Leaders show solidarity

By Sharon Haley, CPA

First, I would like to commend all those in public practice who have made it through another grueling tax season. Although April 18 is far from the finish line for many, it has been inspiring to see a great deal of fellow members supporting one another on the OSCPA’s online forum, Evolve. It is this display of solidarity that makes me appreciate the community of Oklahoma CPAs we all belong to. Continue to be a resource for each other, and help tackle the issues head on together.

Solidarity at its basic form is unity as a group that produces or is based on a community of interests, objectives and standards. Our profession depends on solidarity at every level to stay ambitious and meet the needs of the future.

This issue of CPAFOCUS celebrates those who go the extra mile to bring solidarity to the profession. This special edition unveils the 2022 classes of OSCPA Trailblazers and Pathfinders. These individuals shape the future of the profession through innovation, mentorship, professional dedication and community involvement.

I hope you enjoy reading along as we celebrate this milestone accomplishment for these individuals. I am grateful to be surrounded by CPAs who lead by example “on and off the court,” exhibiting high ethical standards and making great contributions along the way.

This issue also kicks off a new year of OSCPA membership. As we start another year of membership together, I encourage you to refresh your memory of all the great benefits the OSCPA has to offer.

New this year, your membership includes 20 hours of free CPE, which more than doubles the value of your membership. And, the sooner you renew your membership, the sooner you can access this great benefit.

Also, I am excited to share there are many great opportunities to network with your peers this month, both in person and virtually. From CPE, to leadership events and networking opportunities – make this your year to get involved and get acquainted (or reacquainted) with your peers. Your unique perspective brings diversity to the profession, and our differences make our CPA community stronger.

With another year of membership also brings new leadership. Although this means I must regretfully end my term as Chair, I am excited to welcome and pass the torch to a very deserving leader – Janese Shepard, CPA, CGMA. Janese will officially begin her new role as chair at the OSCPA’s 104^th Annual Members Meeting on June 10 in Norman. I hope you will join me in attending and giving her our full support.

It has been a true honor serving the Society and getting to know so many wonderful peers in the profession, and I am thankful to all of those who have helped offer support in the last year. I have learned so much and hope to continue my work as an OSCPA leader.

Let us stay vigilant of the changes in the world and how those changes impact the people we serve. Continue your commitment to the OSCPA, help recruit other professionals to support our cause, and let us continue to work together to help each other navigate.

After all, we are all leaders.

Read this letter and learn more about opportunities for involvement with the OSCPA in the May/June edition of the CPAFOCUS. 

Sharon Haley, CPA, is a revenue agent group manager with the Internal Revenue Service in Oklahoma City, Okla. and was the 2021-2022 chair of the OSCPA Board of Directors.