Accounting professionals have the power to advocate for change

By Jessica Salerno-Shumaker, OSCPA senior content manager  

Meaningful advocacy for CPAs can be as simple as picking up the phone to call The Ohio Society of CPAs governmental relations team to talk about an issue. 

“I’m not the one that receives audit letters and notices from the cities on municipal income tax issues,” said Greg Saul, Esq. CAE, OSCPA tax director. “Members that call in and tell me about these things happening help us get ahead of an issue before it’s too late.”  

Saul and other members of the advocacy team are holding an Advocacy in Action program on Sept. 30. The virtual event will cover the role CPAs can play in helping elected officials make informed decisions on business and fiscal issues, along with a better understanding of the political process.   

“It’s like peeking behind the curtain,” Saul said of the event, which will feature panel discussions with Ohio legislators and Ohio Supreme Court justices.

While some might be intimidated by the legislative process, he said it doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. However, for the advocacy team to succeed in their efforts for CPAs at the Ohio Statehouse, Saul said member feedback is essential.  

“I still need members to call or email me and tell me what’s going on out there before we can engage the appropriate state agency or elected official,” he said. “Don’t assume someone else is going to do it for you.” 

The day also offers an opportunity for participants to know the advocacy team better and provide feedback how they can be of service to members when noteworthy issues arise.  

Saul said the team is always looking for volunteers to become more involved, and the time commitment can be as little or as much as your schedule allows. 

“Taking the time to get involved and reach out to us is critical in our efforts, and the Advocacy in Action event is a great opportunity for our members to get more comfortable with our team and our volunteer process,” he said.   

To learn more about the value of your voice and vote, register now for Advocacy in Action on Sept. 30.