AMERICAN SOCIETY OF WOMEN ACCOUNTANTS
SACRAMENTO CHAPTER #31
March 2008
Vol. LVII, No.9
57 years of success
www.ASWA-Sacramento.org
The River City Journal
Mar February 2005
To enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional
and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession
President’s Message, March 2008
Amy Spickard Bess
ASWA Region 5
Director
March ASWA Student Night Meeting
Dear ASWA Members & Friends,
Date:
Thursday, March 6th, 2008
Welcome to March Madness! There is so much going on
this month I don’t even know where to start. College
basketball, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Spring Break,
Student Night, and Meet the Firms all fall right in the
middle of “Busy Season.” Somehow everything will fit
together and we’ll look back in amazement at all we’ve
achieved in a short period of time.
Place:
Sacramento Hilton
2200 Harvard Street
Sacramento, CA 95815
(Business 80 and Arden Way)
Cost:
Free for Students!!
$30.00 Members
$40.00 Guests
Time:
5:30 pm Networking
6:30 pm Dinner Meeting
7:00 pm Speakers Panel
Menu:
Mediterranean Chicken, Fingerling
Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables, and
Chocolate Mousse
(Please include any special dietary needs with
your reservation)
CPE:
1 unit of CPE
Since Student Night is our chapter’s focus this month, I
am dedicating this column to the local organizations
available to current and future accounting professionals.
The Sacramento area has a wealth of professional
societies covering a wide range of accounting/finance
specialties and many of them welcome students and
guests to their meetings and activities. The following list,
although not comprehensive, is representative of the
many opportunities in our region:
Professional Accounting Organizations with Local
Chapters
American Society of Women Accountants
(ASWA) – www.aswa-sacramento.org
Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
- www.sacramentoaga.com
California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) www.calcpa.org/Content/chapters/sac.aspx
Financial Executives International (FEI) http://sacto.financialexecutives.org/
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) www.sacramento.imanet.org
Institute of Internal Auditors ((IIA) www.theiia.org/chapters/sacramento
American Society of Certified Fraud Examiners
(ASCFE) - www.gscfe.net
(Continued on page 2)
R.S.V.P. by noon Monday, March 3, 2008
to ASWA by e-mail at:
aswa_sacramento@yahoo.com
or leave a voice mail at (916) 552-1470.
Please include your full name, phone number,
and e-mail address with your reservation.
Sponsored by:
Becker CPA Review, Ernst & Young LLP,
Robert Half Accounting & Finance,
Pacific Coast Building Products,
The Reznick Group, Ueltzen & Company LLP,
Moss Adams LLP, Ledgent,
Gilbert Associates Inc., Gallina LLP,
Macias, Gini & O’Connell LLP,
and the many members of ASWA Sacramento
(Continued on page 3)
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ASWA The River City Journal
(President’s Message continued from page 1)
Student Accounting/Finance/Business
Organizations
CSU Sacramento:
Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) - www.csus.edu/org/bap
Accounting Society (AS) www.csus.edu/org/accysoc
Women in Business (WIB) www.csus.edu/org/wib
CSU Chico:
Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) www.csuchico.edu/betaapsi
Accounting Society (AS) www.csuchico.edu/accsoc/
Sierra College:
Business Club www.sierracollege.edu/Programs/divisions/Bus
Tech/business/busclub.htm
As you can see from the above listing of professional and
student accounting organizations, there is a wide variety
of opportunities for networking, professional education,
and leadership development available and I encourage
you to visit their websites and learn more about the
resources the Sacramento area has to offer.
Additionally, many of the above organizations offer
scholarships for local accounting students including the
following:
Local Accounting Student Scholarships
ASWA - www.aswasacramento.org/scholarships
CalCPA - www.calcpa.org/scholarships
As we approach Student Night on March 6th, I would like
to thank all the members and firms who are sponsoring
students and the event, as well as the members and
committees who have been hard at work coordinating
the event. It is going to be an amazing evening and I
hope to see you all there.
Sincerely,
Sherri Yokomizo, President
2007-2008 Board of Directors
President
Sherri Yokomizo.……...….……...sdyoko@yahoo.com
President-Elect
Allison Hamaker….………allisonhamaker@gmail.com
Treasurer
Marjorie Garcia, CPA…….GarciaML@sutterhealth.org
Secretary
Janel Fruchtenicht, CPA..janfruchtenicht@hotmail.com
Vice Presidents
Michelle Knepp…………. …...mknepp@mgocpa.com
Vacant………………………………………………..
Directors
Helen Williams………………hwrainbow@mackes.net
Andrea Kett, CPA……………...akett@gilbertcpa.com
Immediate Past President
Betty Volin, MSA……….… …..bbvoli@sbcglobal.net
Members & Member Information
Edie Allen……………..……...edieallen@hotmail.com
Hospitality
Helen Williams………………hwrainbow@mackes.net
Rosie Niebolt………………rosieniebolt@surewest.net
Amanda Hurley………………….adh1304@gmail.com
Scholarship Committee
Andrea Kett, CPA……………...akett@gilbertcpa.com
Programs Committee
Michelle Knepp…………. …...mknepp@mgocpa.com
Noelle Mussen, CPA…………....nmussen@cadanet.org
Newsletter
Edie Allen……………..……...edieallen@hotmail.com
Anne Diamond…........….annediamond@sbcglobal.net
Nominating Committee
Betty Volin, MSA…………..…...bbvoli@sbcglobal.net
Entertainment Book Committee
Helen Williams…………..……hwrainbow@mackes.net
Web Page Committee
Sherri Yokomizo.…….….……….sdyoko@yahoo.com
Publicity
Rebecca Graulich....…..……. rebeccagraulich@aol.com
By-Laws Committee
Allison Hamaker………… allisonhamaker@gmail.com
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Cecilia Michaels.………..………cmicha1460@aol.com
Lingling Zhang, M.S., MBA.............lzhan2g@yahoo.com
Student Activities Committee
Joanna Johnson…………………jjohnson@cps.ca.gov
Iryna Bush………………………..…ireneua@aol.com
Roster Committee
Anne Diamond…........….annediamond@sbcglobal.net
Fundraising Committee………………………..Vacant
Northern California Area Director
Amy Spickard Bess……………amysbess@comcast.net
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ASWA The River City Journal
Student Night Event Details
The Sacramento Chapter of the American Society of
Women Accountants is inviting students considering a
career in accounting to join us at our annual Student
Night. Join us in supporting our local students as they
learn more about the tremendous opportunities in the
rapidly expanding, and rewarding field of accounting.
During the networking segment, ASWA members and
other professionals from local, regional, and Big 4
accounting firms, governmental agencies, and private
industry will be available to answer student questions
and provide accounting career information.
The
Speakers Panel will include accounting professionals
who will share valuable information on a wide range
of accounting career paths, the local job market,
requirements for becoming a CPA, and much more.
There will be a silent auction for a Becker CPA
Exam Review Course!! These courses normally
go for over $2,500 but the lucky bidder may
win it for much less. The winner will be
announced at the end of the evening so bring
your checkbook and be ready to bid
(must be present to win).
Speakers Panel Topics and Biographies
Topic: Public Accounting
Monika Miles, CPA graduated from the University of
Texas at El Paso (UTEP) with a BBA in
Accounting/Finance and has a Masters in Taxation
from San Jose State University. She started her
career with 11 years at a Big Four public accounting
firm and is currently a Principal with Labhart Miles
Consulting Group. Monika has provided such services
as federal and state income/franchise tax compliance
and consulting, sales/use tax consulting, audit
support, and credits and incentives reviews. Her
professional affiliations include the AICPA, Texas
Society of CPAs, the National Association of Women
Business Owners-Silicon Valley, and ASWA, where she
has served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President
of the Silicon Valley Chapter, and is currently serving
on the ASWA National Board of Directors.
Topic: The New Hire Experience
Charlotte Weedman graduated from St. Mary’s
College of California with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Accounting in May of 2007. While still in school, she
was recruited by Ernst & Young LLP and started with
the firm in June 2007. She has had the opportunity to
work on a variety of audits and looks forward to
sharing her “First Year” public accounting experiences
with Student Night attendees.
Topic: Governmental Accounting
Glen Fowler is the Recruiting and Training Manager with
the California State Auditor’s Office where he was the
recipient of the “State Auditor’s Award” in 2002 and the
“Team Player Award” in 2006. He currently serves on the
Board of Directors for the Mountain Pacific Association of
Colleges and Employers (MPACE), and the National State
Auditors Association Human Resources and Training
Committees. Glen received his Bachelors Degree from the
University of California, Berkeley and his Masters Degree
from California State University, Sacramento.
The
California State Auditor’s Office serves as a watchdog to
ensure the effective and efficient administration and
management of public funds and programs and was
selected as one of the “Best Places to Launch a Career” in
2007 by Business Week magazine.
As the State's
independent external auditor, the Bureau provides
independent,
nonpartisan,
accurate,
and
timely
assessments of California government's financial and
operational activities.
Topic: The Hiring Environment
Sandra Udell is a Recruiting Manager in the Sacramento
office for Robert Half Finance and Accounting, specializing
in the placement of highly skilled finance and accounting
professionals on a full-time basis. Sandra joined the
company in 2005 and has over three years experience in
the staffing industry and an additional six years in the
accounting and finance fields. Sandra graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies from the University of
Illinois and has been a proud member of the American
Society of Women Accountants (ASWA) since 2006.
Paul Court is the Financial Services Manager in
Sacramento, overseeing operations for Accountemps,
Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half
Management Resources, for temporary, full-time, and
senior-level project professionals, respectively, in the
fields of accounting and finance. Paul joined the company
in 2000 and has help positions of increasing responsibility
since that time. Paul is the former President of the East
Bay Chapter of American Payroll Association and is
considered to be a local expert on HR and labor market
related issues affecting the Sacramento marketplace.
Topic: CPA Licensing
Truman Rishard is an Instructor for the Becker CPA
Review Course and a Professor of Accounting at
Sacramento City College. Truman’s experience includes
positions as a President and CEO, a Chief Financial
Officer, a partner with CPA Firm, and a Fortune 500
company manager. He received his Bachelor’s Degree
from the University of San Francisco, became a Certified
Public Accountant, and then received his Master’s Degree
from Golden Gate University.
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ASWA The River City Journal
Upcoming Conferences
2008 Northwest Regional Conference
May 30 - 31, 2008
Bellevue, Washington
Sponsored by the Bellevue Chapter
Want to Make A Difference?
Sponsor a student for Student Night
on Thursday March 6th!
Your sponsorship will make all the difference in
a "starving student’s" world.
To sign up as an individual student sponsor,
please email aswa_sacramento@yahoo.com
or call (916) 552-1470.
- 3 tracks and almost 20 topics to choose from:
Accounting/Auditing, Controller/Leader or Tax
- Fun night at Parlor Billiards & Spirits-an upscale
billiard parlor with a fashion session
- Fabulous shopping at Lincoln Square and
Bellevue Square, fine dining restaurants…all
within walking distance and featuring great
Bellevue hospitality.
For more information, contact:
Paula Bishop paulabishop@qwest.net
or
Eleanor Siverts-Akerman eleanorsa@comcast.net
2008 Southwest Regional Conference
"Accounting with Altitude"
May 16 - 17, 2008
Flagstaff, Arizona
Sponsored by the Flagstaff Chapter
12 hours of CPE within two different tracks
For more information or to register online go to:
www.aswaflagstaff.org
2008 Northeast Regional Conference
June 6-7, 2008
Akron, Ohio
Sponsored by the Akron-Canton, Ohio Chapter
For additional information contact:
Becky Price at beckyp606@yahoo.com
or Susan Tripepi at stripepi@neo.rr.com
ASWA/AWSCPA
Joint Inspired Solutions
National Conference
October 28 - 30, 2008
The Fairmont Dallas
Dallas, TX
Hold the date!
Information will be available soon at www.aswa.org
NEWS FLASH!!!
Did you know that ASWA and Becker
Professional Review formed a formal partnership
at the end of last year? As a result, ASWA
members can receive a $250 discount when they
enroll in a four-part Becker CPA prep course.
This course includes lectures from subject matter
specialists and exam experts, textbooks, an
interactive study planner, PassMaster software
and final exam simulation software. As a Becker
student, you also have access to tuition-free
continuing help.
In addition, Becker has donated a CPA
review course that will be part of our silent
auction at Student Night on Thursday March
6th, 2008. The full national price of this
course is $2,690.
For more details about the review course contact
Tara Williamson with
Becker Professional Review at
twilliamson@beckerreview.com.
Membership CommitteeASWA would like to welcome returning member:
Taelor Patno, CPA – ConnectPoint Search Group
We would also like to recognize all our members
for their outstanding recruiting efforts this chapter
year. Since July, we have welcomed 19 new
members and have earned two free registrations
for the October 2008 ASWA Joint National
Conference in Dallas Texas.
Congratulations! Keep up the good work!
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ASWA The River City Journal
ASWA Nominating Committee
Report to the Membership
Sacramento Chapter No. 31
The Nominating Committee would like to report that we
have nearly completed filling the ASWA Board officer and
director positions for the upcoming 2008 – 2009
administrative year. According to the Chapter bylaws,
Article VIII, Section 3C- C1, 2: “The committee shall
report their nominations for officers and directors to the
membership no later than the regular March meeting of
the Chapter. Additional nominations may be made from
the floor, if consent of the member has been obtained.
Annual election of officers and directors shall be held no
later than the regular April meeting of the Chapter. The
officers and directors shall be elected by ballot. If there is
only one candidate for each officer and director, the
President shall declare the slate elected.” Elections shall
take place at the April 3, 2008, Chapter general meeting.
We are very appreciative and grateful of those members
who have generously committed to serve and give of their
time and talents on the board during the new term
beginning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. However,
we still have one very important position yet to fill,
which is the President-Elect. To serve as PresidentElect, the member must have previously served on the
Board of Directors and must agree to move up to the
position of President for the following year, 2009 – 2010.
Serving on the board is a wonderful, enriching opportunity
to develop your leadership skills and grow professionally;
and for our organization to flourish and continue to be of
service, we must guard against complacency and choose to
accept responsibility for service and leadership.
Moreover, it’s what can you do for your Chapter; and
less of what can your Chapter do for you? If anyone is
interested in serving on the board in this capacity, please
contact
Betty
Volin,
Committee
Chair,
at
bbvoli@sbcglobal.net; or contact committee members:
Helen Williams at hwrainbow@mackes.net; or Joanna
Johnson at jjohnson@cps.ca.gov .
Board of Directors Nominations for 2008 – 2009
President
President-Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Vice President
Vice President
Director
Director
Director
Immediate Past President
Allison Hamaker
Open
Iryna Bush (2 year term)
Karen Buchko
(2 year term)
Maria Stefanou, CPA
Rebecca Graulich
Jamie Kirchner
Joanna Johnson, CPA
Helen Williams
Sherri Yokomizo
Job Opportunities!!!!
The University of Phoenix is looking for part-time
Accounting faculty for its Sacramento, Modesto,
Fairfield, and Lathrop learning centers. For details
please contact Elizabeth Sherrell-Smith at (916) 9232107, Extension 61273 or elizabeth.sherrellsmith@phoenix.edu. Additional information is also
available on our chapter website at
www.aswa-sacramento.org.
Growing and stable company in the Davis area is
seeking a Staff Accountant to join their tenured
team. The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of
public accounting experience with a strong audit
background and possess excellent
communication skills. This is an excellent
opportunity to work in private industry with a
career track. Outstanding benefits.
Compensation $45-60K DOE. For details contact
Sandra Udell at sandra.udell@roberthalf.com.
ASWA Scholarships
We are once again looking for some well
deserving individuals. Scholarships are
available for undergraduate students and
also 2-year college students.
Applications can be found on our website at
www.aswa-sacramento.org
and are due March 31, 2008.
Please contact Andrea Kett, CPA with any of
your questions at akett@gilbertcpa.com
One of the ways our chapter funds student
scholarships is through the “Opportunity
Drawings” held at our monthly meetings.
Currently, our prize closet is running low and we
need your help! If you have any small gifts that
would be great drawing prizes, please bring them
to an upcoming meeting so that we can continue
this fun tradition and keep our scholarship fund
strong.
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ASWA
The River City Journal
P.O. Box 13884
Sacramento, CA 95853-3884
Calendar of Events
Thursday
March 6,
2008
ANNUAL STUDENT NIGHT
Sacramento Hilton
5:30 networking, 6:30 dinner
Topics: Public & Governmental
Accounting, CPA Licensing, the
Hiring Environment, and the New
Graduate Experience
CPE: 1 Unit
St. Patrick’s
Monday,
March 17th,
2008
Day
Monthly Meeting
Thursday,
April 3, 2008
FridaySaturday,
May 16-17,
2008
Sacramento Hilton
6:00 networking, 6:30 dinner
Speakers: Margaret Fulton & Maggie
Smith
Topic: Do You Trust Your Trust?
CPE: 1 unit
The 2008 Southwest
Regional Conference
"Accounting with Altitude"
Flagstaff, Arizona
Monthly Meeting
Thursday,
May 1, 2008
FridaySaturday,
May 30-31,
2008
Sacramento Hilton
6:00 networking, 6:30 dinner
Speaker: TBA
Topic: TBA
CPE: 1 unit
The 2008 Northwest
Regional Conference
Bellevue , Washington
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