It’s a Whole New World, and KSCPA is Ready, Are You?

August 29, 2021

A KSCPA Ignite Blog by:

Danielle Hologram, CAE and Liz Gaume

KSCPA | Sr. Director of Membership & Career Development and Member Relations Coordinator

As the world around us has changed, so has the KSCPA. We are all navigating new and unexpected twists and turns. KSCPA has been diligently working on how we can help our members confidently move forward and chart a path to future success. Not everyone’s journey nor ultimate destination will be the same. Regardless of your route, please know that KSCPA is here to support you every step of the way. The four pillars of KSCPA: Connect, Innovate, Advocate, and Learn have created stability and provided a solid framework to build the ultimate member experience. We have taken some bold first steps, but this is only the beginning of what we envision for the KSCPA of the future. Below are some of the tools and resources we recently added and a sneak peek at what is to come.

KSCPA tools added to help guide your personal and professional journey:

INNOVATE

What was Accomplished:

When COVID brought the world as we knew it to a screeching halt, we were forced to ask ourselves, what now? KSCPA’s most important questions were how do we stay connected to our members and provide the quality of services our members expect without that in-person element. Creating individualized member experiences was our best answer. The challenge was, did our current systems support that, and was now the right time to invest in changing them? The COVID lull was an opportune time to recalibrate so KSCPA could emerge as a more vital, more resilient organization. We have overhauled not only our website but our database management system, phone system, organizational structure, and member communications model. In addition, we have provided further member resources, support, and services through the KSCPA Knowledge Hub and Resource Center. The Knowledge Hub provides access to the latest technology resources, reports, and white papers from leading accounting experts and service providers. The Resource Center provides tools, tips, and guidance on hot topics like Remote Work and Diversity Equity + Inclusion (DE+I). Finally, we circled back to the idea that started this evolution, creating individualized member experiences through personas. We have been fortunate to partner with Echodea, a website and systems development company that transitioned from the accounting association world and understood our industry’s specific needs. They have been instrumental in our transformation so far and promise to be a valued resource as we continue to implement our vision.

“The Echodea team is incredibly excited to partner with the Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA) in the evolution of their brand, online presence, as well as their association management solution. Our end goal was to deliver KSCPA members a purposeful, state-of-the-art experience when engaging with the Society online and when connecting to their many offerings via an easily navigable membership software solution. We feel members now have an online experience that mirrors the profession’s prestige and KSCPA’s innovative vision to help their members thrive.” - Echodea

What the Future Holds:

During the renewal process, members are asked to select a persona. Selecting a persona will open the door of opportunity for members to customize their KSCPA journey to meet their unique needs. This information is to benefit KSCPA members and enhance their experience. We will also elevate opportunities to showcase member organizations and partners who support KSCPA members and their critical work to impact clients, local communities and the economy. Connecting, engaging, and encouraging the next generation of accountants will also be an area of focus. SPARK| Young Professionals Network will be a place for young professionals to connect, share ideas and mold the profession for the future.

CONNECT

What was Accomplished:

We stretched our definition of engagement and thought outside the box. Conference engagement went from a one-dimensional on-screen presentation to more speaker interaction with attendees, a chat function for participant interaction, thought-provoking breaks, and lunch videos, and activities for a chance to win prizes and free CPE. The virtual engagement continued outside of the conferences with the introduction of KSCPA Week, the KSCPA Holiday Olympics, virtual cocktail classes, and establishing our first Peer Group. The stars of KSCPA shined just a bright as we recognized and celebrated excellence in accounting through the KSCPA Awards. Accounting professionals gathered virtually to recognize CPA exam passers, Women to Watch award winners, scholarship recipients, Life Members, and Lead to the Future (L2F) Graduates.

What the Future Holds:

KSCPA will continue to build on the successful programs established during the past year. Expanding our peer group offerings beyond Ag Tax and facilitating other sub-sectors to meet, connect, share ideas and invite guest speakers is in the works. Creating micro-volunteering options for members who want to help and connect but don’t have the time to commit to being on a committee or task force is another project underway. Some ideas are percolating for KSCPA social events, including a monthly mingle event in various locations and coordinating with chapters to hold a monthly, in-person, 30-minute Level-up Energy Boost coffee klatch. No CPE will be issued for these events, only KSCPA CPF (Certified Professional FUN) credit!

LEARN

What was Accomplished:

In past years, KSCPA has fine-tuned the CPE offerings for working professionals, offering high-quality in-person CPE, transitioning seamlessly to virtual conferences, and providing a plethora of vendor CPE offerings. We also pride ourselves on the tips, tools, and scholarships provided to assist CPA candidates. Most recently, the focus broadened to how KSCPA can help build the accounting pipeline. The INSPIRE video was created as a tool to invite high school students to consider accounting as a career path and to come to the INSPIRE Camp. The Accounting Career Kick-start Program gives aspiring accountants and young professionals a step-by-step guide to career development at all stages of their careers. The 20 up to 40 leadership program was redesigned to make it more nimble, future-focused, and soon expand to regional leadership. It will connect participants beyond KS to future-focused Lead to the Future participants from other state CPA societies. Most recently, the Career Learning Center was created as a one-stop shop to meet the career needs of KSCPA members at any age or stage of their career.

What the Future Holds:

KSCPA’s first in-person event since COIVD will be the INSPIRE Camp on September 30 at K-State. The second in-person event in the works is the KSCPA Member Value Day | Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, will be held in November. This year’s L2F class begins virtually on September 1 with plans to expand regionally next year, dependent on the COVID environment. The KSCPA Career Stage Development Resources are a valuable new tool available to all KSCPA members to help guide career next steps. This resource will continue to evolve to stay relevant and provide the best career advice and resources. Pop-up CPE is KSCPA’s newest revolution in hybrid conference offerings. We know everyone misses in-person meetings and the connections they facilitate. Therefore, KSCPA has created pop-up CPE. Pop-up CPE entails locations (chapters, organizations, any small group of members) hosting satellite viewings of KSCPA conferences. KSCPA would provide each location’s host with a guide and resources for in-person engagement activities and connecting to the virtual conference.

ADVOCATE

What was Accomplished:

While the world stopped, the legislature was as busy as ever. KSCPA advocated on behalf of the profession for existing CPA Licensing requirements to remain intact for Kansas and for accounting to be considered an essential service during the pandemic. KSCPA leadership also collaborated with KDOR to give updates and guidance on pressing issues. It also ensured KSCPA is a trusted resource at the statehouse outlining how proposed bills would impact businesses and individuals. Guest speakers from various government agencies spoke to KSCPA members at conferences, peer groups, and task forces to provide relevant information and address concerns pertinent to members.

What the Future Holds:

The future of KSCPA advocacy promises to continue its collaboration with KDOR, ensure we have a strong advocacy task force, and continue advocating to build and protect the accounting profession. All these initiatives are possible because of Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions that support the accounting profession’s vital work. Our advocacy work might be the most critical work we do on behalf of the accounting profession. If you have not followed KSCPA advocacy efforts or donated to the Political Action Committee (PAC) to support the advocacy efforts, we hope you will.

KSCPA is full of opportunities! Opportunities to connect, innovate, learn and advocate have been and will continue to be at the forefront of what we do. While we have endless possibilities and resources to explore, we realize your time is limited and valuable. COVID has made resoundingly clear that time is precious and how we spend that time is important. Therefore, we want to make the most of the time you spend with KSCPA. We strive to provide the tools and resources to make your professional journey a little easier, your burdens a little lighter, your professional friendships a little stronger, and your future a little brighter. Don’t be timid. Enter the new world of KSCPA and begin to explore the possibilities!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS IN ACCOUNTING EXCELLENCE!

Would you like to showcase your business by sponsoring the Ignite blog? Click here for more information.