Be mindful

By Janese Shepard, CPA, CGMA

Summer is behind us, and fall is just ahead. For those of us in the tax arena, extension deadlines are looming. As we make our way through the busyness of life, it is important to take a few moments to be mindful.

I am blessed. For me, this is not a matter of tangible or material things. It is a deep sense of gratitude for the life I have been given. I frequently tell my grandchildren, “Be kind. Be respectful. Be responsible. Be grateful. If you do these things, it’s hard to go wrong.”

Giving back is one of the most genuine expressions of gratitude, as well as one of the most rewarding. Each week, my favorite radio station hosts a segment called “Make a Difference Monday.” Listeners call in with stories of how someone else made a difference in their day or how they were able to make a difference for someone else. With all the craziness and uncertainty in our world, it is so encouraging to hear the positive influence small random acts of kindness can have.

How can we give back as a profession? What can we do to make a difference? Your OSCPA membership provides several opportunities to make an impact with your CPA community.

The OSCPA’s CPA Day of Service is proof of the passion and care Oklahoma CPAs have for their community. Last year, a record-breaking 229 volunteers and donors participated, and we were able to raise almost $1,300 for Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. I invite you to participate in this year’s event, on October 21, so that we continue to grow our support of the community.

The OSCPA’s Educational Foundation provides us with the opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of CPAs. This year, the Education Foundation awarded $54,000 in scholarships to 43 accounting students across Oklahoma. Additionally, three students received CPA Exam Prep Scholarships through the OSCPA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. I encourage you all to help support accounting students in Oklahoma by contributing to the Educational Foundation.

As CPAs, we have a unique skill set, which makes us prime volunteers to serve on boards for nonprofit organizations. What’s your passion? Seek out organizations that support your passion and get involved.

A key issue within our profession is the CPA pipeline. There are so many opportunities available within the accounting profession, but the pool of CPA candidates is not meeting demand.  Consider contacting a guidance counselor at your local school to schedule a visit with high school and/or middle school students. The OSCPA even has resources and materials available to supplement your meeting or presentation. You can enlighten kids on the benefits of being a member of the accounting profession and just how awesome we really are!

There are so many ways to give back, and you never know the impact you are making in the lives of others. Let’s make it our mission to help others adapt and thrive through our generosity and involvement.

Janese Shepard, CPA, CGMA, is a partner at Gray, Blodgett & Company, PLLC in Norman, Okla.—an OSCPA 100% VIP Firm. She has been a CPA since 1997 and OSCPA member since 2001. She has served many OSCPA committees, and currently serves the Society’s Executive and CPA/PAC Committees. Shepard is the 2018 recipient of the OSCPA’s Rick Kells Outstanding Tax Professional Award and 2014 recipient of the Norman Chapter Distinguished CPA Award.