con-versations, the governor signed House File 2433 into law, ending months of limbo for many of you and your clients.

In a release from his office, Brans-tad said, “I’m pleased that the Legislature was able to come together and reach a consensus on this bill. I support coupling for one year and placing into Iowa Code an exemption for supplies consumed in manufacturing from the sales tax that will help Iowa taxpayers and businesses. Al-though I am disappointed that the exemption does not go as far as the administrative rules that were passed through the Administrative Rules Review Committee earlier

this year that dealt with advanced manufacturing, I’m proud to sign the bill that moves Iowa forward on both of these key issues.”

There were positives that came from the wait. “Our members didn’t sit back and give up. Many reached out to their legislator — some for the first time — to explain the negative impact that not coupling would have on Iowa’s taxpayers,” said ISCPA CEO Cindy Adams. “Now, those lawmakers have someone they know who can provide answers or perspective on other issues down the road. Those kinds of relationships strengthen the value of what CPAs do.”

“This is great news for Iowa taxpay-ers, farmers and small business. A monumental ef-fort by Cindy, the Society’s lobbyist

and all the members who helped.” – ISCPA Legislation Commit-tee member Scott Nelson, vice president, Nelson & Co CPAs PC, Waterloo

“Kudos to the leg-islation committee members, key per-son volunteers, our lobbyists, and the many CPAs across the state who

picked up the phone, emailed, texted or wrote letters to voice their opinion and help our legisla-tors make a sound decision. Thank you to our Society for the role they played in communicating up to the minute information to mem-bers so we could weigh in with our representative. I am proud to be an Iowa CPA, as our members kept pushing and our common sense legislators found a compro-mise. We should all be grateful that Gov. Branstad realized the ef-forts of the Senate to work across the aisle for a solution. It was late in coming, but we made a lot of tax complexity go away.” – ISCPA Legislation Committee Chair Peg Trevino, owner, Trevino Associ-ates PC, Fort Dodge

Issue No. 2016-04

Published eleven times per year by the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA). Send address changes, advertising in-quiries and all correspondence to:

1415 28th St., Ste. 450West Des Moines, IA 50266-1419

Email: iacpa@iacpa.orgWebsite: www.iacpa.orgor, contact the ISCPA office:515-223-8161/800-659-6375

Cover photo by Jim Heemstra: Ewing Park, Des Moines.

CPAs help kids be money smart Continued from page 1

Communities where ISCPA presented Money Mammals this year

Adel, Ames*, Ankeny*, Atlantic*, Bondurant, Boone, Cedar Rapids*, Chero-kee*, Council Bluffs*, Des Moines, Eldon, Fairfield, Gilbert*, Granger*, Jef-ferson, Madrid, Manchester, Milford, Mitchellville, Ogden, Oskaloosa, Pekin, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Ruthven, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Terril, Treynor*, Underwood*, Urbandale*, Van Buren, Waukee, West Des Moines, Wilton

Interested in presenting these programs in your community? There are still plenty of classrooms to visit! Contact Toni Roof at troof@iacpa.org or 515-223-8161/800-659-6375 to get involved in your community.

*Schools scheduled for this school year not yet completed

Visit www.iacpa.org/news/articles to view the signed enrolled bill, and learn more about the immediate income tax changes for Iowa taxpayers and other information from the Iowa Department of Rev-enue.

www.iacpa.org Iowa CPA | April 2016 | 3

Leadership ConferenceAnnual Meeting | Foundation BenefitMay 6 | Sheraton West Des Moines

20

16

2016 Leadership Conference: Fueling possibilitiesRegister now for the 2016 Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting | Foundation Benefit and join us as we elect the Society’s next leaders, recognize outstanding new CPAs, and celebrate Iowa CPA award winners, scholarship recipients and the Iowa CPA Education Foundation. We’ll fuel your leadership flame with fea-tured speaker Steven Fulmer and treat you to the musings of “Iowa Nice Guy” Scott Siepker.

Steven Fulmer | stevenfulmer.comSteven Fulmer is a human strategist with a passion for developing leaders. A na-tional speaker for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and associations, his coaching practice has reached as far away as Aus-tralia and he has regularly taught mission and visioning workshops for the interna-tionally recognized George Fox University MBA program. Steven will use a dynamic

H.U.M.A.N. Strategy™ to help you step into the personal side of leadership and launch the next evolution of your profes-sion, your career and your organization.

Scott Siepker | scottsiepker.comYou might recognize Scott Siepker from his starring role in the Webby Honoree viral video Iowa Nice. With the follow-ups Cyclone and Hawkeye Nice, ESPN took note and Scott played the character of the “Iowa Nice Guy” on College Football

Daily. He is host of the Emmy nominated “Iowa Outdoors” on Iowa Public Television and adjunct professor of acting at Drake University.

Foundation benefit and receptionEnd the day (TGIF!) from 2-4 p.m. with music from the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels during a reception to benefit the Iowa CPA Education Foundation, and celebrate scholar-ship recipients and award winners.

Retirement celebrationJoin us any time from 2-4 p.m. to cel-ebrate the retirement of ISCPA Finance Director Judy Chaplin. You do not have to be registered for the conference to come, but we hope you will make a day of it and register to attend!

Be a buddyISCPA buddies are partnered with new CPAs attending this event. Your job is easy. Greet them when they arrive, introduce them to others and gener-ally make sure they feel comfortable. It’s also a great opportunity to encour-age them to join ISCPA and get involved by volunteering for a committee or task force. What’s in it for you? You get to make someone feel welcome and connect with someone new. We’ve heard several stories of past buddies who inspired and mentored our members and still talk today! Contact Michelle

Thompson at mthompson@iacpa.org by April 15 if you are interested.

Visit https://goo.gl/vUc4nx to see the full event schedule and register to attend. Sponsor opportunities available for this event at www.iacpa.org/advertising.

4 | Iowa CPA | April 2016 www.iacpa.org

Job: Vice president of operations, Access Systems, Waukee

ISCPA member since: 2008

ISCPA activities: Financial Literacy Committee 2008-2016, Business & Industry Task Force 2016-17

Alma mater: Iowa State University

Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa

First job: Sandwich artist at local sub shop

Passed CPA exam: 2008

I was inspired to be a CPA because of: The broad knowledge obtained and how it is an essential com-ponent to running a successful company

Favorite thing about my job: I’m highly involved in the both the day to day operations and strategic vi-sion of a rapidly evolving technology company that is growing 25 percent per year

If I weren’t a CPA, you might find me: Involved in IT services or consulting

People don’t know this about me: I am a stock mar-ket geek at heart

Favorite food: Smoked beef at Hickory Park (Ames)

Favorite vacation spot: Clearwater Beach, Fla

Secret talent: I’m respectable at tennis

Last book I read: The Carrott Principle

Favorite movie: The Big Short

My hero is: My dad

What I wanted to be as a kid when I grew up: Wanted to run a sports card and memorabilia shop

In high school I was: Jock, clueless

I am passionate about: My family and work

Celebrity crush: Erin Andrews

Best concert you’ve been to: Green Day in Des Moines

Someone you miss: My brother, who is traveling around the world for a year

Favorite quote: “The most dangerous phrase in business is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ ” - Grace Murray Hopper

member spotlightJay Agard

Adel

In the mid-2000s, ISCPA paid a visit to Iowa State Uni-versity to talk about a financial literacy project. One of the students there was Jay Agard, who was the president of ISU’s Beta Alpha Psi Club. Jay liked what he heard about the ISCPA, joined as a student mem-ber and has been involved ever since.

His interest in the accounting profession started in high school, where he enjoyed business, numbers and accounting. After graduating with a degree in accounting and MIS from Iowa State University and taking the CPA exam, Jay started working for Deloitte, where he specialized in technology audits. “This was a great experience, as it gave me an opportunity to work with a broad group of businesses,” said Jay. He quickly identified that the technology side of account-ing and the technology business was his passion. “I liked being in an industry that is constantly evolving.”

Evolution is exactly what a career with Access Sys-tems would give him. Since he started working there in 2012 as a finance manager, the company has grown from 55 to 140 employees. “We are a complete office technology provider selling and supporting IT, copiers and printers, and phone systems. We serve businesses from the small business owner to large Fortune 500 companies,” said Jay. “We’ve been able to leverage our roots and advanced IT expertise to provide clients with innovative IT and document management tech-nologies that are imperative to our clients’ businesses, especially as the print industry continues to evolve.”

As the company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, CPAs on the organization’s finance team contin-ue to make a positive impact on growing the business. “It’s critical that you have strong financial knowledge, with a controls and process oriented background,” said Jay. “The CPA designation gave me that and it’s hard to imagine running a financially strong business these days without a CPA. I see it as a requirement.”

Combining a passion for work and family fill his days — and fulfill this Iowa CPA. “I get to drop my kids off at daycare every morning, I leave by 5:15 and head home to spend time with the family.” Does Jay have his dream job? It appears so. “I enjoy my work. Our con-sistent growth provides our employees with amazing career opportunities who then in turn deliver superior services to our clients.”

Jay and his wife Ashli reside in Adel with son Kenten (4) and daughter Laikyn (2). Jay can be reached at jagard@AccessSystems.com

www.iacpa.org Iowa CPA | April 2016 | 5

Erik Gramenzegramenz@thepalmergroup.com

Sarah Assman sassman@thepalmergroup.com

Are you in the market for a new opportunity in accounting or finance? We know who’s looking to hire, and we’re looking forward to introducing you.

At Palmer Group, we specialize in helping professionals and workplaces come together in compatible, constructive

ways. If you are looking for a consulting opportunity or a new position,

the search starts here.

do the Ma+h:our ConneCtIonS Count

3737 WoodlAnd AvE, StE. 200, WdM / 515.225.7000 / thepalmergroup.com

H&R Block ads mislead public

The advertising folks from H&R Block are at it again, debuting a new

radio and video campaign (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJcBK1DCrbo) that takes a swing at CPAs and mis-leads the public about the exper-tise, experience, and service and support standards of CPA tax practitioners.

“Did you know many CPAs don’t even specialize in preparing tax returns? Think about that,” the ad states. “You may want to ask your CPA’s office a few ques-tions. Who actually prepares your return? Can you sit with them or drop your taxes off as you like? What’s with all this paperwork to fill out every year, and most importantly, will they be able to stand behind the work if the IRS comes knocking?”

The campaign features Block Ad-visors, a new and separate brand launched earlier this year for the company. According to the com-pany’s website, Block Advisors is an “alternative to pricey CPA firms” and “features some of our most experienced tax pros and serves clients who need tax plan-ning throughout the year – those with more complex tax situations or small business owners.”

AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon responded to the campaign by sending a letter to H&R Block President and CEO Bill Cobb, in which he said the ad “grossly misrepresents the CPA profession” and asked that his organization remove the promo-tional spots from their tax sea-son rotation. In Cobb’s sarcastic response (http://goo.gl/u2kYMJ), he states they have no intention of pulling the ads and in fact, will be increasing the media buy for Block Advisors. A special offer slashing prices has now been added: Any-

one who comes to Block Advisors by March 31 will get half off what they paid a CPA or anyone else to do their taxes last year.

ISCPA has also drafted a response to Cobb expressing concern over the gross misrepresentation of CPA tax practitioners in the ads.

While healthy competition is good for consumers and an ac-ceptable practice in business, un-derhanded marketing tactics that intentionally deceive the public and attempt to smear the reputa-tion of CPAs is not. As the AICPA, ISCPA and other state societies continue to be proactive on be-half of the profession, we encour-age our members to respond by sending your own letter to Mr. Cobb. You may use this sample letter (https://goo.gl/p6EK7p) to help you draft your response.

Does your insurance company offer

one policy, one bill, one deductible,

no hassle?

WEST BEND DOES.

Visit thesilverlining.com for the name of the agency nearest you.

West Bend also offers a discount just for members of the

Iowa Society of CPAs.Call an Official Supplier of the Silver Lining® to find

out what else West Bend’s Home and Highway®

has to offer.

6 | Iowa CPA | April 2016 www.iacpa.org

New membersKathy A Briney Transamerica Cedar Rapids, IA

Steven T Schuring ACT Inc Iowa City, IA

New student affiliatesBuena Vista University Sean Morgan

Des Moines Area Community College Ranae I. AcordDordt CollegeGrace G. den HoedDanielle J. JansenBrett A. RozenboomBrielle A. Van ZonneveldBryan P. Wallman

Drake University Edward KakenmasterMadeline J. KasraEthan Worley

Grand View University Jason Miller

Iowa State University Jake GallegerYing Zhang

Iowa Western Community Col-lege Keith BruckJoseph M. Neumann

Kaplan University Dawn R. KrauseBlake E. Yanda

Luther CollegeBlake M. HeerenMai Teng Moua

Maharishi University Muhammad S. ArzaniFrances Lita L. CarbonellKrisa Faith CulalaKirubel H. Degefaw

Rebika DhunganaDiriba J. FeyissaAastha GautamMahesh GautamHoang T. HuynhZhuo JiangTsigereda B. LeulebirhanRajendra PandeyKidist ShiferawBigyan ShresthaMandeep SinghShuhui XingSomaieh Zaer Sabet

Michigan State University Aiden Wang

Northeast Iowa Community CollegeTerry J. Sawyer

Southwestern Community CollegeFlora E. Campbell-Pool

University of Nebraska - OmahaAlexys A. Larsen

Univerity of Northern IowaKloe ChisholmDakota J. HagemanKatelyn D. KlucasClaire A. ReinhardKortney SaundersKyle R. SchroederMitchell Wagner

Wartburg CollegeConnor JohnsonZachary NullmeyerPeter Tran

Members in the newsCongratulations to McGowen Hurst Clark & Smith PC, West Des Moines and Winterset, for being ranked #2 among medium-sized employers in Accounting Today’s 2015 “Best Accounting Firms to Work for.” http://goo.gl/4pVziY.

Congratulations to Jennifer L. Smith, McGowen Hurst Clark & Smith PC, West Des Moines, for being named to the Business Record’s Forty under 40.

2016 Iowa CPA Golf ClassicMonday, June 6, 2016 | 10 a.m. startThe Legacy Golf Club, NorwalkAll ISCPA members and guests welcome to attend.Register at www.iacpa.org/news/events.

Register now!

Sponsor opportunities available. Contact Cheryl Miller at cmiller@iacpa.org or www.iacpa.org/advertising.

20%OFF!

30%OFF!

50%OFF!

80%OFF!

1-800-397-0249The Holmes Group

www.AccountingPracticeSales.comtrent@accountingpracticesales.com

For Sale by Owner = Discount to Buyers. Accounting Practice Sales is the largest facilitator in North America for selling accounting and tax practices. Our access to the greatest number of potential buyers provides you the best opportunity of matching not only with the right buyer but also obtaining the optimum price and terms.

Contact us today and let’s sell your practice for what it is worth.

Selling on Your Own?

www.iacpa.org Iowa CPA | April 2016 | 7

Classified adsTAX & AUDIT CPA–Shull, Schrum, McClaflin & Co, Inc seeks a CPA with 2-4 years of tax or audit experience. We are an established full-service CPA firm with offices in two central Iowa towns. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits, as well as ad-vancement potential. Candidates must be self-starter and able to work with a wide variety of clients, corporate and individual. Email resume to delgin@shullco.com.

IOWA PRACTICES FOR SALE: Iowa Practices for Sale: gross revenues show. North Central IA-$532K; NW IA-$603K; Central IA (near Des Moines)-$195K; NE IA (Near Waterloo/Cedar Rapids)-

$240K; NE IA-$337K. For more information call 1-800-397-0249 or visit www.AccountingPractic-eSales.com.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY-AUDIT MANAGER-PUBLIC ACCOUNT-ING–Our Public Accounting cli-ent is growing and needs addi-tional audit talent. Fast-growing firm with multiple locations in Iowa and Wisconsin. If you have 5+ years of public accounting au-dit experience and CPA, we want to chat with you! For confidential inquiry and consideration, con-tact Miles Morrow, CPC, Iowa Ca-reer Connection: 515-282-5823 or morrow@iowacareerconnec-tion.com. We are retained by our clients who pay all fees.

For ad rates, visit: www.iacpa.org.

Meet the professional demands associated with employee benefit plan audits and better serve your clients. The AICPA’s competency-based exams test your skills and provide flexible learning options.

IntermediateEmployee Benefit Plans Audit Certificate Advanced Defined Contribution Plans Audit Certificate Advanced Defined Benefit Plans Audit Certificate Advanced Health and Welfare Plans Audit Certificate

INTRODUCINGEMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AUDIT CERTIFICATES 4 New Programs to Help You Demonstrate Your Expertise

© 2016 American Institute of CPAs. All rights reserved. 19346-CAP

19346-CAP EBP Certificate Ad 8.5x5.5_2.indd 1 3/3/16 4:34 PM

INSERT CTA TEXT HERE (example):To find seminars in your area or learn more about the exams,visit AICPAStore.com/EBPCert or contact your state CPA society.

Attend in Iowa:Auditing Defined Contribution Plans Advanced CertificateMay 19-20Marina Inn, South Sioux City

Learn more: http://goo.gl/BFZrzQ View the FAQs: http://goo.gl/leyl5f

IPE 10311922 INGERSOLL AVENUE DES MOINES, IOWA 50309

515.279.1111 • 888.226.0400FAX 515.279.8788

WWW.IPE1031.COMINFO@IPE1031.COM

Manage Exchangeand Professional Riskwith the Midwest’s Premier Exchange

Resource

8 | Iowa CPA | April 2016 www.iacpa.org

Complying with FASB’s guidance on leasing transactions

On Feb. 25, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued its

long awaited guidance on ac-counting for leases, which intends to improve financial account-ing and reporting about leasing transactions. The new account-ing standards update will affect all companies and other organi-zations that lease assets such as manufacturing equipment, real estate and airplanes.

The new guidance responds to requests from investors and other financial statement users for a more faithful representation of an organization’s leasing activities. It requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. To help familiarize stakeholders with the standard, the FASB has developed a num-ber of web resources:

• A FASB in Focus (http://goo.gl/8QFFGv) overview that answers frequently asked questions.

• Why a New Leases Standard (http://bcove.me/52304y27) video that provides a brief his-tory of the leases project and how it will improve financial reporting of lease transactions.

• Understanding Costs and Benefits (http://goo.gl/b2Z8ft) explains how the board determined that the benefits of the new standard outweigh its costs.

Iowa CPA Justin Zimmerman weighs inHere’s some things companies may want to consider as they work to comply with the standard.

The basicsThe guidance requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for all operating and finance leases with lease terms greater than one year. The accounting for lessors will remain relatively unchanged. The guidance also changes the accounting for sale and lease-back transactions to conform to the new revenue recognition standard. The amendments in the guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2018 (including interim periods within those fiscal years) for public busi-ness entities, not-for-profit entities that have issued or are conduit bond obligors for securities that are traded, listed, or quoted on an exchange or an over-the-counter market, and employee benefit plans that file financial state-ments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The amendments in the guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2019 (and interim periods within fiscal years begin-ning after Dec. 15, 2020) for all other entities. Early adoption is permitted for all entities.

What lessees should be doing nowThe new lease standards will im-pact all organizations and reach far beyond the accounting func-tion. Although the amendments aren’t effective until fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2018, organizations should start pre-paring now. Here’s what you and your clients can do:

1. Begin gathering data on the leases you already have in place. Determine the com-pleteness and accuracy of that data and begin assessing and analyzing the number of modifications and amend-ments you have on each lease.

2. Evaluate the processes and controls you have in place to enter into and monitor leases and determine if you have the right people performing those functions. Entering into lease agreements will need more judgment than in the past. En-sure the policies in place ad-dress this need for additional judgment.

3. Review existing and future debt agreements for cove-nants. Operating lease liabili-ties are not intended to be considered debt based upon the new standard. Some debt agreements may need to be addressed and modified to ensure the operating lease liabilities are not included in debt covenant ratios.

4. Consider how the revenue recognition standards will af-fect your organization and if you should be implementing the lease standard in conjunc-tion with the revenue recogni-tion standards.

Tax considerationsThe changes within the lease stan-dard will also have tax effects that should be taken into consideration. A few key items to keep in mind:

1. New book/tax differences could result from the treat-ment of items such as interest expense, amortization of the right-of-use asset and chang-es in the lease liability.

2. Tax apportionments could change with the addition of right-of-use assets to the balance sheet. An increase in state taxes will likely result.

Justin Zimmerman is a CPA and assurance principal at CliftonLar-sonAllen LLP in Cedar Rapids. He has been an ISCPA member since 2005.

www.iacpa.org Iowa CPA | April 2016 | 9

CPE spotlightUpcoming webcasts

April 8 - Adobe Acrobat Must Know - Features for Beginners

April 13 - Excel Pivot Tables

April 18 - KPI Dashboards–The New Financial Reporting Model

2016 AHI staff trainingAug. 15-17: Beginning In-Charge

Sept. 7-9: Semi-Senior

Sept. 12-14: Basic

Audits of employee benefit plans

May 19-20- Advanced Audit-ing for Defined Contribution Retirement Plans (South Sioux City)

May 25 - Current Practice Is-sues and Update for Audits of Employee Benefit Plans (Coralville)

May 26 - Audits of Defined Contribution Plans (empha-sizing 401k plans) (West Des Moines)

FREE learning for membersDon’t miss these opportunities for free education and develop-ment from our CPE partner CPA Crossings. Registration is avail-able in the online CPE catalog at www.iacpa.org/cpe/events. Select the “Webcasts and Webi-nars” tab or use the “Filter Cours-es & Events” function.

June 6 - Ask the Expert - Cy-bersecurity: Protecting Your Data

Aug. 5 - Ask the Expert - Intro to Excel Business Intelligence

Oct. 7 - Ask The Expert - What Office 365 is All About

Dec. 2 - Ask The Expert - Cloud Accounting: The Next Frontier

Governmental conferenceThe 2016 Iowa Governmental Roundtable is Tuesday, May 17. The annual Local Government Update seminar, presented by Iowa’s Audi-tor of State office is May 16. Both programs will be held at the Shera-ton West Des Moines. For hotel ac-commodations, call 515-223-1800 by May 1. Ask for the Iowa Society of CPAs, corporate rate.

CPE spotlightISCPA offers over 150 seminars and educational opportunities annually to help you meet your continuing professional education requirements. View or search for ISCPA courses at www.iacpa.org.

April

19 Analytics and Big Data for Accountants (DAAN-CR) Cedar Rapids

20 Annual Update for Controllers (SKSB) West Des Moines

21 Analytics and Big Data for Accountants (DAAN-DM) West Des Moines

27 Ethics in Action: Protect and Defend (EIA-IC) Coralville

27 Staff Retention: Attract and Keep the Best People (SR-IC) Coralville

28 4 Most Overlooked Business Risks: Preparing for the Future (MOBR-IC) Coralville

May

16 Iowa Governmental Audits - Local Government Update (IGA) West Des Moines

17 Iowa Governmental Roundtable (IGR) West Des Moines

19 - 20 Advanced Auditing for Defined Contribution Retirement Plans (ADCP-SC) South Sioux City

19 LEAP Lunch with Leaders featuring Chris Diebel: Becoming Involved and Engaged in Your Local Community (LWLCD)

West Des Moines

24 Financial Institutions Conference (FIC) Altoona

25 2016 Current Practice Issues and Update for Audits of Employee Benefit Plans (CPI-IC)

Coralville

25 Skills to Succeed 24/7: Energy Boosters! Smart Strategies for Creating a Vibrant Work/Life Balance (STS1)

West Des Moines

26 Audits of Defined Contribution Plans (Emphasizing 401k Plans) (ADC) West Des Moines

Career Center

www.iacpa.org/careers

10 | Iowa CPA | April 2016 www.iacpa.org

FREE for all members!

Join your fellow CPAs and ISCPA CEO Cindy Adams for an informa-tive and casual gathering to discuss current issues, hot topics and anything else top of mind. Refreshments provided by us and it’s free for members to attend. Would you like ISCPA to host a Common Grounds event at your firm or company? Contact us at iacpa@iacpa.org and we’ll do the rest.

The following dates are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. in Des Moines at the ISCPA office. More dates and locations around the state are coming! Remember, Common Grounds is FREE for members to attend.

June 9 Sept. 15 Nov. 17

TEAM WorkshopA free event for group administrators and office managers

Do you have group adminis-trators at your firm or office managers at your company

who could benefit from learning more about what we do on be-half of CPAs and accounting and finance professionals? Send them to our free TEAM Workshop on July 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch included) at the ISCPA Enrich-ment Center. This year’s workshop features Brenda Clark Hamilton who will present “Respecting and Appreciating Generational Differ-ences in the Workplace” - a hot topic in many organizations today. Please contact iacpa@iacpa.org or call 515-223-8161/800-659-6375 to RSVP.

The ISCPA’s Family and Workplace Issues Committee has designed three mini seminars for people starting a career, seeking a promotion, thinking about mid-career changes, or looking to develop their soft skills. The seminars are half day sessions and include lunch.

• Energy Boosters! Smart Strategies for Creating a Vibrant Work/Life Balance | May 25, West Des Moines

• Communication for Connection and Cooperation | Sept. 27, West Des Moines

• Time Management | Nov. 15, West Des Moines

Save 30 percent on individual sessions or over 50 percent when you sign up for all three by May 4! Register at iacpa.org/cpe/events.

Skills to Succeed 24/7

AICPA-CIMA joint venture vote comingAICPA members to receive ballot week of April 18

CPAs across the country who are members of the AICPA will be asked to

vote on the proposed creation of a new association that will repre-sent the entire accounting profes-sion, while preserving the AICPA and CIMA membership bodies.

Since the AICPA first brought the proposal forward to members on Nov. 2, it has received support from 51 state CPA societies, in-cluding ISCPA. The ISCPA Board of Directors passed a resolu-tion on Dec. 3 in support of the AICPA moving forward with the joint venture. The AICPA Board of Directors and governing Council

have both recommended ap-proval.

A third party will distribute an electronic ballot under the name, “AICPA Independent Tabulator,” during the week of April 18; the ballot will remain open through June 16. CIMA members will be asked to endorse the proposal on a similar timeline.

To make sure you receive the email with your unique creden-tials, add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.

For more information, visit www.aicpa.org/horizons.

www.iacpa.org Iowa CPA | April 2016 | 11

Financial Institutions ConferenceMay 24, 2016 | The Meadows Events Center, Altoona

Register at www.iacpa.org/cpe/eventsMember bonus: This event will be automatically logged in your CPE tracker for your continuing education requirements or

professional development records. Access yours at www.iacpa.org/membership

The 2016 Financial Institutions Conference brings together leading industry experts and regulators to present a range of issues and developments critical to your business.

Keynote speakerJeff Plagge, president & CEO, Northwest Financial Corp; past chair of the American Bankers Association (2013-14)

• Accounting update | Michael Grossman, RSM US LLP

• Derivatives/financial instruments | Debbie Zaydel, Wells Fargo

• Reporting update | Amanda Garnett, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

• Agriculture economy and credit risk | Jackson Takach, Farmer Mac; David Buman, TS Ag Finance

• Capital requirements/ratios | Amanda Garnett, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

• CECL | Mike Gaiso, KPMG LLP

• Bank fraud | Kevin Koehler, FBI

• Tax update | Terry Merfeld, Roth & Company PC

• Internal audit | Cassie Connolly, RSM US LLP

• Staff retention | Dan Chenoweth, CPA, Chenoweth & Associates Business Consulting

Regulations panelModerator | Jeff PlaggePanelists | Paul Jordan, Federal Reserve; Rob Riordan, OCC; Julia Kuhn, FDIC; David Lundahl, Iowa Division of Banking

Who should attendCPAs, CEOs, CFOs, financial institution staff and other professionals who have financial institutions as clients.

Recommended CPE credit | 8 hours

Members save$50!

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDDes Moines, IowaPermit No. 34331415 28th Street, Suite 450

West Des Moines, IA 50266-1419

Grow your nest egg,

not your tax bill.

Qualified intermediary

services for all types of

Section 1031 exchanges

800-805-1031 • 515-224-5259

4800 Mills Civic Pkwy Suite 205

West Des Moines IA 50265

iowaequityexchange.com

Ken Tharp

INTEGRITY. PRECISION. SECURITY.

2½ x 4¾

…Need-to-know news and advice for leaders emerging in the accounting profession

LEAP forward

ISCPA’s LEAP Committee provides education, networking and de-velopment programs across the state for members 40 and under. Visit www.iacpa.org/membership/young-professionals for detailed

information about these events and register today.

Apr. 28 – West Des MoinesFortune by 40 event, Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar

Lunch with LeadersMay 19 – Des MoinesChris Diebel, managing director of public affairs, LPCA Public Strategies, Des Moines

June 16 – Des MoinesMike Draper, owner, Raygun LLC, Des Moines

June 21 – Cedar RapidsDawn Jindrich, Linn County budget director, Cedar Rapids

Aug. 30 – Cedar RapidsChris Honkomp, partner, BerganKDV, Cedar Rapids

Oct. 13 – Des MoinesMary Sellers, president, United Way of Cental Iowa

Aug. 11-12 – Greater Des Moines Botanical GardensREGISTRATION OPEN – 2016 Emerging Leaders Conference

Upcoming conferences and

eventsMay 6 Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting/Foundation Benefit

May 17 Iowa Governmental Roundtable

May 24 NEW! Financial Institutions Conference

June 6 Iowa CPA Golf Classic

June 13-14 Technology Conference

June 22 Insurance Conference

Aug. 11-12 Emerging Leaders Conference

Sept. 22-23 Eastern Iowa Fall Conference

To view all upcoming events and register, visit www.iacpa.org